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Eugene Melnyk built complex legacy during 20 years of business in Ottawa – CBC.ca

Published

3 years ago

March 29, 2022

As residents woke up to the news that Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk died on Monday, they remembered a man who saved the team from relocation nearly 20 years ago, but whose relationship with the city became complex.

Melnyk bought the Sens and their home arena in 2003 for $130 million US when the previous franchise owner, Rod Bryden, went bankrupt. Melnyk put in the offer and reached a deal with creditors after Bryden’s deal to reacquire the team was unsuccessful.

The team reached its peak in the mid-2000s that culminated in a trip to the Stanley Cup final four years into Melnyk’s ownership. Amid lagging performance and attendance in more recent years, however, many disgruntled Senators fans had openly criticized Melnyk’s leadership and called — loudly — for him to sell the team.

That discussion reached a fever pitch at the tail end of a disastrous season in 2018 when a fundraising campaign amassed more than $10,000 for billboards emblazoned with #MelnykOut in large, block letters.

A billboard calling for Melnyk to sell the team is seen in Ottawa in March 2018. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)

It happened after Melnyk hinted at the possibility of relocating the team, and complained of having to “beg” fans to buy tickets ahead of an NHL 100 Classic outdoor game.

The 2019 collapse of his bid to build a new NHL arena in the heart of Ottawa in a redevelopment of LeBreton Flats — a large parcel of land close to the downtown core, straddled along the Ottawa River — was another black mark on his relationship with the city.

At the time, Mayor Jim Watson publicly chastised Melnyk for being difficult to deal with.

But in a social media post on Tuesday, Watson wrote: “While we didn’t always see eye to eye on some issues, I was always appreciative that Mr. Melnyk stepped forward to keep the [Senators] in Ottawa, solidifying the organization’s place as an integral part of our city.

“My sincere condolences go out to his family and his colleagues.”

Mayor Jim Watson and Melnyk publicly sparred in 2019 as Melnyk’s bid to redevelop LeBreton Flats failed. (Laura Osman/CBC)

Ottawa Senators founder Bruce Firestone said by phone Tuesday he was sad to hear of Melnyk’s untimely passing at the age of 62, and that he’s choosing to remember Melnyk as the handsome, “full of beans” younger man he knew when Melnyk took over the franchise.

“Later on, as the team performed worse, and as player turnover increased, it became more difficult,” Firestone said. “I actually checked yesterday, before I heard the news, and I was actually quite disappointed to learn that the Senators are last in the NHL, out of 32 teams … in terms of attendance. And there’s many reasons for that, but it is disappointing.”

WATCH | Bruce Firestone on Eugene Melnyk’s time as owner:

Melnyk deserves credit for saving Ottawa Senators from relocation, founder says

10 hours ago

Duration 1:10

Bruce Firestone, founder of the Ottawa Senators, says team owner Eugene Melnyk deserves some credit for saving the team from relocation 20 years ago. Melnyk died Monday at the age of 62. 1:10

In Nashville, Tenn., on Thursday, where the Senators are preparing for tonight’s game against the Predators, team captain Brady Tkachuk called this a “sad day” for the organization and the city.

“Ottawa lost a person who cared so much about the community,” Tkachuk told reporters, adding it was “a great honour” to be named captain by Melnyk at the start of season.

Tkachuk said Melnyk was focused on bringing the Stanley Cup to Ottawa, and said that remains the team’s ultimate goal.

“That’s going to be something we want to fulfil and bring a cup back to Ottawa, and that was his mission and we definitely want to honour him by doing that,” Tkachuk said.

<a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sens?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Sens</a> captain Brady Tkachuk comments on Mr. Melnyk’s passing. <a href=”https://t.co/yMSL4lF6Jf”>pic.twitter.com/yMSL4lF6Jf</a>

—@Senators

Emotional message from Senators GM

At a meeting of NHL general managers in Florida, Senators GM Pierre Dorion offered an emotional tribute to Melnyk.

“He’s someone that brought stability to the Ottawa Senators franchise. If not for Eugene Melnyk, the Senators would not be in Ottawa,” Dorion said.

“He made a commitment to the city of Ottawa, to the franchise, to try and build a winner,” Dorion said, thanking Melnyk for entrusting him with the GM job. “I’m so thankful [to] him for giving me that opportunity, and I want to promise the fans in Ottawa that we will deliver a Stanley Cup one day.”

The Senators’ next home game is Sunday against the Detroit Red Wings. Fans are calling on each other to fill the stands at the Canadian Tire Centre in Melnyk’s honour.

Here’s some of their online response to Melnyk’s death.

Hey <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sens?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Sens</a> fans you can slag Melnyk all you want – <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/MelnykOut?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#MelnykOut</a> and all that but you wouldn’t even have an nhl team without him <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/facts?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#facts</a>

—@pall_bunion

I love the energy to fill the CTC on Sunday. But truth is, that arena needs to be packed nightly from here on out. Melnyk kept this team in Ottawa. Many said if he sold they would go. Time to step up <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sens?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Sens</a> fans. Euge was the only reason this team is here today.

