In the wake of Eugene Melnyk's death on Monday, the Ottawa Senators will wear a jersey patch honouring their late owner for the remainder of the season.
The Senators will begin sporting the "EM" patch Friday in Detroit against the Red Wings, and have 16 games remaining this season.
Melnyk's nearly two-decade run as owner of the Senators covered the full spectrum of highs, lows and controversies. He purchased the franchise and what was then known as the Corel Centre, the team's home arena which would later be named the Canadian Tire Centre, in 2003 for $130 million after Rod Bryden's deal to reacquire the franchise was unsuccessful. At the time and in the intervening years, he has been credited with saving the franchise, which was mired in hardships and facing bankruptcy.
Under Melnyk's ownership, the Senators played in the 2007 Stanley Cup Final, a high-point for the organization, and reached the Conference Finals in 2017.
Soon after the Senators announced his passing, Senators captain Brady Tkachuk and assistant captain Thomas Chabot took to Twitter to pay respect.
"Mr. Melnyk provided me, my teammates, and many Sens players who came before us with an opportunity to live out our dream," Tkachuk wrote on Twitter. "The Ottawa community will miss you greatly. Condolences to your family."
"It is with sadness that I have learned of the passing of Mr. Melnyk," wrote Chabot. "I would like to offer my deepest condolences to his family and love ones. My thoughts are with you in this difficult time."
Ottawa's first game at the Canadian Tire Centre following Melnyk's passing will take place Sunday, also against Detroit.
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