Ottawa's Ultimate Sens Fan Is Ready to Paint the Town Red (and Black)
Ottawa is buzzing with playoff energy, and nobody embodies that spirit quite like Erik Hobbins — superfan, restaurant owner, artist, and one of the most recognizable faces in the stands at Canadian Tire Centre.
With the Ottawa Senators heading into the playoffs, Hobbins is doing what he does best: going all out. We're talking full costumes, face paint, and the kind of electric enthusiasm that makes you proud to be a Sens fan.
A Superfan Like No Other
For Hobbins, cheering on the Senators isn't just a hobby — it's a way of life. The Ottawa local has turned his love of the team into an art form, quite literally. As both a visual artist and a restaurant owner, Hobbins brings a creative flair to his fandom that's hard to miss.
Each game is a production. Think elaborate costumes, handcrafted accessories, and a game face that would make even the most seasoned NHL player do a double take. He and his family have made playoff preparations a household affair, with everyone pitching in to get their best looks ready for the big games.
The Family Behind the Fan
What makes Hobbins' story especially heartwarming is that it's a family effort. His commitment to the Senators has rubbed off on those around him, turning game nights into a full household event. From coordinating costumes to hyping each other up before puck drop, the Hobbins family represents the kind of community spirit that makes Ottawa sports culture so special.
"It's not just about the game," he's said — it's about showing up, making noise, and letting the players know their city has their backs.
Why Fans Like Hobbins Matter
Die-hard superfans are the heartbeat of any hockey city, and Ottawa is no different. When the Senators are deep in a playoff run, the energy in the building — and across the city — shifts in a way that's hard to describe unless you've lived it. Hobbins and fans like him are a big reason for that.
The sight of a fully costumed superfan in the crowd isn't just entertaining — it's a rallying point. Players notice. Other fans feed off it. And for a franchise that's building something exciting with a young, hungry roster, that kind of passionate support from the Ottawa faithful means everything.
Playoff Season in Ottawa Is Something Else
There's a unique electricity to Ottawa during Senators playoff hockey. Flags go up on car antennas, black-and-red fills the streets downtown, and everyone from the corner coffee shop to the office break room has an opinion on line combinations and goaltending.
For Hobbins, it's the best time of year — and he plans to be front and centre, in full costume, making sure Ottawa's voice is heard loud and clear.
Keep your eyes on the stands. You won't miss him.
Source: CBC Ottawa. Originally reported by Sannah Choi for CBC.
