Winnipeg Jets players brought smiles to patients at Health Sciences Centre, signing autographs, playing games, and making memories to last a lifetime
Jets players pose for a photo with patients at HSC’s Child and Adolescent PsycHealth unit.
In a display of community spirit, Winnipeg Jets players made a special visit to Health Sciences Centre (HSC) on the afternoon of Dec. 11, lifting the spirits of patients and staff.
The players, dressed in their team jerseys and festive Santa hats, went beyond the usual fan interaction, spending time engaging with young patients on HSC’s PsycHealth unit by signing autographs, posing for photos, and playing games.
Back row (L to R): Gabriel Vilardi, Colin Miller, Josh Morrissey, Alex Iafallo, Kyle Connor, Rasmus Kupari, Dylan DeMelo, Neal Pionk, Children’s Hospital Foundation President & CEO Stefano Grande, and Cole Perfetti.
Front row (L to R): Ville Heinola, Nino Niederreiter, Nikolaj Ehlers, HSC Foundation President & CEO Jonathon Lyon, Mason Appleton, and Dylan Samberg.
For 15-year-old Greta, the highlight of the visit was receiving a signed jersey from Mason Appleton. Overcome with excitement, she did a happy dance, exclaiming how elated she was to show her family the jersey.
HSC patient, Greta, shoots hoops with Mason Appleton before receiving his signed jersey.
“We watch the games together at home all the time. It was so cool that they came here for a visit!” When asked about her favourite player, she quickly replied, “Oh, Appleton now, for sure!” with a wide grin.
Fourteen-year-old James, an avid Jets fan who has attended a few games in person, was thrilled to meet the players and receive a signed jersey from Cole Perfetti.
“We were all really looking forward to this visit. It was really cool of them to come. It is so nice to have something like this to look forward to,” said James.
For the patients and staff at HSC, the players’ visit created lasting memories and was a refreshing break from their usual hospital routine. The visit offered a reminder that while sports may bring excitement on the ice, the real wins come from acts of kindness in the community.
By Jen Golletz
