Mark Stone’s Connection to Ottawa
Mark Stone, the captain of the Vegas Golden Knights, retains a fondness for Ottawa, a city he still frequents during his summers despite having been traded away by the Senators six years ago. Stone, who has maintained friendships in Ottawa, expressed optimism about the Senators’ current success during a recent appearance on the “Coming in Hot” podcast alongside hosts Brent Wallace, Jason York, and Graeme Nichols.
Reflections on His Time with the Senators
Reflecting on his time with the Senators, Stone shared amusing anecdotes about his experiences competing against team captain Brady Tkachuk and his brother Matthew, particularly highlighting their recent international matchups during the 4 Nations Face-Off. He humorously described the challenges of playing alongside Tkachuk, joking,
“I’d be lying if I said I wanted to play every night against [the Tkachuks].”
Stone reminisced about the struggle of being on Tkachuk’s line in Ottawa, mentioning the inevitable scrums that ensued during games, implying it was a chaotic experience.
Tkachuk’s Growth as a Leader
As the discussion moved forward, Stone highlighted Tkachuk’s growth as a leader, affirming,
“As he goes, the team goes, in my opinion. He’s their engine.”
He noted that becoming a captain at such a young age brought both learning opportunities and challenges for Tkachuk, including navigating the difficult years and playoff runs.
Appreciation for the Tkachuk Family
Though Stone’s departure from Ottawa in 2019 might have been timely, it is evident he has a deep-seated appreciation for the Tkachuk family, reminiscing about the fun he had at Brady’s bachelor party following a Stanley Cup Final victory over Matthew’s team.
Contrasting Experiences in Ottawa and Vegas
When discussing the contrast in roster changes between Ottawa and Vegas, Stone remarked,
“In Ottawa, unfortunately, it was losing friends for the wrong reasons… In Vegas, it’s the nature of the business.”
He emphasized the organization’s relentless drive to improve, which adds to his excitement being part of the Golden Knights.
Bittersweet Visits to Ottawa
Even though it’s been six years since his trade, Stone has only returned to the Canadian Tire Centre twice since then, describing his visits as bittersweet yet enjoyable. He reflected on the friendships he still cherishes within the Senators and expressed gratitude towards the staff, many of whom remain in their positions. Stone concluded by expressing eagerness to return to Ottawa for a game on January 25, reaffirming his connection to the team and the city.
A Heartwarming Narrative
This intimate glimpse into Stone’s thoughts on his past and the present state of the Senators presents a heartwarming narrative of loyalty, friendship, and growth in the world of professional hockey.
