Most fans in the capital hop in the car when it’s time to catch an Ottawa Senators game. But one group of friends decided to take the scenic route – a very long one. For the third straight year, the group laced up their shoes and walked all the way to the Canadian Tire Centre, turning their game-day trek into a growing tradition that also raises money for local youth. “I can’t believe it’s been a year since the last one, it’s crazy. We’re all super fired up to be back,” says Adam Coplan. Just after 9 a.m. Sunday, the group set off from Parliament Hill, nearly eight hours before puck drop, beginning a nearly 30-kilometre journey to the Senators’ home rink in Kanata. The walk started a couple of years ago as a fun challenge among friends. In 2025, they began their trek at LeBreton Flats. But like any good tradition, it’s gotten a little bigger each year. “Until they’re able to get the downtown arena going, we’ll do it every year and push it back a little further each time until we’re at our physical and mental limit,” Coplan says with a laugh. While the walk is a test of endurance, it’s also about giving back. The group is raising money for the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa. Before the walk even started, they had already raised more than $11,000, beating last year’s total. “Last year, we didn’t even find out we hit our goal until halfway through the walk,” Ethan Wood says. “Even reaching it after Adam was on TSN (Saturday) was honestly a great moment, we were in the group chat freaking out.” With just two kilometers left, the group was joined by members of the Boys and Girls club for the final stretch. “It means so much when you have also benefited from the programs that they go through each and every day,” says Taj Matthews. “Just seeing the change that we make in their lives is really what pays off for us.” After hours on their feet, reaching the arena and settling in to watch their favourite team play felt rewarding.
