‘Most underrated hockey market in the world’: Senators owner praises fans in season ending letter

New Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer waves to fans as he makes his way to the ceremonial face-off as the Ottawa Senators play their first home game against the Philadelphia Flyers before NHL action, Saturday, October 14, 2023 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer is thanking fans for their “unwavering and amazing support” this season, which saw the Senators make the playoffs for the first time in eight years.

“I’ve come to realize that this is by far the most underrated hockey market in the world,” Andlauer said in an open letter to Sens fans Wednesday morning.

The Ottawa Senators lost to the Toronto Maple Leafs in six games during the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. It was the first time since 2017 that the Senators played playoff hockey.

“Your passion was on full display at our home games in the playoffs. I’ve never seen anything like the ovation inside the Canadian Tire Centre when we tied Game 6 in the third period,” Andlauer said.

“I’m not sure there is another fan base that would have stayed in their seats to cheer on their team after they were eliminated.”

This was the first time the Senators made the playoffs since Andlauer and his partners purchased the club from the estate of the late Eugene Melnyk in 2023.

“When I purchased this team with my partners, I knew the grassroots of hockey ran deep in Ottawa-Gatineau. But I have come to realize that this is by far the most underrated hockey market in the world,” Andlauer writes.

“Our fan base is authentic and it’s the perfect match for this roster, which we’ve built on honesty, genuine care and work ethic.”

Andlauer says the Senators took a “great foundational step forward” this season, and thanked general manager Steve Staios, head coach Travis Green and the coaching staff for their work.

“Ultimately, our players stepped up and worked harder and cared more for each other.”

Andlauer ended the letter by calling Ottawa “home.”

“This team has made Ottawa-Gatineau proud and this city responded in such an incredible way that I am so proud to call this home,” Andlauer said. “Thanks for coming along for the ride.”

“We’re just getting started.”