Simon Isabelle, Michel Denis and Robbie Stewart after a game at the Jim Durrell Complex
by Tim Morris
Michel Denis has found a way to stay youthful.
Denis has been billeting Ottawa Junior Senators in his home for the last five years and enjoying the company of the junior hockey players.
“The guys keep me young, keep me active,” said Denis, 70, who is divorced and single. “I enjoy them, they’re good kids. We talk hockey and sports in general. I really do enjoy it (billeting).”
One of the sports they talk about is golf. Denis loves the game and plays it often. Whenever they can, the Junior Senator players he’s housing will play a round with him.
“Hockey players seem to be naturals at golf,” he added.
Although the players may change season to season, all the Ottawa players have one thing in common. “They like to eat,” noted Denis, who is sure to always have plenty of “food in the fridge.”
Robbie Stewart, a Junior Senators defenseman, can attest to that.
Stewart, who billeted with Denis last year and is returning for this season, noted that Denis gets along well with the players.
“He’s pretty laid back and treats us well,” said the defenseman. “He’s always there to help us. We got along pretty well.”
Stewart knows well Denis’ love of golf and plans to get in a few rounds himself. “Michel plays a lot,” the player remarked. “I’m bringing my clubs.”
Denis first started billeting when he became an empty-nester. He also liked giving back to the community and helping the Junior Senators out.
“The kids brought life back to the house,” he explained.
It usually started with former Ottawa General Manager and Head Coach Martin Dagenais, who notified Denis who the two players he will be billeting are. Denis then contacts the players via email before they officially meet in September.
Dagenais, Denis said, “has done a great job in selecting players.
I haven’t had any problems with anyone.”
All in all, the players are pretty independent, noted Denis, who lives just 20 minutes from the Jim Durrell Recreation Centre, where the Junior Sens practice and play their home games. The players have their own cars. When they’re not practicing or playing games, they’re taking college classes. For down time, Denis observed, the players play video games, just like most teens and young adults.
Last year was a challenge with the pandemic and cancelation of the 2020-21season.
“It was tough last year not playing games,” Stewart pointed out.
Denis observed that the Junior Senators were still just as active as if there was a season. The players still practiced, played in scrimmages or went to the gym. They were also attending college.
Spending six months with the players allows Denis and the players time to build a relationship.
“They’re almost like my own kids when they’re here,” he said. “It’s fun to see how they progress.”
Denis added that he likes to keep track of the former players he’s housed. Some Senators have gone on to college and professional hockey.
There is an added perk to billeting players. Season tickets.
“It’s a real bonus getting season tickets and watching them play,” he remarked. “It’s a night out for me and it’s good hockey.”
With the Junior Senators about to return for the new season, Denis has been cleaning their rooms and making sure that his fridge stocked.
