A Q&A WITH STUNTMAN STU:

Fave way to relax?

Going for a drive in the Mustang or napping

Preferred musical artists?

Huey Lewis, Michael Buble, Metallica

Top location in Ottawa?

Beautiful Barrhaven!

Best moment(s) with your family?

BBQ’s by the pool

Breakthrough in broadcasting?

My first solo shift, overnights at 106.9

The Bear

My jam is…

My wife!

Alternate occupation?

Car designer

Most watched movie or TV show? Back to the Future

The greatest moment in hockey history? Watching Alfie’s jersey retirement with my son in person

The person I was the most excited to meet ?

I was lucky enough to meet Michael J. Fox and caught him as he was running up the stairs at the NAC, he was kind enough to stop and pose for a photo

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HIS PRO HOCKEY CAREER, PARKER KELLY IS A FULLTIME NHL PLAYER. SURE, KELLY PROBABLY KNOCKS ON WOOD WHEN PEOPLE SAY THAT, BUT IT'S A FACT. HE HASN'T SPENT A DAY IN THE MINORS THIS SEASON.

The 23 year old from Camrose, Alberta didn't reach this point because of his highend skill. He didn't get to the NHL because he lit up the American Hockey League or because the Senators invested a high draft pick in him.

No, Kelly is a full-time NHL player because his work ethic and attitude are impossible to ignore. He's always on the unpaved extra mile – the type of player coaches go to bat for. D.J. Smith knows exactly what he's getting every

- basketball coach Tim Notke

time Kelly jumps over the boards: that relentless energy and speed. And if you give the kid a chance to run you over, he'll give that a go as well.

"Parker has long been a consistently tenacious player for us," said Senators general manager Pierre Dorion, the day he signed Kelly to his current NHL contract. "He's competitive, hard-nosed, an efficient penalty killer and someone we can rely on to provide us with an energetic and determined effort every game."

While Kelly is thrilled to have played almost every Senator game this season, he does feel like it's been an up and down year.

“This is my first full season in the NHL,” Kelly said. “So you really see the grind and the mindset you've got to have every day. And you've got to be consistent. That's one thing I'm trying to get better at is just being a good, consistent, fourth line winger. Some days, things are going to happen and you might not be the best, but it's all about flipping the page and coming right back. So it definitely hasn't been the year I wanted offensively. But I think my penalty kill and a lot of my defensive game has grown a lot. I think the offence will come, but I'm just happy with my consistency over these last like 20 or 30 games.

FACES: Almost everybody I spoke with about you said the same things. A leader, a great guy, works his tail off. Did someone teach you those qualities or is that something that's always come naturally?

KELLY: There are two different groups of people in that story. Obviously, my mom and my dad (Joanne and Kevin), I feel like they raised me the right way. My mom's a teacher, so it was, 'If you're not working hard at school, you're not playing hockey.' So grades came first. And my dad pretty much taught me everything I know about the game and was my biggest supporter growing up. The work they put in with me and my brother (Ashton) is something I try to take from them and put into my everyday life.

And then my coach in junior, Marc Habscheid. He's a really, really good person to have coached me in Junior. When I was 17, he sat down with me and was like, 'You know, you're kind of falling between the cracks here. If you want to get to the NHL, you've gotta play this way. You're gonna do the hard things that most guys don't want to do.' And that just clicked with me. So I think those three people in my life kind of pushed me and gave me the guidance to get where I'm at now.

How does your family feel about the rough, fearless style you play?

They're okay with it. It started in minor hockey in Camrose. We were rough to play against when hitting first happened. Our coaching staffs taught us how to hit properly. So, when we played city teams, we would rough 'em up. But when I got into junior, things kind of escalated with the peskiness or the rat mentality. I had to learn how to play on the edge. My dad kind of understood that style of play. But mom was more like, 'What are you doing? You look like an idiot out there.' But now she knows it's my job. I know how to keep it within the guidelines now and they understand it. In 2017, you didn't get picked in the NHL Draft. So when did the Senators come into the picture?

