The Belleville Senators and the Quinte Regional Minor Hockey Association are partnering to bolster grassroots development for elite hockey players in the Bay of Quinte Region.
On-ice, the strategic partnership includes Senators players attending practices with each of the eight QRD teams to engage with players and share tips and knowledge.
Off the ice, the American Hockey League club will offer two exclusive development opportunities: a coach-led session led by Belleville Sens Head Coach Andrew Campbell on practice planning and strategy, and a seminar for parents and guardians, with Belleville Sens General Manager and Ottawa Senators Manager of Hockey Operations Sean McCauley that explains the pipeline and development path young players will follow.
The Senators will also recognize a QRD Player of the Month, who will receive tickets to a Belleville Sens game at CIBC Place and in-arena recognition. QRD teams will also be featured in other game-night activations and features throughout the season.
“Grassroots hockey is about much more than what happens on the ice. It’s about players chasing their goals, coaches guiding their development, and parents who dedicate countless hours to making it all possible,” said Belleville Sens Vice President of Business Operations John Mathers. “We’re excited to partner with the Quinte Red Devils to help strengthen that foundation and support the continued growth of hockey throughout our region.”
“This partnership with the Quinte Red Devils is a perfect fit for us as an organization,” said Belleville Sens Head Coach Andrew Campbell. “We’re excited to be able to give back and pass forward some knowledge we’ve learned along the way to help strengthen the development of our elite local players and coaching staff.
“We are incredibly thankful to the Sens for partnering with the Red Devils to give our staff, players and their families a direct connection and fresh perspective on pro hockey,” stated Quinte Red Devils Executive Director Jacob Panetta.
“Players, coaches and families will get the opportunity to learn, see and connect with their counterparts at higher levels, and we’re so fortunate to be able to give our organization and the people within it that experience. Hockey creates a sense of community, and we hope that, for our Players and parents, this partnership continues to grow that community within the Quinte Region.”
As a sign of their partnership, QRD teams will proudly wear Belleville Senators logo stickers on their helmets as they travel across Ontario and beyond, representing the Bay of Quinte.
