It’s might be early September but it’s never too early to create a winning atmosphere.
From that perspective it’s mission accomplished for the Ottawa Senators.
Junior Jonathan Gruden scored in overtime to give the Sens a 2-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets to finish 3-0 at the NHL Rookie Showcase at the CAA Arena.
The Jets took an early 1-0 lead when Cole Maier beat Senators starting goaltender Kevin Mandolese 1:41 into the first period. However a power play goal by Josh Norris at 10:44 of the first tied the game at 1. It would stay that way until Gruden took a back door pass from Jonathan Davidsson at 2:40 of o.t.
Ottawa the Jets and Montreal Canadiens 14-4 in the tournament.
Belleville Senators coach Troy Mann handled the Ottawa bench.
Mann adds that even wins in September are important.
Many of the players will now attend Ottawa’s training camp which begins Thursday.
