Make-a-Wish helps four boys become ‘Pens for a Day’
By Kelly Sasso
Click here for updates on this story
PITTSBURGH (WTAE) — On Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins signed four new players to the team.
But not for a multi-million-dollar or several-year contract. It was a one-day assignment that saw their dreams come true.
These four kids — Dominic Lettrich, Luke Coughlan, Logan Ferriss and Chayce Taylor — are big-time Penguins fans.
“It was a unique experience,” Chayce said, “and it was just really a great opportunity just to get to meet the entire team.”
They are from Make-a-Wish chapters in Canada, southwestern Ontario and Pennsylvania/West Virginia. Their wish was to see their favorite players up close.
They got a “signing ceremony” where for a day, general manager Ron Hextall declared them official members of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“It’s so amazing for Dominic,” said his mother, Michelle. “The last year has been hard for him. It’s been a lot for our family. And to have him have a whole day that he just gets to choose what he wanted to do and spend the day with a Penguin.”
Dominic, a kindergartener, has stage 4 neuroblastoma. He’s gone through chemo, had a tumor removed and endured 10 sessions of radiation. But his parents say none of that took away his pride for the Penguins.
“I mean, I have pictures of him last year in the hospital in Pittsburgh, watching playoff games while the chemo was dripping in his shirt,” Michelle said.
In fact, Dominic wants to be a pro-hockey player himself — a goalie.
The day was equally as meaningful for the players.
“I think it just put things in perspective,” said team captain Sidney Crosby. “And, you know, any time we can do things like this, I think guys are more than willing to be a part of it and do what they can to help. So this is a pretty unique thing, a great experience for the kids and a lot of fun for us to be a part of.”
To sweeten the deal, the families will get to watch the Penguins host the New York Islanders on Thursday from Crosby’s charity suite.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.
