Sens Owner Eugene Melnyk and Team Captain Daniel Alfredsson have distributed an open letter to the teams fans and sponsors with the NHL season just eight days away.
In it, Melnyk and Alfie talk about how excited they are to have hockey back, how unfortunate the entire lockout was and include a pledge to make up for this latest work stoppage. The full text of that letter can be seen below.
There is only one place to begin, and that is to say how thrilled and thankful we are for the return of NHL hockey.
Labour disputes in any form are never pleasant. The National Hockey League is one of the preeminent professional sports leagues in the world. And when business and sport intersect, there are moments when the business side overshadows the glory of the game.
We have missed the game as much as you have. But more importantly, we understand the past four months have been most unfair to our fans and sponsors. Actions often speak louder than words. So starting today, the hard work begins for all of us within the Senators organization.
All of us commit to beginning our 21st season by pushing harder and giving twice as much to earn back your valued trust and support. On the ice and in our community, we will dig deep to show you why we matter.
Of the 30 teams in the National Hockey League, there is none more tightly woven into its community as the Ottawa Senators. Through the leadership of our Sens Foundation, our players and ownership, we pledge to continue our good work supporting vital community initiatives across Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.
The Senators are as much a part of the community as the community is part of the Senators. After all, this is your team.
So, let's stand tall and draw strength from one another towards the only goal that matters — bringing home the Cup.
Game on.
