The Belleville Senators are sticking around in the Friendly City for a few more years.
Senators owner Michael Andlauer has reached an agreement with the City of Belleville on a three-year lease agreement, keeping the American Hockey League franchise there through the 2029-30 season, the team announced in a press release on Wednesday.
According to the press release, the deal includes a five-year option should the Senators want to extend their stay through the 2034-35 season.
“It’s great news for hockey fans around the Bay of Quinte,” Andlauer said. “The connection between the City of Belleville and the Senators Hockey Club is truly a mutually beneficial one that will only continue to improve and prosper in the years to come. We are committed to seeing hockey thrive in this ‘613’ market as well as being good corporate citizens in the community we serve — and Belleville plays an important role.”
Playing out of the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre, the Senators have been in Belleville since the 2017-18 season. They had spent the 15 prior seasons in Southern New York as the Binghamton Senators.
“The City of Belleville is thrilled to extend our partnership with the Belleville Senators,” Belleville mayor Neil Ellis said. “We are proud to be the home of the Senators and to continue to host them at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre for years to come. Since they arrived in 2017, their presence and involvement in our community have made a significant impact.”
The decision to renew the AHL affiliate's lease in Belleville comes days after the Ottawa Senators signed an agreement to purchase 11 acres of land at LeBreton Flats in downtown Ottawa for a new arena project.
