Ottawa Senators AHL’s affiliate inks deal with the City of Belleville on September 26, 2016. Pictured: Mark Fluhrer, Director, Recreation, Culture and Community Services, Belleville mayor Taso Christopher, Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk and Ottawa Senators Assistance General Manager Randy Lee. (All featured photos: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
You can forget the rumours and speculation. It’s now a fact. The Ottawa Senators will re-locate their top farm team from Binghamton New York to Belleville’s Yardmen Arena next season.
Senators owner Eugene Melnyk made it official at a news conference attended by hundreds of people at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre this morning. The team will continue to play out of the Broome County Arena this season then move to Belleville once a $20 million renovation is complete late next fall. Melnyk says it’s a unique opportunity for the Quinte area.
Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk (R) and mayor Taso Christopher announces the Senators’ AHL’s affiliate is moving to Belleville for the 2017-18 season. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
Melnyk says the advantages are significant.
Ottawa Senators Assistant General Manager Randy Lee (R) speaks during the press conference on September 16, 201. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
Ottawa Senators Assistant General Manager Randy Lee will oversee the Belleville operation. Lee says re-locating here was a logical move.
Lee says the Senators jumped at the chance to re-locate to an upgraded Yardmen Arena.
Lee adds that the Belleville area will fit nicely into the 30 team American Hockey League.
Ottawa Senators mascot Sparty shares a laugh with Belleville City councillor Garnet Thompson. (Photo : Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
A season ticket campaign will begin immediately to determine the interest from the ticket buying public. The Senators will gauge interest based on sales between now and October 11th. A $100 deposit is required for each ticket and they’re available online at bellevillesens.com Seat choices will done on a first-come first-served basis.
Ottawa Senators super fan Kevin Dean says he will be buying a season pass. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
(Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
Here are the full media scrums following Monday’s announcement:
Eugene Melnyk MELNYK BSENS ANNOUNCEMENT RAW
Belleville Mayor Taso Christopher TASO BSENS ANNOUNCEMENT RAW
