Celebrity Chairs
Nick Foligno
Celebrity Chair, 2010–present
Before starting his NHL career, Nick Foligno played for the U.S National Development Under 18 team in 2003–04 before joining the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL, a team coached by his father, Mike Foligno. Nick played three seasons for Sudbury before turning professional in 2007. Foligno showed steady improvement throughout his junior career, and in his final OHL season he contributed 88 points in only 66 games.
On March 21, 2007, Senators' General Manager John Muckler announced the club had agreed to terms on an entry level contract with Foligno, and he split the 2007–08 season between Ottawa and their AHL affiliate in Binghamton. He played his first NHL regular-season game on October 1, 2007. He is known for an outstanding work ethic and gritty style of play, combined with some offensive flair. Foligno has established himself in the NHL through hard work and a willingness to learn. He set career highs in 2008–09 with 17 goals and 32 points.
Foligno represented the United States in the 2009 IIHF World Championship and the 2010 IIHF World Championship.
Born in the United States to Canadian parents, Foligno has dual citizenship. At the time of his birth, his father played for the Buffalo Sabres, and the family resided in the Buffalo area.
In the summer of 2009, Foligno lost his mother to breast cancer. He is an avid supporter of cancer patient care and research at Roger's House, the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation, the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and the Ottawa Hospital Foundation.
In the summer of 2010, Nick expanded his care for people and the community, and accepted to become the Senators 65 Roses Celebrity Chair in support of children and young adults affected by cystic fibrosis. A genetic life threatening and shortening disease that affects both the respiratory and digestive systems. Accepting the lead from previous chairs, Wade Redden, Roy Mlakar and Shean Donovan, Nick, and his fiance, Janelle Forest, will host the annual 65 Roses Gala in benefit of cystic fibrosis research and care scheduled for February 2011.
Shean Donovan
Celebrity Chair, 2008–2010
Shean Donovan, veteran forward and right winger with the Ottawa Senators is honoured to support the Cystic Fibrosis Canada with being the new 65 Roses Celebrity Chair! He's passionate about giving back to his hometown community and wants to help kids with CF by giving them a fighting chance against this progressive life threatening and shortening illness.
Born in Timmins, Ontario, Shean Donovan first played Junior A hockey with the CJHL's Kanata Valley Lasers. In 1991-92, he joined the Ottawa 67's. Shean was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft and went on to make his NHL debut in 1994-95. During his NHL career he has played for the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, Atlanta Thrashers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Calgary Flames where he helped the Flames reach the Stanley Cup final, only to fall short in a hard-fought seven game series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Following his memorable stint with the Flames, Donovan moved on to play with the Boston Bruins and now Ottawa Senators, where his passion for the game all began! On the international stage Donovan is a gold medallist with Canada at the 1995 World Junior Championships and a gold medallist at the 1997 World Championships.
Shean, now married to Teresa and with two young sons are very happy to be playing for Ottawa as both their families are from the area! Shean is motivated to give back to the hometown community that has helped him realize his dream of a pro-hockey career.
Roy Mlakar
Honorary Chair, 1996–2008
Roy Mlakar, President and Chief Executive Officer, of the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club, is dedicated to supporting charitable causes that help improve the lives of children in Ottawa.
His commitment and passion to serving the community through activities and special projects organized by the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and Foundation, have helped to raise millions in support of children’s charities and causes, most notably Roger’s House and CHEO.
Wade Redden
Celebrity Chair, 1996–2008
Wade Redden, #6 and star defenseman with the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and Team Canada, has lead and supported the fight against cystic fibrosis through the Senators 65 Roses Sports Club.
His dedication, generosity and kindness to helping children’s causes in Ottawa has made him a “true hero” to many of Ottawa’s children in need of special care and hope.
