Senators reward Pitre, 14, as one-day scout

The Ottawa Senators awarded 14-year-old Jonathan Pitre with a one-day ceremonial contract to join their scouting staff Thursday.

Pitre has a rare genetic disease called Epidermolysis bullosa (EB), which causes his skin to blister, shear and scar. Pitre's case is severe, making it difficult for him to walk, eat and breathe.

"It’s hard just because, well, it hurts, a lot. Any movement hurts," Pitre told the Ottawa Citizen.

The Senators became aware of Pitre and his interest in scouting from an article in the Citizen that was published Oct. 31.

Pitre, from Russell, Ontario, wanted to play hockey, but the disease prevented him.

"I’m done with the dream of trying to play sports," Pitre said. "I knew I’d never be able to play sports, but I tried to have hope that I would. Now I know what’s reality. But I still would like to do something in sports: I’d like to be a scout, or a sportscaster on Sportsnet, you know, one of the commentators."

Pitre is attending the Senators game Thursday against the Nashville Predators. He will get a tour of Canadian Tire Centre and its broadcast facilities, then carry out his duties as a scout alongside Senators assistant general manager Pierre Dorion.