Yeah, in my draft year, I didn't really do much of anything that season (with the Prince Albert Raiders) before Christmas. Then I had a really good second half and started to work my way onto the draft rankings. But I wasn't very high in the rankings so wasn't too upset about not getting picked. Then, no more than ten minutes after the draft was over, my agent called me and told me I have two invites for development camps and one was the Senators. He felt like the Senators were the best fit for me personally. So the next morning, I grabbed my stuff, flew to Ottawa, and the rest is history. It's so crazy how it worked out with not getting drafted and then ten minutes later, I've got two different NHL choices.

You play a lot with Austin Watson and Dylan Gambrell, and people might not know you were all point-a-game players back in junior and college. What's the mindset of an NHL fourth liner? Do you think about offence at all now, or is it all defence, dump and chase, and hard forechecks?

Yeah, I think it's all time and place. The one thing about Junior is you're playing 25 minutes a night, all scenarios, both sides of the puck. So you kind of develop the skills for that. But when you come to the NHL, your mentality has to switch. We have other guys who are playing 25 minutes a night. So my job is to go out there and get momentum and not let whoever we're out there against get much offence. One shift you might get dealt a hand where you're in the offensive zone for 30 seconds with grade A scoring chances. And then you might get dealt a hand where you're hemmed in your zone. So you just gotta play good defence and take the highs and lows with it. But it's definitely all mental.

From a team perspective, have you been able to put your finger on why you guys had another poor start?

Yeah, I think we lost our first two games and then we won four in a row. Then we kind of turned into a team we didn't want to be. A lot of run and gun hockey and we weren't really playing with structure. There was a point where DJ and the coaches sat us down and said, 'You guys are a great team, great players, and you have a lot of potential. You guys can definitely live up to that and here's how you need to play to be successful.' And think everyone's just been kind of buying in and playing their role and doing their job. And when that happens, good things happen for teams.

Over the last few years, you've been dealing with alopecia areata, a disorder which causes clumps of hair to fall out. Can you tell us about that?

Yeah, I was actually 17 and it was my grad day. My mom started fixing my hair, thinking it looked crooked. And she's like, 'Did the hairdresser cut you at all or run the clippers too close? And I was like, 'No, I don't think so.' There was this small bald spot and I was just like, 'Whatever.' And then things got progressively worse. At age 19, 20, 21, those years in pro, it started getting really bad. I've never really been insecure about it. I don't mind when guys poke fun or whatever.

A couple of years ago, I shaved it all off because it was getting kind of bad with the long hair. So I just let 'er go. And then this summer I actually went to a dermatologist and he gave me a pill and a spray and it worked. And my hair has actually come back pretty good. There's still a little spot on the back, but I can't see it, so it feels like I got all my hair back [laughing].

We did the Sens gala where we met all the sponsors and my girlfriend, Kiarra, was like, 'You should put some gel in, like, you actually have the hair now. So that was the first time in three or four years that I put gel in my hair. So, that was pretty cool.

Were you all hockey all the time as a kid or were there other interests?

I did everything. My other big sport is golf. That's my summer thing. I never played baseball but I wish I did. I was all school sports – track and field, cross-country, badminton, basketball, volleyball. Anything sport we could play as kids growing up, we were doing it. I'm kind of a big believer in not just playing hockey. Just get out there and play everything.

As a kid, was there a favourite place where you'd play or work on your game? Maybe an outdoor rink, driveway or a basement?

Yeah, definitely the rinks back home. I always asked to just go and hang out at the rink. It's a triplex now. Someone was always skating or practicing or watching the Kodiaks, our local junior A team. That was always the highlight of my week, going to watch them. But my backyard, that was a place where I shot a lot of pucks. And then my brother and I, playing mini sticks and video games down in the basement, like NHL Slapshot on the Nintendo Wii, all that stuff. So, yeah, a lot of memories.

What was your all-time favourite childhood hockey memory?

