The North Grenville Outdoor Rink project is $32,000 closer to reality. The Sens Gala crushed it’s $30,000 fundraising goal. The event was held Friday night at the New Rideau Restaurant.
Former Ottawa Senators players Chris Neil and Chris Phillips attended the gala. Sports commentator Ian Mendes also came out to support the cause.
Neil says he has an outdoor rink in his backyard. He says watching his kids hit the ice makes him proud.
“Whether they make it anywhere or not, it doesn’t matter. To see them have fun, with a smile on their faces, that’s what’s it all about,” says Neil.
Phillips says outdoor rinks are where hockey is fun.
“You get out there, throw the stick for sides. There’s no coaching, no parents – you just go and play the game. I think that’s where we fell in love with it…where everybody falls in love with it,” says Phillips.
The event featured a meet and greet with Neil and Phillips. The Sens Gala was sold out, with about 150 people in attendance.