Last month, on a road trip through the Eastern Conference, the Calgary Flames visited the Ottawa Senators on Nov. 25.
Although the visitors lost that night, 4-3, it didn’t stop 8-year-old Hudson Hardill from living out his dreams by meeting Flames netminder Dan Vladar after the morning skate.
Not only did the young Calgary fan, who was in attendance with his goalie partner Evan, tour the dressing room of his favorite team, but the duo also met former Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark.
According to Hudson’s dad, Chris, who covers the Peterborough Petes on color commentary and for the Peterborough Examiner, both NHL netminders took the time to talk the ins and outs of the position.
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Ullmark discussed how fun the game is and the importance of being good people on and off the ice. After their discussion, one of the newest Senators guided the kids through a tour of the home team’s dressing room.
However, that wasn’t the highlight of the day. When the Flames’ skate was over, Vladar invited Hudson and Evan into the dressing room to meet the team. The boys saw his goalie masks up close before he signed their hockey cards.
Hopefully, Vladar and Ullmark stick around long enough to see these two kids advance through the ranks and maybe make it into the NHL someday so they can relive this special day during stretches at center ice.
Even if that moment doesn’t come to pass, it’s safe to say that Hudson and Evan will never forget this day. No matter where Vladar and Ullmark go for the remainder of their careers, these two will always be following them.
