Thanks, but no thanks.

After spending an inordinate amount of time debating putting up Sens Mile on Elgin St. early, turns out the Ottawa Senators just aren't ready to be honoured quite yet.

"We appreciate the enthusiasm and support that council has shown for the Senators with (Wednesday's) motion to open The Sens Mile early. However, we would respectfully request that we hold off on this until the team officially qualifies for a playoff spot.

"When we do, we will be happy to take part in an official ceremony with the mayor, council and local businesses. We feel strongly that the Sens Mile is a Playoff Tradition and would ask that council reconsider/defer today's motion until the appropriate time," reads a letter from Sens Cyril Leeder sent to Mayor Jim Watson and released Thursday morning.

The memo was sent out while close to a dozen reporters waited at Elgin St. and Gladstone for city employees to arrive to record the event.

It would appear College Coun. Rick Chiarelli, who moved the motion, didn't bother to check first with the Sens.

susan.sherring@sunmedia.ca

@SusanSherring

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