Ottawa Senators showcase their best for thousands at annual Sens Skills competition

The Ottawa Senators held their annual skills competition this afternoon, giving hockey fans a look at their favourite players. CTV’s Jack Richardson reports.

Even though they just returned from an extended break for the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off, the Ottawa Senators put their skills on display Sunday afternoon at the Canadian Tire Centre in the Sens Skills competition.

Players were divided into two teams, team black and team white, and compete head-to-head in events including faster skater, hardest shot, accuracy shooting, puck control relay and a 3-on-3 competition.

“The players love it. They know it’s a fan event,” said specialist for player and alumni engagement with the Ottawa Senators, Matt Franczyk.

“The reason why they play is because of the fans, and they want to showcase and support the fans in events like this.”

Sens fan Jason Russo made the trip to the Canadian Tire Centre with his wife and kids.

“We’re just excited that we do this event every year. Excited to see the players,” he said.

Four lucky minor hockey players git to skate alongside their favourite Senators and kick off the skills competition.

In addition, four members from the Ottawa Charge of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) participated: Brianne Jenner, Rebecca Leslie, Emily Clark, and Danielle Serdachny.

“It’s pretty powerful to see the women play,” said fan Jen Andersen.

A total of 8,000 tickets were sold for the event.

The team will be donating proceeds to support the Senators Community Foundation and the NHLPA Goals and Dreams Fund.

The organization says more than $750,000 has been raised at the Sens Skills since 2010.