Craig Anderson and the Ottawa Senators provided a great gesture before their eventual 5-3 win against the Florida Panthers on Monday, meeting with all 60 members of Marjory Stoneman Douglas’ hockey team.
Anderson took care of tickets for the entire team, and before the game, Senators players met with them and provided autographs.
“It’s big for our family,” Anderson said. “We live here in Parkland, we’re raising our kids here. We’re living through (the tragedy) just like everyone else in the community.”
Marjory Stoneman Douglas’ hockey team won a state championship following the tragedy, and also got the opportunity to lift the Stanley Cup. This is the latest great gesture from an NHL team to members of the high school’s hockey team.
Anderson became familiar with the area during his time with the Panthers, when he played in 53 games between 2006-07 to 2008-09. Much like Roberto Luongo, who gave an emotional speech about the shootings in Parkland, his time with that community clearly made an impact.
.@Senators goalie @craiganderson41 is all class, inviting the Marjory Stoneman Douglas hockey team to tonight's game against the @FlaPanthers. #MSDStrong pic.twitter.com/rvvQAyc5ZE
— Bally Sports Florida & Bally Sports Sun (@BallySportsFL) March 13, 2018
[More: Luongo shares more thoughts on the tragic subject.]
The Senators shared some images from that uplifting gesture:
Prior to tonight's game the entire #Sens team had the chance to meet the Marjory Stoneman Douglas hockey team. Their group of 60 will watch tonight's game with tickets courtesy of hometown hero Craig Anderson. pic.twitter.com/LHvYl0TivW
— Sens Communications (@Media_Sens) March 12, 2018
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James O’Brien is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @cyclelikesedins.