Sens Fan Fest buzzing with excitement after last season’s playoff run

The Ottawa Senators kicked off the pre-season Sunday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, hosting a fan festival ahead of the game. CTV’s Camille Wilson reports.

The Ottawa Senators hosted their annual Fan Fest at the Canadian Tire Centre on Sunday ahead of their pre-season game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

This year’s event comes after the Senators made the playoffs for the first time since 2017, giving fans hope for the coming season.

“A good way to start off the season. Lots of energy, obviously, after the playoff series last year,” said Nick Pilon-Murray, attending Sens fan Fest with family. “So nice to see the turnout today and how the city is still buzzing after the run last year.”

The Fan Fest was filled with games, inflatables, face painting, live music and fun activities for the whole family, and a beer garden for adults.

Players were on the red carpet and held signing sessions with opportunities for fans to interact.

“Fan Fest has been a family tradition for 27 years now. I’ve been coming with my mom, my dad. But this time, lucky enough to come with my girlfriend and sister-in-law,” said Justen Desousa. “We met Brady Tkachuk; that was absolutely amazing.”

People also signed up to preorder the team’s new alternate jersey for the season, which was unveiled earlier this month.

“This is a really big season for us coming off of the playoffs. I think we have a lot of new fans. We have a lot of new season seat members. We’re really excited to kind of get everyone hyped. I think in April was a really big moment for us. I think we’re coming into the season just really, really excited for what’s to come,” said Brooke Hamilton, coordinator of events and promotions with the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club.

The Sens lost to the Leafs 4-3 Sunday in the pre-season opener. They’re back in action Tuesday in Toronto.

“Hopefully they get back to the playoffs and continue the momentum we had from last year,” said Jessica Franchi, who came from Montreal with family for Fan Fest. “They played so well together. They got the whole city excited. Excited to see if they can keep it going this year.”

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