An 11 year-old boy from Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation will soon be the newest member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Garrett Gamble Jr. suffers from a rare disease called Murquio Syndrome, which has confined him to a wheel chair. Garrett has always dreamed of seeing a Toronto Maple Leafs games and now thanks to the Children’s Wish Foundation that dream is a reality.
This morning in Duck Lake, Maple Leafs General Manager Brendan Shanahan offered the 11 year old a one day contract with the Leafs.
Garrett, in front of his school and family, was eager to accept.
“You are going to spend a day in the life of a Toronto Maple Leaf in a full day of Saturday,” said Russell Gray, a representative of the team to Garrett. “First off you are going to sign a contract with Brendan Shanahan, you are going to eat lunch with the team and then you are going to lead the Maple Leafs out onto the ice for their game against the Ottawa Senators and you will also get to drop the puck.”
Garrett’s eye beamed as hundreds of his family and friends cheered for the surprise.
Kevin Seesequasis, band councillor for Beardy’s, says he was happy to see Garrett receive the honour because the 11 year-old has been so important to the community.
“We are so proud of you and all of the things you get to do in your trip,” Kevin said to Garrett. “We are so proud that every day you get up and take on your rule and we are truly thankful for all of the gifts you have given us.”
Garrett’s parents, Garrett Gamble Sr. and Carrie Sutherland quickly thanked Children’s Wish, the Maple Leafs and the community as they were fighting back tears.
Garrett says he was shocked to receive the surprise and says he is looking forward to seeing the big City of Toronto. He says this has been the best day of his life so far, but come Saturday it may only be the second best day of his life.