The Ottawa Senators history spans over a century of hockey tradition and passion. From their original roots in 1883 to their modern NHL presence since 1992, the Senators have built a legacy of thrilling performances. Every Ottawa Senators game brings fans closer to a team that embodies determination, skill, and an enduring connection to Canada’s hockey heritage.
Established
1992
City
Ottawa
League History
1992 – Present / National Hockey League
Team History
1992 – Present / Ottawa Senators
Nickname
Senators – The Ottawa Senators have been a part of the National Hockey League (NHL) since 1992, but their nickname has roots that date back to the early 1900s. The team was initially named after an amateur hockey club from Ottawa known as the “Ottawa Senators,” which competed in various leagues around Canada during this period.
Ottawa Senators Origin
The name is derived from a 19th-century political party called "the Honourable Senate of Canada," representing English and French Canadians in Parliament then. This connection between politics and sports made perfect sense for a city like Ottawa, home to professional hockey teams and federal government offices.
In addition to its historical significance, many fans appreciate how well it reflects on current-day Canadian culture: unity through diversity despite language barriers or other differences among citizens; strength through collaboration; respect for tradition while embracing change; patriotism towards one's country—all values embodied by today's NHL franchise in our nation's capital!
For any sports fan looking to learn more about the origins of their favorite team’s nickname, there are plenty of online resources detailing its history with detailed accounts written by historians and journalists – providing insight into why we proudly call ourselves ‘Senators’ today!
Championship
Stanley Cup 0
Arena
2013 – Present / Canadian Tire Centre
2006 – 2013 / Scotiabank Place
1996 – 2006 / Corel Centre
1996 / The Palladium
1992 – 1995 / Ottawa Civic Centre
Owner
2003 – Present / Eugene Melnyk
1992 – 2003 / Rod Bryden
1992 / Bruce Firestone
- 1992
- 1992
- 1996
- 2003
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Ottawa Senators Team Formation
Ottawa real estate developer Bruce Firestone decided along with colleagues Cyril Leeder and Randy Sexton that Ottawa was now able to support an NHL franchise, and the group proceeded to put a bid together. His firm, Terrace Investments, did not have the liquid assets to finance the expansion fee and the team, but the group conceived a strategy to leverage ... -
Rod Bryden Takes Control
In 1992, Rod Bryden became CEO of Terrace Corporation, the principal owner of the new Ottawa Senators NHL franchise. In 1993, he became the franchise’s Chairman and Governor. In 1994, construction on the Palladium arena (later the Corel Centre and Scotiabank Place, Now the Canadian Tire Centre) was begun by the Palladium Corporation, of which Bryden was the owner and ... -
Canadian Tire Centre Opens
As part of its bid to land an NHL franchise for Ottawa, Terrace Corporation unveiled the original proposal for the arena development at a press conference in September 1989. The proposal included a hotel and 20,500 seat arena, named The Palladium on 100 acres (0.40 km2), surrounded by a 500-acre (2.0 km2) mini-city, named “West Terrace.” The site itself, 600 ... -
Eugene Melnyk Saves the Day
On August 26, 2003, Eugene Melnyk purchased the Ottawa Senators hockey club of the NHL and their arena, Corel Centre out of bankruptcy. He is the sole owner and holds the titles of governor and chairman. Eugene has repeatedly stated that the team is not for sale and he would never consider selling it. Although the Ottawa Senators are a ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Ottawa Senators History
The Ottawa Senators history begins with the team’s founding in 1992 as a professional ice hockey franchise based in Ottawa, Ontario. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Senators became one of only two Canadian teams to reach the Stanley Cup Finals during that era. Between 1998 and 2003, the team captured four division titles and reached four conference finals between 1997 and 2007. Their fierce rivalries with the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens have brought some of the most intense Ottawa Senators games ever seen.
In their early years, the Ottawa Senators history was marked by financial struggles and ownership changes. Eugene Melnyk’s purchase of the team in 2003 stabilized the franchise. Despite those challenges, the Senators produced memorable playoff runs, with Daniel Alfredsson emerging as one of the greatest players in franchise history. Drafted in 1995-96 from Sweden’s Frolunda HC, Alfredsson scored his 400th career goal before retiring after the 2013-14 season, becoming the first Senator to reach that milestone. His leadership defined an era of thrilling Ottawa Senators games and playoff pushes.
Recent years have seen ups and downs for the franchise. In 2017–18, a strong lineup led by Erik Karlsson, Mark Stone, and Matt Duchene helped the team return to the playoffs, taking their Cinderella run to Game 7 double overtime against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Today, under head coach DJ Smith, the Senators are rebuilding around a promising young core including Brady Tkachuk, Drake Batherson, and Colin White to bring future success and exciting Ottawa Senators games back to Ottawa fans.
Senators Achievements
Throughout the Ottawa Senators history, the franchise has achieved several milestones. They hold four division championships, multiple conference finals appearances, and remain one of Canada’s most competitive NHL teams. Their Stanley Cup Finals appearance cemented their reputation as a determined contender capable of challenging the league’s elite.
The team’s passionate fanbase ensures that Ottawa Senators games at Canadian Tire Centre remain some of the most energetic in the NHL. With a mix of veteran leadership, young stars, and solid management, the Senators are working toward adding more division titles and a long-awaited Stanley Cup to their already rich Ottawa Senators history.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
4 / Chris Phillips
8 / Frank Finnigan
11 / Daniel Alfredsson
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history
