A milestone 10th anniversary season is approaching quickly for the Belleville Senators, who offered a sneak peek at what to expect.
The B-Sens welcomed media members and business/community partners to the rink for an exclusive media event Tuesday evening previewing the upcoming 2026-27 season.
Manager of Broadcasting and Communications David Foot guided those in attendance through the many upcoming events and happenings throughout the next several months.
Appropriately, these include several 10th anniversary theme nights, highlighted by a Nov. 1 game versus the arch-rival Toronto Marlies where the team will give away a commemorative ticket celebrating the anniversary of the first home opener from 2017.
Fan feedback was key for the team, with Foot saying people were looking to see more Friday games on home ice, as well as more free giveaways and memorabilia to promote the occasion.
“We are doing some 4 p.m. Saturday starts as well,” he said.
“You’ll be able to come here on Saturday afternoon, watch the Belleville Sens, and be home in time to watch the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night as well. You’ll be able to get as much Sens hockey as possible with those schedule changes.”
People in attendance got a chance to see the 10th anniversary jersey to be worn 10 times this season, along with a black and lavender Hockey Fights Cancer uniform, to be worn during the weekend of Nov. 6 and 7, while enjoying a spread provided by new food and beverage service provider Aramark.
Community was also a theme for the organization, with the continued importance of getting out and blending in with the people who support the team being emphasized.
“Since 2017, this organization has given back close to $1.5 million dollars in community contributions,” Foot explained to the gathering.
“That number is going to get bigger as well. $350,000 or so of that was just from last season alone, which was a very strong year in terms of our community outreach.”
That spans across 50/50, the ever-popular Chuck-a-Puck, and school programs.
The organization says it plans to have players attend 30 schools as part of the school program this season.
General Manager Matt Turek said he wants to continue bringing together community-minded players with strong work ethics.
“I think it’s important on the recruiting side, when we’re bringing new players in here, that we bring in the right people and as well as the right hockey players, and that these guys want to be involved in the community,” he explained.
“Whether it’s hospitals or schools or whatever, to get involved with the community and help out, all of our players are excellent at getting out and volunteering their time.”
Turek added he is looking forward to seeing the development of returning players such as Xavier Bourgault, Djibril Toure, and Tyler Boucher, among others, while giving young up-and-comers opportunities to build their ice-time for the first time in pro hockey
“We have some new players that our scouting staff did a great job in identifying, and they’re graduating this year, whether it’s (forward Blake) Montgomery or (Memorial Cup-winning defenceman Matthew) Andonovski,” he explained.
“They’re coming in new, and they’re guys that we’re going to have to develop, and we’re looking forward to that.”
Veteran newcomers Sammy Blais, Jonas Johansson, Ryan Suzuki and Phil Tomasino will help fortify a roster that finished in 7th place with 28 wins in a competitive North Division.
Head coach Andrew Campbell will be behind the bench in a lead role for his first full season after taking over partway through last season.
The Sens welcome fans to a busy day Friday, with the arena naming rights sponsor unveiling at 1 p.m. prior to the home opener festivities beginning at 4 p.m. with red carpet player walk-ins and autograph signings.
The team will then hit the ice at 7 p.m. to play the Hamilton Hammers (AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders).
Single game tickets are available through Ticketmaster. Visit the B-Sens website at this link.
