Ian Mendes
@ianmendes.bsky.social
VP of Comms, Ottawa Senators. Formerly The Athletic, Sportsnet & TSN 1200. Proud Carleton University journalism grad and ringette enthusiast.
Monday column time. And it’s a fun one.
• How did we get Eli Manning to a Sens game?
• Inside Linus Ullmark’s return game at the CTC.
• The best media stories from the week, plus some Sens Olympic-themed trivia.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
• How did we get Eli Manning to a Sens game?
• Inside Linus Ullmark’s return game at the CTC.
• The best media stories from the week, plus some Sens Olympic-themed trivia.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
Mendes Monday Monday | Ottawa Senators
Behind-the-scenes look at the Senators communications department
www.nhl.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Monday column time. And it’s a fun one.
• How did we get Eli Manning to a Sens game?
• Inside Linus Ullmark’s return game at the CTC.
• The best media stories from the week, plus some Sens Olympic-themed trivia.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
• How did we get Eli Manning to a Sens game?
• Inside Linus Ullmark’s return game at the CTC.
• The best media stories from the week, plus some Sens Olympic-themed trivia.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
This week’s column has some of the usual stuff. Trivia, weekly media roundup and a look at the Ring of Honour.
But as we approach the anniversary of Simmer’s passing, I really wanted to take a moment to talk mental health with all of you.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
But as we approach the anniversary of Simmer’s passing, I really wanted to take a moment to talk mental health with all of you.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
Mendes Monday Musings | Ottawa Senators
Behind-the-scenes look at the Senators communications department
www.nhl.com
January 26, 2026 at 5:07 PM
This week’s column has some of the usual stuff. Trivia, weekly media roundup and a look at the Ring of Honour.
But as we approach the anniversary of Simmer’s passing, I really wanted to take a moment to talk mental health with all of you.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
But as we approach the anniversary of Simmer’s passing, I really wanted to take a moment to talk mental health with all of you.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
So that was an interesting week.
What did it look like from my seat?
It’s the perfect fodder for my weekly Monday column.
• Let’s talk about the statement.
• Teeing up our podcast with Cyril Leeder
• Some goalie trivia and a weekly media roundup
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
What did it look like from my seat?
It’s the perfect fodder for my weekly Monday column.
• Let’s talk about the statement.
• Teeing up our podcast with Cyril Leeder
• Some goalie trivia and a weekly media roundup
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
Mendes Monday Musings | Ottawa Senators
Behind-the-scenes look at the Senators communications department
www.nhl.com
January 12, 2026 at 1:48 PM
So that was an interesting week.
What did it look like from my seat?
It’s the perfect fodder for my weekly Monday column.
• Let’s talk about the statement.
• Teeing up our podcast with Cyril Leeder
• Some goalie trivia and a weekly media roundup
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
What did it look like from my seat?
It’s the perfect fodder for my weekly Monday column.
• Let’s talk about the statement.
• Teeing up our podcast with Cyril Leeder
• Some goalie trivia and a weekly media roundup
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
Monday column time.
• Should Jeff Friesen’s goal make our list of memorable CTC moments?
• Previewing our very fun podcast episode with Dylan Cozens.
• Details on public skates at CTC
• And would you be down if we turned CTC into a summer escape room?
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
• Should Jeff Friesen’s goal make our list of memorable CTC moments?
• Previewing our very fun podcast episode with Dylan Cozens.
• Details on public skates at CTC
• And would you be down if we turned CTC into a summer escape room?
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
Mendes Monday Musings | Ottawa Senators
Behind-the-scenes look as the Senators conclude a three-game road trip
www.nhl.com
December 15, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Monday column time.
• Should Jeff Friesen’s goal make our list of memorable CTC moments?
• Previewing our very fun podcast episode with Dylan Cozens.
• Details on public skates at CTC
• And would you be down if we turned CTC into a summer escape room?
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
• Should Jeff Friesen’s goal make our list of memorable CTC moments?
