5 Thoughts for Friday

5 ways to cure your Sens withdrawal.

We've reached that time of the offseason where NHL fanbases gawk at any sort of news whatsoever. Everyone's starving for hockey.

And maybe that's one of the reasons the Senators' 25th anniversary logo had such a horrible reception. But to be fair, there would've been outrage whether it was January or July.

After all the RFA signings, the Lehner trade and the draft festivities, Ottawa's summer of change has died down quite quickly. If there weren't any arbitration cases to talk about, we'd be at a complete standstill.

But what happens when Mike Hoffman and Alex Chiasson come to agreements with management and the Senators' 2015-16 roster is almost set in stone? There's still two months until training camp even opens up.

If you're like most Sens fans, hockey withdrawal may be starting to set in.

Here are five ways to fight it.

Sens Summer Fan Fest

Our friend, Kevin Lee (aka @BringBackLee on Twitter), as he has in the past, is organizing a huge gathering of Sens fans with special guests, a silent auction, a panel hosted by 6thSens and much more.

Sens Summer Fan Fest is being held on August 16 at MacLaren's on Elgin at 1pm. It's sure to be a fantastic time.

Relive Your Favourite Moments

More plainly put, just go on YouTube. I'll even get you started.

Here's another.

Alright, one more.

Social Media

Chances are, if your favourite player is below the age of 30, he's definitely on social media. (Apologies to Chris Neil fans)

Go to Instagram and Twitter, type in "Ottawa Senators" in the search bar and follow, follow, follow. How else are you going to keep up to date with what sleeveless shirt Marc Methot is wearing or the latest show Erik Karlsson attended at Bluesfest?

It's extremely likely that 90 percent of the people reading this have already done this step and done it a while ago, but we at Silver Seven enjoy showing newcomers the way to feed their Sens brain.

Plan a Trip

Ever seen a Senators away game that wasn't in Montreal or Toronto? No? Perfect.

What better excuse to travel to Southern California in the middle of January than to watch hockey? New York City in December? Raleigh in the midst of November?

You know what, gather your friends and go spend a few days in Florida during March. I'll even do the work for you.

Tickets: Sens at Panthers March 10, 7:30 p.m.

Plane to Miami: Arriving Thursday, leaving Sunday.

Hotels in Sunrise: Thursday 'til Sunday.

Non-hockey related activities: Top 30 Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale.

Having something to look forward to like a road trip to see the Senators play at someone else's barn will definitely keep your hockey mind busy. Or it could make waiting for the season to start that much more difficult.

Maybe Enjoy the Time Off, You Deserve It

After countless weeks of must-win games and a playoff series that still haunts the dreams of many, Sens fans may be the most deserving of some time away from the rink. It could be all the burgers consumed, but the hearts of the Senators faithful need a rest.

Go on vacation, watch some baseball, enjoy the summer.

That being said, if you're waking up in cold sweats every night, itching for a fix, the first four options are definitely for you.

***

Tell us in the comment section below what you do in the summer to remedy your Sens withdrawal!

Not everyone can afford to pay for sports coverage right now, and that is why we will keep as much of the site's content free for as long as we can.


But if you are able to, please consider subscribing to help keep our articles free (and get a few extra perks).

Erik Condra
  • Ability to comment and participate in our community
  • Twice monthly newsletter available only to subscribers
  • Ad-free reading
  • Our undying love and appreciation
Brady Tkachuk
  • Everything from the Erik Condra tier
  • 10% discount on all merch
  • Access to any future paywalled content
  • A personal thank-you from the Silver Seven staff
Daniel Alfredsson
  • Everything from the Brady Tkachuk tier
  • Inner peace knowing you are supporting quality, independent coverage of your favourite sports team