Kind of a crazy story, but in Bantam, we were playing Airdrie, a team just outside of Calgary. And we were the two lower ranked teams on that year, so it was a big game.

I blocked a shot in the second period and my hand was actually broken but we didn't go check until after the game. So I finished the game and ended up scoring the game winner with five seconds left. So, kind of a crazy story just the way it happened. I know it's Bantam and nothing really counts in Bantam, but it was a pretty cool feeling.

Before you told the whole story, I was thinking to myself, 'That's the most Parker Kelly thing ever, that his favorite hockey moment is blocking a shot.' But it's a great ending and a great story. Moving on, what NHL player did you most admire growing up?

Definitely Sidney Crosby. Just the way he carries himself. I think he's such a good human and the way he is with his teammates and the leader he's become, I think it's pretty cool to watch, especially when he first came into the league right from like 2005 on. He's definitely my favourite player to watch.

What's your favourite TV show?

I love Friends. My girlfriend and I always have it on. It's a big show at our house. And Formula One, Drive to Survive. Just give it a chance. I never watched Formula One in my life until that came out and it hooked me.

You just got off the ice from practice. You have a game tomorrow. How will you spend the rest of your day today?

I would just be hanging around the house. Just tidy it up a little bit. But mostly just sitting on the couch, maybe order some food in for dinner or make dinner depending on what I'm feeling. And then we have a dog, so I'll just hang out with her all day.

What's her name?

Her name's Poppy. She's a miniature dachshund. A wiener dog.

Nice. What's your favourite place to eat in Ottawa?

Last year, when I was living at the Brookstreet, I was eating a lot of Fratelli. I would do that the day before every game. This year, living in Stittsville, I have done Napoli's and Cabotto's a lot. I'm a big, big Italian guy, as you can see. Love the pasta before a game

Any nicknames? Probably “Kells” right?

That's been a big one since junior. Before junior, it was P.K. Or Parks.

I've been hassling today's generation of NHL players for the general lack of creativity in nicknames. Back in the 70s, the Philadelphia Flyers had a guy named Bob Kelly. He played the same kind of game as you and had a bunch of nicknames. I want to know if you want to embrace any of his old school nicknames. How about, “The Hound?”

I like that. Yeah, I like that.

Mad Dog?

Mad Dog? Uh, I don't think I'm crazy enough to be Mad Dog.

He was also Mutt?

Yeah... [losing interest]

And finally... and this is one that still works today because he's a popular musician, but how about Machine Gun Kelly? Any interest there?

Wow. I like that. Like MGK? Yeah.

You don't have to commit to anything right now. Maybe sleep on it. How did you spend your vacation in February?

Actually, my girlfriend and went to Disney World in Orlando. So, it was busy, lots of walk- ing, full days. We were there for seven days and had a blast.

And you'd never been there as a kid?

No, first time. I was the big kid standing in line.

Riding the Teacups and everything, I bet.

Oh, yeah [laughing]. We did everything. Everything. It was awesome.

Lastly, would you have a message for kids out there who would love to follow in your footsteps?

Yeah. The first thing I'd probably say is don't take a day for granted. There are a lot of things that could happen and you don't really know what tomorrow holds for you. So every day playing hockey or just being a good human being is something important. My mom would tell me to say, 'School comes before hockey.'

What I want to say is that hockey creates good friendships and the life lessons that you learn are important. And I think that no matter what, if your mentality stays the same... like, I want to get to the NHL or I want to play this or do this... if you believe it, you can do it. And if you have to change something to get there, there are sacrifices that will have to happen along the way. They might seem like a lot of work, but when your dream pays off, it'll feel like it was nothing. So that's my message.

KELLY IS DEFINITELY LIVING PROOF THAT WORK ETHIC, PERSISTENCE AND ATTITUDE CAN TAKE YOU A LONG WAY IN THIS WORLD. AND THAT'S A GREAT MESSAGE FOR ANYONE.

