Ice hockey fans are a passionate lot. Loyal fans support their teams through thick and thin. While it’s a rare occurrence when fans of one team support another team, Missouri’s St. Louis Blues have earned the praise of the entire NHL world with their actions. On February 17, the President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the St. Louis Blues, Doug Armstrong, announced that the team had made a special signing. Armstrong announced that the Blues had signed 5-year-old Hank Walker for one day.
Hank Walker’s parents received a worrying diagnosis even before he was born that their child would be born with posterior urethral valves. Individuals with the condition develop obstructive membranes that block urine from the bladder. The 5-year-old has already undergone a kidney transplant but is doing well. In 2020, Hank Walker asked Make-A-Wish if he could play Blues captain Ryan O’Reilly. On Friday, he signed the one-day deal with the NHL team so his wish could be granted.
All NHL fans across teams united over a heartfelt Louis Blues moment
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When the St. Louis Blues posted the news on social media, fans couldn’t help but praise the team for their heartfelt gesture. Blues fans welcomed the 5-year-old to the team. “Welcome to the club, Hank the Tank! You’re awesome!” wrote one fan. “Welcome to the Note, Hank. Can’t wait to see you skate in the Alumni events!” commented another fan.
Best. Day. Ever. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/7zClUP4J9B
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) February 17, 2023
“All together now…Hank the Tank…Hank the Tank…” commented one fan. Some fans praised the NHL team’s captain for fulfilling the 5-year-old’s wish. “Lovely stuff, O’Reilly is still awesomeness,” one fan wrote. “Please don’t trade O’Reilly. I don’t even live there but what he does for the community can’t be understated,” wrote another passionate fan.
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Many fans praised the Blues. “You guys are such a class act! I love the smile on Hank’s face! It is something Hank will remember for the rest of his life!” one fan wrote. “Oh, this warms my heart. The Blues organization and its players are classy, compassionate, and just plain wonderful. Hank will have the time of his life and will carry that memory always.” wrote another fan.
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Stanley Cup Final… Hank's got the puck, he stickhandles, passes to O'Reilly… HE SCORES!!! #stlblues pic.twitter.com/BxdxWuOSuS
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) February 17, 2023
“#STLBlues are truly incredible. God Bless (them) for making Hank’s ‘Wish’ come true. And may he continue to be well the rest of his days,” wrote a fan. Even fans of other teams lauded the Blues for their actions. “Ok, Aves fan here, not to troll. This brought me to tears. Touching… but why does he have to come to the blues Aves game?! My heart is going (to) break if we win.” wrote the Colorado Avalanche fan.
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What do you feel about the NHL team granting the 5-year-old’s wish? Write your thoughts in the comments.
