Dustin Wolf made a 10-year-old’s night one he’ll never forget.
During Tuesday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche at Scotiabank Saddledome, a Flames staff member noticed young fan Kade Heisler holding a large yellow sign that read “Wolf, you are my hero.” The message was relayed to Wolf between the first and second periods, and the 25-year-old goalie didn’t hesitate. He sent one of his game-used goalie sticks through a security guard to Heisler’s section.
The kid completely lost it. Heisler, who plays goalie for the Carstairs Bruins in Alberta, broke down in happy tears clutching the stick. The broadcast caught the whole thing, and it spread fast online.
Check out the viral moment below:
Sportsnet’s Eric Francis approached Heisler afterward and the conversation hit him just as hard.
“I went down and I said ‘We just showed you on TV’ and he started crying again,” Francis said. “So that set me off, I could hardly finish the interview. But I said, ‘What are you thinking about when he hands you that stick?’ And this little boy, 10 years of age, said ‘I’m just very thankful.’ I thought he said it beautiful.”
Wolf didn’t actually see the sign himself. He typically avoids looking into the stands to stay locked in during games. But once he heard about it, he wanted to make sure the kid left with something special.
“That’s what the game is all about, for the kids,” Wolf said. “We mean a lot to them and it’s neat to be able to make a kid’s day like that.”
Calgary lost the game 3-1 to the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avalanche, and the Flames have now missed the playoffs four straight years. But Dustin Wolf still put together a strong night with 36 saves on 38 shots. The 25-year-old has been one of the few bright spots in a tough season for Calgary.
I’d argue this was the best moment of the entire NHL season. Wins and losses get forgotten. That stick is going on Kade Heisler’s wall forever.
