Auston Matthews and CCM going above and beyond for one young Leafs fan
Photo credit: NHL
With the NHL All-Star weekend almost upon us, a lot of eyes will be on the stars this week as they gather in Toronto for Thursday's All-Star Draft, Friday's Skills Competition and Saturday's All-Star Game. The family-friendly event is something that fans look forward to every season, but this one will be extra special for one young fan. The NHL, SickKids, CCM and Auston Matthews teamed up to make one little Maple Leafs super fan's dreams become a reality!
Seven year old Finn is a big fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Growing up and cheering for the boys in blue has come naturally to the young child and whenever Auston Matthews comes onto the screen it brings joy to Finn's face. Finn is a huge Auston Matthews fan and when Matthews heard of the child's situation, he knew that he wanted to do whatever he could to make Finn's dream come true.
A short backstory on Finn: he was diagnosed at five months old with Cystic Fibrosis, a disorder that affects and damages the organs such as the lungs, digestive system, and other organs. It also affects the cells that produce sweat, mucus, and fluids that aid in digestion. Finn has to make quarterly trips to the hospital with his parents every year.
It's safe to say that young Finn has had to face many challenges throughout his life and continues to battle every single day. His story pulled at the heart-strings of many, including Auston Matthews.
Auston Matthews states in this story with CCM Hockey and SickKids Foundation why Finn's story stood out to him amongst other children's stories. Quote below:
"My dad's little brother, who he was extremely close with growing up, had cystic fibrosis. He is the one who introduced me to hockey. Taking me and my father to Arizona hockey games. Without him and without that connection I'm not sure I'd be playing hockey."
- Auston Matthews on why he can relate to Finn's story.
- Auston Matthews on why he can relate to Finn's story.
The NHL and SickKids Foundation VP Kate Torrance came together alongside Auston Matthews and CCM and came to the decision that they will invite Finn and his parents to the All Star weekend in Toronto and are giving the young super fan the chance to design Auston Matthews' skates for the All-Star weekend.
Kate Torrance stated that this will be a great artistic collaboration between one of the Maple Leafs' stars and one of his biggest fans. With Finn and Matthews deciding on the design, it gives fans something to look forward to this weekend when all eyes are on Toronto and the stars of the NHL. While the Leafs superstar didn't reveal the skate design just yet, many fans are eagerly awaiting the reveal on Friday during the Skills Competition.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 31 | 724 ANSWERS Auston Matthews and CCM going above and beyond for one young Leafs fan Do you think Auston Matthews should be named the next captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes, he shows his leadership qualities daily. | 444 | 61.3 % |
| No, he's not quite ready for the responsibility. | 71 | 9.8 % |
| I'd be cool with either him or Morgan Rielly | 209 | 28.9 % |
| Keep the C with Tavares and re-sign him | 0 | 0 % |
| List of polls | ||
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