Ottawa Senators Hockey Camp

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the Ottawa Senators Hockey Camp: January 28-31 2025 is now open. The application deadline is Sunday 1 December 2024.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT:  
Soldier On in collaboration with the Ottawa Senators and the Ottawa Senators Alumni will host a hockey camp in Ottawa, ON from 28 to 31 January 2025.

Up to 20 ill/injured serving or retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces will have the opportunity to use the sport of hockey as part of their recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration. The aim of this activity is to provide an opportunity for both serving and retired ill/injured CAF members to use the sport of hockey as part of their recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration.  Regardless of the current skill level, the participants will receive expert coaching through drills as well as a game vs the Ottawa Senators Alumni. Participants will participate in hockey drills and a game which will be comprised of 1-4 hours of moderate to high paced activities for 2 consecutive days.

Participants will need to supply their own hockey equipment. A jersey will be supplied by Soldier On. Participants will be required to share accommodations. Instruction will be provided in English only.

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 20.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the SOUTHERN ONTARIO, EASTERN ONTARIO, NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION regions, who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.

Selected Serving members will require the approval of their Chain of Command to participate. 

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

·        28 Jan 2025 – Arrival at Hotel and group dinner, Ottawa, ON;
·        29-30 Jan 2025 – Daily training and scheduled activities;
·        31 Jan 2025 – Depart Ottawa, ON.

RANSPORTATION, ACCOMODATIONS & MEALS:

NCR PARTICIPANTS:
TRANSPORTATION: Participants are advised that transportation will not be provided by Soldier On for this event. Participants will be required to arrange their own travel to and from the event location. 
ACCOMODATIONS: Soldier On is offering NCR Participants the opportunity to stay at the hotel with the group at no cost in an effort to support team building and camaraderie, but no other incidentals of travel expenses will be covered. REMINDER: Participants will be required to share accommodations
MEALS: Continental breakfast will only be provided to those staying at the hotel. Lunches will be provided on 29 and 30 Jan, Dinners will be provided on 28, 29, 30 Jan.

PARTICIPANTS OUTSIDE OF THE NCR:
TRANSPORTATION: 
Travel assistance will be provided and coordinated by the Soldier On Regional Coordinator in conjunction with Soldier On Operations. The most economical means of transportation to and from events will be prioritized and discussed with members via the event OPI or delegate. 
ACCOMODATIONS: All participants will be staying at the same hotel in Kanata. REMINDER: Participants will be required to share accommodations
MEALS: Continental breakfast will only be available to those staying at the hotel on 29, 30, 31 Jan. Lunches will be provided on 29 and 30 Jan, Dinners will be provided on 28, 29, 30 Jan.

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Participants must be able to tolerate 1-4 hours of moderate to high paced activities for 2 days in a row which will be limited to 1-2 hours per ice time. During some part of the event the group may be in larger crowds where there will be louder noises. Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day. Unfortunately, this event is not fully adaptive as members will be required to skate upright.

Participants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment. Participants also acknowledge that there will be no alcohol allowed in the accommodations, and will be required to share accommodations.

Participants are required to bring their own hockey equipment which meet the CAF standard.
   
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE PREVENTION:
Soldier On, PSP and CAF TG aim to provide a safe environment for all participants and staff. To ensure everyone’s safety, applicants understand that they should aim to adopt personal practices focused on communicable disease prevention such as health awareness, staying home when sick and regular hand cleaning to help prevent the spread.