The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

The difference professional athletes can make in the lives of the young is quite astounding. I'm not talking about young, skilled future NHLers who aspire to be like their idols they see on Hockey Night in Canada, but rather about those who cannot even leave their hospital beds to lace on a pair of skates. The kids at CHEO were treated to the Senators annual Christmas visit today, with the players bringing a few hours of joy and happiness to the sick and disabled children. Players often shun the label of "role-model", citing that their parents should lead the way and how they conduct themselves off the ice is of no concern but their own. There is definite truth to the former, but in my opinion, not the latter. Kids have dreams, their imaginations knowing no limits & bounds and they see these guys as the heroes they want to be one day. The amazing positives these athletes can bring to the young is astonishing. You don't think a young boy after spending an afternoon with a guy like Dany Heatley says to himself, "One day, I'm going to be like him, I'm going to play for Ottawa & score lots of goals, and I'm going to visit sick kids, too"? It motivates these kids and gives them hope. So when the Senators take the time to do these charitable events, you can honestly say they are great role models for these young children. It was very touching to see Dean McAmmond in particular getting interviewed by the A-Channel about the visit, obviously overwhelmed at the emotion of being at the hospital, just barely able to put together a sentence when asked questions.

The Ottawa Senators organization has an image in the league of being one of the most charitable to their community, and every player on the team knows as much to take part in the various fundraisers & activities in the city. Jason Spezza visits classrooms to teach kids about reading, and often brings his X-box to CHEO during his time off just to play some video games with the kids. Wade Redden is celebrity chair of 65 Roses, an organization that raises money to fight cystic fibrosis. The team itself was the #1 fundraiser to build Roger's House. And the list goes on.

Did I mention Ottawa plays the New York Rangers tomorrow afternoon? Not nearly as important as today's visit, but with the players knowing the kids they saw today will be watching, they'll be playing hard for them.