News Release Share this GM Matt Turek touches on Belleville Sens 2025-26 season and beyond on 800 CJBQ April 1, 2026 Belleville Senators General Manager Matt Turek has doubled down on a recent letter to season seat members, with the message that the hockey club “is not satisfied” with its results to this point, late in the 2025-26 season, and reinforced the commitment to continue to build and improve moving into the Sens 10th season in the Bay of Quinte in 2026-27. During a Tuesday morning call on 800 AM CJBQ’s Lorne Brooker Show, Turek touched on some of the challenges and successes of the team this year, in developing players to make the jump to the NHL, but says he knows that on-ice performance at the AHL level is also critical. Nearing the end of his first season at the helm in Belleville, the GM has recently been impressed by the knowledge and commitment of hockey fans in the Bay of Quinte. “I love the Belleville area. I’ve watched some minor hockey with the Quinte Red Devils and the Jr. Bulls, and you can tell it’s a passionate hockey town. You can see in the crowd, people are actually watching, and they know everything about the game,” said Turek. “And then you see all of the minor hockey players, or players that have come through to play in the OHL, or pro hockey, it’s pretty amazing.” With the goal of getting better in mind, the Senators have already signed a pair of prospects to NHL Entry Level Contracts and assigned both to the AHL Senators in Belleville, with defender Hoyt Stanley and goaltender Kevin Reidler inking deals last week, and joining the Sens from Cornell University and Penn State University, respectively. Turek says it’s just another example of the professional development path and the impact Belleville’s club is having on its NHL parent. “The talent level in the American Hockey League is really something special. The OHL is a junior league for players 16 to 20, and then the AHL is the professional league for players 20 and older. The biggest thing is that every player that comes to Belleville or the AHL is typically a star in junior hockey, college hockey, or from Europe,” said Turek. “And, if you look at our current season, we’ve had 12 players go up and help out the Ottawa Senators, which is a pretty big number. One night you’re watching Carter Yakemchuk, or Jorian Donovan, or Lassi Thomson play at CAA Arena, and then the next night, you’re watching them with the Sens in the NHL. And, when they can step right in seamlessly, I think that means we’re doing pretty well.” And, as the work continues to prepare for the offseason and fulfill promises to be more competitive on the ice, Turek says continued engagement from fans, especially the season seat members, is one thing that really makes the Friendly City stand out amongst the larger AHL landscape. “The fans feel a part of the team and the players feel it as well. The amount of engagement with the fans and in the community is really special. That’s the one thing about Belleville that you may not have in other places – there’s a real connection between the season seat members and the team. And, heading into a milestone 10th anniversary season in 2026-27, the GM says, there’s lots to look forward to, but there’s still work to be done as the Sens shoot for a third ever Calder Cup Playoffs berth. “For us, it starts on Friday in Rochester. There are a couple of points ahead of us for the final spot, so that’ll be a huge game for us, and then we play Utica the next day,” said Turek. “We’re looking for a successful weekend.” You can listen to the full interview with Matt Turek on CJBQ’s Lorne Brooker Show by clicking here. Season seat memberships for the Belleville Sens’ 10th anniversary season in 2026-27 are on sale now. Fans who purchase or renew their membership will be entered into the Belleville Senators ‘30 Days of Gifting’ contest featuring daily draws for great prizes like, a team signed jersey, game used memorabilia, or popcorn for a year! To mark your spot for the 10th season of Belleville Senators Hockey, you can click here to visit the 2026-27 Season Seat Renewals Page or email tickets@bellevillesens.com. — Visit the Belleville Sens website: www.bellevillesens.com Engage with the Belleville Sens on X: @BellevilleSens Like the Belleville Sens on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BellevilleSens Follow the Belleville Sens on Instagram: @BellevilleSens Listen to the Belleville Sens on Mixlr: www.bellevillesens.mixlr.com
