“It’s not just a game”: Sens Skills is back!
OTTAWA – The annual Sens Skills competition returns on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Canadian Tire Centre, sponsored by CAA North & East Ontario (CAA NEO). This lively event features Ottawa Senators players competing in skill challenges, including puck control relays, fastest skater, hardest shot, accuracy shooting, individual obstacle courses, five puck one-on-one, and 3-on-3 competitions.
Event Highlights
- Players divided into two squads competing in various skill events
- Four “Junior Draft” players join their hockey heroes, including athletes from the PWHL’s Ottawa Charge
- Doors open at Canadian Tire Centre at 12 p.m.
Community Impact
The event supports the Senators Community Foundation and attracts more than 10,000 hockey families. Jeff Walker, President and CEO of CAA North & East Ontario, emphasizes the event's community role:
“For every boy or girl in the stand, there are parents who are getting up early on a Sunday morning to get them to practice. The event celebrates not just our sport, but the community around it. Our sponsorship has seen the event grow to include professional women hockey players, as well as girls’ hockey teams and players on the ice.”
Supporting Growth in Hockey
The Sens Skills competition has expanded beyond just professional men’s hockey to actively include women players and youth teams, reflecting a commitment to fostering hockey at all levels in the community.
Author’s summary: The Sens Skills event returns to celebrate hockey talent and community spirit, bringing together Senators players, youth athletes, and fans in a family-friendly competition.