Thanks for a great 15 years, Ottawa Senators!

Well, this looks to be it.

Stephen Brunt, one of Canada's most respected sports journalists put out an article tonight announcing the return of the NHL to Winnipeg.

If it was the Dauphin Herald announcing it, I'd show a bit more caution. But the Globe and Mail is actually owned by David Thomson, one of the partners in True North Sports and Entertainment who are buying the team, so I think it's a pretty credible source.

I promptly got to work getting rid of all my Ottawa Senators gear. (Throwing them into a Senators garbage can of all things!)
When I had to pick a new team to cheer for after the Jets left, I had 2 criteria.

1. They had to be Canadian
2. I couldn't hate them.
   

Let's see, going through the list...

• Vancouver - still bitter that the Canucks came back from a 3-1 series deficit in 1992 to win in 7 games
• Calgary - better dead than red.
• Edmonton - after the Oiler's dominance over the Jets in the 80's? Fat chance.
• Toronto - are you kidding me? Never.
• Montreal - still bitter that every time they visited Winnipeg, the arena was louder when the Habs scored.
  

That left the Ottawa Senators.

In the few years they co-existed, the Sens had only beaten the Jets once, so I didn't hate them.

Their sole victory occurred on the infamous "Free Peanut Butter Night" of November 5, 1993. I don't remember who sponsored the promotion, but everyone in attendance that night got a free jar of peanut butter. The Jets score 6 unanswered goals to lead the game 6-3, only to allow the Senators to tie it in the last 10 minutes of the game. Bob Kudelski completed a hat trick in overtime to win the game for the Sens.

After witnessing such a stunning collapse, you can guess what happened to the free peanut butter. Apparently many jars were thrown onto the ice in disgust.



I wasn't there, but I talked to some who were over the years, and it was apparently a night to remember.

Anyhow, while I won't really be putting my Senators gear in the trash, it will get packed up and put away.

And so it goes. A long 15 year fling is over, and I'm sorry to say I'm dumping you for an older love who also happens to be my first - a Winnipeg NHL team.

No matter what they end up being called.

Thanks for the great memories over the last 15 years, Senators!

Currently playing: Kenny Loggins - Highway to the Danger Zone
Currently colouring: Marvel Masterworks: Fantastic Four Volume 13!
Proudly in my sixth Cola free year!