Belleville Senators General Manager Matt Turek has doubled down on a recent letter to season seat members, with the message that the hockey club “is not satisfied” with its results to this point, late in the 2025-26 season, and reinforced the commitment to continue to build and improve moving into the Sens 10th season in the Bay of Quinte in 2026-27. During a Tuesday morning call on 800 AM CJBQ’s Lorne Brooker Show, Turek touched on some of the challenges and successes of the team this year, in developing players to make the jump to the NHL, but says he knows that on-ice performance at the AHL level is also critical. Nearing the end of his first season at the helm in Belleville, the GM has recently been impressed by the knowledge and commitment of hockey fans in the Bay of Quinte. “I love the Belleville area. I’ve watched some minor hockey with the Quinte Red Devils and the Jr. Bulls, and you can tell it’s a passionate hockey town. You can see in the crowd, people are actually watching, and they know everything about the game,” said Turek. “And then you see all of the minor hockey players, or players that have come through to play in the OHL, or pro hockey, it’s pretty amazing.” With the goal of getting better in mind, the Senators have already signed a pair of prospects to NHL Entry Level Contracts and assigned both to the AHL Senators in Belleville, with defender Hoyt Stanley and goaltender Kevin Reidler inking deals last week, and joining the Sens from Cornell University and Penn State University, respectively. Turek says it’s just another example of the professional development path and the impact Belleville’s club is having on its NHL parent. “The talent level in the American Hockey League is really something special. The OHL is a junior league for players 16 to 20, and then the AHL is the professional league for players 20 and older. The biggest thing is that every player that comes to Belleville or the AHL is typically a star in junior hockey, college hockey, or from Europe,” said Turek. “And, if you look at our current season, we’ve had 12 players go up and help out the Ottawa Senators, which is a pretty big number. One night you’re watching Carter Yakemchuk, or Jorian Donovan, or Lassi Thomson play at CAA Arena, and then the next night, you’re watching them with the Sens in the NHL. And, when they can step right in seamlessly, I think that means we’re doing pretty well.” And, as the work continues to prepare for the offseason and fulfill promises to be more competitive on the ice, Turek says continued engagement from fans, especially the season seat members, is one thing that really makes the Friendly City stand out amongst the larger AHL landscape. “The fans feel a part of the team and the players feel it as well. The amount of engagement with the fans and in the community is really special. That’s the one thing about Belleville that you may not have in other places – there’s a real connection between the season seat members and the team. And, heading into a milestone 10th anniversary season in 2026-27, the GM says, there’s lots to look forward to, but there’s still work to be done as the Sens shoot for a third ever Calder Cup Playoffs berth. “For us, it starts on Friday in Rochester. There are a couple of points ahead of us for the final spot, so that’ll be a huge game for us, and then we play Utica the next day,” said Turek. “We’re looking for a successful weekend.” You can listen to the full interview with Matt Turek on CJBQ’s Lorne Brooker Show by clicking here. Season seat memberships for the Belleville Sens’ 10th anniversary season in 2026-27 are on sale now. Fans who purchase or renew their membership will be entered into the Belleville Senators ‘30 Days of Gifting’ contest featuring daily draws for great prizes like, a team signed jersey, game used memorabilia, or popcorn for a year! To mark your spot for the 10th season of Belleville Senators Hockey, you can click here to visit the 2026-27 Season Seat Renewals Page or email tickets@bellevillesens.com. — Visit the Belleville Sens website: www.bellevillesens.com Engage with the Belleville Sens on X: @BellevilleSens Like the Belleville Sens on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BellevilleSens Follow the Belleville Sens on Instagram: @BellevilleSens Listen to the Belleville Sens on Mixlr: www.bellevillesens.mixlr.com
Belleville Senators General Manager Matt Turek has doubled down on a recent letter to season seat members, with the message that the hockey club “is not satisfied” with its results to this point, late in the 2025-26 season, and reinforced the commitment to continue to build and improve moving into the Sens 10th season in the Bay of Quinte in 2026-27. During a Tuesday morning call on 800 AM CJBQ’s Lorne Brooker Show, Turek touched on some of the challenges and successes of the team this year, in developing players to make the jump to the NHL, but says he knows that on-ice performance at the AHL level is also critical. Nearing the end of his first season at the helm in Belleville, the GM has recently been impressed by the knowledge and commitment of hockey fans in the Bay of Quinte. “I love the Belleville area. I’ve watched some minor hockey with the Quinte Red Devils and the Jr. Bulls, and you can tell it’s a passionate hockey town. You can see in the crowd, people are actually watching, and they know everything about the game,” said Turek. “And then you see all of the minor hockey players, or players that have come through to