Ex-Sens help old foundation launch with new name

Some very familiar faces helped launch the Ottawa- Gatineau Youth Foundation, which previously operated for two decades as the Ottawa Senators Foundation, in a presentation Wednesday featuring former fan favourites and franchise builders.

Inaugural foundation chair Ian Sherman said it was an “inspiring day,” and called it an “opportunity to reflect on the unwavering commitment from the community to carry on the legacy of our foundation's work, which began 22 years ago under Rod Bryden and a group of community leaders associated with the city's hockey club.

“We launched this reimagined foundation to ensure that the important work that started more than two decades ago would continue, and also expand it to include a focus on social justice activities for youth.”

Former Senators Mark Borowiecki (now with the Nashville Predators) and Jean- Gabriel Pageau (New York Islanders) — local products who were drafted by their hometown NHL team — were featured in Wednesday's launch after other former players voiced their support for the foundation in a video montage circulated on social media over the weekend.

“We know change isn't easy, but we also know that change can lead to opportunities to shine,” said Melinda and Erik Karlsson in a videotaped statement that also included clips from Kyle and Julie Turris and Bobby and Danielle Ryan.

Cyril Leeder, one of the franchise founders who served as team president from 2009-17 and is now CEO of the Myers Automotive Group, took part Wednesday to kick off the foundation's first official fundraising campaign.

The Driving Forward for Youth raffle will include a Buick Encore in its grand prize package, with the winner to be drawn on Dec. 18.

The foundation also issued a call for local youths ages 16 to 22 to form its inaugural Youth Leadership Council.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and Gatineau Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin included messages of support recognizing the long-standing relationship the foundation has had with both cities.