How Predators’ Kyle Turris became hero to special needs hockey team in Ottawa

OTTAWA, ONTARIO –  Whenever Kyle Turris’ name appeared on Jim Perkins’ phone last fall, Perkins felt a rush of anxiety.

For months, Perkins dreaded the call that he received from Turris on the evening of Nov. 5. Turris’ career with the Ottawa Senators ended that night, the result of a three-team trade that landed the multi-talented center with the Predators.

Turris had kept Perkins informed of his situation, promising to call when it reached resolution. They had become as close as family through Turris’ commitment to the Capital City Condors, a hockey team for children and adults with special needs that Perkins and wife Shana founded in 2008.