” data-placement=”auto” data-team=”ottawa-senators” data-toggle=”tooltip” data-trigger=”hover click focus” href=”https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/teams/ottawa-senators/”>Ottawa Senators will play the Ukrainian national anthem before home games for the remainder of the season, team owner Eugene Melnyk said Wednesday, as part of an effort to support the “valiant efforts of the Ukrainian people” amid Russia's baseless invasion of their country.

Melnyk, who was born and raised in Canada but whose parents are from Ukraine, added that the Senators would be using upcoming 50/50 draws to donate to organizations providing humanitarian and medial assistance to Ukraine. The specific organizations were not named.

The Senators will also work with the local Ukrainian community in Ottawa to find ways of using the Canadian Tire Centre, where the team plays, as a drop-off point to collect donations of clothing, medical supplies and other items for those in need.

“As an organization and a community, I am confident that our collective actions and contributions will make a significant difference in the lives of Ukrainians who are currently under siege,” Melnyk wrote in a letter that was published in Wednesday's Ottawa Sun and Ottawa Citizen. “I hope you will join me and the Ottawa Senators and help make that happen.”

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