WRITTEN BY- The Sens Foundation
Tomorrow night, the Ottawa Senators Foundation is hosting their annual telethon powered by Mitel. It’s a show dedicated to sharing stories about programs and initiatives that are helping kids around this city reach their goals.
Across the hockey world, top prospects are honing their skills in development leagues like the AHL and CHL— all in hopes of someday suiting up in the National Hockey League. And for years, one of them was Scott Sabourin, a 27-year-old right winger who made his NHL debut this season with the Ottawa Senators.
A native of the Ottawa suburb of Orléans, Sabourin was just a toddler when his parents took him skating for the first time. He says that his love for the game took off from there, looking up to players like Daniel Alfredsson, Mike Fisher, and Chris Neil during his childhood.
After getting his start with the OHL’s Oshawa Generals, Sabourin spent
six seasons in the AHL, pushing himself to improve every day and secure a
chance to compete on hockey’s biggest stage.
“It took a long time to get to the NHL. Doing it at my age is a little unusual, so it was a bit of a different road,” Sabourin says. But he didn’t get here alone. If it wasn’t for the support he received from his family, coaches, and other adult role models at every step of the way, Sabourin questions if he’d even be playing professional hockey.
However, not all kids are as lucky as Sabourin and other top prospects currently chasing their dreams.
Around Ottawa, countless youth envision a successful future and desire to follow their hearts. They may dream of becoming a doctor, engineer, lawyer, or even a professional athlete — yet far too many of them lack the resources and support to feel motivated and hopeful about the possibility.
The
Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and its Foundation believe that all kids deserve an opportunity to chase their dreams. With support from the community, the organization is working tirelessly to make that a reality.
“It’s huge to give them the opportunity to get out on the ice and play
hockey or participate in other sports,” says Sabourin. “For some of these kids,all they need is a little support and someone in their corner. And once they have that, they can grow as an individual and become the best person they can be.”
Through its initiatives, the Foundation breaks down the financial barriers that make youth sports inaccessible for many families. Its fundraising dollars directly cover registration fees, transportation, equipment costs, and more — allowing the top prospects in the community to grow into their full potential.
“Without the Foundation, my three kids wouldn’t be in group sports,” Kristen Lewis noted at the Ferguslea Properties Ltd. Senators Soiree presented by Bell on November 23. Her children participate in the SENS Power Plays program amongst others. “Hockey is a very expensive sport, with each kid costing over $600. And when you factor in the other sports they want to play — as a single mom, it’s impossible.”
In the past year alone, the funds raised by the Foundation have benefited over 60,000 youngsters throughout the Ottawa region, eastern and central Ontario, and western Quebec. Aside from its annual gala, the Foundation relies on fundraisers like its in game and online 50/50 — to let these deserving kids grow up the way Sabourin did.
And for all of the young top prospects participating in the Foundation’s
programming, Sabourin has a message.
“Show up with a positive attitude and good mindset, and put your work
in,” he says. “But most importantly, make sure you’re having fun. If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, try something else. You always want to do what’s best for yourself.”
You can support the Ottawa Senators Foundation today by making a donation, and by tuning in to the Ottawa Senators Foundation Telethon tomorrow beginning at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Senators game vs the Vancouver Canucks on TSN5.
All donations leading up to the game will be matched by Mitel. To make an contribution, please visit www.sensfoundation.com or call 1-844-8GO-SENS (846-7367).
