We’re all about winter in Ottawa. Winter and hockey. But this winter, hockey is going to be hot. Really hot. At least for the next week, anyway.

Join me as I head to beautiful Barbados for Hockey Week — an annual week in the sun to raise funds for autism research — with diehard Sens fans. We’ll explore the island, swim in the blue ocean, and discover the Senators’ tropical island home and all its surprising Ottawa connections.

Canadians, it turns out, make up one of the largest tourism markets for Barbados and the two countries share a long history. Senators’ owner Eugene Melnyk resides there (he’s the owner of the famous Bert’s Bar) and it’s a popular escape for many in the Sens’ Army. I’ll find out why and track down all the details — and even catch a game or two at Bert’s. You know, investigate the hard stuff …

Ottawa Magazine’s Kimberley Johnson is jetting to Barbados this weekend, courtesy of Barbados Tourism Marketing, Inc. Follow her dispatches from the Caribbean starting this Sunday, and every day next week, as she explores sun, sand and the Senators. She’ll also be tweeting (@ottawamag) and posting photos via Instagram (ottawa_magazine).