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Thursday, November 25, 1999
What a relief!
Players hope decision keeps Sens in Ottawa
ATLANTA -- While the Senators continue to hope for some breaks on the ice, they're pleased with the one they got from Kanata City Council in the wee hours of yesterday morning.
The Senators, who have lost three straight games, were pleased to hear the city has decided to give owner Rod Bryden tax relief.
And, they hope it bodes well for the future.
"That's one level of government and you just hope the other ones follow suit," said Ottawa goalie Ron Tugnutt. "You always want to hear good news and it was nice to wake up to some (today).
"I just bought a home for my family in Stittsville and obviously I'm watching what's happening with the situation.
"It's not something we're concerned with all the time, because there are too many other things happening ... but it's good news."
Bryden's fight is far from over. Issues with the province of Ontario still have to be settled, the regional government has to lend a hand and federal Industry Minister John Manley has been waffling on the issue.
Many of the Senators have made it clear they have no desire to leave Ottawa.
Having teams in Canada is as important to some of them as it is to the impassioned fans who have rallied behind the effort to save the Senators.
Senators coach Jacques Martin was with the Nordiques when they moved from Quebec City to Denver and he believes that the city has never recovered from the loss of the NHL.
"I don't think the city gets as much recognition around North America because they lost that team," said Martin. "I believe it's hurt business in that city and it's hurt the image of the city.
DIFFERENT SCENARIO
"Quebec was a different scenario than here. Nobody really talked about it during the season and then all of the sudden in the summer they couldn't get the new rink and they were gone."
Born in St. Pascal, just outside of Ottawa, Martin has realized a dream of being able to coach in his home town. He believes this area wants the Senators.
"If you look at the business side of the operation, everything has been great," said Martin. "I think the support we get in this area has been wonderful and we know that the people here are excited about hockey.
"What Kanata did is a positive step and you have (to hope) that Mr. Bryden will get assistance from the other levels of government. I don't want to see another team move to the United States. We have a great thing here in this city."
At least with this breakthrough, Bryden has moved one step closer to the finish line.
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