To Councillor Chiarelli: Why Did The Sens Mile Motion Even Happen?
By Jack Leiper
Following a huge loss to the New York Rangers and as the Senators sit barely holding on to a playoff spot, something is on my mind.
That’s the Idea of “Sens Mile” opening early.
Perhaps I’m reading too far into this, that’s certainly a possibility. But do you not feel that opening an official playoff ground before the team is in a clinched playoff spot is a little much?
Sens Mile is a great initiative in the playoffs. You’ve got to love how it gives a central location to the city for fans to celebrate the team’s success, while promoting local business and the city of Ottawa’s only national team, the Ottawa Senators.
But, why oh why did the idea of opening Sens mile ever make it into city council while the team is still in the middle of a playoff hunt and only one point up on the Boston Bruins with 10 games left??
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Keep in mind, Boston has been one of the NHL powerhouses over the past 5 seasons and seemed like a lock to be in the playoffs at the start of the season.
City council and Rick Chiarelli, cousin of Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli certainly jumped the gun on this one.
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It just spells nothing but Jinx.
While some may question how much value a jinx holds, it’s hard to see the good that opening Sens mile through a city motion does for the hockey team’s success.
This of course emphasized when the Sens franchise blocked the motion in a letter addressed to mayor Jim Watson. Here’s some of the contents from Senators president Cyril Leeder regarding Sens Mile.
"“We appreciate the enthusiasm and support that council has shown for the Senators with today’s motion to open The Sens Mile early,However, we would respectfully request that we hold off on this until the team officially qualifies for a playoff spot.When we do, we will be happy to take part in an official ceremony with the mayor, council and local businesses. We feel strongly that the Sens Mile is a playoff tradition and would ask that council reconsider/defer today’s motion until the appropriate time.”"
Which leads to a further question, did no one think to consult the Ottawa Senators about Sens Mile before it made its way to city council?
Isn’t that who we are dealing with here? Would it not make sense to inform the franchise you are hoping to support before the city motions to open what is historically a playoff-only tradition?
Now, as it appears city council has agreed with the Senators choice to block Sens Mile from opening early, it’s simply looking silly.
According to Ottawa Citizen city hall blogger, Joanne Chianello, the city isn’t going through the normal procedures of reversing the passed motion as “everyone on council would surely agree with the Sens’ request.” via Ottawa Citizen.
While she states it’s a minor issue, which it is in terms of local politics, it should never have happened and if it had to, it should be on the Senators’ shoulders.
As I said before, it only spells Jinx.
What are your thoughts?