The Ottawa Senators' AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators, have been the AHL affiliate since the 2017-18 season. The distance between Ottawa and Belleville is around 2.5 hours apart from each city.
Today, a huge announcement was made for Belleville.
Belleville agrees to new lease
It was announced that Belleville owner Michael Andlauer and the city of Belleville agreed on a new three-year lease extension. The new lease will keep Belleville playing in the city until at least the 2029-30 season.
The new lease means Belleville will continue to call the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre its home, which includes the priority use of CAA Arena's ice surface, dressing room and team office facilites.
Part of the new deal includes a five-year option for the team to extend further, which would be until the end of the 2034-35 season.
Andlauer described the news as "great news" for hockey fans around Bay of Quinte and also that the team is "committed to thrive" in the 613 market.
"The connection between the city of Belleville and the Senators Hockey Club is truly a mutually beneficial that will only continue to improve and prosper in the years to come," Andlauer said.
Belleville will begin its 2025-26 season at PPL Center against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on Oct. 11, but the home opener will be on Oct. 18 when they host the Toronto Marlies. Belleville will be eager to return to the Calder Cup Playoffs after missing out in 2025.