FINDING FAITH

How do you respond to losing what many fans are now calling the “biggest game in franchise history”?

After five days of reliving this season play by play, it comes down to this: I hate losing. I hate watching what should be a Stanley Cup team get prematurely knocked out in the first round. I think the Sens played a great season - even outplayed the Leafs - but couldn’t put it away. Throw in a few goals that never should have happened and we’re gone for the season.

As an owner, I approach the Ottawa Senators the same way I do any business venture: hire the best people, set the expectations, obtain agreement that the expectations are achievable and let them do their job. I truly believe we had a better team on the ice. I think the expectations were reasonable. I do take some issue with those commentators who say I didn’t get what I paid for. I paid for a Stanley Cup team and I got one - but not this year. Clearly the team didn’t put it away when it counted and many fans today are frustrated at losing to the Leafs … again.

The business of hockey is probably more unforgiving than any other. Expectations are as high as they get. Everything is uncensored - great plays and tragic errors. Seasons are made and lost in a matter of seconds. The margin for error is zero - one inch to the left and you’re through the pads - one inch to the right and you’re out of the playoffs.

There’s been a fair amount of comment and reaction from the media and fans since last Tuesday night’s loss. It’s clear that some want me to dismantle the team and start switching up players. Others recognize that this is the team that has taken us to the playoffs 8 years in a row - an amazing feat for a comparably young franchise. Is that consolation enough for me? No way. This loss is going to sting for some time. But it is a fair point - and speaks to the inherent dangers with wholesale changes to a team that I truly believe will be Stanley Cup champions.

It’s why letting go a coach like Jacques Martin is a tough decision. Jacques is a great coach who raised the level of play on the ice and brought this team from bottom of the pack to an elite leader in the league. Jacques has been a fixture on the bench for 9 years in Ottawa and we are going to miss him - but it’s time for something fresh. I believe the core of our team is solid. I think we have the nucleus of a Stanley Cup championship team - and with new coaching and some well thought through player changes we’ll get it over the top.

I’ve always believed that Ottawa fans feel this game more intensely than any other fans I have seen. My hopes were crushed along with yours on Tuesday night - but only for this season. I also believe the greatest fans are those who can still stand up for their team in the face of a devastating loss - as quickly as you would in the face of a Stanley Cup win.

I’m in this for the long haul and proud of this team - but will make the decisions necessary to realize success in the near term. Success on the ice is paramount, but our fan base is the heart of this organization and I need every one of you - our seventh players - to keep the faith.

If it makes you feel any better, it’s been thirty-seven years since Toronto has won a Stanley Cup. THIRTY SEVEN YEARS! I was seven years old. Two generations - maybe three. I’ll be damned if I allow that to happen to our kids - even for a fraction of that time. If I can guarantee Ottawa fans just one thing, I guarantee you this with absolute certainty: success is within our reach and we will do whatever it takes to win.

I’m truly passionate about this team and I’m on my feet for the Sens today - as well as the fans. The Corel Centre registered in the top 10 NHL arenas this year for attendance - the first in franchise history. Our team gave us a great season with great playing. Our team took us to the playoffs - again. They showed us some spectacular hockey - and for a while - the hope that this would be our year.

It has been said that, “faithless is he who says farewell when the road darkens.” These may be dark days indeed, but my message to fans is simple: have confidence in this team. Have confidence in this team’s leadership. Most important of all - keep the faith that next year will be our year to get it right and get the Cup - to bring it to its rightful place, the capital of Canada, the world’s Mecca of hockey.

En français