Brady Tkachuk, former Ottawa Senators captain, faced a chorus of boos upon his return to the Canadian Tire Centre ice on Wednesday night, as vocal Sens fans packed the stadium to express their displeasure towards him.
Jack Kelso, a fan, referred to Tkachuk as a “traitor” and expressed disappointment over his departure after promising a Stanley Cup to the team.
Tkachuk, aged 27, requested a trade earlier this year to join the Florida Panthers, a decision that was met with disapproval from many fans.
Throughout the game, every time Tkachuk appeared on the ice or handled the puck, fans erupted in chants, including some with profanity.
Lesley Miller, another fan, mentioned that while expecting the negative reception, the intensity of it was surprising.
Former Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk faced off against his former teammates for the first time Wednesday night since requesting a trade to the Florida Panthers in the spring. Fans at the sold-out Canadian Tire Centre booed him throughout the entire game. The CBC’s Emma Weller was there.
Some attendees modified their Tkachuk jerseys to reflect their disappointment, with some replacing his name with that of the team’s new captain, Thomas Chabot.
A few fans chose to throw their jerseys onto the ice in protest.
On an episode of his podcast, “Wingmen,” Tkachuk pledged to donate any tossed Sens jerseys to the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa.
Fans wore altered jerseys of former Senators player Brady Tkachuk during the game between the Senators and the Florida Panthers in Ottawa. (The Canadian Press/Lisa Wallace)
During the match, a video tribute was dedicated to Tkachuk, who
