Jason Spezza receives standing ovation in return to Ottawa with Stars
For the first time since he was traded, Dallas Stars forward Jason Spezza returned to Ottawa on Thursday to face the Senators, the team for which he played from 2002-14.
He received light booing at the start of the game, but after the Senators played a one-minute video tribute to Spezza, fans got out of their seats for a standing ovation.
Spezza had 687 points in 686 games for Ottawa over the course of 11 seasons after the Senators drafted him No. 2 overall in 2001. He requested a trade last summer and got his wish on July 1, when he was sent to Dallas in a five-player deal.
The Stars went on to beat the Senators 6-3 behind two goals from Jamie Benn. Dallas improved to 22-19-7, while Ottawa fell to 19-19-9.
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Spezza logged four hits and had 16:17 of ice time but did not register a point. The 31-year old has eight goals and 37 assists in 48 games with the Stars this season
- Katie Brown