It might be the middle of summer but hockey was definitely front and centre in “Kindness Court” at the Quinte Mall. Specifically, Belleville Senators hockey.
Two weeks after introducing their logo a large, enthusiastic crowd was on hand as the home and away sweaters of the new American Hockey League franchise were unveiled for the first time.
(Ottawa Senators mascot “Spartacat” delights the young fans)
Featuring the familiar red, white and black barber pole design first worn by the NHL’s Ottawa Senators 100 years ago, the B-Sens sweaters will also include the City of Belleville logo on a shoulder patch.
(Left to right: Randy Lee- B-Sens G.M. Shean Donovan- Player Dev. Ottawa Senators, Ben Sexton – Centre Belleville/Ottawa, Danny Taylor – goaltender, B-Sens Coach Kurt Kleinendorst, B-Sens C.O.O Rob Mullowney)
Belleville Senators Chief Operating Officer Rob Mullowney told the large gathering that season ticket support for the team was already among the best in the AHL. Mullowney was joined on stage by Ottawa Senators Assistant General Manager Randy Lee who will also assume the title of G.M. of Belleville, Head Coach Kurt Kleinendorst, Shean Donovan, Player Development of Ottawa Senators. Current Ottawa/Belleville Senators players Ben Sexton and Danny Taylor were also on hand to answer questions and sign autographs.
(Ben Sexton (Kanata) and Danny Taylor (Kingston) sign autographs for fans.)
Training camp is just one month away with the new season beginning October 6th with Belleville playing the Laval Rocket (Montreal Canadiens). Belleville will play their first nine games on the road while renovations at the Yardmen Arena are completed. Belleville’s first home game is November 1st against the defending AHL Eastern Conference champion Syracuse Crunch (Tampa Bay Lightning).
