It’s official, this will be the last year for the Binghamton Senators. The Ottawa Senators announced this morning that they will be moving their AHL affiliate to Belleville, Ontario after this season. Their new deal is for eight years, and the city also announced a $20 million upgrade to their arena this morning. But, the news is not all bad. Ottawa is working together with the AHL and Binghamton hockey officials to bring a new affiliation to the Arena for the 2017-2018 season. Earlier this summer, Binghamton Executive Vice President Tom Mitchell said the club had a plan in place for hockey to remain in the city even if the Senators leave. In a statement this morning, he said AHL hockey will continue to be played in Binghamton after this season, and that they are focusing on the season that begins Oct. 15 (see below). Binghamton has had a professional hockey team since 1973, including previous affiliations with the New York Rangers and Hartford Whalers. The Senators have played in Binghamton since 2002.
A STATEMENT FROM THE BINGHAMTON SENATORS
The Ottawa Senators have announced their American Hockey League development team will be moving to Belleville, Ont. to begin the 2017-18 season. We have had a tremendous relationship with the Ottawa Senators organization for the better part of 15 years, including a Calder Cup Championship in 2011. Their decision to relocate has no impact on the future of the AHL’s presence in the Southern Tier. Our organization is taking a proactive approach to ensure this as we move forward, and at the appropriate time we will be happy to share more details with the entire community. We will continue to focus on the 2016-17 season of Binghamton Senators hockey beginning with Opening Night on Saturday, October 15.
