Ottawa Daily Digest — Jan 4, 2026

Pedestrian killed on Highway 401 — OPP investigating

• What happened: Northumberland OPP responded to a collision involving two vehicles and a pedestrian on Highway 401 eastbound near Cochrane Road in the Township of Cramahe at about 10:40 p.m. on Saturday.
• Victim: A 22-year-old from Chatham, Ont., was pronounced dead at the scene.
• Road impact: The highway between Big Apple Drive and County Road 30 was closed for the investigation; all lanes reopened by 5:00 a.m. Sunday.
• Status: OPP say the collision is under active investigation.

Senators beat Jets 4-2 in Ottawa

• Score and outcome: Ottawa Senators defeated the Winnipeg Jets 4-2 on Saturday night.
• Key scorers: Thomas Chabot scored twice; Drake Batherson scored the eventual game-winner in the second period; Claude Giroux added an insurance goal.
• Goaltending: Ottawa’s Leevi Merilainen made 20 saves on 22 shots in his third straight start; Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck made 23 saves.
• Records: Ottawa improved to 20-15-5; Winnipeg fell to 15-21-4.

Thomas Chabot plays through facial injury

• Incident: Chabot was struck in the mouth by a Tanner Pearson clearing attempt and required stitches.
• Response: The 28-year-old left briefly but returned for the third period wearing a protective bubble; team says jaw not broken.
• Impact: Chabot still scored two goals and said he never considered leaving the game.

Jets skid reaches nine straight losses

• Streak details: Winnipeg’s losing streak now stands at nine games (0-6-3); the skid began Dec. 15 vs. Ottawa.
• Road trip: Jets are 0-3-0 on the current road trip.
• Notable: Kyle Connor scored his 19th goal when Winnipeg cut the deficit in the third.

Game moments and finishes

• Turning points: Batherson’s second-period goal held up as the winner; Dylan DeMelo’s shot hit the crossbar before Connor’s rebound goal.
• Late seal: Giroux scored late in the third to restore a two-goal margin.

Safety reminder and investigation notes

• Authorities: OPP are asking witnesses to come forward; no charges reported yet.
• Public note: Drivers urged to use caution on highways, especially overnight and in construction or incident zones.