Belleville Senators welcome County fans

Rob Mullowney, chief operating officer for the Belleville Senators hockey team, addressed council at its Committee of the Whole meeting Thursday to introduce the Senators to the community.

He said players will be taking part in community events in the County over the next few months and the organization will be launching a foundation and developing ways to impact the region with programming and financial investment.

“The fan base and the support we’re getting is from all over the region,” he said, noting County fans who have shown support buying season tickets.

The Belleville Senators team principle is to enhance development of future Ottawa Senators NHL players. Founded in 1936 with franchises in 30 cities across North America, the American Hockey League serves as the professional development league for the players, coaches and executives of all 30 national hockey league teams.

“We are located within Ottawa Senators broadcast territory where we continue to cultivate fan loyalty to the east,” said Lajoie, whose presentation boasted more games against team rivals – the Toronto Marlies (Maple Leafs); Laval Rocket (Montreal Canadians); Rochester Americans (Buffalo Sabres); Utica Comets (Vancouver Canucks); Syracuse Crunch (Tampa Lightning) and Binghamton Devils (New Jersey Devils).

The team’s first home game, against Syracuse Nov. 1 at the Yardman Arena in Belleville, is sold out.