The Belleville Senators hosted a season preview presentation for members of the media at CAA Arena on Wednesday. The event outlined the team’s priorities both on and off the ice as the new AHL season approaches.
In attendance was new General Manager Matt Turek, who shared insights about his background coming from the Brantford Bulldogs of the OHL. Captain Garrett Pilon, returning for his third season with the Belleville Sens, was also present.
Vice President of Business Operations John Mathers discussed various promotional initiatives planned for the 2025-26 season aimed at boosting fan engagement and enhancing the game day experience.
One exciting update involves a unique twist to the popular Winning Wednesday promotion. “It is a struggle in the AHL to fill the barn on Wednesday night,” Mathers explained. “So, after talking with Matt (Turek) and Coach (David) Bell, we’re going to guarantee a win on Winning Wednesdays. If we win on Wednesday, everyone at that game gets a free ticket to the next Wednesday game—and the next one after that—because we’re not going to lose, right, Matt?”
Mathers added that this twist creates an added incentive for fans to attend Wednesday games and helps bring more people back to the arena. “Playing in front of a crowd of 1,500 to 2,000 isn’t as great as playing in front of 4,000 with a sold-out barn. What we’re trying to do is manipulate and drive that game day experience.”
Other promotions include the return of multiple themed nights, such as the popular Belleville Bulls night. A new initiative this year is the team’s first-ever School Day Game. On November 19, students from various school boards across the Quinte region will attend a daytime game, aiming to foster community involvement.
“The feedback in the community has been 10 out of 10. These schools are on board,” Mathers told the media. “We’re figuring out bussing right now, but our goal is to sell out on November 19. It’s something new, and we plan to build on it year over year.”
The B-Sens will kick off pre-season play this weekend at CAA Arena, facing the Laval Rocket on Friday night and the Toronto Marlies on Sunday afternoon. Tickets for these games, as well as the Marlies vs. Rocket game on Saturday, are priced at $12 each. Notably, $5 from every ticket will be donated directly to the Belleville General Hospital Foundation’s Fracture Clinic Campaign.
The regular season for the Belleville Senators begins on October 11 with a road game against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The home opener is scheduled for October 18, when the Toronto Marlies visit CAA Arena.
Stay tuned for an exciting season ahead as the B-Sens look to bring energy both on the ice and in the stands!
https://www.quintenews.com/2025/10/01/367512/