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Soldier On: Ottawa Senators Alumni Skate With Canadian Veterans

by Horace Rogers

Canadian veterans gain NHL experience through Soldier program, as they take on Ottawa Senators alumni at the Canadian Tire Center on Wednesday.

Bruno Mathieu is taking part in the event for the second time.

“We were lucky enough to come here for a hockey camp with the Ottawa Senators and their alumni,” said Mathieu.

He served for 28 years, but had to retire when he fell ill.

“It was a big family for me and for my family too, and suddenly we left, you know. I had to get fired because of cancer,” says Mathieu.

He suffers from PTSD and his service dog helps him through the tough times.

Soldier On is a three-day program that allows veterans to watch Senators practices, participate in a lunch and learn with current players and culminates in a hockey game against Senators alumni.

“This is just an incredible opportunity. And it will certainly rekindle the passion for sport and an active lifestyle to help these women and men on the road to recovery,” said Joe Ciraly, Interim National Director of Sans. limits.

The Soldier On program started in 2017 but had to take a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. It’s his first year and veterans and alumni couldn’t be more excited.

“It’s been great for the alumni to interact with them, you know, to be able to kind of give back. And really for us, it’s a thank you for everything they’ve done and are doing for us,” said former Ottawa senator Chris Phillips.

Senators defenseman Nick Holden was in Tuesday’s game.

“For us to be able to give some of our time today to come and talk to them and hear some of their stories and hear their excitement for the game of hockey, which is something that we love, is pretty cool,” Holden says. .

“The biggest thing I see so far is just the alumni investment. The coaches we had yesterday, guys like Chris Neil and Darren Rumble, having them sit in the room with you, dressing up and talking afterwards, talking about the experiences. Everyone has said amazing things so far. It’s been really good,” said LCol David Wood.

“We had practice yesterday, it was really good and we had a lot of fun, you know, and we were in pain this morning,” Mathieu said.

Following Monday’s practice, 17 veterans will be on the ice Wednesday against Senators alumni as they continue their journey of healing through sport and recreation.

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