Thursday night was a special one at the Canadian Centre.

Senators forward Bobby Ryan made his long awaited return to action on home ice since entering the NHL/NHLPA assistance program on November 20th and he put on a show that will be remembered for years. The 32-year-old lit the lamp THREE times for the hatty and helped Ottawa defeat the Vancouver Canucks 5-2. TSN’s Brent Wallace had a chance to catch up with the longtime Sen who was visibliy emotional as the two engaged in conversation.

Grab the tissues because this one might draw a few tears.

 

Ryan was eventually named the game’s first star and was greeted with a huge ovation from fans. After scoring his first goal, ‘Bobby!’ chants could be heard throughout the entire building. The hat trick was the fifth of Ryan’s career.

 

This is why we love sports people. Congrats to BR on the heroic return, it couldn’t have gone much better!

(H/T Brent Wallace)