play in the OHL, or pro hockey, it’s pretty amazing.” With the goal of getting better in mind, the Senators have already signed a pair of prospects to NHL Entry Level Contracts and assigned both to the AHL Senators in Belleville, with defender Hoyt Stanley and goaltender Kevin Reidler inking deals last week, and joining the Sens from Cornell University and Penn State University, respectively. Turek says it’s just another example of the professional development path and the impact Belleville’s club is having on its NHL parent. “The talent level in the American Hockey League is really something special. The OHL is a junior league for players 16 to 20, and then the AHL is the professional league for players 20 and older. The biggest thing is that every player that comes to Belleville or the AHL is typically a star in junior hockey, college hockey, or from Europe,” said Turek. “And, if you look at our current season, we’ve had 12 players go up and help out the Ottawa Senators, which is a pretty big number. One night you’re watching Carter Yakemchuk, or Jorian Donovan, or Lassi Thomson play at CAA Arena, and then the next night, you’re watching them with the Sens in the NHL. And, when they can step right in seamlessly, I think that means we’re doing pretty well.” And, as the work continues to prepare for the offseason and fulfill promises to be more competitive on the ice, Turek says continued engagement from fans, especially the season seat members, is one thing that really makes the Friendly City stand out amongst the larger AHL landscape. “The fans feel a part of the team and the players feel it as well. The amount of engagement with the fans and in the community is really special. That’s the one thing about Belleville that you may not have in other places – there’s a real connection between the season seat members and the team. And, heading into a milestone 10th anniversary season in 2026-27, the GM says, there’s lots to look forward to, but there’s still work to be done as the Sens shoot for a third ever Calder Cup Playoffs berth. “For us, it starts on Friday in Rochester. There are a couple of points ahead of us for the final spot, so that’ll be a huge game for us, and then we play Utica the next day,” said Turek. “We’re looking for a successful weekend.” You can listen to the full interview with Matt Turek on CJBQ’s Lorne Brooker Show by clicking here. Season seat memberships for the Belleville Sens’ 10th anniversary season in 2026-27 are on sale now. Fans who purchase or renew their membership will be entered into the Belleville Senators ‘30 Days of Gifting’ contest featuring daily draws for great prizes like, a team signed jersey, game used memorabilia, or popcorn for a year! To mark your spot for the 10th season of Belleville Senators Hockey, you can click here to visit the 2026-27 Season Seat Renewals Page or email tickets@bellevillesens.com.
Belleville Senators General Manager Matt Turek has doubled down on a recent letter to season seat members, with the message that the hockey club “is not satisfied” with its results to this point, late in the 2025-26 season, and reinforced the commitment to continue to build and improve moving into the Sens 10th season in the Bay of Quinte in 2026-27. During a Tuesday morning call on 800 AM CJBQ’s Lorne Brooker Show, Turek touched on some of the challenges and successes of the team this year, in developing players to make the jump to the NHL, but says he knows that on-ice performance at the AHL level is also critical. Nearing the end of his first season at the helm in Belleville, the GM has recently been impressed by the knowledge and commitment of hockey fans in the Bay of Quinte. “I love the Belleville area. I’ve watched some minor hockey with the Quinte Red Devils and the Jr. Bulls, and you can tell it’s a passionate hockey town. You can see in the crowd, people are actually watching, and they know everything about the game,” said Turek. “And then you see all of the minor hockey players, or players that have come through to play in the OHL, or pro hockey, it’s pretty amazing.” With the goal of getting better in mind, the Senators have already signed a pair of prospects to NHL Entry Level Contracts and assigned both to the AHL Senators in Belleville, with defender Hoyt Stanley and goaltender Kevin Reidler inking deals last week, and joining the Sens from Cornell University and Penn State University, respectively. Turek says it’s just another example of the professional development path and the impact Belleville’s club is having on its NHL parent. “The talent level in the American Hockey League is really something special. The OHL is a junior league for players 16 to 20, and then the AHL is the professional league for players 20 and older. The biggest thing is that every player that comes to Belleville or the AHL is typically a star in junior hockey, college hockey, or from Europe,” said Turek. “And, if you look at our current season, we’ve had 12 players go up and help out