The Belleville Senators brought their regular midweek practice to the community on Wednesday, travelling to the RCAF Flyers Arena at 8 Wing CFB Trenton, for an on-ice workout and a post-practice skate with some local students.
Two classes from École catholique L’Envol and Cité-Jeunesse Public Elementary School, both located on the base, watched intently as the Senators were put through their paces, then took to the ice for a few laps and interacted with their favourite players.
As Senators Interim Head Coach Andrew Campbell noted, it is all in the name of strengthening the club’s connection with the local military community.
“It’s a great experience for our guys, and I know they were really looking forward to coming here today and spending some time with the kids,” Campbell told the Belleville Sens Entertainment Network. “The base is a driving force and is obviously a big part of the fabric of our community. We’re coming back here again for some team building next week as well, so that’s exciting and we’re happy to do it.”
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Lieutenant-Colonel Brandon Sing is an instructor at 8 Wing’s RCAF Aerospace Warfare Centre and was instrumental in helping the Senators to move their practice to the base, and was thrilled to see the Senators show off their skills and spend time with students. He says, from a military perspective, having a pro hockey team in the community not only provides role models for young students and athletes to look up to but also offers ways for military families who move to Trenton from across Canada to stay entertained and find another common cause to unite behind.
“It’s an exciting day for the base, to have two elementary school classes join the Senators after their practice, but I’m really just excited to see them show off their skills, it’s a real demonstration of athleticism,” said Lt. Col. Sing. “We’re so fortunate to have this calibre of hockey in the area for members of the base to be a part of, and I think there’s a real nexus between sports and the military, so it’s nice to see that connection.”
With both classes involved in the visit being from French-language schools, it gave some Senators players like forward Phil Daoust, a chance to interact with students in both english and french, something the fifth-year Senator says he really appreciates and looks forward to.
“It’s been really cool, because it’s not often we get to see these types of places,” Daoust says. “We’re very grateful for everything the military does for us and it’s really cool to drive around and see all of the planes, and to catch up with people who can speak the same language as you.”
The sentiment of military appreciation was echoed by Sens forward Hayden Hodgson, who is a part of Belleville’s leadership group and noted the importance of giving back to the people who serve our country.
“It means a lot to the community to have the base here and it’s obviously, very important for our country, so it’s great. I think all of the boys were excited to get out here and get involved. It was fun to be out here.”
And, while the RCAF Arena may have been a bit colder or smaller than players are used to around the American Hockey League, many Senators were impressed by the condition of the building, and say the hard work of the maintenance staff at the rink is paying off.
“Some of the guys are saying that it’s the best ice they’ve skated on all year,” said Coach Campbell. “So, kudos to the staff here; it was in great shape.”
At the end of the day, it was mission accomplished for the Senators, with a successful practice, a few dozen smiling students, and the goal of bringing the hockey club and the military community together achieved.
“It’s great, lasting memories for those kids, and we’re so happy to be here,” said Campbell.
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