The Ottawa Senators have appointed Tom Anselmi team president and chief executive officer, owner Eugene Melnyk announced Wednesday.
Anselmi replaces Cyril Leeder, who stepped down from his position as president of the hockey club.
Anselmi most recently worked for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), first as chief operating officer then as president, and prior to that he served as vice president and general manager of arena operations for Orca Bay Sports and Entertainment (now Canucks Sports & Entertainment).
"Tom's distinguished career in sports and his previous senior executive roles with two other Canadian NHL clubs will be invaluable as we continue our efforts to build an organization that will prepare us for the future and the exciting opportunities which lie ahead," said Melnyk.
Early in his tenure with MLSE, Anselmi oversaw the development of Air Canada Centre, experience valued by the Senators as they look to build an arena closer to downtown Ottawa.
Melnyk says the key is to get the project "rolling" on LeBreton Flats. "You need experience," says Melynk and Anselmi brings that. #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) January 25, 2017
"With this being Canada's 150th, and Ottawa the capital of our nation, the Sens' 25th anniversary and the prospect of a new home downtown, this is an extraordinary opportunity," Anselmi said.
Leeder was one of three principal figures involved in bringing the Senators back to Ottawa, and Melnyk thanked him for "many significant contributions to our hockey club and our community over the past 25 years."
And with that, a new era begins.
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