As the curtain falls on the Milano-Cortina Olympic Games, a lighthearted question posed by Sens360 offered a glimpse beyond the ice for the Ottawa Senators. What sport, besides hockey (and the often-cited golf), do these elite athletes excel at? The responses, ranging from the strategic precision of chess to the rapid-paced action of lacrosse, reveal a diverse range of athletic interests and past experiences. This exploration into the Senators’ secondary sporting talents provides a fascinating glance at the well-rounded athleticism of professional hockey players and the formative experiences that shaped their paths to the NHL.
The question, seemingly simple, unearthed a wealth of hidden talents and childhood passions. For many, their “other” sport was a formative experience, predating their dedication to hockey. Several players, like Shane Pinto and Thomas Chabot, found early enjoyment in baseball, a sport that clearly resonated with a significant portion of the team. This speaks to the commonality of multi-sport participation in youth athletics, particularly in North America, and how those foundational skills can translate to success in other areas, even the demanding world of professional hockey. The Senators’ responses highlight the importance of diverse athletic development and the transferable skills gained from various sports.
Table Tennis, Lacrosse, and a Surprising Range of Interests
Artem Zub, a Russian defenseman for the Senators, revealed a fondness for table tennis, a tradition fostered by the presence of tables in the Canadian Tire Centre’s gymnasium until recent renovations. Zub fondly recalled a time when the space was a regular gathering spot, a legacy of former Senator Daniel Alfredsson’s own prowess at the game. Zub acknowledged Alfredsson’s superior skill, stating, “Yeah… He’s better than me, that’s for sure.” Beyond table tennis, Zub also enjoys basketball, soccer, handball, and even chess, demonstrating a broad spectrum of athletic and strategic interests. The Canadian Tire Centre, home to the Ottawa Senators, underwent renovations in the summer of 2024, impacting the availability of recreational spaces like the table tennis area.
Kurtis MacDermid’s athletic background took a different turn, with a strong connection to lacrosse. He played the sport competitively until the age of 13, even sharing the field briefly with Rob Hellyer, now also a Senator. Hellyer, who grew up near Owen Sound, Ontario, praised MacDermid’s natural athleticism and toughness on the lacrosse field, noting that his dedication to hockey was evident even then. Hellyer described MacDermid as “gifted,” “extremely fast,” and “very tough,” qualities that have clearly translated to his success in the NHL. The two players were reunited in Ottawa following a trade in October, adding another layer to their shared history.
James Reimer, known for his goaltending skills, offered a more lighthearted response, jokingly referencing his fondness for his sofa before admitting a passion for swimming. Reimer’s swimming background extends beyond casual enjoyment; he was a lifeguard as a teenager and participated in swimming competitions, highlighting a commitment to physical fitness and water safety. He also enjoys basketball and football, showcasing a well-rounded athletic aptitude.
Baseball’s Popularity Among the Senators
A striking trend emerged from the responses: a significant number of Senators have a strong connection to baseball. Nick Jensen, an experienced defender, identified football as his preferred alternative sport but also acknowledged his skill in volleyball. Though, his high school experience as a running back and safety in Minnesota clearly shaped his athletic foundation. Drake Batherson, acknowledging it had been some time since he seriously considered another sport, opted for pickleball, a rapidly growing sport gaining popularity across North America. Tyler Kleven, a larger and stronger player, recalled his baseball days, boasting (jokingly) about a fastball that could theoretically reach 103.5 miles per hour, though he conceded it was likely closer to 75 mph. He excelled as a first baseman, leveraging his size and strength on the diamond.
Shane Pinto’s baseball background was particularly extensive, having grown up playing center field and shortstop. He even considered a career as a catcher but found it uncomfortable on his knees. Pinto’s versatility extended to pitching and leading off, demonstrating a well-rounded skillset. Thomas Chabot, another Senator with a baseball past, played shortstop or pitcher before his hockey career took precedence at age 15 or 16, when the demands of QMJHL training required a full-time commitment. Ridly Greig echoed this sentiment, having played shortstop throughout his youth until age 15, with Chabot acknowledging Greig’s skill on the field. Dylan Cozens rounded out the group, simply stating that his second sport is, baseball.
Soccer and Other Pursuits
Beyond baseball, soccer also emerged as a popular choice. Fabian Zetterlund, a Swedish player, played competitively until age 14, demonstrating versatility by excelling in all positions on the field. Nick Cousins also enjoyed soccer, playing competitively until his early teens before focusing solely on hockey at his father’s encouragement. Michael Amadio, playing left midfield for his high school team, revealed he is left-handed, though he uses his right hand for tasks like throwing. These responses underscore the global appeal of soccer and its role in the athletic development of many young athletes.
The Senators’ diverse range of interests extends beyond these core sports. Artem Zub’s enjoyment of chess highlights the mental agility required in both hockey and strategic games. Kurtis MacDermid’s lacrosse background demonstrates the value of stick skills and physicality, qualities that translate well to hockey. James Reimer’s swimming experience emphasizes the importance of cardiovascular fitness and overall athleticism. These varied pursuits demonstrate that the Senators are not simply hockey players, but well-rounded athletes with a passion for a variety of sports.
The Importance of Multi-Sport Participation
The responses from the Ottawa Senators underscore the growing recognition of the benefits of multi-sport participation in youth athletics. Research suggests that specializing in a single sport too early can lead to burnout and increased risk of injury. Athletes for Hope highlights the advantages of developing a broad range of athletic skills, including improved coordination, agility, and mental toughness. The Senators’ experiences serve as a testament to the value of exploring different sports and developing a well-rounded athletic foundation.
The trend of hockey players having backgrounds in other sports isn’t unique to the Ottawa Senators. Many NHL stars have credited their success to experiences in baseball, soccer, or other athletic pursuits. This highlights the transferable skills and athletic qualities that can be developed through diverse sporting experiences. The ability to adapt, learn new skills, and maintain physical fitness are all valuable assets for professional athletes, regardless of their chosen sport.
As the Senators continue their season, it’s clear that their athletic abilities extend beyond the confines of the hockey rink. Their diverse sporting backgrounds demonstrate a commitment to physical fitness, a passion for competition, and a well-rounded athletic foundation. The insights shared by the players offer a glimpse into their personal lives and the formative experiences that have shaped them into the athletes they are today.
Looking ahead, the Senators will continue to compete in the NHL, striving for success on the ice. Fans can stay updated on the team’s progress through official team channels and sports news outlets. The team’s next game is scheduled for February 27th against the Toronto Maple Leafs. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on the Senators’ diverse athletic backgrounds and their favorite “other” sports in the comments below.