Thursday Things

A minor signing and some ticket news make up the Ottawa Senators news so far this Thursday...

Today the Sens signed Zack Smith, their 3rd pick (79th overall) from June's entry draft. The captain of the WHL's Swift Current Broncos led the team in scoring last season, going 22-47--69 in 72 games, with 136PIM. He also contributed 5-5--10 with 29PIM in 12 playoff games. "It is nice to see a player of Zack's character and commitment be rewarded with not only being drafted, but now being signed by the Senators organization. We wish him all the best in his pursuit to play in the NHL," said Head Coach and General Manager Dean Chynoweth.

"When I was drafted I was excited, now being signed, it's even more exciting. I am looking forward to taking the next step and playing pro." Zack says the last two seasons in a Bronco uniform were instrumental in his development. "The biggest key in my development was defining my role, I know what type of player they expect me to be." Judging by Smith's stats, it seems he has really matured and developed in his time with the Broncos. I could see him as a Fisher-type player, centering a scoring line, but also more than willing to play the physical game when necessary. The leadership skills that come from being captain will only help to add further character to the Binghamton Senators squad next season, and hopefully to the Ottawa dressing room down the line.

Also announced today were some final details on this season's Senators tickets. The most interesting news is the creation of 5, 6, or 7 "Hockey Country" Game Paks, allowing fans to get a mix of tickets, featuring 2 tickets to the upcoming 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship, which the Senators will host during Christmastime, explaining their long road trip over that period. The Paks will also contain 3-5 tickets for Sens home games, and they go on sale this Saturday, August 16th, along with tickets to the Sens home exhibition games.

Overall, prices are expected to average out to the same as last year for this season's tickets. A three-tiered premium pricing system of 8 Gold (+30%), 7 Silver (+20%), and 12 Bronze (+10%) games will be based on rivalries and the visits of star players, as well as the time of the week and year. No surprise here, but tickets for all three Leafs games will be cheaper this season than last, which is bound to happen when you don't have your coach stating that the team will "make the playoffs, and compete for the Stanley Cup," as Paul Maurice said of last season. This will be balanced out by a pair of half-price games in October against Phoenix and Florida (hopefully giving us a look at oft-mentioned and highly desirable UFA at season's end, Jay Bouwmeester), as well as 5 kids half-price games and 5 student half-price games, which will hopefully give us at least 10 games that are louder than the oft-quiet arena of seasons past. Single game tickets will go on sale Saturday, September 20th.