By Mike Beasley /
Throughout Canada, the goal of every minor hockey association is to develop young, quality players that stay involved in the game for as long as possible.
The Ottawa Senators are also in the business of developing young prospects but their focus is on turning them into bona fide NHL players and role models to kids everywhere.
The NHL club knows the importance of development and has always leant a hand encouraging players and assistance to several organizations on both sides of the Ottawa River.
The Senators have been proactive over the last couple of years establishing minor hockey programs like T.E.A.M. Hockey Country, Scotiabank Girls Hockeyfest, Tim Horton’s Coaches Clinic, Chevrolet Future Sens and the Skills First Challenge.
This season, the club announced that they are going to increase their involvement by supporting the Kanata Girls Hockey Association through a sponsorship of its Women’s senior team, the Ottawa Lady Senators that compete in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League, the Women’s Under 21 intermediate team along with their Midget Showcase team.
All three teams will sport the Senators colours and team logo during play this season.
“The sponsorship of the girl’s teams is to reaffirm our continuing commitment to minor hockey in the area,” said Cyril Leeder, COO for the Senators and Scotiabank Place. “We know that we continue to have some of the most comprehensive minor hockey programs in the NHL and we intend on maintaining that position this year and in future years.”
The NHL team also revealed it will hold their second annual Minor Hockey Week from Jan. 10 to 18. Featured that week will be the first of two open practices along with a variety of specialty clinics.
Marc Power, the team’s power skating instructor, will also offer his services through a series of skating sessions before the week wraps up with the Senators Skills Competition on Jan. 18.
Ottawa GM Bryan Murray and C Antoine Vermette were also in attendance during the announcements at Scotiabank Place. Murray is a strong advocate of developing the skills of minor hockey players as the Senators continue to raise their profile around the Nation’s Capital.
“Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec is truly hockey country, Murray said. “It’s great to see the girls becoming more involved with hockey, it teaches them team play and traits that will be carried for a lifetime. The Ottawa Senators will continue to support minor hockey in the region for years to come and will make sure our players are good role models to the youngsters in the community.” |