Introducing the Captain’s Club: creating life-long memories
We’re often reminded in the OHL that some things are bigger than hockey, and that’s the case once again, with the launch of the Ottawa 67’s Captain’s Club.
Spearheaded by Colin Zappia, the colour commentary voice you’ve become familiar with when watching 67’s home games on Rogers TV, the Barber Poles and Kids Up Front Ottawa have all come together to create something special, creating a program that hopes to have a lasting impact in the community: the Captain’s Club.
“Hockey has been part of my life ever since I was born, and I know that in this city, there are kids that aren’t able to go to games,” Zappia said. “I thought this was a good way to give back.”
“I hope they just have a lot of fun at the games. Maybe some of the kids haven’t been exposed to hockey before and they become fans and players.”
Each game, Zappia has purchased and donated four tickets to Kids Up Front, and the Barber Poles provide each child with a 67’s branded mini stick, signed by captain Luca Pinelli.
Additionally, every child involved in the program will be invited back at a later date in the season for a private skate.
“It really takes it from a great experience to help build that sense of inclusion to a lifelong memory that could spark someone’s love for hockey,” said Executive Director of Kids Up Front Michael Harris. “We already hear stories of recipients who get out to watch a 67’s game and then want to take skating lessons, or want to learn to play hockey because of that connection.”
Kids Up Front has worked with the 67’s for several years already, helping them march toward their goal of bringing joy and excitement to youth in the region.
“We envision a world where all kids have access to enriching experiences,” said Harris. “We collect event tickets, passes, and admissions, and distribute those to children and youth who otherwise might not have the opportunity to participate in those types of events. We’re looking to support children who are at risk of experiencing social isolation or loneliness.”
Through their previous work, they’ve seen tremendously positive results.
“Recipients say that they feel less stress, that they feel an improvement in their mood, they feel happier, just all those things that we can naturally associate with attending a live event,” Harris said. “What we see in the long term is recipients tell us that they feel more a part of their community as a whole.”
“For a lot of children, it provides that shared experience that they can relate to their peers at school, they can relate to folks who have the opportunity to attend these games, and it helps them feel like there is that community support around them, that they are a part of everything that’s happening in our city.”
Harris says this is an exciting twist on their already successful campaign, and has high hopes for the unique offering.
“It provides that role model opportunity,” Harris explained. “Luca is someone that these children and youth can look to develop a new interest or passion, providing another positive figure in their life. It’s something that’ll be a lifelong memory and a life-changing experience.”
