New to Ottawa and trying to get more involved in the city? Sports are a fantastic way to connect with new people, expand your social network and learn more about the city you’ve found yourself in. Hockey being our national game, you could take a dive into our local NHL (National Hockey League) team, the Ottawa Senators. Luckily, as a student, the Sens are super accessible to you!
The Sens have a great program called the “The Sens Student Army” which allows college and university students studying in the Ottawa region, just like you, to get $25 tickets and sit in a section of other students from the Army. It’s a great opportunity to get out and about while making some like minded friends! On top of discounted tickets, members of The Sens Student Army are also eligible for contests, giveaways and events!
For a bit of context, the Sens were a powerhouse in the early 1900’s, winning 11 Stanley Cups from 1903 to 1927. This original team sadly relocated to St. Louis in 1934 (Stewart & Commito, 2012). Thankfully for all of us here in Ottawa, in 1992 the Senators came back to Ottawa in the NHL expansion, the same year as the Tampa Bay Lightning (Scanlan, 2022). The Sens have not won a Stanley Cup since coming back, our high point was making the Stanley Cup Finals in 2007, but losing to the Anaheim Ducks. This past offseason, we also signed Claude Giroux, a star offensive player, to a contract. Giroux previously captained the Philadelphia Flyers and played for the Florida Panthers as well. Giroux is also a native of the Ottawa region, being born in Hearst, Ontario and moving to Ottawa at a young age. He then also played his major junior hockey as a member of the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL, just on the other side of the Ottawa River (Scanlan, 2022).
The Sens and their fans are primed this season, excited to see how the young players have developed and how the new signings help the team. A transition in ownership has begun steering the franchise in a new, promising direction and the expectations are to improve greatly.
To sign up, just visit the Sens Student Army webpage and look under the “How to Join” section. It is easy as 1, 2, 3! You’ll be contacted by them and you’re in! Unfortunately, not all Sens game are eligible for the Student Army, the number of tickets available can change. However, there is no cost to being a part of the Army, which helps the student budget. You can also get two tickets per game, so grab your friends and get them in on the fun too! The person you bring doesn’t even have to be a student, it’s all up to you (Sens Student Army).
Although the Canadian Tire Centre, where the Sens play, is in Kanata, your U-Pass will be more than enough get you to the games and back. No need to worry about a car or driving. Forget about getting caught in traffic too. Bus number 406 is the route that will take you to the Canadian Tire Centre. Even better, you can catch it at Baseline Station (OC Transpo, 2022)!
Grab some buddies, or make some new ones and let the games begin. Go Sens Go!
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