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It’s somewhat expected for players to lend a name to a cause, to write a cheque, to show up now and again to sign autographs and pose with children. Nothing more. Heading to the Condors banquet after an OT thriller, and knowing every child by name, is above and beyond the call. Unselfish acts in the community made players like Turris, and Fisher, years earlier, true heroes.

It wasn’t just Turris, of course. His wife, Julie, mother of three children under four, was equally committed to the Condors.

When Turris was traded, one of his first calls was to Jim Perkins, co-founder and president of the Condors. Speaking on multiple radio shows Monday afternoon, Perkins was talking about how it went down, how Condors parents couldn’t bear to tell their kids that their pal Turris had been traded. Not so close to bedtime.

Turris all but apologized for having to leave the Condors so abruptly. Julie was too choked up to speak.

Hopefully, another member of the hockey club will pick up where Turris left off. Perkins says there is no hurry, since no one can fill that gap left by Turris. Not overnight.

Matt ‘Big Country’ Carkner of Winchester was the first Senators player to ‘captain’ the Condors. When he left Ottawa in 2012 to sign with the New York Islanders, Carkner hand-picked Turris, his road roommate, to carry on the important work with the Condors. Turris took the responsibility to heart.

Now he’s gone, leaving behind “Turris bears” that some members of the Condors take to bed for pleasant dreams. They hold them ever tighter.

One would think by now the Nation’s Capital would have this transient hero business down pat. Don’t get attached to individual players. Use caution buying expensive game jerseys, tomorrow’s obsolete fashion.

We don’t learn. We fall for these humble guys who patrol our neighbourhoods with a golden retriever’s leash in one hand, a baby stroller in the other.

He’s No. 8 in bold Nashville gold, now. But the Turris legacy will always include six years wearing No. 7 with class and honour.

wscanlan@postmedia.com

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