Ottawa Weekly Digest — Dec 22–28, 2025

Raptors’ Barnes posts historic triple-double in OT win

• What: Toronto Raptors 141, Golden State Warriors 127 (OT). Scottie Barnes recorded his first triple-double of the season: 23 points, franchise‑high 25 rebounds and 10 assists. Barnes’s tip‑in with 24.8 seconds left in the 4th tied the game 122‑122 and forced OT. Immanuel Quickley 27 points, Brandon Ingram 26. Raptors improved to 19‑14.

RJ Barrett returns to Raptors’ lineup

• What: Mississauga native RJ Barrett played 24 minutes in the same 141‑127 OT game after missing five weeks with a sprained right knee. He finished with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists; was averaging 19.4 PPG before injury. Barrett described the return as “good to play” while still on a minutes restriction.

Senators’ goalie Linus Ullmark on personal leave

• What: Ottawa Senators announced goalie Linus Ullmark (32) is taking an unspecified personal leave. Ullmark was acquired from Boston in June 2024 and signed a four‑year, US$33‑million extension in Oct 2024. Backup Leevi Merilainen has a .874 save percentage and 3.43 GAA in 10 appearances; no recall reported as of Sunday.

Maple Leafs beat Senators 7‑5; Matthews ends slump

• What: Toronto Maple Leafs 7, Ottawa Senators 5. Auston Matthews had 1 goal, 2 assists; Matthew Knies scored twice. Leafs improved to 17‑15‑5; Senators fell to 18‑14‑5. Attendance: 18,859 at Scotiabank Arena.

Ottawa Charge stun league‑leading Fleet 3‑2 in shootout

• What: PWHL — Ottawa Charge beat Boston Fleet 3‑2 via shootout. Brianne Jenner scored the winner in the 8th round. Gwyneth Philips made 34 saves; Aerin Frankel made 30 saves. Fleet record entering game: 6‑0‑1‑1; Ottawa: 1‑3‑0‑5.

Colleges face cuts as federal cap trims international students

• What: Ottawa and Ontario colleges suspend dozens of programs after federal study‑permit caps: 408,000 permits in 2026 (down from 437,000 in 2025 and 485,000 in 2024). Students and staff face layoffs and program cancellations.

Boxing Day weather: snow and freezing rain warnings

• What: Environment Canada warned Toronto/GTA for 8–12 cm of snow on Boxing Day; parts of southern Ontario under snowfall or freezing‑rain warnings. Uncertainty remains over the low‑pressure track affecting eastern edges.