by Todd Anderson

The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario officially launched the new Sens Zone on Nov. 18 during a press conference held at the hospital. The fifth level inpatient care unit has been renamed in the Ottawa Senators honour to thank the National Hockey League team for its generosity and support.

"Some of the things (the Senators) do for us are pretty remarkable," said Garry Cardiff CHEO's chief executive officer. "The financial support is phenomenal, but what moves me the most, is when players come in and visit with the kids."

Speaking on behalf of the team, Ottawa Senators president and CEO Roy Mlakar expressed how inspiring it is for members of the team to associate with the kids.

"The kids don't know how much they mean to the players. There's a great deal of pride for us to know we have this relationship with them. This is a very small part for us to give back to the community."

CHEO foundation chair David Cork said even during the lockout year, Senators players continued to roam the halls at CHEO and meet with children.

"We have an extraordinary hockey team here. In their off year, they never stopped being at the hospital."

Brian Radburn, chair of the CHEO board of trustees, officially announced the dedication of the surgical and rehabilitation inpatient units to the Ottawa Senators.

"It's a gesture of appreciation for tremendous support and dedication," he said.

Shortly afterwards, Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson and assistant captain Wade Redden helped patients Shane Harrison and Breeann Hoogwerf unveil the large murals created to reflect a Senators theme.