Feature Photo: X / @ParentProjectMD

Nick Jensen is a man with a winning game plan.

Before joining his Ottawa Senators teammates for his first training camp with his new team, Jensen and his wife, Jenner, in coordination with Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, hosted Swing Fore the Future: A Fight to End Duchenne.

The first edition of the charity golf tournament, held Aug. 19 in Arlington, Va., raised $170,000 in proceeds to support research for those diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy – a life-altering genetic condition that impacts muscle strength and is the most common type of muscular dystrophy in children.

Although time wasn’t exactly on their side when it came to the planning, the couple was able to create a memorable day for those who came out to Army Navy Country Club.

“We had a short time crunch to get this all set. We found the golf course in June, so planning the event, including getting the guys out, was a bit hectic. But we were able to pull it off, and it turned out great,” said Nick, who was traded to the Senators from the Washington Capitals this offseason.

“A lot of people came out and supported it. The online auction was amazing too. We are very grateful for everyone, the players, fans and so many others who supported us.

Jenner shared similar thoughts of the day, one that also featured a VIP dinner with participating current and former Capitals among NHL players, along with a 50/50 raffle.

“There is that worry that one of the golfers might not be able to make it or a sponsorship will fall through, but the more we got the word out, the more we saw that everything fell into place,” said Jenner.

Thanks, in large part, to the efforts of many, Nick noted.

“Jenner was the point person and did so much of the planning and the work behind the scenes. The main thing, on my end, was getting people to come out.

“Having my former teammates and Washington and alumni members come out was huge.”

Several current and former players for the Capitals were in attendance.  

“There is no way for us to repay the kindness and everything they have done for us in the past year. We are extremely grateful to have them in our lives.”

Nick, who patrolled the blueline for five and a half seasons with Washington after starting his NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings in 2016-17, appreciated his former teammates making time for the event.

“We did an autograph event, where anyone who signed up to play in the tournament could show up two hours before and get autographs and photographs with all the players. It was a nice gesture on the part of the guys to do that.

“This isn’t the first thing they have done to help us raise money and awareness for this cause. It’s no surprise they did what they did.

Highlights from the day were many.

“Having a mixture of Nick’s Washington teammates support and all those who golfed being so passionate about wanting to see Duchenne end was a big takeaway for me,” said Jenner.

“We had research companies, along with small businesses that are funding and investing in some major breakthroughs in the pipeline, with us that day.”

People affected by Duchenne also came to the event.

“We had some golfers whose family members have been affected or diagnosed with Duchenne,” said Jenner.

“There was also a person – a 26-year-old living with Duchenne – who came out for the day, which was very inspiring.

“It was great to see the community come together for a special day.”

A day that highlighted a cause that is deeply meaningful for Nick and Jenner.

“We don’t go into great detail as to why it is so close to us, but it is close to our family and close to our team in Washington this past year,” said Nick.

“I don’t want to take anything away from the importance of the cause and what it means to us. Once you are around the disease and you talk to the families and the kids, you realize it is up to them whether they want to tell people about their story or not.

“But this is going to continue to be something that is important to us now and in the future.”

The 33-year-old defenceman is now set to begin a new chapter in Ottawa.

Beyond his veteran presence, Jensen will look to play his part in helping the Senators get back into the postseason mix for the first time since 2017.

“For one, I get to play in a new city, one I have never been to before. Being able to add a new city, one which I have heard so many great things about, is going to be exciting.

“The team we have, and I think we can have, is exciting as well.”

Jensen appreciated what he saw in the Senators when he faced off against them in Washington.

“I have played against these guys in the past, and I remember them being a talented and hard-working team that showed a lot of promise.

“I think the potential to be a playoff team is there for sure. The hockey aspect is exciting, to put the pieces together as a group and have a big year.”