—@dailysensnews

Forever grateful for Eugene’s steadfast determination to keep NHL hockey in our nation’s capital, when few others would have. That 2007 Cup Final was the highlight of Sens fandom and hope to get back there soon! <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/SENS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#SENS</a> <a href=”https://t.co/R0sSxLsoA3″>https://t.co/R0sSxLsoA3</a>

—@CelticJackson

I was not a fan of Eugene Melnyk’s methods, but you can never take away the fact that he single-handedly saved the <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sens?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Sens</a> organization in its darkest hour.

—@TracyShouldice

…if not for Eugene Melnyk, Ottawa might’ve lost the team years ago. So thank you Eugene, for giving me a hometown team to cheer for. RIP. Now let’s cross our fingers the next owner(s) have deeper pockets, better hockey sense, and the last name Alfredsson. <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoSensGo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#GoSensGo</a> 2/2

—@standupmonkey

RIP to the owner of the <a href=”https://twitter.com/Senators?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@Senators</a> Eugene Melnyk. As a Sens fan this comes as a shock as he was so young. I didn’t agree with every decision he made, but never wanted this as an outcome. Extremely sad day. <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/gosensgo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#gosensgo</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/ottawasenators?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#ottawasenators</a>

—@SignatureNation

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Sports

Champions Trophy host Pakistan says it’s not been told India wants to play cricket games elsewhere

Published

1 day ago

November 8, 2024

Anne Joseph

LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — A top official of the Pakistan Cricket Board declined Friday to confirm media reports that India has decided against playing any games in host Pakistan during next year’s Champions Trophy.

“My view is if there’s any problems, they (India) should tell us in writing,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi told reporters in Lahore. “I’ll share that with the media as well as with the government as soon as I get such a letter.”

Indian media reported Friday that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has communicated its concerns to all the Champions Trophy stakeholders, including the PCB, over the Feb. 19-March 9 tournament and would not play in arch-rival Pakistan.

The Times of India said that “Dubai is a strong candidate to host the fixtures involving the Men in Blue” for the 50-over tournament.

Such a solution would see Pakistan having to travel to a neutral venue to play India in a group match, with another potential meeting later in the tournament if both teams advanced from their group. The final is scheduled for March 9 in Pakistan with the specific venue not yet decided.

“Our stance is clear,” Naqvi said. “They need to give us in writing any objections they may have. Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one.”

Pakistan hosted last year’s Asia Cup but all India games were played in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model for the tournament. Only months later Pakistan did travel to India for the 50-over World Cup.

Political tensions have stopped bilateral cricket between the two nations since 2008 and they have competed in only multi-nation tournaments, including ICC World Cups.

“Cricket should be free of politics,” Naqvi said. “Any sport should not be entangled with politics. Our preparations for the Champions Trophy will continue unabated, and this will be a successful event.”

The PCB has already spent millions of dollars on the upgrade of stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi which are due to host 15 Champions Trophy games. Naqvi hoped all the three stadiums will be ready over the next two months.

“Almost every country wants the Champions Trophy to be played here (in Pakistan),” Naqvi said. “I don’t think anyone should make this a political matter, and I don’t expect they will. I expect the tournament will be held at the home of the official hosts.”

Eight countries – Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan – are due to compete in the tournament, the schedule of which is yet to be announced by the International Cricket Council.

“Normally the ICC announces the schedule of any major tournament 100 days before the event, and I hope they will announce it very soon,” Naqvi said.

___

AP cricket:

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Sports

Dabrowski, Routlife into WTA doubles final with win over Melichar-Martinez, Perez

Published

1 day ago

November 8, 2024

Anne Joseph

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Ottawa‘s Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe of New Zealand are through to the doubles final at the WTA Finals after a 7-6 (7), 6-1 victory over Nicole Melichar-Martinez of the United States and Australia’s Ellen Perez in semifinal action Friday.

Dabrowski and Routliffe won a hard-fought first set against serve when Routliffe’s quick reaction at the net to defend a Perez shot gave the duo set point, causing Perez to throw down her racket in frustration.

The second seeds then cruised through the second set, winning match point on serve when Melichar-Martinez couldn’t handle Routliffe’s shot.

The showdown was a rematch of last year’s semifinal, which Melichar-Martinez and Perez won in a super tiebreak.

Dabrowski and Routliffe will face the winner of a match between Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend, and Hao-Ching Chan and Veronika Kudermetova in the final on Saturday.

Dabrowski is aiming to become the first Canadian to win a WTA Finals title.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2024.

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Winger Tajon Buchanan back with Canada after recovering from broken leg

Published

1 day ago

November 8, 2024

Anne Joseph

Inter Milan winger Tajon Buchanan, recovered from a broken leg suffered in training at this summer’s Copa America, is back in Jesse Marsch’s Canada squad for the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Suriname.

