OTTAWA - For the 18th consecutive season, the Ottawa Senators will honour the men, women and families of the Canadian Armed Forces when the team hosts the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, Nov. 4, at Canadian Tire Centre.
Senators to host Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night on Thursday
This year's event will mark the return of thousands of Canadian Armed Forces members and their families to the venue's 100 and 200 levels on behalf of Eugene Melnyk, event corporate supporters and season-seat members, after the entirety of last season's regular-season contests took place without fans in NHL arenas across Canada.
"The Ottawa Senators annual event honouring the thousands of Canadian Armed Forces members and their families is a highlight event for us every season," said Senators owner and governor Eugene Melnyk. "I can't think of a better opportunity to show our appreciation to the men and women who work hard every day to safeguard our way of life and protect our freedoms. We thank you for all that you do."
"I extend my sincere thanks to the Ottawa Senators organization for their ongoing support to the members of the Canadian Armed Forces, their families and loved ones," said Gen Wayne Eyre, Acting Chief of the Defence Staff. "You were one of, if not the first, hockey organizations to honour our outstanding sailors, soldiers and aviators. We are grateful for this kind gesture of appreciation from the Ottawa Senators and corporate partners who have made Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night possible every year for the last 18 seasons. We look forward to cheering you in person this season!"
Special activities for Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night
The first 3,000 fans in attendance at Thursday's game will receive a free green Senators t-shirt while Canadian Armed Forces vocalist WO David Grenon (RCAF Band) is scheduled to perform the national anthems.
Senators players will be wearing special military themed camouflage jerseys during the pre-game warm-up that will be signed and made available via auction with proceeds going to Support Our Troops. These jerseys can be viewed via the auction site at: auctria.events/SenatorsCAFAuction3Nov21
Bidding will start on Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 10 p.m. and conclude on Friday, Nov. 5 at 10 p.m. EDT.
Funds raised as part of Thursday's Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night 50/50 draw will also benefit Support Our Troops to specifically support family resiliency projects.
Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night Corporate Partners
The Ottawa Senators wish to thank title partner Canadian Tire, and corporate sponsors Boeing Canada, Calian, Decisive, SAAB, Accora Village, KPMG & Tanium for their support in making this year's Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night possible.
About Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night
Spearheaded by Eugene Melnyk and the Ottawa Senators in 2004, Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night has become a key event in Ottawa's event calendar. The Senators were one of the first NHL teams to go to great lengths to honour servicemen and women. Mr. Melnyk and the Senators have hosted almost 40,000 members of the Armed Forces and their families since the program started. In acknowledgment of Mr. Melnyk's long-time support of the Canadian Military, on Jan. 14, 2015, he was named the honorary colonel of 414 Electronic Warfare Support Squadron during a ceremony in Ottawa.
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