There were few positives for original Ottawa Senators coach Rick Bowness to open the 1995\u002D96 season, but he feels fortunate to have been around for the “gift”…
Following three seasons as a bottom basement expansion franchise, still playing out of the Civic Centre, the mood was bleak.Sign up to receive daily headline news from Ottawa Citizen, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Postmedia Network Inc.
The Senators exposed Alfredsson again and again during the exhibition schedule, but he never wavered in establishing himself despite the dim surroundings. “I had 5 growing up, I had 55 for one year in Division 1 and then 24,” Alfredsson once told the Ottawa Citizen. While the end would soon come for Bowness — fired and replaced by the short-lived Dave Allison after a 6-13-0 start — Alfredsson kept battling through the worst of hockey times.
Considering all the turmoil — Pierre Gauthier later replaced Randy Sexton as general manager and Jacques Martin mercifully took over from Allison after he won only two of 27 games — Alfredsson had doubts about returning for a second season.Article content “I was privileged to have him for nine years. When he took over as captain, it was right at the time that we were becoming an elite team, a complete team. He was so dedicated and committed, a great two-way player and very responsible and set such a good example for guys like Mike Fisher, Martin Havlat and Antoine Vermette.”This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former Senators coaches Bowness and Martin toast Alfredsson as he goes into Hall of FameThere were few positives for original Ottawa Senators coach Rick Bowness to open the 1995\u002D96 season, but he feels fortunate to have been around for the “gift”…
Read more »
Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds confirms interest in buying Ottawa Senators | CBC NewsThe rumours are true, Ryan Reynolds wants to buy the Ottawa Senators.
Read more »
Senators to retire Chris Neil's jersey number Feb. 17 - Daily FaceoffNeil becomes the fourth player to receive the honor in Ottawa's history.
Read more »
Garrioch: Ottawa Senators' losing streak reaches six games with Reynolds watchingTrying to put on a good show with prospective owner Ryan Reynolds in the house, the Senators dropped their sixth straight with a 6\u002D4 loss to the Vancouver Canucks.
Read more »
Garrioch: Chris Neil's No. 25 jersey will be retired by the Ottawa Senators in February\u0022I\u0027ve lived in Ottawa for this long and I\u0027m part of this community, this is home. I was very shocked and very surprised.\u0022
Read more »
Garrioch: Chris Neil's No. 25 jersey will be retired by the Ottawa Senators in February\u0022I\u0027ve lived in Ottawa for this long and I\u0027m part of this community, this is home. I was very shocked and very surprised.\u0022
Read more »