The Arizona Coyotes had one extra body to account for on their road trip to face the Detroit Red Wings. It wasn’t a recently acquired player, however. It was 14-year-old superfan and cancer survivor Will Pogue.
Coyotes head coach Rick Tocchet invited Pogue to join the team for their Nov. 13 game, which also happened to be Detroit’s Hockey Fights Cancer night.
Pogue, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of 3, beat cancer early in life and Tocchet wanted to give him the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel with his favorite NHL team.
On October 5th we gave cancer survivor Will Pogue the surprise of a lifetime.
A personal invitation from @RealRocket22 to join the team in Detroit. #HockeyFightsCancer pic.twitter.com/eLUiaMkJFR
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) November 13, 2018
Once Pogue arrived in Detroit, he took in the morning skate from the bench wearing his personalized jersey signed by members of the team.
Will is taking in morning skate today in Detroit. #HockeyFightsCancer pic.twitter.com/vYGNsWJUar
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) November 13, 2018
He got to bump fists with players as they made their way to the ice.
“WILLAYYY!”- @jasondemers5 #HockeyFightsCancer pic.twitter.com/oJMn5TSkbl
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) November 13, 2018
He even got to hang out in the locker room with the guys, where he received a restaurant recommendation from defenseman Jason Demers.
The best BBQ in Detroit? @jasondemers5 says it’s @SlowsBarBQ, but don’t tell his coaches that’s where he spent his off day. pic.twitter.com/RG1YR5rZ1U
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) November 13, 2018
He also checked out the team’s sticks with captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
Who better to get equipment advice from than @OEL23 and @RealRocket22? 🏒#HockeyFightsCancer pic.twitter.com/oqDeQYIvxM
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) November 13, 2018
But, Pogue’s shining moment came when he addressed the team prior to the game to dish some advice.
“Play a full three periods of hockey, hard,” he said.
“Play a full three periods of hockey, hard.”
Coach Will had some advice for the team before #ARIvsDET: pic.twitter.com/pxSI488hma
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) November 13, 2018
The Coyotes couldn’t pull off the win, but clearly, the team won by giving Pogue an experience he’ll never forget.
Will’s trip with the team isn’t over yet. He’s on the team plane headed home to Arizona.
Perfect trip for a kid who dreams of being a hockey player or a pilot. 💜#HockeyFightsCancer pic.twitter.com/TrF8iSYhyV
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) November 14, 2018
Hockey Fights Cancer is an annual homage to cancer patients and their families. Founded in 1998 by the NHL and NHL Players’ Association, the campaign unites the hockey community to support those affected by the disease. The initiative gets an assist from players, coaches, officials, equipment managers, front office staff, corporate partners, and fans.
Each of the 31 NHL teams celebrate Hockey Fights Cancer Night in their own way, but they all feature lavender dasher boards and coaches and broadcasters will be wearing HFC ties. Players also wear special Hockey Fights Cancer jerseys and use lavender stick tape during warmups
The initiative benefits the American Cancer Society, Canadian Cancer Society and the Movember Foundation provide a better quality of life for patients, caregivers, and their families.