The Ottawa Senators have added 14-year-old Jonathan Pitre to their professional scouting staff for Thursday’s game against the Nashville Predators, the team announced in a press release.
Senators general manager Bryan Murray, plus assistant GMs Pierre Dorion and Randy Lee, formally introduced Pitre to the team by signing a one-day ceremonial contract at the Canadian Tire Centre.
Pitre suffers from epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a genetic connective tissue disease considered one of the most painful conditions to live with.
The Senators became aware of Pitre, who loves sports, after the Ottawa Citizen published this moving profile.
“I’m done with the dream of trying to play sports,” Pitre told the Citizen. “I knew I’d never be able to play sports, but I tried to have hope that I would. Now I know what’s reality. But I still would like to do something in sports. I’d like to be a scout, or a sportscaster on Sportsnet, you know, one of the commentators.”
More NHL on Sportsnet:
Subscribe: Rogers GameCentre Live
Rogers Hometown Hockey | Broadcast Schedule
Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Pool
Pitre, who keeps in contact with other kids with EB, hopes to one day beat it and help others who suffer from the disease. Approximately 5,000 Canadians are affected by EB.
“I consider EB a thing, and I hope that one day, I will defeat it,” Pitre said.
In addition to his scouting duties, Pitre will get a tour of the arena and meet a number of special guests.
