Senators to Play Ukrainian National Anthem Before Home Games

The Ottawa Senators are making a grand gesture in support of the nation of Ukraine. 

Senators owner Eugene Melnyk released a letter on Wednesday to condemn the attack against Ukraine currently being carried out by the Russian military, while also announcing that the Ukrainian national anthem will be sung before every Senators home game for the remainder of the 2021-22 season. 

While having been born in Canada himself, Melnyk's parents were Ukrainian citizens who called the country their home, and the destruction currently taking place within its borders clearly weighs on him a great deal. 

The Senators' support of the Ukrainian community during this turbulent time does not stop at the pre-game ceremony, however. 

Melnyk announced in his letter that the Senators will be utilizing upcoming 50/50 draws during games as a means to raise funds for those impacted by the Russian attack, as well. The Canadian Tire Centre will also be used as a drop-off point for the collection of any donations of clothing, medical supplies, and other essential items that will be given to those who have either fled Ukraine or remain there today. 

Additionally, Melnyk pledged to use his role as honorary director of Help Us Help the Children, a humanitarian organization that seeks to provide aid and educational programs to disadvantaged children in Ukraine and Canada, to find further ways to help those impacted by these terrible events. 

The Senators now join the Winnipeg Jets as the second Canadian NHL team to play the Ukrainian national anthem prior to their games, with the Jets inviting the Hoosli Ukrainian Men's Chorus to sing both anthems prior to their game versus the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday.