The Oromocto Senators are only four games into the season, but there’s already a strange, boozy optimism brewing at the Oromocto Civic Centre. After starting the year with a record of 1–3, the Sens have finally found something resembling chemistry — and maybe a mild hangover — thanks to a few fresh faces: Sebastian Aho, Zach Werenski, and farm-team call-up Justin Barron.
Aho’s arrival has been a jolt of caffeine for the top line, skating alongside Mason McTavish and Kent Johnson in what fans are now calling “The Smooth Operators”. Aho’s quick hands and smarter-than-average passes have given Oromocto a sense of rhythm not seen since the franchise briefly led the league in shots back in the preseason. The Sens still sit somewhere above dead last in both Shots For and Shots Against per game, which — for a team only four games in — feels like a Stanley Cup run compared to last year’s start.
On the blue line, Werenski has slotted in nicely next to Luke Hughes, giving the top defensive pair both stability and good hair. Meanwhile, Justin Barron’s call-up has been surprisingly steady — mostly because he hasn’t been on the ice for half the goals against. Paired with Lassi Thomson, the two have formed what fans affectionately call “The Defensive Maybe Line.”
But the real story this week isn’t on the ice — it’s in the luxury section. The team unveiled its newest attraction: The A-Ho Box. Each home game, one lucky fan and a “friend” (or, if you’re alone, a “choose-your-own-adventure companion”) get the keys to this private suite of questionable taste. Every time Aho registers a point, a beer fountain activates, showering the suite in liquid victory. Should the Sens’ performance drive guests to despair, the box also features privacy shutters — perfect for when you’d rather work on your own scoring chances.
It’s too early to say if the Sens’ new additions will lead to more wins, but at least for now, Oromocto’s found something worth cheering — and occasionally chugging — about.
11/3/2025 - 336 words
