Ottawa Senators’ executive Anthony LeBlanc resigns from front office position
Ottawa Senators’ front office executive Anthony LeBlanc has resigns from the organisation, according to an article from Bruce Garrioch. LeBlanc held the post of President of Business Operations and Alternate Governor since 2020. Previously, he served as the president and CEO of the Arizona Coyotes from 2013-2017 and from 2017-2020 he was the lead spokesperson for Schooners Sports and Entertainment, a group that is looking to bring a Canadian Football League team to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The departure comes just weeks after Michael Andlauer won the bid to become the new owner of the Senators. It was expected that changes would be made within the organisation as Andlauer brings in new people to usher in a new era of Senators’ hockey. As President of Business Operations, LeBlanc was responsible for repairing the Senators’ brand in Ottawa and increasing ticket sales, both of which he accomplished.
In the season prior to LeBlanc joining the Senators they were selling an average of 12,618 seats per game, the lowest figure since 1994-95. This past season they averaged 16,757 per game, a 32% increase. LeBlanc shared a post on his LinkedIn page about his departure saying, “one of the accomplishments I am most proud of is the “re-connection” I was able to lead with our fans, season seat members, sponsors, partners and a variety of stakeholders in this incredible community. But most importantly, I am so proud of the team I have had the chance to work with over the past several years. Everyone from the aforementioned board, to Anna and Olivia Melnyk, to the entire staff. “
“This week marks the conclusion of my time as a member of the franchise from an operational perspective, but certainly not as a fan. I will be in the building for the home opener against the Flyers on October 14th and will join the rest of the sold out crowd in welcoming Michael Andlauer and his partners as the new owners of our beloved Sens. I have had the privilege of meeting Mr. Andlauer a few times and spending some time with him. The entire community is blessed to have him as the teams new owner.”
There have been rumours that Cyril Leeder will be re-joining the Senators in a front office role. He was a key player in the expansion process and was an important member of the organisation until he was fired by late owner Eugene Melnyk in 2017.