Ottawa Senators lengthen agreement to keep AHL club in Belleville
There had been talk that the Senators were studying the possibility of moving the club to either the Canadian Tire Centre or Hamilton.
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The Belleville Senators are staying put.
The Ottawa Senators announced Wednesday that they’ve extended their lease agreement for their American Hockey League affiliate at the CAA Arena in Belleville for three years through the 2029-30 campaign.
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The deal also includes a five-year option for the Senators to extend their stay at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre through to the end of the 2034-2035 season.
“It’s great news for hockey fans around the Bay of Quinte,” said Senators owner Michael Andlauer. “The connection between the city of Belleville and the Senators Hockey Club is truly a mutually beneficial one that will only continue to improve and prosper in the years to come.
“We are committed to seeing hockey thrive in this ‘613’ market as well as being good corporate citizens in the community we serve — and Belleville plays an important role.”
The Senators signed a lease with the City of Belleville on Sept. 26, 2016. During the pandemic, the late owner, Eugene Melnyk, extended the existing eight-year agreement to June 30, 2027, with an option to extend it further.
There had been talk in AHL circles that the Senators were studying the possibility of moving the club to either the Canadian Tire Centre or Hamilton.
The latter was never an option because Andlauer had his share of issues with the City of Hamilton when he owned the Ontario Hockey League’s Bulldogs. The New York Islanders will relocate from Bridgeport, Conn., to Hamilton next season.
Andlauer has stated publicly that the organization needs to pay more attention to the Belleville market, and it’s doubtful that there was any serious consideration to having the team play in Ottawa.
“The City of Belleville is thrilled to extend our partnership with the Belleville Senators,” said Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis. “We are proud to be the home of the Senators and to continue to host them at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre for years to come.
“Since they arrived in 2017, their presence and involvement in our community have made a significant impact.”
FRENCH RADIO RIGHTS MOVING
The Senators also announced Wednesday the club has signed a three-year agreement with 104.7 Outaouais to become the official French broadcaster for the organization.
The Gatineau radio station was the original home of the Senators from 1992 to 2012.
“Since Michael Andlauer joined us, we have reaffirmed our commitment to better serving our francophone fans throughout the Ottawa-Gatineau region,” said Cyril Leeder, the club’s president and CEO. “We are very pleased to partner up with 104.7 Outaouais, a radio station with strong roots in its community and well known among hockey fans.”
Unfortunately, the move marks the end of an era for longtime French radio voice Nicolas St-Pierre. He posted on the social media site X that he will no longer be calling the games.
“After 20 years covering the Senators, including 17 as a play-by-play announcer, I was told I have to step aside,” St-Pierre said. “It hurts, but for the ‘little guy’ who left Sept-Îles with dreams and a bit of talent, it was one heck of a great adventure. Thank you and see you soon.”
Marc Legault, who has been a sports commentator at 104.7 for the last 14 years, will be the new play-by-play voice.
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