Sports club puts Randy Lee on the Hot Seat

Sports Club. Randy Lee, centre, the Ottawa Senators director of player development and hockey administration, is the first guest of the new season at the Kanata Sports Club Hot Seat on Nov. 2, with Lorne Weatherall, left, president of the sports club, and Hot Seat host Mark Papousek. Jessica Cunha/Metroland

Even with the National Hockey League lockout, the Kanata Sports Club has an interesting lineup of guest speakers for its weekly Hot Seat.

Randy Lee, Ottawa Senators director of player development and hockey administration, was the first guest on Friday, Nov. 2.

Lee, who was on hand during the club’s 25th anniversary celebration in June, said he used to spend “hours” at the sports club when he was involved with the junior Senators.

“They do so much in the community,” said Lee in a previous interview. “You want to give back. Anything we can do to help is an honour for us.”

The Hot Seat – hosted by Mark Papousek, Kanata resident and Y101 radio personality – is held every Friday afternoon during the fall and winter months and features sports figures and athletes who talk shop at the club.

“I wish there was some friggin hockey to talk about,” he laughed.

Even with the lockout, the sports club will have a great lineup of speakers, he said.

Guests of upcoming Hot Seats will include:

* Shawn Simpson, of the Team 1200, on Nov. 9.

* Bruce Garrioch and Dean Brown, sports reporters, on Nov. 16.

* Ron Tugnutt, former Sens player, on Nov. 23.

* Murray Wilson, Stanley Cup winner, on Nov. 30.

* Jeff Hunt, owner of the Ottawa 67’s, on Dec. 7.

EVENING HOT SEAT

Starting on Nov. 16, the sports club will host a once-a-month evening Hot Seat for members who can’t get away from the office during the weekly lunch-hour event.

“A lot of people are still working during the lunch hour,” said president Lorne Weatherall.

The first guests of the new TGIM (Thank God It’s Members) night will be Murray Wilson and Laurie Graham, a Canadian Ski Hall of Famer.

“It’ll be good for members who can’t make the (weekly) Hot Seat,” said Papousek.

The sports club is also looking to add to its membership base, which is currently 1,100 strong.

The club – which will be providing traffic control during the Kanata Santa Claus Parade on Nov. 17 – provides “friendship, fellowship and special occasions,” said Weatherall, who has been president for 11 years.

“It’s just a great club,” he said, adding at the end of every conversation with Papousek, the two always say “It’s all for the kids.”

So far this year the club has raised around $50,000, which is donated to various sports clubs in the Kanata area, charities and individuals.

The club’s annual general meeting will be held on Nov. 24 starting at 2 p.m. Financial statements and an overview of club operations over the past year will be presented, said Weatherall.  

The Kanata Sports Club is located in the Jack Charron Arena, 10 McKitrick Dr., on the second floor.