Not all heroes wear capes.
Ottawa Senators’ defenseman Mark Borowiecki had an eventful off day in Vancouver ahead of his team’s game with the Canucks at Rogers Arena on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old Borowiecki reportedly broke up a robbery in Gastown on Sunday. Gastown, a popular tourist spot, is Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood and lays along the north of the downtown Vancouver peninsula.
According to reports, Borowiecki stopped a robber who was trying to steal a backpack out of a car. Borowiecki is said to have clotheslined the robber off his bike when he tried to flee with the bag. The Sen’s defenseman then wrestled the robber down to the ground and retrieved the bag.
Mark Borowiecki broke up a robbery attempt in Gastown yesterday. Was able to get someone’s backpack returned by knocking down a person on a bicycle who had taken a bag. #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) December 2, 2019
Also Mark Borowiecki witnessed a car break in yesterday in Gastown. Clotheslined the guy off his bike when dude tried to flee. About to meet cops to give back the bag which had passports in it.
— Dan Murphy (@sportsnetmurph) December 2, 2019
TSN 1200 reports Borowiecki is now returning calls from Vancouver police who require his statement after he foiled the robbery.
Mark Borowiecki is returning calls from Vancouver police who require his statement after he foiled a robbery yesterday by clothes lining a guy on a bike who had stolen a bag. He then wrestled him down and retrieved the bag.
— TSN 1200 (@TSN1200) December 2, 2019
Vancouver Police confirmed the incident in a statement to CTV News.
“Vancouver Police are investigating a report of a theft from auto in which the witness, Mark Borowiecki, did assist in retrieving the stolen property and notifying the (Vancouver Police Department],” the statement reads.
“We are grateful for Mark’s assistance and do recommend that if anybody does witness a crime to immediately notify the Vancouver Police and to stay safe.”
You can watch video of Borowiecki explaining the incident, courtesy of Sportsnet.
It’s quite the heroic effort from Borowiecki, who has become a fan favorite in Ottawa due to his physical play and heavy involvement with the community. The veteran rearguard was named an Alternate captain for the Senators ahead of the 2019-20 season and has played an important role in the team’s better than expected season thus far. Through 27 games, Borowiecki has two goals and 10 points, in addition to leading all NHL defensemen with 108 hits.
It will be a special night in Vancouver on Tuesday as fan favourite Alex Burrows is set to be inducted into the Canucks Ring of Honour. Burrows spent the first 12 years of his NHL career with the Canucks before concluding his career with the Senators.
While the main event is on Tuesday, Borowiecki’s time in Vancouver has already off to quite the eventful start.