Nine-year-old Khalil Atwi scored his team a coveted invitation to the invite-only Key to the City ceremony for Daniel Alfredsson at City Hall Thursday night.

The Southend Vikings Atom B team had prime seats in council chambers -- front row centre -- thanks to Khalil's heartfelt letter to Mayor Jim Watson explaining why his team should be on the VIP list.

"I hope to be a great man like him," the young left-winger wrote in his letter to the mayor.

After the ceremony, Khalil leaned against a wall in Jean Pigott Hall, surrounded by a his teammates, to do what Alfredsson regularly did when the star forward captained the Sens.

He granted an interview to a reporter.

"It was on how much I liked Alfredsson and how he helped the community and how he helped the Ottawa Senators," Khalil said in describing his letter," and just how he encouraged me."

Alfredsson, simply, set a good example, Khalil explained.

"He helped people with sickness. That was very encouraging," Khalil said.

The team, all wearing their jerseys, got to hobnob with the city's powerbrokers in a closed reception after Alfredsson received the framed key.

A pair of corner hockey boards framed the after-party in the hall. The city managed to get some Alfredsson memorabilia from the Hockey Hall of Fame to put on display. The caterers were wearing referee sweaters.

The Key to the City is the city's highest honour, reserved only for the people who make the greatest impact on Ottawa residents.

With Watson recovering from a snowmobile accident, the job of awarding the key fell to Deputy Mayor Bob Monette.

Alfredsson arrived at City Hall and Monette walked him through the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame and up to the mayor's office. It was there Alfredsson had a short phone chat with Watson -- who's laid up with a fractured pelvis -- before he fielded questions from the press.

It sounded like Alfredsson was easing nicely into his life after hockey, but something stirred him later after while watching a video montage of his career highlights at the ceremony.

"I'm just getting over retirement and you get that itch again," Alfredsson told the crowd, who erupted in one last "Alfie, Alfie, Alfie!" chant with a standing ovation.

The city said the cost of the event is about the same as past Key to the City ceremonies. Actress Sandra Oh received the last key and that event was about $20,000.

Here are some other notable people who have received the honour:

Sandra Oh , the actress from Nepean best known for her role as Dr. Cristina Yang in the hit TV show Grey’s Anatomy. She earned a Golden Globe Award and five Emmy nominations from the show.

, the actress from Nepean best known for her role as Dr. Cristina Yang in the hit TV show Grey’s Anatomy. She earned a Golden Globe Award and five Emmy nominations from the show. Rabbi Reuven Bulka , the activist and former co-president of the Canadian Jewish Congress has raised millions for charities like the United Way and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.

, the activist and former co-president of the Canadian Jewish Congress has raised millions for charities like the United Way and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Shukri D’Jama, Sahra Habbane, Saadia Nuh and Shoon Omar . The four Ottawa women were recognized for their contribution to the city’s Somali community for education, health, policing and youth initiatives.

. The four Ottawa women were recognized for their contribution to the city’s Somali community for education, health, policing and youth initiatives. Margaret Atwood , the well-known poet, novelist and environmental activist who has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize five times, winning once.

, the well-known poet, novelist and environmental activist who has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize five times, winning once. Dan Aykroyd , the legendary comedian cut his chops at SCTV and Saturday Night Live before he starred in classics like The Blues Brothers, Ghostbusters and Driving Miss Daisy.

, the legendary comedian cut his chops at SCTV and Saturday Night Live before he starred in classics like The Blues Brothers, Ghostbusters and Driving Miss Daisy. Rich Little , the impressionist and voice actor known as “The Man of a Thousand Voices”.

, the impressionist and voice actor known as “The Man of a Thousand Voices”. Alanis Morissette , the alternative rock singer-songwriter has won 16 Juno Awards and seven Grammy Awards. She was also nominated for two Golden Globes.

, the alternative rock singer-songwriter has won 16 Juno Awards and seven Grammy Awards. She was also nominated for two Golden Globes. Dominic D’Arcy , the “Singing Policeman” is a decorated officer who retired from the Ottawa police force after 36 years. He’s travelled around the world entertaining crowds with a unique blend of humour and music.

, the “Singing Policeman” is a decorated officer who retired from the Ottawa police force after 36 years. He’s travelled around the world entertaining crowds with a unique blend of humour and music. Marc Garneau , the 66-year-old from Quebec City was the first Canadian in space in Oct. 1984. He is now the MP for Westmount-Ville Marie, Que.

, the 66-year-old from Quebec City was the first Canadian in space in Oct. 1984. He is now the MP for Westmount-Ville Marie, Que. Harold Macmillan , the former conservative British Prime Minister served from 1957 to 1963.

, the former conservative British Prime Minister served from 1957 to 1963. Elizabeth II , the Head of Commonwealth got the key to the city on October 12, 1951, four months before her accession to the throne.

Twitter: @jonathanwilling

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