the Ottawa Senators, which is a pretty big number. One night you’re watching Carter Yakemchuk, or Jorian Donovan, or Lassi Thomson play at CAA Arena, and then the next night, you’re watching them with the Sens in the NHL. And, when they can step right in seamlessly, I think that means we’re doing pretty well.” And, as the work continues to prepare for the offseason and fulfill promises to be more competitive on the ice, Turek says continued engagement from fans, especially the season seat members, is one thing that really makes the Friendly City stand out amongst the larger AHL landscape. “The fans feel a part of the team and the players feel it as well. The amount of engagement with the fans and in the community is really special. That’s the one thing about Belleville that you may not have in other places – there’s a real connection between the season seat members and the team. And, heading into a milestone 10th anniversary season in 2026-27, the GM says, there’s lots to look forward to, but there’s still work to be done as the Sens shoot for a third ever Calder Cup Playoffs berth. “For us, it starts on Friday in Rochester. There are a couple of points ahead of us for the final spot, so that’ll be a huge game for us, and then we play Utica the next day,” said Turek. “We’re looking for a successful weekend.” You can listen to the full interview with Matt Turek on CJBQ’s Lorne Brooker Show by clicking here. Season seat memberships for the Belleville Sens’ 10th anniversary season in 2026-27 are on sale now. Fans who purchase or renew their membership will be entered into the Belleville Senators ‘30 Days of Gifting’ contest featuring daily draws for great prizes like, a team signed jersey, game used memorabilia, or popcorn for a year! To mark your spot for the 10th season of Belleville Senators Hockey, you can click here to visit the 2026-27 Season Seat Renewals Page or email tickets@bellevillesens.com.
Belleville Senators General Manager Matt Turek has doubled down on a recent letter to season seat members, with the message that the hockey club “is not satisfied” with its results to this point, late in the 2025-26 season, and reinforced the commitment to continue to build and improve moving into the Sens 10th season in the Bay of Quinte in 2026-27. During a Tuesday morning call on 800 AM CJBQ’s Lorne Brooker Show, Turek touched on some of the challenges and successes of the team this year, in developing players to make the jump to the NHL, but says he knows that on-ice performance at the AHL level is also critical. Nearing the end of his first season at the helm in Belleville, the GM has recently been impressed by the knowledge and commitment of hockey fans in the Bay of Quinte. “I love the Belleville area. I’ve watched some minor hockey with the Quinte Red Devils and the Jr. Bulls, and you can tell it’s a passionate hockey town. You can see in the crowd, people are actually watching, and they know everything about the game,” said Turek. “And then you see all of the minor hockey players, or players that have come through to play in the OHL, or pro hockey, it’s pretty amazing.” With the goal of getting better in mind, the Senators have already signed a pair of prospects to NHL Entry Level Contracts and assigned both to the AHL Senators in Belleville, with defender Hoyt Stanley and goaltender Kevin Reidler inking deals last week, and joining the Sens from Cornell University and Penn State University, respectively. Turek says it’s just another example of the professional development path and the impact Belleville’s club is having on its NHL parent. “The talent level in the American Hockey League is really something special. The OHL is a junior league for players 16 to 20, and then the AHL is the professional league for players 20 and older. The biggest thing is that every player that comes to Belleville or the AHL is typically a star in junior hockey, college hockey, or from Europe,” said Turek. “And, if you look at our current season, we’ve had 12 players go up and help out the Ottawa Senators, which is a pretty big number. One night you’re watching Carter Yakemchuk, or Jorian Donovan, or Lassi Thomson play at CAA Arena, and then the next night, you’re watching them with the Sens in the NHL. And, when they can step right in seamlessly, I think that means we’re doing pretty well.” And, as the work continues to prepare for the offseason and fulfill promises to be more competitive on the ice, Turek says continued engagement from fans, especially the season seat members, is one thing that really makes the Friendly City stand out amongst the larger AHL landscape. “The fans feel a part of the team and the players feel it as well. The amount of engagement with the fans and in the community is really special. That’s the one thing about Belleville that you may not have in other places – there’s a real connection between the season seat members and the team. And, heading into a milestone 10th anniversary season in 2026-27, the GM