Ottawa's most spirited student hockey fans are getting their moment in the spotlight — the Ottawa Senators and Desjardins have teamed up to host a Student Appreciation Night for the beloved Sens Student Army.
What Is the Sens Student Army?
The Sens Student Army is one of the most passionate fan groups in the NHL, made up of Ottawa-area students who pack the Canadian Tire Centre with energy, noise, and serious team pride. Known for their affordably priced student tickets and their electric presence in the arena, the Student Army has become a cornerstone of the Senators' game-day atmosphere.
For years, these fans have shown up loudly and loyally — and now, thanks to a partnership with Desjardins, they're being recognized for it.
Desjardins Steps Up
Financial cooperative Desjardins is sponsoring the Student Appreciation Night as a way to give back to the young fans who make Canadian Tire Centre one of the louder buildings in the league on any given night. It's a fitting partnership — Desjardins has long positioned itself as a community-first institution, and supporting student fans at an Ottawa Senators game is very much in that spirit.
Details around the exact date and any special in-arena activations have been tied to the NHL.com announcement, but events like these typically include special pricing, giveaways, and a heightened atmosphere engineered specifically for the student crowd.
Why This Matters for Ottawa
Student sports fandom is the lifeblood of long-term loyalty for any franchise. When students grow up going to Sens games — yelling their lungs out in the upper bowl, painting their faces, losing their voices by the second period — they don't stop being fans when they graduate. They buy season tickets. They bring their kids. They become the backbone of a fanbase.
Ottawa's university and college scene is significant, with institutions like the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and Algonquin College all feeding into the city's young adult population. The Sens Student Army draws from all of them, and initiatives like Student Appreciation Night keep that pipeline alive and enthusiastic.
A Bright Spot in a Building Season
With the Senators continuing to build toward playoff contention, maintaining fan energy — especially among younger demographics — is crucial. Student nights, affordable ticket programs, and community partnerships like this one from Desjardins help ensure that the next generation of Ottawa hockey fans feels genuinely seen and valued by the organization.
It's not just good PR. It's smart franchise building.
How to Get Involved
If you're a student in Ottawa and haven't joined the Sens Student Army yet, Student Appreciation Night is the perfect entry point. Check the Ottawa Senators' official website or their social media channels for ticket information and event details.
Whether you're a die-hard who hasn't missed a home game all season or a casual fan looking for an affordable, fun night out — this is the kind of event that reminds you why live hockey in Ottawa hits different.
Go Sens go.
Source: NHL.com via Google News
