Senators unveil plans for 20th anniversary celebration

The Ottawa Senators have big plans for their 20th NHL season, including a heritage jersey, a salute to the inaugural 1992-93 team on opening night and a tribute to the Ottawa teams that won 11 Stanley Cups from 1903-27.

The Senators on Thursday announced details of the season-long celebration of the return of NHL hockey to Ottawa in 1992 -- including the NHL All-Star Game on Jan. 29. It will be the first All-Star Game to be hosted by the Senators.

"This will be a special season for Senators fans," team president Cyril Leeder said. "From the All-Star game to a new heritage jersey and special promotions and tributes, we look to recognize the great moments from the last 20 years, while embracing why hockey makes us such big Senators fans."

The celebration will kick off with members of the first group of modern Senators, the 1992-93 team, as guests for opening night on Oct. 11, when Ottawa hosts the Minnesota Wild. First-year captain Laurie Boschman was on hand Thursday, as was current captain Daniel Alfredsson, who holds most of the franchise's scoring marks.

"I have been part of this team and this community for more than 16 years," Alfredsson said.  "Having the All-Star game here as we celebrate our 20th anniversary will make this season a special one for the fans, both on and off the ice."

The Senators will debut their heritage jerseys, which will be unveiled closer to the start of the regular season, when the Colorado Avalanche come to Scotiabank Place on Oct. 13. The Senators will wear the third jersey on 11 occasions during the 2011-12 season.

During the season, the Senators will also recognize the four Cups won by the Ottawa Silver Seven from 1903-06, as well as the seven won by the original Ottawa Senators from 1910-27 -- including three in a four-year span from 1920-23.