TSN’s James Duthie explores the relentless determination of hockey fan Jonathan Pitre in the TSN Original Feature THE BUTTERFLY CHILD, premiering today (Monday, April 13) at 6 p.m. ET on TSN’s SPORTSCENTRE. Pitre suffers from a rare genetic skin condition called epidermolysis bullosa, known as EB, which is regarded as one of the most painful conditions known to modern medicine.
Filmed on location at Pitre’s home in Russell, Ont., THE BUTTERFLY CHILD reveals the daily battle Pitre faces, all the while displaying positivity, resiliency, and maturity far beyond his 14 years despite the agony of his constant pain. A passionate hockey fan ever since he was young, specifically of his hometown team, the Ottawa Senators, Pitre has channeled his fierce desire to play hockey into becoming a sportscaster.
Shortly after Pitre shared his story with Andrew Duffy of the Ottawa Citizen, the sports community reached out to help him realize his dreams. He signed a one-day pro scouting contract with the Senators on November 20, 2014. Last December, TSN host James Duthie invited Pitre to join the TSN Hockey panel and play the role of sportscaster during the network’s live broadcast of an Ottawa Senators game. Pitre became an instant star, confidently sharing his thoughts and analysis with gusto and charming both the TSN Hockey panel and hockey fans alike (visit TSN.cato watch Pitre’s appearance from the evening of December 11, 2014).
THE BUTTERFLY CHILD is fronted by Duthie, who formed a bond with young man following his appearance on the panel.
THE BUTTERFLY CHILD will be available for streaming on TSN.ca and TSN GO after it premieres tonight at 6 p.m. ET on SPORTSCENTRE, Canada’s most-watched sports news and information show.
Visit debracanada.org for more information on epidermolysis bullosa.