The 25-year-old from Brampton, Ont., underwent surgery July 3 to repair a fractured tibia in Texas.

Canada, ranked 35th in the world, plays No. 136 Suriname on Nov. 15 in Paramaribo. The second leg of the aggregate series is four days later at Toronto’s BMO Field.

There is also a return for veteran winger Junior Hoilett, who last played for Canada in June in a 4-0 loss to the Netherlands in Marsch’s debut at the Canadian helm. The 34-year-old from Brampton, now with Scotland’s Hibernian, has 15 goals in 63 senior appearances for Canada.

Midfielder Ismael Kone, recovered from an ankle injury sustained on club duty with France’s Marseille, also returns. He missed Canada’s last three matches since the fourth-place Copa America loss to Uruguay in July.

But Canada will be without centre back Derek Cornelius, who exited Marseille’s win Sunday over Nantes on a stretcher after suffering an apparent rib injury.

The Canadian men will prepare for Suriname next week at a camp in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

“We are looking forward to getting the group together again with the mindset that there is a trophy on the line,” Marsch said in a statement. “We want to end 2024 the right way with two excellent performances against a competitive Suriname squad and continue building on our tremendous growth this past summer.”

The quarterfinal winners advance to the Nations League Finals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., with the two semifinals scheduled for March 20 and the final and third-place playoff March 23, and qualify for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Thirteen of the 23 players on the Canadian roster are 25 or younger, with 19-year-old defender Jamie Knight-Lebel, currently playing for England’s Crewe Alexandra on loan from Bristol City, the youngest.

Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies captains the side with Stephen Eustaquio, Jonathan Osorio, Richie Laryea, Alistair Johnston and Kamal Miller adding veteran support.

Jonathan David, Cyle Larin and Theo Bair are joined in attack by Minnesota United’s Tani Oluwaseyi.

Niko Sigur, a 21-year-old midfielder with Croatia’s Hadjuk Split, continues in the squad after making his debut in the September friendly against Mexico.

Suriname made it to the Nations League quarterfinals by finishing second to Costa Rica in Group A of the Nations League, ahead of No. 104 Guatemala, No. 161 Guyana and unranked Martinique and Guadeloupe.

“A good team,” Osorio said of Suriname. “These games are always tricky and they’re not easy at all … Suriname is a (former) Dutch colony and they’ll have Dutch players playing at high levels.”

“They won’t be someone we overlook at all,” added the Toronto FC captain, who has 81 Canada caps to his credit.

Located on the northeast coast of South America between Guyana and French Guiana, Suriname was granted independence in 1975 by the Netherlands.

Canada has faced Suriname twice before, both in World Cup qualifying play, winning 4-0 in suburban Chicago in June 2021 and 2-1 in Mexico City in October 1977.

The Canadian men, along with Mexico, the United States and Panama, received a bye into the final eight of the CONCACAF Nations League.

Canada, No. 2 in the CONCACAF rankings, drew Suriname as the best-placed runner-up from League A play.

Canada lost to Jamaica in last year’s Nations League quarterfinal, ousted on the away-goals rule after the series ended in a 4-4 draw. The Canadians lost 2-0 to the U.S. in the final of the 2022-23 tournament and finished fifth in 2019-20.

Canada defeated Panama 2-1 last time out, in an Oct. 15 friendly in Toronto.

Goalkeepers Maxime Crepeau and Jonathan Sirois, defenders Joel Waterman, Laryea and Miller and Osorio took part in a pre-camp this week in Toronto for North America-based players.

Canada Roster

Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau, Portland Timbers (MLS); Jonathan Sirois, CF Montreal (MLS); Dayne St. Clair, Minnesota United FC (MLS).

Defenders: Moise Bombito, OGC Nice (France); Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich (Germany); Richie Laryea, Toronto FC (MLS); Alistair Johnston, Celtic (Scotland); Jamie Knight-Lebel. Crewe Alexandra, on loan from Bristol City (England); Kamal Miller, Portland Timbers (MLS); Joel Waterman, CF Montreal (MLS).

Midfielders: Ali Ahmed. Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS); Tajon Buchanan, Inter Milan (Italy); Mathieu Choiniere, Grasshopper Zurich (Switzerland); Stephen Eustaquio, FC Porto (Portugal); Junior Hoilett, Hibernian FC (Scotland); Ismael Kone, Olympique Marseille (France); Jonathan Osorio, Toronto FC (MLS); Jacob Shaffelburg, Nashville SC (MLS); Niko Sigur, Hadjuk Split (Croatia).

Forwards: Theo Bair, AJ Auxerre (France); Jonathan David, LOSC Lille (France); Cyle Larin, RCD Mallorca (Spain); Tani Oluwaseyi, Minnesota United (MLS).

—

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2024.

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