A Chatham couple is set to exchange vows in a unique setting by getting married at center ice during an OHL hockey game. Sheldon Cadotte, 30, and Daylene Trudell, 27, have made arrangements with the Windsor Spitfires to have their wedding ceremony at the WFCU Centre on January 8, coinciding with the Spitfires’ game against the Erie Otters.
The wedding will take place during the game’s second intermission, officiated by Windsor wedding officiant Joe McParland. The couple, along with some friends and approximately 6,000 Spitfires fans, will have the Windsor Spitfires mascots, Bomber, Ace, and Spike, as witnesses.
Trudell expressed that having the wedding at a hockey arena doesn’t feel unusual to her due to her upbringing attending hockey games. The idea for the wedding came about after Cadotte proposed to Trudell on the ice at the WFCU Centre during a game in April 2025.
While there have been previous marriage proposals at Spitfires games, this will be the first time the team hosts an actual wedding on the ice. Remo Agostino, the Spitfires’ brand manager, mentioned that the couple will not incur any costs as the entire ceremony is sponsored by the Spitfires organization.
Having supported different OHL teams in the past, Cadotte and Trudell now consider the Windsor Spitfires their home team. The couple highlighted the players’ dedication and performance, particularly mentioning Liam Greentree’s involvement in the World Juniors.
Coincidentally, the wedding date also marks Elvis Presley’s birthday, which the WFCU Centre plans to celebrate during the game with themed music and activities. Describing the event as “a night of rock n’ roll and romance,” the couple is excited about the unique experience ahead.