Why Ottawa Senators fans shout a sound that sounds like booing at Artem Zub
In short: When Russian defenceman Artem Zub first joined the Ottawa Senators, he was confused by the home crowd. Every time he touched the puck, the arena erupted in a low, guttural chant that sounded suspiciously like jeers. He soon learned it was actually a sign of deep, genuine appreciation.
Born on October 3, 1995, Artem Zub began his professional career in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). After rising through the ranks with Amur Khabarovsk, he moved to the powerhouse club SKA Saint Petersburg in December 2016. His tenure there was marked by consistent defensive reliability and a Gagarin Cup victory. By the 2019–20 season, Zub had developed into a formidable two-way threat, setting career highs of 13 goals and 22 points before the pandemic forced an early end to the KHL season.
In May 2020, the Ottawa Senators signed the undrafted free agent to an entry-level contract. Zub made his NHL debut in January 2021, quickly establishing himself as the team's premier defensive defenceman. His impact was immediate, earning him a two-year extension in May 2021. It was during this period that fans began chanting 'Zuub'—a sound so similar to booing that his teammates had to reassure him he was actually a crowd favorite. He embraced the moniker, becoming a staple of the Senators' top defensive pairing.
Zub's career in Ottawa has been defined by both high-level performance and a recurring battle with injuries. From a broken jaw in 2022 to a broken foot in 2024 and various concussions, he has frequently been sidelined after blocking shots or taking heavy hits. Despite these physical setbacks, he has remained a vital component of the Senators' roster. In the 2025–26 season, he reached a new career milestone by recording 30 points across 81 games, proving his enduring value to the team's defensive structure.
Beyond his club success, Zub has been a consistent presence on the international stage. He represented the Russian national team at the IIHF World Championships, securing bronze medals in both 2017 and 2019. Most notably, he was a member of the gold medal-winning squad at the 2018 Winter Olympics, competing as part of the Olympic Athletes from Russia team. His journey from a KHL prospect to a reliable NHL veteran highlights the transition of talent across global hockey leagues.
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