The Winnipeg Jets bring plenty of smiles to staff and patients at HSC
Some of the patients couldn’t hold back their tears of excitement when meeting their favourite players and getting their autographs.
The Winnipeg Jets have had a good start to the NHL season, but they’ve also brought plenty of smiles, a few tears of joy, and holiday spirit to patients and staff on the HSC PsycHealth Child and Adolescent Unit.
On December 5, 2022, Winnipeg Jets players Dylan DeMelo, Connor Hellebuyck, Josh Morrissey, Dominic Toninato, and Blake Wheeler traded in their helmets for Santa hats to spend time with some of their biggest fans.
The patients, aged 12–17, were overjoyed to meet their on-ice heroes, and more than a few shed happy tears. But tears of joy didn’t stop the patients from going all out when it came to beating Hellebuyck at a paper jet contest or beating DeMelo TWICE at air hockey. Morrissey would have won in an NHL 20 videogame matchup, but a well-timed press of the off button means there’s no proof of that.
Winnipeg Jet Dylan DeMelo down one goal in a very close air hockey game with a patient.
“It’s quite an amazing feeling when you see a smile on a kid’s face—maybe their day is a little better because of us coming to visit,” says Morrissey, Alternate Captain and defenceman.
“Our unit, which provides care to patients under 18 from across Manitoba and parts of Nunavut who require an acute psychiatric admission to hospital, was radiating with joy long after the visit. We can’t thank the Winnipeg Jets enough for spreading cheer to patients and staff alike,” says Christal Nicholson, Manager of Patient Care for HSC’s Mental Health Program.
Thank you to the Winnipeg Jets for a wonderful visit that put staff and patients in the festive spirit, and best of luck in the rest of your season.
By Andrew Lysack
