Belleville Sens GM’s letter to Season Seat Members: “We are not satisfied”

Dear Season Seat Members, 

As the 2025-26 season winds down and we continue to fight for another berth in the Calder Cup Playoffs, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued passion, loyalty, and belief in Belleville Senators hockey, as we begin to reflect on this campaign and prepare for our 10th season in 2026-27. 

Through all the challenges brought upon us — we’re proud of the meaningful growth within our group—both individually and collectively. We saw forwards Stephen Halliday and Xavier Bourgault, and defenders Carter Yakemchuk and Jorian Donovan make their NHL debuts this year, with seven other players, including forwards Arthur Kaliyev, Tyler Boucher, and Oskar Pettersson, plus defenders Lassi Thomson, Dennis Gilbert, and goaltenders Mads Sogaard and Leevi Merilainen, recalled to Ottawa to play games or further their development by practicing with the NHL club. Our players and staff have shown resilience, professionalism, and a commitment to representing this organization and the Bay of Quinte community the right way. Those are important steps forward as we continue to build on the foundation set here in Belleville over the past nine seasons. 

That said, we are not satisfied. We know that our performance this season did not meet the standard that you expect—and that we expect of ourselves, especially.  

We are here to support the Ottawa Senators and develop the next wave of National Hockey League talent to bring a Stanley Cup to Ottawa, but we also understand that competing to bring a Calder Cup home to the Bay of Quinte is a priority for our fans, and there’s more work to be done there. Accountability is a key part of our culture, and we are committed to taking the necessary steps to improve. 

Our approach at the recent NHL and AHL trade deadlines reflects that commitment. The decisions we made were focused on the future—on strengthening our roster, adding assets that could be good fits for the Senators, and positioning the organization for sustained success at both the NHL and AHL levels. These moves are part of a larger plan, one that we believe will bring us closer to where we all want to be. 

But building a winning team is not something we do alone. 

As season seat members, you are the foundation of this organization. Your commitment and belief in our team—game after game, year after year—provide the stability and support that allows us to grow and push forward. As we move into the 10th season of AHL hockey in the Bay of Quinte and continue building toward sustained success, your presence, feedback, and passion remain essential to what we’re working to achieve. 

Together, we are building something that will last. And we want you to be a part of it. 

Thank you again for your unwavering support.  

Sincerely,

Matt Turek, General Manager
Belleville Senators