says, there’s lots to look forward to, but there’s still work to be done as the Sens shoot for a third ever Calder Cup Playoffs berth. “For us, it starts on Friday in Rochester. There are a couple of points ahead of us for the final spot, so that’ll be a huge game for us, and then we play Utica the next day,” said Turek. “We’re looking for a successful weekend.” You can listen to the full interview with Matt Turek on CJBQ’s Lorne Brooker Show by clicking here. Season seat memberships for the Belleville Sens’ 10th anniversary season in 2026-27 are on sale now. Fans who purchase or renew their membership will be entered into the Belleville Senators ‘30 Days of Gifting’ contest featuring daily draws for great prizes like, a team signed jersey, game used memorabilia, or popcorn for a year! To mark your spot for the 10th season of Belleville Senators Hockey, you can click here to visit the 2026-27 Season Seat Renewals Page or email tickets@bellevillesens.com.
Belleville Senators General Manager Matt Turek has doubled down on a recent letter to season seat members, with the message that the hockey club “is not satisfied” with its results to this point, late in the 2025-26 season, and reinforced the commitment to continue to build and improve moving into the Sens 10th season in the Bay of Quinte in 2026-27. During a Tuesday morning call on 800 AM CJBQ’s Lorne Brooker Show, Turek touched on some of the challenges and successes of the team this year, in developing players to make the jump to the NHL, but says he knows that on-ice performance at the AHL level is also critical. Nearing the end of his first season at the helm in Belleville, the GM has recently been impressed by the knowledge and commitment of hockey fans in the Bay of Quinte. “I love the Belleville area. I’ve watched some minor hockey with the Quinte Red Devils and the Jr. Bulls, and you can tell it’s a passionate hockey town. You can see in the crowd, people are actually watching, and they know everything about the game,” said Turek. “And then you see all of the minor hockey players, or players that have come through to play in the OHL, or pro hockey, it’s pretty amazing.” With the goal of getting better in mind, the Senators have already signed a pair of prospects to NHL Entry Level Contracts and assigned both to the AHL Senators in Belleville, with defender Hoyt Stanley and goaltender Kevin Reidler inking deals last week, and joining the Sens from Cornell University and Penn State University, respectively. Turek says it’s just another example of the professional development path and the impact Belleville’s club is having on its NHL parent. “The talent level in the American Hockey League is really something special. The OHL is a junior league for players 16 to 20, and then the AHL is the professional league for players 20 and older. The biggest thing is that every player that comes to Belleville or the AHL is typically a star in junior hockey, college hockey, or from Europe,” said Turek. “And, if you look at our current season, we’ve had 12 players go up and help out the Ottawa Senators, which is a pretty big number. One night you’re watching Carter Yakemchuk, or Jorian Donovan, or Lassi Thomson play at CAA Arena, and then the next night, you’re watching them with the Sens in the NHL. And, when they can step right in seamlessly, I think that means we’re doing pretty well.” And, as the work continues to prepare for the offseason and fulfill promises to be more competitive on the ice, Turek says continued engagement from fans, especially the season seat members, is one thing that really makes the Friendly City stand out amongst the larger AHL landscape. “The fans feel a part of the team and the players feel it as well. The amount of engagement with the fans and in the community is really special. That’s the one thing about Belleville that you may not have in other places – there’s a real connection between the season seat members and the team. And, heading into a milestone 10th anniversary season in 2026-27, the GM says, there’s lots to look forward to, but there’s still work to be done as the Sens shoot for a third ever Calder Cup Playoffs berth. “For us, it starts on Friday in Rochester. There are a couple of points ahead of us for the final spot, so that’ll be a huge game for us, and then we play Utica the next day,” said Turek. “We’re looking for a successful weekend.” You can listen to the full interview with Matt Turek on CJBQ’s Lorne Brooker Show by clicking here. Season seat memberships for the Belleville Sens’ 10th anniversary season in 2026-27 are on sale now. Fans who purchase or renew their membership will be entered into the Belleville Senators ‘30 Days of Gifting’ contest featuring daily draws for great prizes like, a team signed jersey, game used memorabilia, or popcorn for a year! To mark your spot for the 10th season of Belleville Senators Hockey, you can click here to visit the 2026-27 Season Seat Renewals Page or email tickets@bellevillesens.com.
