Senators Players with NHL-Dad Connections: A Father’s Legacy in Hockey

The sport of hockey has long been a bridge between generations, nurturing the bonds between fathers and their children through shared experiences on the ice and in the stands. For many players in the NHL, including those on the Ottawa Senators, the journey to the top has been significantly influenced by the guidance and support of their fathers, particularly those who have donned an NHL jersey themselves.

Several Senators currently on the roster grew up with the unique advantage of having fathers who played in the league, filling their childhoods with stories of triumph and the realities of professional hockey. These players learned the nuances of the game firsthand, often with their dads coaching them and sharing insights that only a former NHL player could provide.

While the list of Senators with NHL fathers has dwindled in recent years due to the departures of players like Josh Norris, Jakob Chychrun, Mark Kastelic, Patrick Brown, and Roby Jarventie, several notable names remain. Among them is Ridly Greig, whose father, Mark, enjoyed a solid nine-season career in the NHL with teams like the Hartford Whalers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, and Philadelphia Flyers. Greig’s family legacy in hockey is further enriched by his late uncle Bruce, who had a brief stint with the California Golden Seals, and his sister Dara, who will play for the Ottawa Charge this fall.

Another notable Senator is Jake Sanderson, whose father, Geoff, had an impressive NHL career spanning eight teams and over 1,100 games, accumulating 700 points. The Sanderson family has moved frequently due to Geoff’s career, but they are united by their extraordinary skating abilities, showcasing a talent that transcends positions on the ice.

Keith Donovan, a former NHL player with teams such as Winnipeg, Phoenix, St. Louis, and Atlanta, is among the few 500-goal scorers not in the Hall of Fame. His son, Jorian, recently made his NHL debut, becoming part of a unique distinction as the only father-son duo to play for the modern-day Senators. Jorian’s entry into the league comes at a time when Ottawa’s blue line has faced numerous injuries, providing him with an opportunity to step into the spotlight.

As the women’s professional hockey scene grows, we may soon find ourselves compiling a similar list for Mother’s Day, celebrating Senators whose mothers have also played at a professional level. But for now, on this Father’s Day, we celebrate the enduring legacy of hockey fathers and the profound impact they have had on their children’s journeys in the sport.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.