Senators brass assures fans no relocation amid Quebec City exhibition plans
OTTAWA — There’s plenty to celebrate about the Ottawa Senators these days.
The team currently sits third in the Atlantic Division, delivering some of the most exciting hockey this market has seen in years — all while missing their starting goaltender, Linus Ullmark. But the feel-good momentum took a hit Monday when owner Michael Andlauer ignited a public relations firestorm in Quebec City.
At a press conference, Andlauer revealed plans for the Senators to play two pre-season games in Quebec City this September. Initially harmless, his follow-up comments raised eyebrows when he expressed openness to also playing regular-season games there — setting off alarm bells for Ottawa’s loyal fan base.
Adding fuel to the fire, Spartacat, the Senators’ mascot, appeared at the event in a controversial jersey that blended the Senators’ logo with the defunct Quebec Nordiques’ logo.