Ottawa Senators host Canadian Forces Appreciation Night

February 20, 2006

OTTAWA - The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier, would like to thank the Ottawa Senators, who will host Canadian Forces Appreciation Night on March 2, 2006.

More than 1100 CF personnel from the Navy, Army and Air Force will help cheer-on the Sens as they play against the Washington Capitals.

The CF personnel's contribution, dedication and determination to achieve excellence will be recognized at this event with many of the CF personnel in attendance having recently returned from deployment in Afghanistan.

In support of the sailors, soldiers and air force personnel of Canada's military, please join us at the Appreciation Game.

Sergeant Sandra Clark, from the Central Band of the Canadian Forces will sing the national anthem, accompanied by a five-person flag party. Rappellers from Trenton will deliver the game puck from the rafters of Scotiabank Place. Corporal Rob Pyke and his family will join General Hillier at centre ice to perform the ceremonial puck drop.

During the game, fans will have the opportunity to win "A Day in the Life" prizes to accompany either the Navy, Army or Air Force later in the year.

The aim of CF Appreciation Night is to recognize CF members' contribution, dedication and determination to achieve excellence. This event will emphasis the CF members who served with Task Force Afghanistan, including Camp Mirage and the PRT in Kandahar. The focus will be the family as a source of strength and support for that both the CF and the Senators.