Young cancer patients were thrilled to see the Stanley Cup when Florida Panthers’ star forward and East Gwillimbury native Sam Bennett paid a visit to the pediatric oncology clinic at Southlake Regional Health Centre Friday.
It was all smiles and laughter for the 12 pediatric patients and their families during a private visit from Bennett, who shared the excitement of his team’s hard-fought Stanley Cup victory.
“We just got done at the hospital where I got to see a great group of kids that have been through some hard times,” Bennett said in a hospital news release. “It’s pretty cool to see how excited they are to meet the Stanley Cup and take a picture.”
The visit meant the world to young patients who participated because, for the first time in a long time, they weren’t coming to Southlake for treatment or medical appointments related to cancer — they were just kids excited to see the Stanley Cup and a local NHL superstar.
Each child had a chance to meet Bennett, take a photo with the Stanley Cup and received a signed photo and hockey puck.
“Sam brought kids in need at Southlake a lot of positive energy with the Stanley Cup,” said Alex Rozalowsky, one of the young patients. “Today was a good day. It brought a lot of smiles to their faces.”
Every year, players and staff from the winning team each get a day with the Stanley Cup as it tours across North America and Europe. During his day with the Stanley Cup, Bennett participated in a public meet-and-greet at the East Gwillimbury Sports Complex, the local rink where he learned to skate and play hockey as a child, before visiting Southlake.
“Sam’s visit with the Stanley Cup brought immense joy to young patients who are fighting cancer,” said Andrea Fretz, child life specialist, Southlake. “Moments like this remind us of the power of community and the importance of celebrating the human spirit, especially during our centennial year. We are incredibly thankful to Sam and the Florida Panthers for making this visit possible.”
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