In a heartwarming and historic moment for Windsor sports, more than 6,000 hockey fans became wedding guests on Thursday night. Chatham couple Sheldon Cadotte and Daylene Trudell exchanged vows at centre ice during the second intermission of the Windsor Spitfires' game against the Erie Otters, marking the first-ever wedding ceremony held at a Spitfires game.
From a Radio Contest to "I Do" on Ice
The couple's journey to this unique altar began last April when they won tickets from Chatham radio station CKSY to attend a Spitfires playoff game. It was at that game where Cadotte, with the team's help, orchestrated a memorable proposal. During an intermission, the couple participated in a human bowling event before Cadotte took the microphone and popped the question, with Trudell saying yes.
The story didn't end there. The very next day, the Spitfires organization, through operational support staffer Ryley Gwilliam, reached out with an even bigger idea: to host their wedding at a future game. The couple, who had initially planned a summer wedding at Cadotte's parents' home, eagerly accepted the offer, deciding to turn their original plan into a vow renewal and party later.
A Night of Firsts and Elvis Impersonators
The ceremony took place on January 8, 2026, at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, coinciding with the team's Elvis Night celebrating the late singer's birthday. While an Elvis impersonator did not officiate, two impersonators joined the wedding party on the ice, adding to the festive and unconventional atmosphere. The Spitfires provided the couple with a 16-person suite for their families, and they were cheered on by an encouraging crowd of 6,208 spectators.
"It's definitely a unique experience," said the 27-year-old Trudell after the ceremony. "Since we did it the first time with the proposal and human bowling, it wasn't too bad." Cadotte echoed the sentiment, noting the wedding was far from a basic ceremony and would be "something to remember."
A Love Story Rooted in Hockey and Hometowns
The couple, both lifelong hockey fans, met over eight years ago in high school—Cadotte attended Paincourt and Trudell went to Chatham-Kent. After drifting apart during college, they reconnected when Cadotte returned home. Their bond, now forever linked to the Windsor Spitfires, has made them dedicated fans of the local team.
"Since we came here, we've been enjoying doing it," Cadotte said. "So now, Windsor is our new team because it's close to us and they're really good and with the wedding we get to go down in history." The couple plans a honeymoon this summer but will forgo attending the Spitfires' next home game against Brantford for their post-wedding trip.
This unprecedented event not only created a lifelong memory for Cadotte and Trudell but also provided a unique and communal experience for thousands of fans, blending the thrill of junior hockey with the joy of a major life celebration.
