It’s all right there … perseverance, courage,
teamwork. And a fortuitous
bounce of the puck now and
then.
Logan is not yet an NHL player. But he embodies all the
qualities of those who earn the privilege of lifting Lord
Stanley’s chalice.
He unflinchingly faces cancer. And he is committed to his
brethren with all his heart: his team, his hockey association,
his community and other kids like him who must face off against
cancer.
Display of the Human Spirit
Logan’s wish to spend the day with the Stanley Cup shows
why his coach calls him mature beyond his years …
respectful of his teammates and coaches … a natural
leader.
“There’s no way I can describe it to you,”
Coach John McKibbon, known as Kibby, says. “I don’t
think I’ll ever see the human spirit displayed in that way
again.”
Logan’s wish awed Kibby because it lifted a community of
people that, in some way, had fallen under cancer’s
shadow: Ian, another player in the Logan’s association,
was also diagnosed with cancer. Other young cancer patients also
escaped their routine and enjoyed a glimpse of optimism, a
vision of what’s possible in life.
Logan thought he was headed for bloodwork at the hospital. As he
waited in a hospital room, the Stanley Cup’s white-gloved
handlers carried it into the room.
One look at Logan’s face tells you he has stepped into the
surreal. His eyes widen and then mist over. What runs through
his mind? The legendary players whose names are engraved in the
Stanley Cup? The places it’s been, the acts of bravery
players have performed in its pursuit? Yes. And more.
He also envisions how it will illuminate the lives of people in
his community. Soon, patients, medical professionals and other
passers-by are basking in the presence of the Stanley
Cup.
Next Stop – The Home Rink
The players of both teams smack their sticks against the ice.
The clatter is a traditional sign of respect for another player.
Today, it’s a tribute to Logan, who skates onto the ice
wearing the number 64.
That’s not his usual number. It belongs to Ian, the other
player in his association who was diagnosed with cancer. The
player who lost to cancer.
“I wish he could be here to experience this,” Logan
tells the crowd.
There’s no game today – just a tryout and
Logan’s presentation of the Stanley Cup to friends and
teammates at his local rink. Logan skates off the ice to an
avalanche of applause.
Seasons to Come
Maybe Logan will meet the Stanley Cup again. Maybe 30,000
hometown hockey fans will cheer themselves hoarse as he raises
it over his head. Anything is possible. His wish proves
it.
NHL, the NHL Shield and the wordmark and image of the Stanley Cup are trademarks of the National Hockey League. NHL and NHL team marks are the property of the NHL and its teams. © NHL 2013. All Rights Reserved.
In this video from Discover Financial Services and Shane Arman, we hear
from Logan; Mike Bolt, Keeper of the Stanley Cup; Jean-Sebastien
Giguere, goaltender for the Colorado Avalanche; and Logan's
father, Ray.