Belleville Senators General Manager Matt Turek has doubled down on a recent letter to season seat members, with the message that the hockey club “is not satisfied” with its results to this point, late in the 2025-26 season, and reinforced the commitment to continue to build and improve moving into the Sens 10th season in the Bay of Quinte in 2026-27. During a Tuesday morning call on 800 AM CJBQ’s Lorne Brooker Show, Turek touched on some of the challenges and successes of the team this year, in developing players to make the jump to the NHL, but says he knows that on-ice performance at the AHL level is also critical. Nearing the end of his first season at the helm in Belleville, the GM has recently been impressed by the knowledge and commitment of hockey fans in the Bay of Quinte. “I love the Belleville area. I’ve watched some minor hockey with the Quinte Red Devils and the Jr. Bulls, and you can tell it’s a passionate hockey town. You can see in the crowd, people are actually watching, and they know everything about the game,” said Turek. “And then you see all of the minor hockey players, or players that have come through to play in the OHL, or pro hockey, it’s pretty amazing.” With the goal of getting better in mind, the Senators have already signed a pair of prospects to NHL Entry Level Contracts and assigned both to the AHL Senators in Belleville, with defender Hoyt Stanley and goaltender Kevin Reidler inking deals last week, and joining the Sens from Cornell University and Penn State University, respectively. Turek says it’s just another example of the professional development path and the impact Belleville’s club is having on its NHL parent. “The talent level in the American Hockey League is really something special. The OHL is a junior league for players 16 to 20, and then the AHL is the professional league for players 20 and older. The biggest thing is that every player that comes to Belleville or the AHL is typically a star in junior hockey, college hockey, or from Europe,” said Turek. “And, if you look at our current season, we’ve had 12 players go up and help out the Ottawa Senators, which is a pretty big number. One night you’re watching Carter Yakemchuk, or Jorian Donovan, or Lassi Thomson play at CAA Arena, and then the next night, you’re watching them with the Sens in the NHL. And, when they can step right in seamlessly, I think that means we’re doing pretty well.” And, as the work continues to prepare for the offseason and fulfill promises to be more competitive on the ice, Turek says continued engagement from fans, especially the season seat members, is one thing that really makes the Friendly City stand out amongst the larger AHL landscape. “The fans feel a part of the team and the players feel it as well. The amount of engagement with the fans and in the community is really special. That’s the one thing about Belleville that you may not have in other places – there’s a real connection between the season seat members and the team. And, heading into a milestone 10th anniversary season in 2026-27, the GM says, there’s lots to look forward to, but there’s still work to be done as the Sens shoot for a third ever Calder Cup Playoffs berth. “For us, it starts on Friday in Rochester. There are a couple of points ahead of us for the final spot, so that’ll be a huge game for us, and then we play Utica the next day,” said Turek. “We’re looking for a successful weekend.” You can listen to the full interview with Matt Turek on CJBQ’s Lorne Brooker Show by clicking here. Season seat memberships for the Belleville Sens’ 10th anniversary season in 2026-27 are on sale now. Fans who purchase or renew their membership will be entered into the Belleville Senators ‘30 Days of Gifting’ contest featuring daily draws for great prizes like, a team signed jersey, game used memorabilia, or popcorn for a year! To mark your spot for the 10th season of Belleville Senators Hockey, you can click here to visit the 2026-27 Season Seat Renewals Page or email tickets@bellevillesens.com.
