The Senators Community Foundation’s 2025-26 impact report shows a season of work that stretched well beyond the ice, with players, alumni, staff and wives and girlfriends making appearances across the region at hospitals, schools, fan events and charitable functions.
Holiday outreach stood out in particular. The team’s full-group visit to CHEO and the annual Toy Mountain support from the wives and girlfriends helped ensure hundreds of children received gifts over the holiday season.
“Representing the Ottawa Senators means more than playing hockey. It’s about showing up for our community, connecting with fans, and using our platform to make a positive difference wherever we can,” said Senators netminder Linus Ullmark.
The preseason trip to Quebec City in September 2025 also came with a packed community schedule. The Senators took part in five initiatives there: a children’s hospital visit, a surprise autograph session for fans, a donation to a local food bank, a visit to Thomas Chabot’s former elementary school and a Pride and Reconciliation Walk.
“Some of the most meaningful moments of our season happen away from the rink. A conversation, a photo, or simply spending time with someone can have a lasting impact, and those are experiences we’ll always carry with us,” said Chabot.
On the fundraising side, the SCF had a big year. It brought in more than $850,000 at the Fullscript Black, Red & Gold Gala, $382,000 at the 2025 Sens Charity Open presented by Bell, approximately $175,000 on Hockey Fights Cancer night and $168,000 during the Ignite Hope Telethon.
Additional event totals included $75,000 from Hockey Talks presented by Bell Let’s Talk, $60,000 from Pride Night presented by CIBC, $45,000 from Armed Forces Night, $40,000 from Women in Sport Night presented by Canadian Tire and $30,000 from Brady’s Skate for Kids.
The foundation also benefited from community-driven efforts outside its own events, with $300,000 raised at Maddy’s Gala, $275,000 at the EllisDon Golf Tournament and $100,000 through the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign.
“And when Senators players returned to CHEO to spend time with patients, families, and staff, we were reminded that impact isn’t always measured in dollars. Sometimes, it’s a simple smile.
A moment of connection. A reminder to a child and their family that they are not alone,” wrote Belsito.
“Thank you for believing in our mission, standing with our community, and helping us create a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive Ottawa-Gatineau.”
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A recent NHL-CHL agreement change has created a different lane for some players, though, and Novotnys situation is not the standard one. Because he was under contract in Czechia and only on loan to Peterborough, he may fit an exemption that keeps him out of the old junior-return rules and puts the AHL into the conversation this season, adding another layer to what was already a closely watched first-year development track. [Read more 🡒]