Ottawa Senators host 2nd ‘Kids Takeover’ game

The annual ‘Kids Takeover’ Sens game went ahead Saturday afternoon, giving young hockey fans the experience of a lifetime. CTV’s Josh Marano reports.

The kids have taken over the Canadian Tire Centre.

For the second year in a row, the Ottawa Senators hosted the “Kids Takeover” game, giving youth the opportunity to participate in various roles around the arena.

From working gate security, announcing the starting lineups, to digital host up in the press box, 11-year-old Savannah Smallshaw was hard at work.

“It’s really cool because usually this doesn’t happen a lot,” Smallshaw said. “It’s a new thing for me and it’s really fun.”

Seven different kids were invited to take part, including 15-year-old Dana Awada. She spent the day as a Junior Broadcast Reporter, working alongside TSN’s Claire Hannah.

“It’s great for experience,” Awada says. “Overall, I think it’s so fun for younger people to get the chance to experience something like this.”

Organizers increased the number of roles from the previous year from four to seven. Manager of marketing events and promotions with the Ottawa Senators, Lauren Coyle, says this is her favourite day of the year.

“Honestly, staff love this. They love to be able to come in and showcase what they do,” Coyle said.

“We’re very fortunate to do a number of unique things, so to get to showcase that to young fans and their families is really special to everyone.”

The kids were treated to a show as the Senators defeated the New York Rangers 4-3 in thrilling overtime game.

The Sens keep hold of their second wildcard spot and currently rank fourth in the Atlantic Division.