• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

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

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.

Kaprizov’s Record Contract Rejection Highlights NHL’s New World

The declined contract would have set records for overall and annual value.
Jan 25, 2023; Langley, British Columbia, CAN; Highlights from the CHL Kubota Top Prospects game at the Langley Events Centre

NCAA Hockey Scouts Denied Passes for Crucial Recruiting League

The CHL won’t welcome scouts on passes: “It comes across as petty.”

Featured Today

Adriunna Brown

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.

Valkyries Debut Season Sets Stage for Free-Agent Buzz

The Valkyries were eliminated in the first round on Wednesday.
September 15, 2025

Warriors $75M Pitch Fails to Sway Kuminga As Season Looms

Kuminga and his representatives want a long-term deal.
Apr 11, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Rayan Rupert (21) shoots a jump shot during the second half against Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) at Moda Center.
September 16, 2025

Trail Blazers Sale and Ownership Group Finalized, Now Awaiting NBA Approval

Dundon’s ownership group also includes the founders of Panda Express.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Valkyries
September 15, 2025

Valkyries Will Try to Remake Ballhalla 50 Miles Away

Golden State will try to stave off elimination in an unfamiliar environment.
Sep 8, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) runs to first base during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
September 12, 2025

The $339 Million Mets Are in Jeopardy of Missing the Playoffs

The Mets’ wild-card lead is 1.5 games with 15 remaining in the regular season.
Sep 10, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun forward Aaliyah Edwards (8) fights to keep the ball in-bounds during the second half against the Atlanta Dream at Mohegan Sun Arena.
September 12, 2025

Connecticut AG Demands Documents From WNBA About Sun Sale Process

The WNBA reportedly prefers to move the team to Houston.
Mar 3, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) warms up prior to the game against the Washington Wizards at Kaseya Center.
September 11, 2025

Hornets Cancel Sports Betting Night Vs. Heat Over Terry Rozier Tie-In

Terry Rozier is under federal investigation for point-shaving in a 2023 game when he was on the Hornets.