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The Sens are trying to bring a soccer atmosphere to the rink

San Jose Sharks v Ottawa Senators

OTTAWA, ON - OCTOBER 27: Fans gather at the Canadian Tire Centre prior to an NHL game between the Ottawa Senators and the San Jose Sharks at Canadian Tire Centre on October 27, 2012 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)

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From the Ottawa Sun:

The Red Scarf Union will have some backup at Ottawa Senators games this season.

With the organization looking to expand the fan experience at Canadian Tire Centre, the Senators have targeted 10 games this season to try out a new, soccer-esque, official supporters section at the arena.

The Senators are dedicating section 319 -- already home base for the Red Scarf Union, the team`s official fan group -- as a section in which fans will be encourage to stay standing, scream chants and generally create as much, uhh, fandemonium as possible.

Not sure how this is going to work out, but good on the Sens for trying something new, I guess. Of the seven Canadian teams in the NHL, only Ottawa has experienced what might be characterized as attendance challenges in recent seasons.

Granted, hockey fans in North America have never really been the singing types -- unless you count “Olé, Olé, Olé" in Montreal, or Red Wings fans belting out “South Detroit!” during “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

But hockey fans chant soccer-style in Europe...

And hey, maybe when the Leafs come to town, Sens fans can try out some European-style hooliganism!