New Senators COO Nicolas Ruszkowski Looks To Turn Business Around

The Senators on Thursday officially named NICOLAS RUSZKOWSKI COO, and he will "try to get the organization back on strong financial footing," according to Bruce Garrioch of the OTTAWA SUN. While Senators Owner EUGENE MELNYK has been "playing a bigger role in the front office" since President & CEO TOM ANSELMI left in January, Ruszkowski will "run day-to-day business operations, but won’t have a say in hockey operations." Ruszkowski will "officially begin his new duties on June 14." He faces a "big challenge in trying to restore the confidence of the business community and fans in the Senators organization." The team finished No. 24 among 31 NHL teams in "average attendance this past season with 15,586." It is "not known if Ruszkowski will play a role in negotiations with the National Capital Commission for redevelopment of LeBreton Flats, including construction of a new home arena for the Senators" (OTTAWA SUN, 6/1).