About six weeks ago, I posted on Facebook that my 5-year-old son, Declan, had his hockey gear stolen from Legends Arena in Oshawa. I asked people to share the post in hopes it would be found. Sadly, the bag was never returned, and inside was his favorite Patrick Kane jersey. Declan was heartbroken, but in his usual way, he told me that even though he was sad, he hoped another little boy would get to play hockey with the equipment.
Today, Conlan’s Tyke 7 Oshawa Minor Generals team traveled to Pickering for a game against the Panthers. The coach of the Pickering Panthers heard about Declan’s missing gear and shared the story with his players and their families. Together, they raised money and surprised Declan with a new hockey bag, a box of hockey cards, a Sport Chek gift card, and a brand-new Patrick Kane jersey.
It was such an amazing act of kindness, sportsmanship, and community spirit. The coaches, players, and parents on that team had never met Declan before today, but they went out of their way to bring a smile to his face and remind us all how many good people there are in the hockey world.
A huge thank you to Brendan O’Hanley, Kevin O’Hanley, and the entire Pickering Panthers Tyke 7 hockey team for this incredible gesture.
Credit – Chris McMahon~