For 30 seasons, generations of Ottawa Senators’ fans have cheered in the arena bowl while, in the bowels of the building, owner after owner has attempted to bring financial stability to the small-market franchise.
What a turbulent story of ownership for the team Bruce Firestone dreamed up; Rod Bryden built, only to lose; and Eugene Melnyk rescued from bankruptcy and for almost 20 years personally subsidized before passing it on to his daughters — who’ve now sold majority ownership to Michael Andlauer.
Without Firestone, there would be no NHL team here, no Sens. Our first owner was also first to live under NHL “sportlights,” where every word is scrutinized, some sensationalized. Forever known as the one who brought back the Senators, Firestone had the gusto for big league membership but not the deep pockets. He gave Ottawa years of incredibly hard work, achieved his impossible dream, raised the city’s international profile — yet is now mostly forgotten.
Rod Bryden’s financial stick-handling — near magical — delivered a $250-million, world-class entertainment facility in Kanata. His legacy: the excitement enjoyed by millions of hockey fans and concert-goers. He nearly lost everything and Ottawa almost lost its franchise.
Small-market owners skate on thin ice. They are seen as rich beyond all means by fans who want them to spend more but who also lament the price of parking, tickets and beer – even if Sens’ pricing pales in comparison to the NHL average. Our third, and longest-serving, owner became the object of fan pettiness for growing up a Leaf fan and for living the life of a billionaire which, most thankfully, he was. Cynics came to both boo his presence at one game, then critique his absence at the next.
Following his passing, Anna and Olivia Melnyk inherited the team. What they lack in experience, they make up for in sentimental attachment to the team they grew up with, the franchise their dad saved and dearly loved.
This year, in comes Michael Andlauer, our only owner with previous hockey experience. He has deep-enough pockets, having reportedly sold his stake in the Habs for $2.5 billion. He is obviously decisive; ask ex-GM Pierre Dorion or D.J. Smith. Evidently smart, he brought back Cyril Leeder, whose career stats show three decades of sound business leadership.
There is hockey — and then there’s the business of hockey. Sure, Ottawa fans know the game, but owning an NHL team requires multidisciplinary business acumen they know little of and risk-taking on a scale most can’t even fathom. Like great goalies, great owners are a rare breed, with unique skills and often unique personalities.
