Girl goes with Swedish Berries to surprise Senator at CHEO

Nine-year-old Charlie Dow clutched a packet of Swedish Berries as she waited to surprise her favourite Ottawa Senator, Jake Sanderson, during the team’s annual holiday visit to CHEO.

“When I met him once, he said he likes Swedish Fish, and when we looked for Swedish Fish there was none, so I gave him Swedish Berries,” Dow said, flipping through the photos she’d just had signed.

The Senators arrived at a gathering in the hospital’s cafeteria after visiting patients in their rooms earlier in the day. The team started the event by standing in front of the crowd of patients and singing “Jingle Bells” in their baritone voices.

Parents stood behind the children, smiling as the team delivered the carol.

After singing to the crowd, players went around the room and spoke with the kids one-on-one.

Sanderson immediately went to chat with Charlie and got to cram down some gummy candies. He said getting to know young fans is one of the highlights of playing in Ottawa.

“I know Charlie way back. She’s such a cute girl and brings so much energy,” he said. “She’s a big Sens fan and obviously you want to put a smile on her face.”

Sanderson said supporting CHEO has been a priority of his since he started playing for the team.

“It’s so special hanging out with the kids, seeing them laugh, seeing them smile, doing arts and crafts with them, it’s a good time,” Sanderson said.

While players mingled with young fans, goaltender Linus Ullmark even busted out a couple of dance moves as he posed for pictures.

Parker McDonald was over the moon when he got to meet his favourite player, captain Brady Tkachuk.

“It was really cool,” the 11-year-old said when he got to chat with his hero. “Brady is always very nice when I was meeting him and he always was my favourite player.”

McDonald, who has been fighting cancer, said seeing his idols up close made the experience special.

“It was so fun meeting all the players and it was very special getting all the signatures.”

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