'The hockey world does care': Kian meets the Sens

It's sometimes difficult to predict who will be touched by the stories we tell. This was one of those times.

In March, CBC published the story ofKian Olsheski, a young man from small town Ontario who made the transition from female to male during his teen years.

Ourinbox was soon flooded with responses. Asanticipated, there were a lot of heartfelt notes from parents, and from the trans community. What we didn't expect were the emailsfrom people in the world of professional hockey.

Part of Kian's story dealt with how he had quit hockey after being bullied by his teammates. That particular anecdote spoke directly to Andrea Barone, a professional referee who's openly gay.

"I obviously could relate to it right away, and I'm like, I need to do something to show him that ... the hockey world does care," Barone said.

Moved by Kian's story, professional hockey referee arranges for Ottawa Senators meet and greet

6 years ago

Duration 0:37

Moved by Kian's story, professional hockey referee arranges for Ottawa Senators meet and greet

Baronereached out toKianthrough CBCand invited the teenager and his family to a Senatorsgame, where he would get a chance to meet some of the players.

Kian took him up on the offer, and let the CBC tag along.

Mark Borowiecki

Anders Nilsson

Cody Ceci

Craig Anderson

Jean-Gabriel Pageau

Chris Neil

Brady Tkachuk

Kian Olsheski meets Ottawa Senators defenceman Mark Borowiecki

6 years ago

Duration 0:27

Kian Olsheski meets Ottawa Senators defenceman Mark Borowiecki