The Pittsburgh Penguins’ Newest Star
By Wyatt Earp | January 23, 2009
I know stories like these are common in sports, but I see them much more often in the NHL than in the other major sports.
Of course, I am biased in favor of hockey, but what can I say? This is a terrific story.
In the seat where Evgeni Malkin signed his contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team’s newest member put pen to paper Tuesday.
“Sign your name right there,” said Penguins General Manager Ray Shero after explaining key parts of the contract to Jacob Anderson, 8, of Connellsville.
Jacob paused, his eyes widening: “My whole name?”
With cameras flashing, Jacob became a Penguin, fulfilling a wish he made the week the Penguins made the Stanley Cup playoffs last year — and marking a milestone for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia.
“Jacob’s is our 10,000th wish,” spokeswoman Ann Hohn said. “That’s the largest number of wishes granted by a single chapter worldwide. We take an enormous amount of pride in that — that’s 10,000 children’s lives we’ve reached in 25 years.”
Jacob has cystic fibrosis, a hereditary lung condition that often is fatal by age 30.
Hopefully, a cure will be found before it is too late.
Jacob was ushered to the dressing room, where all the players sat in front of their equipment. One seat was empty.
“Oh, cool,” Jacob said, walking up to the locker labeled “Anderson.” On the shelves were pads, a large equipment bag and a team helmet that fit perfectly.
Team captain Sidney Crosby presented Jacob with a No.10 jersey with “Anderson” printed across the back shoulders. (H/T – PittsburghLive)
Jacob then attended practice and took shots on Pens goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. Sounds like it was a great day for all involved.
Topics: Ice Hockey | 8 Comments »
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:14 pm
You have got to love those guys. That they took the time to make that boy feel so welcomed and special, is absolutely great.
That little boy will remember that for a long time to come.
I hate seeing any young child go through the pure he11 some of them do
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:14 pm
That is so awesome! I am so glad that Make-A-Wish is there for kids like Jacob. I just wish that they could find cures for these diseases.
January 23rd, 2009 at 11:39 pm
How totally cute and awesome! I love how special they made his day.
January 24th, 2009 at 3:21 am
Make a Wish is a special organization, and I’m glad this wish was able to be fulfilled… Hope for a cure too!
January 24th, 2009 at 8:06 am
There’s a video on NHL TV (I’d give you the link, but NHL TV isn’t working for me).
January 24th, 2009 at 9:23 am
What a great story.
January 24th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Professional sport grounded in the local people and local community. It’s great to see sportsmen putting back into society. I know these aren’t the only team by a long way so applause to all who do!
January 26th, 2009 at 8:54 am
I hold the eff’n Pens with the same regard as Rosie has for Jenny Craig, but that’s pretty damn cool.