A 7-year-old fan of the Carolina Hurricanes got a surprise of a lifetime when his favorite NHL team organized a special day just for him, all made possible by a local Make-A-Wish foundation chapter.
Chase Bass of North Carolina was diagnosed with a rare form of white blood cell cancer almost two years ago in 2015.
He’d developed a love for hockey about a year before his diagnosis. After having an opportunity to watch a Hurricanes hockey game and meet his favorite player, Jeff Skinner, in 2014, little Chase became hooked.
His mother, Tonya Bass told a local ABC station, “He got an autograph from Jeff Skinner, and ever since then it’s been his favorite player.”
“So we went from not knowing anything about hockey to that’s all he talks about, that’s all he plays, that’s all he likes.”
That means Bass’s wish was simple: get connected with his favorite players and team.
The Make-A-Wish team, along with the Carolina Hurricanes organization, put on quite the spectacle for team Chase – even calling an ’emergency press-conference’ to sign him to a one-day contract.
Watching this little guy in his glory is a beautiful thing. The Hurricanes posted an emotional video with the days highlights:
Chase, a seven-year-old with cancer, had a wish to play street hockey with @JeffSkinner.
Watch how the #Canes @MakeAWishEastNC come true! ? pic.twitter.com/dgEpDMygMP
— Carolina Hurricanes (@NHLCanes) January 16, 2017
I got to see Chase and this story at the game Friday. It. Was. Awesome. ❤❤❤ https://t.co/DKSmNakUzz
— Jackie Jordan (@JackieJordan1) January 17, 2017
The team, especially Skinner, was overjoyed at hosting the young man during the 24 hour time period which gave him access to hockey gear, a seat to a Carolina practice as well as luxury game day seats. Chase was even able to act as captain while the team played street hockey outside in a parking lot.
He dominated the game, scoring 9 goals, and appeared to be having the time of his life.
Chase is breaking in his new skates. Thank you so much @MakeAWish @NHLCanes @JeffSkinner @brettpesce22 @MikeSundheim @mikemaniscalco pic.twitter.com/fR2rzndFL2
— tony prevatte (@metooyou05) January 16, 2017
Skinner was asked about young Chase’s skills: “He’s pretty good,” the NHL star said.
“Nine goals. I think I was plus-eight today, so I’ll take that. Just seeing how much fun he had, and for us to play a small part in that is a pretty cool feeling.”
On the words of wisdom the young boy shared as captain, Skinner said, “He’s got some good tips. I don’t know if I should share them all or the secret will get out.”
The family and the foundation could not be happier with the outcome.
[New Video] @JeffSkinner and the #Canes @MakeAWishEastNC Come True for Chase → WATCH: https://t.co/p4qmbwY1h3 #CanesCare
— Carolina Hurricanes (@NHLCanes) January 16, 2017
“I think when the Canes found out about his passion and love of the Canes, it was an easy fit,” Make-A-Wish’s Bob Frazier said.
Tonya said, “The love that they show to their fans and how much they care about the community, it’s not just about what’s on the ice. It’s about what’s on the outside too. It’s about holding things together.
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