• Previewing our very fun podcast episode with Dylan Cozens.
• Details on public skates at CTC
• And would you be down if we turned CTC into a summer escape room?
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
Time for the Monday column.
• The emotional family story behind our puck drop tomorrow night for our Ignite Hope telethon game.
• What’s your preferred start time for home games at CTC?
• An old school Sens clip, trivia & the best stories of the week.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
• The emotional family story behind our puck drop tomorrow night for our Ignite Hope telethon game.
• What’s your preferred start time for home games at CTC?
• An old school Sens clip, trivia & the best stories of the week.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
Mendes Monday Musings | Ottawa Senators
Behind-the-scenes look as the Senators prepare for annual Ignite Hope Telethon
www.nhl.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Time for the Monday column.
• The emotional family story behind our puck drop tomorrow night for our Ignite Hope telethon game.
• What’s your preferred start time for home games at CTC?
• An old school Sens clip, trivia & the best stories of the week.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
• The emotional family story behind our puck drop tomorrow night for our Ignite Hope telethon game.
• What’s your preferred start time for home games at CTC?
• An old school Sens clip, trivia & the best stories of the week.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
Reposted by Ian Mendes
A Monday column to start your week.
• My favourite Stephen Halliday anecdote as he made his NHL debut.
• Recalling my chat with Jon Cooper when he predicted the Atlantic Division would become “a big mess”.
• Some time zone trivia & the best Sens stories of the week.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
• My favourite Stephen Halliday anecdote as he made his NHL debut.
• Recalling my chat with Jon Cooper when he predicted the Atlantic Division would become “a big mess”.
• Some time zone trivia & the best Sens stories of the week.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
Mendes Monday Musings | Ottawa Senators
Behind-the-scenes look as the Senators embark on a season-long road trip
www.nhl.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:38 PM
A Monday column to start your week.
• My favourite Stephen Halliday anecdote as he made his NHL debut.
• Recalling my chat with Jon Cooper when he predicted the Atlantic Division would become “a big mess”.
• Some time zone trivia & the best Sens stories of the week.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
• My favourite Stephen Halliday anecdote as he made his NHL debut.
• Recalling my chat with Jon Cooper when he predicted the Atlantic Division would become “a big mess”.
• Some time zone trivia & the best Sens stories of the week.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
A Monday column to start your week.
• My favourite Stephen Halliday anecdote as he made his NHL debut.
• Recalling my chat with Jon Cooper when he predicted the Atlantic Division would become “a big mess”.
• Some time zone trivia & the best Sens stories of the week.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
• My favourite Stephen Halliday anecdote as he made his NHL debut.
• Recalling my chat with Jon Cooper when he predicted the Atlantic Division would become “a big mess”.
• Some time zone trivia & the best Sens stories of the week.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
Mendes Monday Musings | Ottawa Senators
Behind-the-scenes look as the Senators embark on a season-long road trip
www.nhl.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:38 PM
A Monday column to start your week.
• My favourite Stephen Halliday anecdote as he made his NHL debut.
• Recalling my chat with Jon Cooper when he predicted the Atlantic Division would become “a big mess”.
• Some time zone trivia & the best Sens stories of the week.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
• My favourite Stephen Halliday anecdote as he made his NHL debut.
• Recalling my chat with Jon Cooper when he predicted the Atlantic Division would become “a big mess”.
• Some time zone trivia & the best Sens stories of the week.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
Monday column time.
• Some fun with Gavin Giroux’s calendars.
• Teeing up Jake Sanderson’s podcast appearance this week.
• Paul MacLean is set to make his TSN panel debut.
• Do we need to stop saying “successful” surgery?
A little Sens trivia & more.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
• Some fun with Gavin Giroux’s calendars.
• Teeing up Jake Sanderson’s podcast appearance this week.
• Paul MacLean is set to make his TSN panel debut.
• Do we need to stop saying “successful” surgery?
