• Loading stock data...
Sunday, August 31, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

Senators Spark Backlash With Decision to Play Games in Quebec City

The Senators have a long-troubled history. So it’s little wonder that a move to play some games in Quebec City has created angst back in Ottawa. 

Jan 26, 2025; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) moves the puck in the second period against Utah in their game at the Canadian Tire Centre.
Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

The Senators are still reestablishing themselves under new owner Michael Andlauer, but the NHL club is already looking well beyond their home market of Ottawa—and angering fans back home in the process.

The NHL club said it will play two preseason games this fall in Quebec City, and spend four days in total there also practicing and participating in community initiatives. The plans are the beginning of what could be a larger presence there for the club with some regular-season games. 

“We’ll start with the two preseason games and we’ll go from there,” said Andlauer, who purchased the Senators in late 2023 for $950 million, then a league record. “For me, that’s the vision.”

Quebec City previously had the NHL’s Nordiques—originally a World Hockey Association franchise—from 1979 to 1995, when they relocated to Colorado and became the Avalanche. 

The Senators’ planned presence in the provincial capital arrives as the Senators are still attempting to build a new arena in downtown Ottawa, most recently striking an agreement with Canada’s National Capital Commission to purchase 10 acres in the city’s LeBreton Flats for a potential new venue.  

Ruffling Feathers

The team’s announcement of the planned activity in Quebec City, however, went over very poorly in Ottawa, where the Senators under prior ownership regimes often teetered on the brink of financial disaster, and even fell into bankruptcy in 2003. Leaders in Quebec City, meanwhile, have actively pushed to gain an NHL expansion franchise, even while league commissioner Gary Bettman continues to downplay the likelihood of any imminent process for that. 

Further agitating Senators fans was the presence of the team’s mascot, Spartacat, at the Quebec City announcement wearing a half-Senators/half-Nordiques jersey. The immediate blowback led Senators president Cyril Leeder to acknowledge on Ottawa’s TSN 1200 radio that “if we had a do-over on that one, would we do that one differently? We probably would. I get the sensitivities.”

Leeder further clarified the team has no plans to leave the Ottawa area, but rather, is seeking to expand its regional presence.

“It’s a move on our part designed to help us expand our broadcast footprint, especially with francophone fans,” he continued on the radio station. “Our broadcast territory goes from Kingston [Ont.] to Newfoundland. … So this has been in the works for us to help grow that footprint and that fan base.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Connor McDavid: ‘All Options on Table’ As Historic Free Agency Looms

The Oilers superstar remains largely mum on his long-term plans.
Aug 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) flies out to left field in the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium.

The Biggest Deferred Sports Contracts in Each Major Sports League

Shohei Ohtani will make $680 million after his contract ends.
Dec 10, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; A general view of the Delta Center before the game between the Utah Hockey Club and the Minnesota Wild.

Utah’s Sports Boom Expands Into Music, Emulating Atlanta

The Jazz and Mammoth owner strikes a major deal with Live Nation.
Kyle Busch talks with Nexstar Media Group, Wednesday February 14, 2024 during Daytona 500 Media Day at Daytona International Speedway

$6.2B Nexstar-Tegna Deal Could Create Local Sports Juggernaut

CW parent company Nexstar looks to acquire its rival in a major deal.

Featured Today

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.

Cowboys Can’t Bank on Mavericks’ Lottery Luck After Parsons Trade

The Mavericks lucked into Cooper Flagg through the 2025 NBA draft lottery.
United
August 28, 2025

Manchester United Knocked Out of Cup by Team With $2.6 Million Payroll

United’s team payroll is almost 100 times larger than Grimsby’s.
August 28, 2025

Rhyne Howard Calls Out Dream Fans for A’Ja Wilson ‘MVP’ Chants

The Las Vegas Aces overtook the Atlanta Dream in the standings.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
Monica Wright
August 26, 2025

WNBA Expansion Teams Still in Dark As CBA Fight Drags On

Portland and Toronto won’t know the draft rules until a CBA is signed.
August 25, 2025

Trey Hendrickson Ends Stalemate for $14 Million Bengals Raise

The defensive end will make $30 million this season.
August 22, 2025

$2B A’s Vegas Stadium Hits Milestones, on Track for 2028

Construction progress and costs pick up in the Las Vegas project.
August 21, 2025

Amid Dream Season, Valkyries Face Potential Playoff Arena Conflict

The Valkyries are seventh in the WNBA standings.