PGA rookie Brad Fritsch Sens' guest of honour

Making the cut for the PGA tour was one dream come true for Manotick's Brad Fritsch, but the all-access pass to watch his favourite team — the Ottawa Senators — play the New York Rangers on Thursday was another dream realized.

In October, the Senators inked a sponsorship deal with the rookie golfer and thus far, Fritsch has been a great ambassador for the NHL team, making four of five cuts and earning more than $200,000 in prize money so far in the 2013 PGA Tour.

So the Sens have welcomed him home on Thursday night, and Fritsch dropped the ceremonial puck before the match began.

"It's just fun to be associated with the team, and I get to meet a few guys here tonight, and that'll be a fun thing too. First and foremost, I'm a big fan," Fritsch said before the game.

"It's just going to be a lot of fun. I can't wait."

While Fritsch said he once was inspired to play pro hockey, but opted for a different sport that better suited his athletic ability, the hometown golf hero is proving an inspiration to local players.

"I think it's just all-around good for the game of golf: good for people and good for young people, especially, to see that they can make it even though they live in Canada," said Scott Elson.

Local golfer Warren Grant is another Fritsch fan.

"The community's looking up to him and showing him what they think of him, and like what he's doing," Grant said.