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Maple Leafs and Senators react to shootings in Ottawa

Raw video: Police search for suspects as armed officers locked down Canada’s parliament building after a Canadian soldier standing guard was shot at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. AP

Wednesday morning's tragic events in Ottawa -- where a gunman opened fire at the National War Memorial, shooting a solider standing guard before driving a car to the doors of Parliament Hill, have sparked responses from the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Both teams were supposed to play Wednesday evening at the Canadian Tire Centre in nearby Kanata, but the NHL has postponed the game. Both teams supported the NHL's decision.

Below is a statement from the Maple Leafs:

“The Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of all affected by the tragic events in downtown Ottawa today. The Club supports the National Hockey League’s decision to postpone tonight’s scheduled meeting with the Ottawa Senators.

We have been witness today to some terrible events but are thankful to those brave men and women for their tireless service in protecting everyone’s safety.”

And below is the statment from Senators owner Eugene Melnyk:

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by today’s tragic events on Parliament Hill and in downtown Ottawa. Our collective thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims as well as with all Members of Parliament and staff who have had to manage through today’s difficult circumstances,” said Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk. “Hockey is certainly secondary to these type of tragic events and we know our fans stand alongside us with the league’s decision to postpone tonight’s game.”

Obviously this is all gut-wrenching stuff. As our Nick Cotsonika noted on Twitter, there was no way the NHL could rightfully play the game Wednesday

Per Kim Mackrael of the Globe and Mail, downtown Ottawa -- which is about 30 minutes from where the Senators play -- is still not secure, and people are still being told to stay inside and keep their doors locked.

Senators and Maple Leafs players have already taken to Twitter to react to the situation.