Ottawa Senators Spread Holiday Joy During CHEO Visit

The Ottawa Senators delivered a heartwarming holiday experience at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) on December 12, 2023. During their annual visit, the players surprised young patients with gifts and festive cheer, creating memorable moments that resonated with both children and their families.

Nine-year-old Charlie Dow eagerly awaited the chance to meet her favorite player, Jake Sanderson. She brought along a packet of Swedish Berries, recalling a previous meeting where Sanderson mentioned his fondness for Swedish Fish. “When I met him once, he said he likes Swedish Fish, and when we looked for Swedish Fish there was none, so I gave him Swedish Berries,” Dow shared, proudly flipping through autographed photos.

The Senators kicked off the event in the hospital’s cafeteria with a spirited rendition of “Jingle Bells,” filling the space with festive energy. Players stood in front of a crowd of patients, many of whom were accompanied by their parents, who smiled with joy at the performance.

After the performance, players took time to connect with the children individually. Sanderson made a beeline for Dow, sharing a moment that included enjoying some gummy candies together. He expressed how meaningful these interactions are, stating, “I know Charlie way back. She’s such a cute girl and brings so much energy. She’s a big Sens fan and obviously you want to put a smile on her face.”

Sanderson emphasized his commitment to supporting CHEO since joining the Senators. “It’s so special hanging out with the kids, seeing them laugh, seeing them smile, doing arts and crafts with them, it’s a good time,” he explained.

The atmosphere was lively, especially when goaltender Linus Ullmark entertained the crowd with dance moves while posing for photos. Eleven-year-old Parker McDonald was thrilled to meet his idol, captain Brady Tkachuk. “It was really cool,” McDonald said, reflecting on his experience. “Brady is always very nice when I was meeting him and he always was my favorite player.”

McDonald, who is currently battling cancer, described the visit as particularly special, noting, “It was so fun meeting all the players and it was very special getting all the signatures.”

The Senators’ visit not only brought smiles to the children but also highlighted the importance of community support and the impact of sports figures in uplifting spirits during the holiday season. As the event wrapped up, the players left behind a lasting impression, demonstrating their commitment to the well-being of young fans and families at CHEO.