By Steve Warne

Ottawa entrepreneur and community leader Jennifer Stewart took the pandemic to build one of the country’s most dynamic teams of communicators.

Whether managing a crisis, advising some of Canada’s largest corporations or running point on some of the biggest events in the city, #TeamSyntax is only getting started.

“Our team is not like other teams in the city or even the country. We have areas of extreme specialization that bring intense subject matter expertise and experience for our clients,” said Stewart.

Stewart founded the firm at the age of 25, without a clear business plan or way forward. Through hard work, vision and solid business intuition, Syntax is now widely known for its commitment to quality and for pushing the envelope.

Unique Specializations

“A huge value of our team is our out-of-the-box service offerings,” said Stewart. And she isn’t wrong.

This year, the Syntax team launched a number of practices and areas of specialization, including a sports practice led by two-time Olympian Lisa Weagle.

“The sports specialization is a growing need,” said Weagle. “Organizations need to understand the importance of their image and reputation more than ever before. That’s where we come in.”

Weagle is currently the point lead on experiential marketing for the Coaching Association of Canada’s Mental Health and Sport Resource Hub, among other sport-related clients looking to bring their message to the market.

Sarah Kastner was announced as the lead of Syntax’s Indigenous Partnerships and Social Purpose practice, bringing years of experience in community-engaged research and social impact projects, including a doctorate from Queen’s University.

Kastner, previously a Director of Social Development for the Native Women’s Association of Canada, is leading communications and stakeholder engagement for the Kebaowek First Nation Cultural Centre and Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada and working with the DisAbled Women’s Network of Canada.

“The Indigenous Partnerships and Social Purpose practice at Syntax is about helping organizations to advance their objectives through evidence-driven and community-engaged strategies,” said Kastner. “It’s been an honour to work in partnership with high-impact organizations and help build their capacity to make a difference.”

Events with Impact

Syntax’s events team is led by veterans in the nation’s capital. Hailing from the Ottawa Senators, Dana Telfer and Liane Mamo worked side by side for years at the hockey club before rejoining forces at Syntax to lead events for clients both in Ottawa and across the country.

When COVID-19 hit, the dynamic duo quickly leaned into new technologies and opportunities and were the successful partners of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation as they launched their first virtual Cancer Champions Breakfast, which raised a record amount. This was one of many newly digital events that Telfer and Mamo executed flawlessly.

“Events, at their core, are all very similar. They need to be expertly managed, and details matter. Every detail matters. When you factor in online events, you have different details to manage but the outcome can be the same: a solid event that’s visually stunning,” said Telfer.

When 4-H Canada approached Syntax to transition their annual 4-H Leadership Awards from in-person to online, Syntax leaned into the compelling stories of the young people and volunteers being honoured, producing videos shot across the country.

Strong Leadership

At Syntax’s leadership core are veteran journalist Jennifer Madigan and Director of Finance and Business Operations

Devon Larock. With a vision to scale and grow, Madigan and Larock bring discipline, systems and processes to client relations.

“We always say we want to be consistently consistent,” said Madigan. “We want our clients to know they are always going to get strong products, ideas and strategy from our team, and that takes leadership and processes that we have put in place.”

Larock manages the business operations of Syntax along with Stewart, ensuring the day-to-day of the business remains

As the pandemic wore on, we knew if we were to compete for people’s screen time, we needed to make it worth their while. These young people are truly impressive, and we wanted to show their stories, rather than just tell them. High-quality, stunning video paired with rich storytelling is a huge component of successful events today because you need your guests to feel something – to be immersed in the experience,” said Mamo.

New Team Members

Syntax bolstered its media and advocacy presence this year, bringing in Janet Silver, former editor of iPolitics, and Megan Shaw, former CTV Ottawa reporter and journalist.

“More and more you need to bring in good people who have solid reputations to best advise clients. Bolstering our media practice has been good for our clients, and having people like Janet and Megan who have lived and breathed in newsrooms is invaluable,” said Stewart.

seamless while long-term planning is always in sight.

