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 were new General Manager Matt Turek, Captain Garrett Pilon, and Vice President of Business Operations John Mathers. Turek spoke about his background coming from the Brantford Bulldogs of the OHL, while Pilon returns to the Belleville Senators for his third season as captain.
John Mathers shared insights on the promotional efforts planned for the 2025-26 season aimed at boosting fan engagement and enhancing the game day experience. One of the exciting initiatives is a unique twist on 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 then the next one, and the next one — because we’re not going to lose, right, Matt?”
This twist is designed to encourage more fans to attend Wednesday games and bring 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. We’re trying to manipulate and drive that game day experience,” Mathers said.
In addition to Winning Wednesdays, the team will reintroduce multiple themed nights, including the return of the popular Belleville Bulls night. A new event this year is the team’s first-ever School Day Game, scheduled for November 19. Students from various school boards across the Quinte region will attend this special day game.
“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 we’re aiming to sell out the arena on November 19. That’s something new, and we plan to build on it year over year.”
As part of pre-season activities, the B-Sens will host two games at CAA Arena this weekend. On Friday night, they face off against the Laval Rocket, followed by a Sunday afternoon game against the Toronto Marlies. Tickets for these games, as well as the Marlies versus Rocket game on Saturday, will be sold for $12 each. Importantly, $5 from every ticket sold will go directly to the Belleville General Hospital Foundation’s Fracture Clinic Campaign.
The Belleville Senators begin their regular season on October 11 with an away game against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The home opener is scheduled for October 18 when the Toronto Marlies visit CAA Arena.
https://www.quintenews.com/2025/10/01/367512/
