Winnipeg Jets players had HSC Winnipeg patients smiling from ear to ear
Morgan Barron and his teammates each gave their autographed jersey to a patient to keep.
November 15, 2023, is a day that HSC PsycHealth Child and Adolescent Unit patients won’t soon forget.
The patients, aged 12–17, were thrilled to meet Winnipeg Jets players Connor Hellebuyck, Laurent Brossoit, Nikolaj Ehlers, Nino Niederreiter, Morgan Barron, Mason Appleton, Gabriel Vilardi, and Declan Chisholm during the Jets’ annual holiday visit.
“It’s so cool that you came to visit us in the hospital,” said a patient,* who had a chance to speak one-on-one with Barron about his NHL career and the community outreach the team does.
Every part of the Jets’ visit was packed with memorable moments. Patients took pictures with the team; played the real and digital Jets in a video-game shootout; had a paper jet throwing contest; and just chatted about anything and everything.
Winnipeg Jets players Mason Appleton, Laurent Brossoit, Nikolaj Ehlers, Gabriel Vilardi, Nino Niederreiter, Morgan Barron, Connor Hellebuyck with patients on the HSC PsycHealth Child and Adolescent Unit.
“Our patients felt the impact of the Winnipeg Jets’ visit, and our staff could see it too. The smiles lasted for days after, and the patients cherish the autographed memorabilia they received. We can’t thank the Winnipeg Jets enough for spreading cheer to patients and staff alike,” says Christal Nicholson, Manager – Health Services for HSC’s Mental Health Program.
Thank you to the Winnipeg Jets for providing a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime experience for patients. We wish you the best of luck in the rest of your season.
*Name removed for patient privacy
By Andrew Lysack
