Sens buy 5,000 leftover Zellers mannequins to fill empty seats

The Elbow staff

The Sens hope the Headless mannequins will liven up the arena at today's game. Image source: Ontario Images

KANATA, ON – With thousands of seats left unsold in Ottawa's game against New York on Thursday night, the team today announced that it has purchased leftover mannequins from Zellers to fill the empty space expected for game two.

The legless and headless dummies will be dressed in jerseys and hats from the arena's lost and found section.

"Unfortunately, due to the lack of Senators fans at our own home games, it turns out that most of the garments left behind were owned by Toronto and Montreal fans," a Senators spokesman said on Saturday. "So some of the dummy fans will be wearing other teams' colours, yes."

"But different team colours are what make the playoffs fun. We're used to Leafs and Habs fans in our arena in the regular season, so we hope this adds to the authenticity of it."

"With any luck, the mannequins will help liven up the arena and increase the experience for everyone."

When quizzed about the move, several fans supported the team's decision, saying it'll challenge the human fans to make some noise.

"You don't want a mannequin making more noise than you at a hockey game, so I think several of us will be getting right into the game today."

At press time, several players were seen throwing pucks over the glass for mannequins already sitting in the stands, confusing them for fans who got to the arena early.

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