The Toronto Maple Leafs performance on the ice – and during practice – this season has been unimpressive, but their generosity off the ice is tremendous.
Prior to Saturday’s game against the Ottawa Senators, the team will sign 11-year-old Saskatchewan native Garrett Gamble Jr. to a one-day contract as part of a Children’s Wish Foundation initiative.
The 11-year-old suffers from a rare inherited disease called Morquio Syndrome, which affects his bones, heart and hearing.
“I’m looking forward to going to Toronto with my family…to meet the Toronto Maple Leafs,” Garrett told Global Saskatoon.
Despite being from Western Canada, Garrett is a huge Maple Leafs fan.
“He’s going to meet with Brendan Shanahan, sign his one-day contract in his office,” Maple Leafs community relations coordinator Russell Gray said. “He’s going to come down and meet the team at their morning skate at the Air Canada Centre. He’s going to lead the team out onto the ice for the game and drop the puck during a ceremonial face-off. Basically anything and everything we can do for Garrett, we’re going to do it on Saturday.”
Earlier this season, the Senators added 14-year-old Jonathan Pitre to their professional scouting staff for a game.
