CIBC Place officially new name for former Yardmen Arena

CIBC Place was officially unveiled as the new name for the arena inside the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre during a ceremony outside the facility on Friday.

The new name for the former Yardmen and CAA Arena comes as the Belleville Senators get set to begin their 10th anniversary season later in the evening.

“It’s an important day for us, not just with the Senators organization, but for our fans as well for our community, for the City of Belleville,” Manager of Broadcast and Communications for the Belleville Senators David Foot said in his opening speech.

“This reflects an investment in this beloved building, and part of the reason why we chose this location is because of the monument here honouring the history of the original Yardman Arena. This is a perfect way, really, to start our 10th season here in the Bay of Quinte.”

Ottawa and Belleville Senators owner Michael Andlauer spoke at the event.

“On the ice, Belleville plays a very crucial part to the success of the Senators,” Andlauer said to the crowd.

“As this Belleville season starts tonight, we’re excited for the lineup we built down here. In three years, this is the best lineup that I’ve seen, and I’ve always felt that it was important that we have a good lineup here. Obviously, a lot of guys get called up to to the Senators, and we’ve taken this seriously, and we’re looking forward to a winning season this year.”

SVP & Regional President of Personal Banking at CIBC, Karine Abgrall-Teslyk, made a surprise announcement of $25,000 being donated to the Senators Community Foundation.

“At CIBC, we’re proud to support organizations that make a meaningful difference to our communities, and the Belleville Senators and the Senators Community Foundation play an important role in helping young people and families, and in creating stronger and more connected communities across the region,” Abgrall-Teslyk announced.

“This contribution reflects our shared commitment to community, opportunity, and local impact.”

Following the announcement, Quinte News spoke with Michael Andlauer.

Andlauer says the $25,000 will go back into the community in Belleville, showing the team’s commitment to the city.

“Belleville is critical to our development and, like I said, to our community,” Andlauer tells Quinte News.

“CIBC, from a community standpoint, first thing they did is donate $25,000 to the Sens Community Foundation, which is earmarked strictly for the Belleville and Quinte area for kids in need. So I think those are some of the actions that will speak louder than any words I could say today.”

He also expressed excitement for the upcoming season, saying it’s important to make sure the team stays competitive.

“When I took over (the Senators), the one thing that we didn’t focus as much on is drafting right and developing right, and it’s a process, and it doesn’t happen overnight,” Andlauer explained.

“You saw it last year at the NHL level. The Ottawa Senators got decimated with injuries, and I think the whole Belleville Sens defensive core was playing against Carolina in the first round, right? So it’s such an important piece, and it’s important that we have that and then also learn how to win, right?”

Andlauer expressed optimism in Belleville Senators’ General Manager Matt Turek and the amateur scouting staff in their ability to understand the development of players.

The Belleville Senators begin their season on Friday taking on the Hamilton Hammers at the newly minted CIBC Place.

Puck drop is at 7 p.m.