Canadian NHL Player Makes Dreams Come True For Young Fan Whose Mother Died Of Cancer
Grab a box of tissues, because this story is a tear-jerker. Carey Price, goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens, proves that beneath his red-and-white Habs jersey that frames his athletic build emanates a heart of pure gold. The 31-year-old hockey superstar made a young fan's wish come true when he had a touching visit with an 11-year-old Brantford, Ontario boy before Saturday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Scotiabank Arena.
The young fan's mother, Laura McKay, had promised her son, Anderson Whitehead, that she would do everything she could to plan a meet-and-greet with Price for her son. But, McKay, sadly, didn't live to witness the emotional meeting; she died of cancer last November.
But thanks to "some very kind and generous friends", Anderson achieved his dream of meeting his idol, and the heartwarming encounter was caught on video. It has received over 4 million views since Saturday.
As Anderson cries into Price's shoulder, the all-star athlete gives the boy a bear hug before signing Anderson's jersey and mini-stick. Price also gave him two signed hockey sticks, as well as a signed puck, according to The CBC.
In a Facebook post, Tammy Whitehead, Anderson's aunt, wrote “Carey Price was a class act. Words cannot describe how much this meant to Anderson and we are forever grateful to this wonderful man.”
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Price has received praise for his act of kindness on social media from fans all over the world, many of them thanking and congratulating him for his compassion and goodwill:
Carey Price Meets A Young Fan Who Recently Lost His Mom To Cancer And It Will Make You Cry All The Tears https://t.co/R3fBLcMYiw
My cousin’s good friend was battling Cancer a couple years ago and is a huge Carey Price fan. Carey Price heard her story and mailed her a card wishing her well and to kick cancer’s ass. She did kick Cancer’s ass. Price is so classy, I respect this guy so much.
Carey Price showing he is one of the classiest athletes in all of sports. The young man (Anderson) idolizes Price and his mother, before dying of cancer, promised she would try to help them meet. It finally happened. Both feel the emotion as Anderson’s dream finally comes true. pic.twitter.com/19EjIH2NNe
Carey Price Meets A Young Fan Who Recently Lost His Mom To Cancer And It Will Make You Cry All The Tears https://t.co/MiH562shTdpic.twitter.com/VjibmPHzZy
Carey Price, such a classy move. I hope every @NHL player learns from things like this. ITS ALL ABOUT THE FANS! Little acts of kindness can make such a difference in peoples lives. Way to go Carey! #ClassAct @CP0031
Aww, crap! Now I can no longer say anything negative about Carey Price. Really well done, Carey. Well done. https://t.co/pMaWTegcii
Just seeing this now. Lump in my throat... amazing gesture by Carey Price. https://t.co/WxbP8JxDTZ
Just in case you needed a reminder that Carey Price is one of the classiest people in the world. https://t.co/wWO1kTBeHI
Carey Price just became my favorite Goalie! https://t.co/yMy6RxWErh