CHEO's Vera Etches sparks friendly playoff rivalry with SickKids CEO around Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators matchup

The Ottawa Senators aim for their comeback against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL playoffs. But there seems to be an unofficial battle being waged off the ice between two of Canada's most highly regarded paediatric hospital chiefs. Dr. Vera Etches, president and CEO of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), has challenged her counterpart at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Dr. Ronald Cohn, to an unofficial hockey-themed bet with national pride hanging in the balance.
With the Toronto Maple Leafs up 2-0 on the Ottawa Senators in their first-round playoff series, Dr. Vera Etches isn't going to let her hometown pride take a hit. In an Instagram video, she challenged Dr. Ronald Cohn to a jersey wager that brings a new level of energy to the Battle of Ontario.
“Hey, SickKids, I know that we’re down 2-0 in the series,” wrote Dr. Etches in her post. "But I think the Sens are going to bounce back and win this.”
Her wager? If Ottawa wins the series, Dr. Cohn has to wear a Senators jersey for a whole day. If Toronto sweeps or wins the series, Etches will wear the blue and white of the Maple Leafs.
Dr. Ronald Cohn was quick to respond via the SickKids Foundation Instagram account. “Oh, it's on!” They left. Cohn also put up a video of his own, having fun but defending his staff. “Can you imagine me walking around in a Sens jersey for one full day? Absolutely not,” he said, smiling. “But let’s keep it real, people: it’s not going to happen.”
This friendly wager is about more than bragging rights over hockey—it is a reflection of the spirit and friendship between two of Canada's top paediatric hospitals. CHEO and SickKids are both strongly dedicated to children's health, and their off-ice playfulness reminds us of the personal touch of the individuals behind the stethoscopes.
Both Ottawa and Toronto fans have had their say, adding to the excitement before Game 3. The Senators will hope to stage a comeback when the puck is dropped at 7 p.m. at the Canadian Tire Centre. As for the outcome on the ice, only time will tell, but already the friendly rivalry between Etches and Cohn has won over the hearts of the community spirit.
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The Senators will have to play the game of their lives to change the complexion of the series, but one thing's certain—fans everywhere in Ontario are now watching with even greater anticipation. Whoever it is, the Senators or the Leafs, wins; someone's going to be donning strange colours soon.
Game on, indeed.