“It’s striking that right balance between urgency today and planning for tomorrow,” said Larock. “We’re fully future-proofed and here for the long term.”

Vision for the Future

Stewart recognizes she’s only as good as her team, and by the looks of things, Syntax is just beginning to leave its long and impactful mark on the corporate and not-forprofit communities of Canada.

www.syntaxstrategic.ca

By Dan Lalande

“The media business is ever-changing. I’ve seen re-brands, name changes, and employee changes. Still, I love the broadcasting industry and have been fortunate to work alongside and learn from so many incredibly talented people.”

Who but the perpetually sunny Angie Poirier to endure and thrive in such a competitive industry?

The plucky blonde, currently part of the MOVE 100 morning team along with longtime friend and colleague Stuart “Stuntman Stu” Schwartz and the younger Janel Steeper, suffered from incredible shyness growing up. “I had no desire to be on camera or radio,” she admits. “Once I joined the industry, I had to push myself outside my comfort zone to speak in front of big crowds. Eventually, that led to an offer to be on TV!”

During her low-profile years, Poirier served as a writer-producer for TV’s The New RO. There, despite a decision to remain firmly behind the scenes, she was coerced into doing the in-game hosting for a number of area sports teams. Cue a bad case of first-time jitters. Fortunately, there was a security blanket. Fellow Algonquin College TV & Radio Broadcast alum Schwartz would be there, in the capacity of game announcer. Little did either of them know that that particular association would mark the beginning of a long and fruitful professional relationship. “We learned almost immediately that we had good working chemistry,” Poirier reflects. “It eventually paid off as radio co-hosts down the line.” Poirier went on to be the live eye for the newly launched A-Channel morning show, which eventually morphed into CTV Morning Live. Then came MAJIC, since rebranded as MOVE, again with you-knowwho. In 2018, the duo was joined by the energetic Steeper.

Like her co-stars, Poirier is thrilled to be part of such an energetic and eclectic trio. “Stu and I had long-established chemistry, but the quick chemistry we were able to build with Janel on-air came easily! It was a perfect fit when she joined us. We each have our unique perspectives. Our different walks of life and age differences make for an incredible dynamic.”

The initial move from TV to radio brought out mixed feelings in Poirier. Ultimately, though, she boldly made the move (and yes, pun intended). “Truth be told,” says Poirier, “I was ready for a change. I love the comfort of being in the studio every day just laughing with my two co-hosts—and, of course, not getting up even earlier to do hair and make-up for TV. But the skills for TV and radio are interchangeable. You have to be able to think on your feet and be very good at improv.”

Poirier, Schwartz, and Steeper do a lot of that, as they spin tunes, laud contests, and keep in admirably close contact with their much-prized listenership. “Our listeners make the gig for us every day!” affirms Poirier. “They interact with us all day, every day, through their calls, texts, and social media replies. We make it a habit to try to reply to each and every interaction. Many of those listeners have become friends!”

Spoken like a true people person. That said, Poirier also enjoys her time out of the spotlight. Most weekends, you’ll find Poirier, her husband, and their three children boating on the St. Lawrence. An unapologetic homebody, she also enjoys yoga, reading, and just chilling.

As for anybody looking to walk in her shoes, the media veteran offers the following advice: “The secret is to be open-minded and to have as many tools in your toolbox as possible. I started off only intending to write. When I was persuaded to try TV, I very hesitantly gave it a shot. Loved it. When I was asked to try radio, I hesitantly gave that a shot too. Loved it. If I hadn’t taken those chances, I wouldn’t have been lucky enough to have had the career that I’ve been so fortunate to have!”

A career that might someday take her where? “Who knows?” Poirier speculates. “But I do know that I’ll keep an open mind and continue to pivot with life. It’s worked out so far!”

Helps Clients Reach For The Sky

by Dan La ande

“Government relations can be compl cated,” says Bluesky Strategy Group co-founder Susan Smith “It works better if you have a trusted reputation and strong relationships. You can only build those by working with integrity ”

And for the past twenty years, Smith and her business partner Tim Barber have done just that unwaveringly.

