42 replies to this topic

[Bar Down]

I've been casually viewing this site for awhile but until today I never felt the need to share my opinion. Today, however, was different. My brother was diagnosed with leukemia while playing junior hockey in Saskatchewan earlier this year and he had a bone marrow transplant a couple months ago in Calgary (he's had to live there for the last several months due to the lack of facilities in Sask.). We have been die-hard Red Wings fans since we were really young and it's been a dream of ours to someday watch a game at the Joe but today he experienced the next best thing. Mike Babcock gave him a call this morning and invited him to the Wings practice in Calgary and invited him to meet all of the Wings. Every single Red Wing took the time to not only introduce themselves but genuinely get to know him. He was encouraged by Dats and Zets to stick around for practice prep and to come back after practice for some autographs. Ken Holland offered him tickets for tomorrow's game and Babs invited him back tomorrow to once again hang out with the Wings after their morning skate. For a kid who's been through a lot in recent months, he was on cloud nine today. The Wings have always been my favorite team but today they turned it up a notch. I was absolutely blown away by everything today and I think it's safe to say we all cheer for one of the classiest organizations in the NHL .

[WpgMikos]

That is fantastic and doesn't surprise me. 1st class organization.

Hope your brother is doing well.

[Austrianwing]

First of all, the important stuff: I wish your brother a speedy recovery, it is hard enough to see it happen to family at the end of their years. I can't begin to imagine what you and your brother are going through right now.
I will take a little consolation in the fact that the team I root for seems to live up to ideals that are more important than winning a game. I have always felt that the organization has shown something more than just success on the ice, and this re-affirms it. Proud to be a fan right now...

[Bar Down]

First of all, the important stuff: I wish your brother a speedy recovery, it is hard enough to see it happen to family at the end of their years. I can't begin to imagine what you and your brother are going through right now.
I will take a little consolation in the fact that the team I root for seems to live up to ideals that are more important than winning a game. I have always felt that the organization has shown something more than just success on the ice, and this re-affirms it. Proud to be a fan right now...

It's been a tough year for him that's for sure. The toughest thing about this, I think, is that he has a year of junior hockey eligibility left and he was in peak physical condition when that bombshell was dropped on him. It's sad because I know all he wants to be doing is getting on the ice and having fun with his buddies but you can see it in his eyes that he knows what he has to do to prevail over this thing. The Wings provided much-needed relief from his everyday struggle and gave him a day where he could just enjoy the experience and soak up everything around him. It was pretty amazing.

From a selfish standpoint, I'm disappointed I couldn't be there to meet the team. I'm a little jealous

[thegerkin]

And this is the exact reason that the Detroit Red Wings are the best organization in professional hockey (and possibly in all of professional sports). I hope your brother gets well soon!

[ShanahanMan]

Brilliant stuff. I'm sure this will be mentioned during the next telecast. I truly wish your brother a speedy recovery!

[DEVILSWATERBOY]

Good Luck to your brother, and to the Wings just simply put a class act

[Electrophile]

I would expect no less from this team. That's just how we roll. When other people ask why I'm a fan of the Red Wings, seeing as I'm not from Detroit, one of the things I point out is stuff like this. It may sound corny, but they actually give a s***. You know, like when Orange Hat Guy died and they painted his seat orange and draped a hat over it, or when Ilitch goes out of his way to give the older players who never got Cup rings a ring for the championship(s) they won with the Wings way back when.....stuff like that.


I hope your brother has a speedy recovery and then stays in remission.

[stevkrause]

First of all, the important stuff: I wish your brother a speedy recovery, it is hard enough to see it happen to family at the end of their years. I can't begin to imagine what you and your brother are going through right now.
I will take a little consolation in the fact that the team I root for seems to live up to ideals that are more important than winning a game. I have always felt that the organization has shown something more than just success on the ice, and this re-affirms it. Proud to be a fan right now...

My thoughts exactly - I have had too many forms of cancer hit way too close to home, too many times, and it is hell - I wish your brother a VERY quick and victorious fight against that horrible disease!!!

[Travis]

f*** Cancer. There's nothing I despise more in this entire world than Cancer. Both my parents are survivors and someday your brother will join their ranks. Classy move by the organization, it only furthers my love and respect for this team and the people involved with it.

The important thing is that it made your brother happy and has lifted his spirits.

[puckloo39]

Best wishes and a speedy recovery to your brother. They say positive attitude makes a difference in recovering from major traumas like he's been through. The Wings can certainly provide that positive atmosphere, right?

I agree with Electrophile... people here ask me why I am so devoted to the Wings. This sort of story is exactly why... and dozens of other reasons which are just as positive. I am sure other clubs are just as generous and giving and thoughtful with fans and friends. But something about the culture of the Red Wings family and players is special.

[Konnan511]

Cancer deserves to be Matt Cook'd. Red Wings ooze with class. I really do hope you send your brother all of our best regards.

[esteef]

esteef

[Nev]

Awesome for your brother and I hope he makes a full and speedy recovery.

Any pics? And how did the Wings find out? Babcock being from Saskatoon Saskatchewan as he likes to remind us?

[Bar Down]

Awesome for your brother and I hope he makes a full and speedy recovery.

Any pics? And how did the Wings find out? Babcock being from Saskatoon Saskatchewan as he likes to remind us?

To be honest I'm not exactly sure on the details of how Babcock found out. He hasn't sent me any of the pictures he took but I snagged this one off his Facebook profile page:

[henrik40]

Best of luck to your brother. My dad and grandma are both cancer survivors and your brother will be too. I wish more good acts like this made it onto ESPN and other main stream media outlets. Instead, I get to see a highlight on sportscenter of John Wall teaching people how to dougie as his entrance to a game. I guess acts of kindness and people with class aren't as appealing as a 20 year old dancing.

[scottj]

Being a Red Wings fan just keeps gettin easier and easier...

[hooon]

That picture is really awesome.

To have to go through an ordeal like that at such a young age is just mind blowing. My thoughts and wishes will be with him as he makes a quick and speedy recovery!

Big kudos to Babs and the whole organization for doing something like this, its really huge. These guys are all so busy during the hockey season, for them to take the time to do this is just so awesome. They could have just sent over an autographed stick or something (which still would have been great), but instead they went above and beyond to the fullest extent. Makes me proud to be a Wings fan and a hockey fan.

Again, best wishes to your bro, and thanks for posting this story!

[Nev]

To be honest I'm not exactly sure on the details of how Babcock found out. He hasn't sent me any of the pictures he took but I snagged this one off his Facebook profile page:

Is that your dad in the middle?

[Electrophile]

To be honest I'm not exactly sure on the details of how Babcock found out. He hasn't sent me any of the pictures he took but I snagged this one off his Facebook profile page:

I want a picture with Hank and Pavs.