On March 24, 2026, the Belleville Senators are set to host the OFSAA AA Boys Hockey Championship, a significant event that will take place from March 24 to March 26. This tournament will feature 16 teams competing in a total of 32 games, showcasing young talent in the sport.
However, just before this championship, the Senators faced a setback when defensemen Thomas Chabot and Lassi Thomson left a recent game against the New York Rangers due to injuries. Chabot was seen leaving the ice ‘in obvious pain’ while ‘clutching his right wrist,’ according to TSN’s Claire Hanna.
Chabot has been a key player for the Senators this season, scoring 7 goals and accumulating 31 points in 55 games, while averaging 22:34 minutes of ice time per game. Meanwhile, Thomson has also contributed significantly, registering 14 goals and 11 assists for a total of 25 points in the same number of games.
Following the game, the Ottawa Senators announced that both players would not return due to their respective injuries—Chabot with a right arm injury and Thomson with a lower-body injury. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact duration of their recovery.
The Senators are currently in a competitive position, trailing just two points behind the New York Islanders for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Their recent performance has been strong, with a three-game win streak and an impressive 8-2-0 record in their last ten games.
The upcoming OFSAA AA Boys Hockey Championship presents an opportunity for the Belleville Senators to engage with the community and promote the sport, even as they navigate these player injuries. The impact of Chabot and Thomson’s absence on the team’s playoff chances remains uncertain.
As the Senators prepare for the championship, the focus will be on how they can maintain momentum despite the challenges posed by these injuries. The next few days will be crucial for both the team and its fans as they look to support their players and the future of hockey in Belleville.