A little Sens trivia & more.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
Mendes Monday Musings | Ottawa Senators
Behind-the-scenes look as the Sens continue their four-game homestand
www.nhl.com
October 20, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Monday column time.
• Some fun with Gavin Giroux’s calendars.
• Teeing up Jake Sanderson’s podcast appearance this week.
• Paul MacLean is set to make his TSN panel debut.
• Do we need to stop saying “successful” surgery?
A little Sens trivia & more.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
• Some fun with Gavin Giroux’s calendars.
• Teeing up Jake Sanderson’s podcast appearance this week.
• Paul MacLean is set to make his TSN panel debut.
• Do we need to stop saying “successful” surgery?
A little Sens trivia & more.
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
Monday morning column time:
• Introducing our new Sens podcast
• Reaching out to the CRTC to see if they can help with our blackout issue
• EA Sports simulation leads to a Sens Cup win in 2026
• Some opening night trivia & more
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
• Introducing our new Sens podcast
• Reaching out to the CRTC to see if they can help with our blackout issue
• EA Sports simulation leads to a Sens Cup win in 2026
• Some opening night trivia & more
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
Mendes Monday Musings | Ottawa Senators
Behind-the-scenes look as the Sens prepare for the 2025-26 regular season
www.nhl.com
October 6, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Monday morning column time:
• Introducing our new Sens podcast
• Reaching out to the CRTC to see if they can help with our blackout issue
• EA Sports simulation leads to a Sens Cup win in 2026
• Some opening night trivia & more
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
• Introducing our new Sens podcast
• Reaching out to the CRTC to see if they can help with our blackout issue
• EA Sports simulation leads to a Sens Cup win in 2026
• Some opening night trivia & more
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
Ok - I am pretty sure we are good to go with streaming our game.
The stream will start on our site roughly 30 mins before puck drop at 8p ET.
Any issues, DM me and we’ll work to resolve them ASAP.
Enjoy the game!
The stream will start on our site roughly 30 mins before puck drop at 8p ET.
Any issues, DM me and we’ll work to resolve them ASAP.
Enjoy the game!
October 2, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Ok - I am pretty sure we are good to go with streaming our game.
The stream will start on our site roughly 30 mins before puck drop at 8p ET.
Any issues, DM me and we’ll work to resolve them ASAP.
Enjoy the game!
The stream will start on our site roughly 30 mins before puck drop at 8p ET.
Any issues, DM me and we’ll work to resolve them ASAP.
Enjoy the game!
Ok gang. We’re in St. Louis and inside the press box at Enterprise Center. Our equipment for a live feed is being set up and we’re running some tests.
Will keep you posted here or on our official Sens account.
Will keep you posted here or on our official Sens account.
Update for Sens fans on our game in STL tonight:
Game will be broadcast on radio on TSN 1200.
Our plan is to stream the game on our website and we’re hoping to iron out the technical glitches once we arrive at Enterprise Center this afternoon.
I will keep you updated here.
Game will be broadcast on radio on TSN 1200.
Our plan is to stream the game on our website and we’re hoping to iron out the technical glitches once we arrive at Enterprise Center this afternoon.
I will keep you updated here.
October 2, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Ok gang. We’re in St. Louis and inside the press box at Enterprise Center. Our equipment for a live feed is being set up and we’re running some tests.
Will keep you posted here or on our official Sens account.
Will keep you posted here or on our official Sens account.
Update for Sens fans on our game in STL tonight:
Game will be broadcast on radio on TSN 1200.
Our plan is to stream the game on our website and we’re hoping to iron out the technical glitches once we arrive at Enterprise Center this afternoon.
I will keep you updated here.
Game will be broadcast on radio on TSN 1200.
Our plan is to stream the game on our website and we’re hoping to iron out the technical glitches once we arrive at Enterprise Center this afternoon.
I will keep you updated here.
