Matt Carkner Continues Support of Special Needs Hockey in Ottawa

Matt Carkner had some very important ex-teammates to see after the Islanders game against the Ottawa Senators on April 2. Carkner got showered and changed as quickly as he could, while his former team – the Capital City Condors – prepared to give their returning captain a hero’s welcome.

When Carkner finally re-emerged into the stands at Canadian Tire Centre, he was met with big smiles and enthusiastic cheers. He touched the lives of many special needs children and their families over his three seasons in Ottawa; just one of the many charitable causes the Islanders tough guy continues to fight for.

“I was always raised to give back and try to help out in whatever way you can,” Carkner said. “With that status of being an Islander and being an NHL player, it makes it a bit easier. It’s not a lot that we are doing, but for my family and me it’s important that we learn to help others.”

In his three seasons with Ottawa, Carkner helped raise money and awareness for the Condors, a program that offers on-ice clinics to children with physical and mental disabilities. The program provides kids with a chance to learn and play hockey through personal one-on-one instruction and intra-squad games.