Founded in 2003, Bluesky is a full-service public affairs firm providing government relations, media communications, issue management, and event design for clients looking to influence public policy. The well-respected firm partners with industry, academia, government, media, not-for-profits, and Indigenous and cultural communities, affording access to a team of seasoned journalists, former staff and MPs, political commentators, and other influencers who know how to grab a newsroom’s attention. In so doing, Bluesky brings causes stuck in the shadows into the spotlight.

Before Bluesky, the Smith-Barber tandem had been co-workers at another firm. But they shared a vision for a company that would approach its work with a greater degree of creativity, a decided advantage in the crowded GR field. “We’ve always been able to keep our ideas, insights, and tactics fresh,” says Smith. “We’re always working to take it to the next level.”

That process starts with a clear assessment and a honest audit of a client’s intentions. Says Smith, “Their goals have to align with our principles. We have to believe that we can help them. If a client comes in and they're asking for something we do not think is achievable, we will tell them that.” Adds Barber, “We always recommend that it start with a strategy. Too often, people walk in and say,

‘We want to talk to this person...we want access to this or that.’ You're not going to get access if you haven't thought it through.”

Over the past twenty years, Bluesky’s guiding hand has provided the roadmap for a wide variety of interests; if it’s in the news, being debated in Parliament, or the latest federal law, there’s a good chance that Bluesky has a client who is interested in the outcome. “We work with our clients every step of the way,” adds Smith. “We look at what the issue is, seek a solution, then implement what it takes to achieve it.”

And don’t think Bluesky’s efforts ebb and flow with changes in government. Explains Barber, “The guardrails of our politics are narrower than we think. The machinery doesn't change that much.” Adds Smith, “Every member of parliament in every government has one objective: to serve their constituents and to get re-elected. And Canada has a professional public service that we can be proud of. When you understand that principle, you can always have good government relations.”

Or great ones, according to the word of mouth that continues to affirm Bluesky’s exalted standing.

“When ask people, ‘How did you hear about us?’, they say “Oh, it’s because you worked with so and so and they liked you.” says Smith, “It's reputational.”

Examples of the firm’s long history of converting creativity into advocacy include the famous “Spread the Net” campaign, in which Bluesky mailed bed nets to MPs who had to bring them to a malaria awareness-raising reception to get them shipped to Africa. In another innovative move, Bluesky staged movie nights on Parliament Hill to champion the Canadian film industry. The team also works closely with officials on the nuts and bolts of policies and programs, helping clients deliver effective messages to decision-makers.

“Our Bluesky team collectively has decades of connecting with people and businesses across this country—and beyond. We’re founding members of the Global Communications Alliance, a network of firms like ours all across the world. Our reach is local, provincial, national, and international,” added Barber.

As for the next twenty years, don’t expect Bluesky to slow down. Says Barber, “We are hardwired communicators.” blueskystrategygroup.com

By Steve Warne

In their 30th anniversary season, the Ottawa Senators continued to celebrate their past, officially retiring the number of their long-time tough guy, Chris Neil.

Neil addressed his fans with an excellent speech and turned emotional when thanking his mother, Bonnie, who died in a car accident in 2005.

"OBVIOUSLY, I WOULDN'T BE WHERE I AM TODAY IF IT WASN'T FOR MY MOM AND DAD," NEIL SAID, PAUSING TO GATHER HIMSELF. "MY MOM IS NOT HERE WITH US TODAY, BUT I KNOW SHE WOULD BE SO PROUD. SHE PUSHED ME TO BE THE BEST THAT I COULD BE. SHE DROVE ME THOUSANDS OF MILES SO I COULD PURSUE MY DREAM. I WOULDN'T BE THE PERSON I AM TODAY WITHOUT HER. I MISS HER AND I WISH SHE COULD BE HERE.

