Ottawa Senators revive pre-pandemic Christmas tradition of visiting kids at CHEO
Three-year-old Cecilia Ramirez-Werner is beaming after meeting Ottawa Senators players and mascot Spartacat.
"We're gonna play hockey," she said.
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
- Sign up now for our nightly CTV News Ottawa newsletter
"For us to put a smile on their faces, it's the reason why we do it," said Sens captain Brady Tkachuk.
He and several players brought some Christmas cheer to CHEO as part of the team's annual Christmas visit. Each one snapping photos, signing autographs, playing games, and even gifting a little present to the young children.
"Whatever we can do to help and come take their mind off and have some fun have some laughs we're more than happy to do it," said defenceman Jakob Chychrun.
It's been a long time coming for the Ottawa Senators, as this marked the first in person holiday visit since 2019.
"It's amazing to have the Ottawa Senators back," said Mari Murray, CHEO school principal. "The kids had smiles on their faces ear to ear. All of our children have disabilities so it's difficult for them and their families to attend games... to have the Sens here means the world to them."
The afternoon meant so much to the players too, who took a pause between games to give back to the community.
"For around Christmas time to get in here and meet all the kids, give them cards and play some games with them has been really awesome and I'm enjoying every second," said right-winger Drake Batherson.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard found not guilty of sexual assault
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in northeastern Ontario eight years ago. The former Hedley frontman had pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.
Fluoride in drinking water poses enough risk to merit new EPA action, judge says
A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate fluoride in drinking water because high levels could pose a risk to the intellectual development of children.
America votes: How the election could impact the Canada-U.S. border
While America's southern border remains a hot button issue on the campaign trail, the result of the U.S. election in November could also impact the northern frontier with Canada, which remains the longest undefended border in the world.
Frequent drinking of fizzy beverages and fruit juice are linked to an increase risk of stroke: research
New data raises questions about the drinks people consume and the potential risks associated with them, according to researchers at Galway University in Ireland, in partnership with Hamilton’s McMaster University.
What to know about fighting in Lebanon and Gaza
Relentless Israeli airstrikes pounded Beirut's southern suburbs overnight and closed off the main highway linking Lebanon with Syria, forcing fleeing civilians to cross the border by foot.
Police arrest Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides
Police have arrested a Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides and investigators say that they believe two of the victims may have been 'randomly targeted.'
Following child's death in Ontario, here's what you need to know about rabies and bats
An Ontario child died last month after coming into contact with a rabid bat in their bedroom, which was the first known human rabies case in Canada since 2019.
One year in, war casts a shadow over every aspect of life in Israel
As Israel's war with Hamas reaches its one-year mark, it can seem on the surface that much of life in the country has returned to normal. But with many still reeling from Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, hostages remaining in captivity and a new front of war with Hezbollah in the north, many Israelis feel depressed, despondent and angry as the war stretches into its second year.
Missing B.C. climber died from fall on Mount Baker, medical examiner says
The body of a British Columbia mountain climber has been located and recovered after the 39-year-old man was reported missing during a solo climb on Washington state's Mount Baker earlier this week.