October 2, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Update for Sens fans on our game in STL tonight:
Game will be broadcast on radio on TSN 1200.
Our plan is to stream the game on our website and we’re hoping to iron out the technical glitches once we arrive at Enterprise Center this afternoon.
I will keep you updated here.
Game will be broadcast on radio on TSN 1200.
Our plan is to stream the game on our website and we’re hoping to iron out the technical glitches once we arrive at Enterprise Center this afternoon.
I will keep you updated here.
One thing I really want to do with this weekly column is take our fans and readers behind the scenes.
We had some technical issues trying to stream our pre-season game on Sunday.
Find out about the challenges we faced — and why we had a video stream with no audio.
t.co/EhXId2HbuF
We had some technical issues trying to stream our pre-season game on Sunday.
Find out about the challenges we faced — and why we had a video stream with no audio.
t.co/EhXId2HbuF
https://www.nhl.com/senators/news/mendes-monday-musings
t.co
September 29, 2025 at 5:24 PM
One thing I really want to do with this weekly column is take our fans and readers behind the scenes.
We had some technical issues trying to stream our pre-season game on Sunday.
Find out about the challenges we faced — and why we had a video stream with no audio.
t.co/EhXId2HbuF
We had some technical issues trying to stream our pre-season game on Sunday.
Find out about the challenges we faced — and why we had a video stream with no audio.
t.co/EhXId2HbuF
Always a good day when you’re around these two.
September 26, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Always a good day when you’re around these two.
I’ve missed writing, so I’m super excited to launch a new weekly column on our site.
It’s totally random stuff, but I think you’ll enjoy it.
(And if you don’t, I know you’re way too kind on this platform to say anything negative).
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
It’s totally random stuff, but I think you’ll enjoy it.
(And if you don’t, I know you’re way too kind on this platform to say anything negative).
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
Mendes Monday Musings | Ottawa Senators
Weekly look at the Sens through the unique lens of the comms department
www.nhl.com
September 22, 2025 at 3:28 PM
I’ve missed writing, so I’m super excited to launch a new weekly column on our site.
It’s totally random stuff, but I think you’ll enjoy it.
(And if you don’t, I know you’re way too kind on this platform to say anything negative).
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
It’s totally random stuff, but I think you’ll enjoy it.
(And if you don’t, I know you’re way too kind on this platform to say anything negative).
www.nhl.com/senators/new...
Reposted by Ian Mendes
Just once I want a Tirico, Burkhardt or Nantz to say,
"I checked out the new drama running on our network and it absolutely sucked. Pure trash. Terrible script. None of the cast appeared to want to be there. I'll never get that hour back."
"First and ten for the....
"I checked out the new drama running on our network and it absolutely sucked. Pure trash. Terrible script. None of the cast appeared to want to be there. I'll never get that hour back."
"First and ten for the....
September 8, 2025 at 1:16 AM
Just once I want a Tirico, Burkhardt or Nantz to say,
"I checked out the new drama running on our network and it absolutely sucked. Pure trash. Terrible script. None of the cast appeared to want to be there. I'll never get that hour back."
"First and ten for the....
"I checked out the new drama running on our network and it absolutely sucked. Pure trash. Terrible script. None of the cast appeared to want to be there. I'll never get that hour back."
"First and ten for the....
A little note to Sens fans.❤️
May 2, 2025 at 5:11 PM
A little note to Sens fans.❤️
This is the first year in a while where I don’t have an NHL awards ballot.
But I sure would have considered Jake Sanderson in my Top 5 for the Norris.
He’s on the verge of joining a very short list of defencemen in NHL history with 50+ points and 12 or fewer PIM in a season.
But I sure would have considered Jake Sanderson in my Top 5 for the Norris.
He’s on the verge of joining a very short list of defencemen in NHL history with 50+ points and 12 or fewer PIM in a season.
April 14, 2025 at 9:39 PM
This is the first year in a while where I don’t have an NHL awards ballot.