"BACK IN MY FIRST YEAR, WHEN I WOULD GET IN A FIGHT, WHICH HAPPENED QUITE A BIT, I WOULD RAISE MY HANDS AFTER THE FIGHT TO GET THE CROWD PUMPED UP. BUT THE REAL TRUTH BEHIND IT WAS TO LET MY MOM KNOW I WAS OKAY."

Neil also thanked his father and three older brothers, who were all in attendance. He praised his wife, Caitlin, and their three children for their ongoing support.

Back in November, Neil's family helped the Senators surprise him with the news. Neil just thought he was recording a standard promotional video.

Don Cherry was always fond of saying, “When a crusher tries to be a rusher, he’ll end up an usher.” Whether Neil was aware of the theory or not, he effectively subscribed to it and believes he played as long as he did because he fully embraced the crusher role the Senators needed.

Back in his OHL days, Neil had to make a choice about what would get him to the NHL. Some fans would be surprised to learn the right winger was a point a game player in his last two seasons with the North Bay Centennials – the club’s top scorer in that time frame. After the Sens drafted him, he looked at the Sens’ depth chart at right wing and saw the

It was immediately clear that Neil’s NHL opportunities as a scorer in Ottawa might be fairly limited.

But Neil could handle himself, even back then. He had no problems getting physical or sorting someone out, posting 446 minutes in penalties in those final two OHL seasons. When Ottawa needed someone to play the fourth line, tough guy role, Neil was ready.

That’s what he needed to do to play in the NHL, and for 16 years he did it beautifully. Neil was active from 2001 to 2017, with decent offensive numbers for a tough guy. He averaged just over 19 points per season.

But fans outside of Ottawa have spent the past couple of days debating whether a player like that deserves to have his number retired. Very few tough guys have their jerseys retired. What makes Neil the exception to the rule?

Well, we can start with longevity. Neil played 1026 regular season games and 95 more in the playoffs. That’s a hell of an NHL career for anyone, let alone a player who never took a shift off and would gladly throw his face in front of a slap shot if it would help his team win. The style of game he played was important, particularly in that era.

Neil seemed tireless and could change the tone of a game with a big timely hit or fight. He protected teammates, who all played a little bigger and stronger, confident that Neil had their back. And even though he’d often scrap with a smile on his face, the job was never easy. The role was physically brutal and frequently violent. Every new or veteran tough guy or random AHL call up would want to try and prove themselves against Neil. And more often than not, they failed.

Georges Laraque, probably the NHL heavyweight champion of his day, once referred to Neil and Riley Cote as, pound for pound, the toughest guys in the league.

Neil was part of the biggest runs of success the Senators ever had, going to all three conference finals in 2003, 2007 (also a Cup Final), and 2017.

No one else can say that. No one. Not even Alfredsson or Phillips, whose banners now hang beside Neil's.

“The 2007 run was, in my opinion, the best run out of all of them,” Neil said last year on the 15th anniversary of the Sens only Cup final appearance. “When Alfie scored that overtime goal in Buffalo in game 5 to send us to the final, the goal wasn't even the best part. It was when we got back to the airport and there were 15,000 people at the airport waiting for us and just enough for us to drive through high fiving everyone. I'm telling you right now, there are shivers going up my back thinking about it.

“A mural of that scene should be our arena somewhere. There were enough people at the airport to fill the stadium. As we were landing, the pilot said, 'Look out your windows, boys!' We looked out and it was unreal. You're on top of the world when you see something like that.”

Now throw in the intangibles of playing your entire career with one team and making Ottawa his home. Or his massive community involvement, even to this day. Or how popular he's been with the fan base throughout his whole career and into retirement.

This isn’t a Hockey Hall of Fame discussion, which trips a lot of fans up. It’s not the same at all. This is a hockey community honouring a 16 year love affair with a man who played in all the biggest games and literally bled for this franchise again and again.

That should be good enough for anyone, and if it's not, don't panic. The night wasn't meant for you. It was a night exclusively for Neil and the fans who love him.

By Steve Warne