Senators owner Andlauer thanks fans in season-ending letter
The Ottawa Senators’ season might be over, but the impact of their playoff return is still being felt.
The Ottawa Senators‘ season might be over, but the impact of their playoff return is still being felt.
In a letter to fans on Wednesday, owner Michael Andlauer said the fans’ “passion was on full display.”
“When I purchased this team with my partners, I knew the grassroots of hockey ran deep in Ottawa-Gatineau. But I have come to realize that this is by far the most underrated hockey market in the world,” wrote Andlauer, whose purchase of the team was approved in September 2023.
The Senators broke an eight-year playoff drought this season when they qualified as the top wild-card team in the Eastern Conference.
Ultimately, they fell to provincial rival Toronto in Game 6 of the first round. But Andlauer said the post-game ovation inside Canadian Tire Centre, despite the loss, was unique.
“I’m not sure there is another fan base that would have stayed in their seats to cheer on their team after they were eliminated,” he wrote.
“If the empty-net goal by Ridly Greig was the highlight from last year, certainly your passion and appreciation — which sent shivers down my spine — was the highlight of this season.”
Andlauer also credited Steve Staios, who he hired as president of hockey operations in 2023, and Travis Green, who just completed his first season as Ottawa head coach, for the successful campaign.
“We took a great foundation step forward this season and I am so thankful to our architect ‘Steady’ Steve Staios (as you fans have eloquently dubbed him) for his hard work and vision. And to Travis Green and his coaching staff for giving our players the ability to thrive.
“Ultimately, our players stepped up and worked harder and cared more for each other.”
