OTTAWA -- Hockey returned to Ottawa in chilling fashion Saturday with a pre-game ceremony to honour slain soldiers Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent.

As fans waved mini Canadian flags and glow sticks, Senators and Devils players joined together around centre-ice while military personnel from Cirillo's division in Hamilton and local first responders stood at attention in the centre of the circle.

It's the first hockey game in Ottawa since Wednesday's attack on Parliament Hill that saw the shooting death of Cirillo at the National War Memorial. Vincent was killed in a hit-and-run attack Monday near Montreal.

With the ceremony co-ordinated between Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Bell Centre in Montreal and Air Canada Centre in Toronto, fans in all three arenas observed a lengthy moment of silence.

In Ottawa, Lyndon Slewidge performed the "Star-Spangled Banner" before the emotional rendition of "O Canada" got underway.

As a large flag made its way through the crowd and fans belted out the anthem, many waved their own flags brought from home.

When the anthem was over, fans continued to stand and applaud.

Patrick Stump's "This City" played over the arena speakers as players prepared for the game.