The NHL Board of Governors has unanimously endorsed the purchase of the Ottawa Senators by Michael Andlauer this Thursday.

With this approval, Andlauer is set to take over the reins of the Senators' operations. Meanwhile, Anna and Olivia Melnyk, the offspring of the late Eugene Melnyk, will hold onto a 10 percent stake through the Melnyk Estate.

In a statement, Andlauer expressed, “The Ottawa Senators Hockey Club is a stellar organization, right from the players and staff to arguably the most ardent fan base in the game. My family and I are elated to formally become part of Ottawa’s team and the Ottawa-Gatineau community.

"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the NHL and the Melnyk family for facilitating this opportunity, and for entrusting me with the stewardship of this remarkable franchise moving forward. A big thank you also goes out to my equity partners and advisors on this transaction, who share my vision and dedication towards ushering in both on and off-ice triumphs to the National Capital Region.

"I am eagerly looking forward to touching down in Ottawa and kickstarting this new chapter. It's an immensely exhilarating time for the franchise, the fans, and the local community. Go Sens Go!”

Andlauer, a past proprietor of the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League, has a rich history in the hockey world. His tenure saw the Bulldogs clinch the Calder Cup in 2007. Post selling the franchise to the Canadiens in 2015, Andlauer acquired the Belleville Bulls from the Ontario Hockey League, relocating them to Hamilton, where they snagged OHL championships in 2018 and 2022. Moreover, in 2009, he bought a stake in the Canadiens, Bell Centre, and Gillett Entertainment Group (now known as evenko) as a part of a consortium led by Geoff Molson, serving as the Canadiens alternate governor thereafter.

The Senators set the sale process in motion on Nov. 5, 2022, half a year post the demise of Eugene Melnyk, the owner since 2003, who passed away at 62 due to an illness.

During Melnyk’s era, the Senators had a fair share of limelight with a dash to the 2007 Stanley Cup Final, though falling short to the Anaheim Ducks, and reaching the 2017 Eastern Conference Final, losing in a tight contest to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The previous season saw them finish sixth in the Atlantic Division, with a 39-35-8 record, missing the playoffs by six points.

Representing the estate, the outgoing chairman and governor of the Senators, Sheldon Plener, extended hearty congratulations to Michael Andlauer on this acquisition. He stated, “Michael’s fervor and quest for excellence poise him to make significant strides for the entire National Capital Region, and we are honored to witness him steer this franchise into a promising future.”

Scott Timmins and Ty Wishart have become standout figures in the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL). Originally from Canada, these former NHL players recently celebrated a win with the Melbourne Mustangs, clinching the Goodall Cup as AIHL champions on August 27.

As he celebrated his 34th birthday on September 11, forward Timmins led the AIHL scoreboard with an impressive 82 points from 26 games, while Wishart, at 35, proudly held his position as the league’s top defenseman for the second consecutive year.

However, Australian fans are in for an unparalleled spectacle. "The Aussies are amazed by our performance,” says Timmins, “but the prowess of players from teams like the Arizona Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings is on another level.” The excitement builds as these NHL teams gear up to play in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time.

Starting next week, Melbourne will host the Coyotes and Kings. The teams are scheduled for multiple practice sessions at the O’Brien Icehouse before an open session at the Rod Laver Arena. The highlight will be two preseason games as part of the 2023 NHL Global Series in Melbourne over the weekend. Fans from North America can catch the action live on NHL Network and Sportsnet.

Wishart humorously acknowledges their prominent status in AIHL, “Down here, we feel like big fish in a small pond. But the real spectacle will be when genuine NHL pros take the stage.”

While both players initially came to Melbourne seeking a fun conclusion to their professional careers, they've unexpectedly found a longer-term passion and commitment. Both have decided to extend their stay in Australia.

Timmins and Wishart, with their extensive international experience, recognize the significance of this NHL event. Timmins enthusiastically anticipates a transformative impact on Australian hockey: “The ripple effect from this is bound to uplift the quality and interest in our league here.” Wishart echoes the sentiment.

A long-anticipated moment for hockey fans Down Under has arrived: The NHL is set to make its debut in Australia.

This Friday, the Arizona Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings will embark on their journey to Melbourne, where they are slated to play two preseason games at Rod Laver Arena on September 23 and 24 as part of the 2023 NHL Global Series. A limited number of tickets are up for grabs for these groundbreaking matches.

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly expressed his excitement during the NHL North American Player Media Tour, noting, "This has been in the making for some time. It’s a win-win, benefiting the sport in Australia and expanding our business footprint there. Our gratitude goes out to both teams for embracing this unique opportunity."

Anze Kopitar, the captain of the Kings, shared his enthusiasm but also acknowledged the challenges ahead, especially with the long flight and ensuring team chemistry. A first-time visitor to Australia, Kopitar is optimistic about the reception: “Australian sports fans are renowned for their enthusiasm. I believe hockey will make a lasting impression there.”

While the NHL has ventured into various global territories, from established markets like Finland and Sweden to emerging ones like Germany and China, Australia presents a unique landscape. With a history of hockey dating back to the early 20th century and a spot in the International Ice Hockey Federation since 1938, the sport is not entirely foreign to Aussies. Yet, with only 6,150 registered players and 20 indoor rinks, there's significant room for growth.

Melbourne, known globally as a sports mecca due to events like the Australian Open and the Australian Grand Prix, has a fanbase eagerly waiting to witness the magic of NHL hockey. Daly remarked, “Australians’ love for sports, especially those with a competitive and contact edge, aligns perfectly with hockey. We see a potential fanbase that we can nurture and expand."

In today's interconnected world, international fans can engage with the NHL more closely through TV and online platforms, making these live games a strategic move to foster global fan engagement.