But I sure would have considered Jake Sanderson in my Top 5 for the Norris.
He’s on the verge of joining a very short list of defencemen in NHL history with 50+ points and 12 or fewer PIM in a season.
But I sure would have considered Jake Sanderson in my Top 5 for the Norris.
He’s on the verge of joining a very short list of defencemen in NHL history with 50+ points and 12 or fewer PIM in a season.
I cannot adequately express my happiness and joy for Sens fans tonight.
You’ve endured so much over the past eight years.
This really feels like the start of something fun and special.
You’ve endured so much over the past eight years.
This really feels like the start of something fun and special.
April 9, 2025 at 2:35 AM
I cannot adequately express my happiness and joy for Sens fans tonight.
You’ve endured so much over the past eight years.
This really feels like the start of something fun and special.
You’ve endured so much over the past eight years.
This really feels like the start of something fun and special.
Have always been such a huge fan of @pronounced-ing.bsky.social as an author.
My respect & admiration for her only grows when I see her timeline over here.
My respect & admiration for her only grows when I see her timeline over here.
February 15, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Have always been such a huge fan of @pronounced-ing.bsky.social as an author.
My respect & admiration for her only grows when I see her timeline over here.
My respect & admiration for her only grows when I see her timeline over here.
Sens fans: Please take the time to read this piece from Amalie Benjamin on the NHL website today.
Phenomenal look at what motivates Jake Sanderson — and why he appears so calm on and off the ice.
www.nhl.com/news/jake-sa...
Phenomenal look at what motivates Jake Sanderson — and why he appears so calm on and off the ice.
www.nhl.com/news/jake-sa...
Stoic Sanderson becoming a force for Senators | NHL.com
Philosophy helps 22-year-old defenseman stay centered, in control for Ottawa
www.nhl.com
February 3, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Sens fans: Please take the time to read this piece from Amalie Benjamin on the NHL website today.
Phenomenal look at what motivates Jake Sanderson — and why he appears so calm on and off the ice.
www.nhl.com/news/jake-sa...
Phenomenal look at what motivates Jake Sanderson — and why he appears so calm on and off the ice.
www.nhl.com/news/jake-sa...
I don’t have the words today, but I’m going to try.
Rest in peace Simmer.
💔
Rest in peace Simmer.
💔
January 30, 2025 at 2:39 PM
I don’t have the words today, but I’m going to try.
Rest in peace Simmer.
💔
Rest in peace Simmer.
💔
I see a lot of feedback and heated opinions on the Quebec City stuff.
I’ve opened up my DMs here so please feel free to reach out directly.
I can’t promise I can respond to everyone — but I can promise to take the feedback to the very top of our organization.
I’ve opened up my DMs here so please feel free to reach out directly.
I can’t promise I can respond to everyone — but I can promise to take the feedback to the very top of our organization.
January 27, 2025 at 7:12 PM
I see a lot of feedback and heated opinions on the Quebec City stuff.
I’ve opened up my DMs here so please feel free to reach out directly.
I can’t promise I can respond to everyone — but I can promise to take the feedback to the very top of our organization.
I’ve opened up my DMs here so please feel free to reach out directly.
I can’t promise I can respond to everyone — but I can promise to take the feedback to the very top of our organization.
My Starbucks latte came to $6.66 this morning in New Jersey.
Not sure if that’s a good or bad omen ahead of this game against the Devils…
Not sure if that’s a good or bad omen ahead of this game against the Devils…
January 19, 2025 at 3:08 PM
My Starbucks latte came to $6.66 this morning in New Jersey.
Not sure if that’s a good or bad omen ahead of this game against the Devils…
Not sure if that’s a good or bad omen ahead of this game against the Devils…
Merry Christmas to everybody!
(But especially to Sens fans).
(But especially to Sens fans).
December 25, 2024 at 6:10 PM
Merry Christmas to everybody!
(But especially to Sens fans).
(But especially to Sens fans).