The Senators Plan for their 30th Anniversary Season

While Senators’ fans eagerly await how their favourite team’s on-ice product will look like in the coming weeks, off-the-ice the club’s President of Business Operations Anthony LeBlanc is painting a rosy picture for what appears to be an exciting time heading into their 30th Anniversary season.

Friday morning, the organization held its first major charity golf event in two and a half years.

The Ottawa Senators Alumni golf tournament in support of providing Indigenous youth access to organized sports and educational opportunities through First Assist, and the Soldier On, Canadian Armed Forces program which aids in the recovery of ill and injured veterans and CAF members through sport and recreation was held at the Marshes in Kanata.

In addition to special guest, Hall of Fame defenseman Larry Robinson, thirty-six Senators’ Alumni members teed it up with 180 guests.

LeBlanc held court with local media prior to teeing off.

“As my friend, Randy Ambrosie, the commissioner of the CFL always says, “There are two seasons. There’s sports season, then there’s the business season which happens right at the end of the playing season.” And we have been immensely busy,” said LeBlanc.

The Senators’ President of Business Ops noted season seat renewals are “probably the best they’ve been in 10 years.” And that “new sponsors are jumping on board and old sponsors are returning” to the fold.

LeBlanc added, “There’s a real buzz in the community, and I give full credit to (general manager) Pierre (Dorion) and (head coach) D.J. (Smith) and their staff for what they’ve been able to on the hockey side. I think that’s the big thing. But it’s people – they haven’t had the opportunity to be a part and come out to events like this in so long. This is going to be an exciting couple of years. I’m really optimistic of what we’re going to be able to, obviously on the hockey side and on the business side.”

Some quick 📸s from the #Sens Alumni golf tournament today 🏌️‍♂️⛳️ #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/1yUNhKJJss

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) June 10, 2022

This bodes well for Dorion who may be handed a larger budget work with. Dorion has stated repeatedly, the team is seeking to add a top six forward and a top four d-man if possible during the off-season.

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With restricted free agent centre Josh Norris coming off a breakout campaign, netting 35 goals in only 66 games, combined with future contract extensions for Tim Stützle, Artem Zub and possibly Connor Brown, a few more dollars will come in handy for the Senators’ GM.

LeBlanc and his marketing team are in the midst of brainstorming and working on giving fans a game-day experience that they won’t soon forget.

The former Arizona Coyotes CEO told Full Press Hockey, “We had Aramark, who’s our food and beverage partner up last week. They’re lead people were walking the building. So, we’re looking at making a couple of changes in regards to the concessions – trying to get back to some grab-and-go of environments that people are looking for. We’re looking at changes to our restaurants. We’re looking at enhancing our in-game experience. That’s a big part of why people come to the game – insuring they enjoy it from the moment they get out of their vehicles until they leave – and make it a door-to-door experience. Last year we started with a couple of theme nights that we hadn’t done in the past. We’re going to expand on that. Just a lot of planning, a lot of excitement for what we’re going to do from a fan perspective.”

Just the "Big Bird" chatting with #Sens Alumni Chris Neil to spice up your morning. pic.twitter.com/dcfXO8zVLY

— Full Press Hockey (@FullPressNHL) June 10, 2022

The club’s social media presence has amped up their game recently, becoming more engaging with their fanbase.

Also thanks to Anna and Olivia Melnyk, the Senators are focussing on being more progressive towards social equality and brand messaging – something LeBlanc mentioned in a radio interview Friday afternoon.

The Senators’ 30th Anniversary campaign will certainly be one to look forward to. There will be plenty of surprises, and expect to see some familiar faces return take a bow.

The Honouring Committee will be re-established. Will we see a jersey rise to the rafters or former players feted?

LeBlanc understands the need to celebrate those that laid the foundation for the present team.

“We have so many great members from the Senators and former NHL players. I’ve had the opportunity in the last couple of weeks to sit down with obviously, Chris Neil who’s part of our organization – sat down with Chris Phillips last week – met with Daniel Alfredsson. It’s really about bringing all these guys back. This is our 30th Anniversary. One of those things we’re talking about with our marketing department is, what are we going to do to kick off the season? I want to bring back as many members of the Alumni as possible for our initial game. We have to continue to build relationships within the community. The Alumni to me, is one of those biggest aspects we have to continue to build that relationship with.”

Current Senator, Nick Holden is in agreement, “I think anytime you can have guys that have played and had success with an organization, it’s a big thing for guys that currently play. I think it helps when they can share their experiences. When they played here, they had success in the community. I think it’s important to have voices like that.”