The Ottawa Senators, the NHL's 29th most valuable franchise, have made waves by announcing pre-season games at the VideoTron Centre in Quebec City. This move, much anticipated by hockey lovers in Quebec, signals hope for fans who have longed for the return of NHL hockey since the departure of the Quebec Nordiques over two decades ago.
Quebec City has made no secret of its desire for an NHL franchise, and the VideoTron Centre was built with the intention of attracting one. Unfortunately, this dream has yet to materialize since the recent expansions favored markets like Las Vegas and Seattle, leaving Quebec City on the sidelines. Despite this, the excitement surrounding the Senators’ upcoming games highlights the enduring passion for hockey in the province.
Sports analysts herald the potential for the NHL to host regular-season games annually at the VideoTron Centre. According to The Hockey News, "The NHL should put a few regular season games in Quebec City every year, similar to the NFL's London games." This comparison aligns with how the Jacksonville Jaguars have successfully anchored their international presence through regular games abroad.
The excitement isn’t just one-sided. Ottawa's new owner, Michael Landauer, sees this as a strategic move. Drawing more Quebec fans could significantly boost attendance, especially for games fans might not thoroughly embrace, such as matchups against rebuilding teams. This sentiment is echoed in The Hockey News, which noted, "If the Senators found a way to move some games...those games would be much more profitable for the Senators and sell more tickets in Quebec than in Ottawa." Imagine the roar of Quebec City fans as they fill the arena, sporting Senators jerseys, fostering a community around their second favorite team.
This strategy could also be considered bold considering the Senators’ recent historical struggles. Having had one of the highest debt ratios as a percentage of their overall value, and with regularly ranked low on the franchise value list, the need for innovative solutions is pressing. It could lead to higher merchandise sales, increased television viewership, and, most critically, improved revenue streams for the struggling team.
The idea of fostering ties with the Quebec region isn’t new, and could manifest through community outreach similar to what the Jaguars have done with youth football clinics. The Senators could sponsor hockey clinics and other local initiatives, which may cultivate young prospects who grow connected to the Senators. Perhaps they might even prefer Brady Tkachuk's jerseys over the local Montreal Canadiens’, creating fans who would travel to Ottawa to watch their games.
Further, this expanded Quebec presence could inadvertently place more pressure on Ottawa politicians to finalize plans for new infrastructure for the team. Discussions around getting the Senators a new arena have spanned almost a decade without resolution. The Athletic highlighted this when discussing how the Jaguars' commitment to London played a role over time with their stadium renovations back home. If the Senators are serious about their long-term viability, hosting games outside Ottawa could drive the message home about the urgency of securing local support.
While many fans hope for the NHL’s eventual return to Quebec City as a full-fledged franchise, the Senators’ pre-season games offer something for everyone involved. Quebec’s fans get to experience NHL action, and the Senators gain invaluable exposure to what could be considered another home market. And with the franchise’s complicated relationship with public perception, particularly under previous ownership, this new partnership could redefine its narrative and establish genuine community ties.
With the first pre-season game at VideoTron Centre on the horizon, it’s clear the Senators are taking meaningful steps to build relationships and strengthen their franchise. If all goes according to plan, fans may not just get to celebrate hockey’s return to Quebec City; they will also encounter the beginnings of what could be considered the Senators' quest for broader outreach and stability.