Just look at what you started, Jordyn Leopold.
Now every adorable kid is writing inspiring, heart-string-tugging hockey letters.
Justin B. — the nine-year-old Montreal Canadiens fan who snapped the selfie-gone-viral with Carey Price Saturday — penned a letter thanking his hero.
That Justin is actually from Toronto adds a nice, ironic wrinkle to the story.
“My boys really just became Habs fans because they love the way the Habs play with heart,” Justin’s mother, Alexandra, told CJAD Wednesday. “They’ve won the most Stanley Cups, and they just took to that team.”
Here is Justin’s letter, which was posted on the Habs’ website Thursday:
To my hero Carey Price,
I have always regarded you as one of my heroes, but it was only yesterday that I started to think long about what a hero means to me.
A hero is someone who you not only admire for their outstanding achievements, but also for their kindness.
You, Mr. Price, do both.
Our family travelled to New York City for Saturday night’s game. I tried to take a selfie with you. You noticed me and gave me the memory of a lifetime. You looked and asked me for my selfie in the middle of an intense game and I wanted to say thank you.
Thank you for being the generous person I have always believed that you were.
Who would have thought that the selfie would be captured by a cameraman during the break and make the headlines? But it happened!
The story went viral and since then we have been contacted by several radio stations and sports television stations for interviews.
This story is not really about me. I am not different from the other millions of fans. This story is about you, and proof that a true hero is not measured in the greatness of his strength, but the strength of his heart.
Carey, the truth is that you were my hero before Saturday night and now it may well be that you become a hero and an inspiration to many other fans who often need to believe in the power of a single moment. A unique moment that I will replay in my head and possibly play again in the heads of every young fan who has the feeling of being part of a selfie.
Because it could have been anyone else posing with you.
This is perhaps my selfie, but this has nothing to do with me.
So, Mr. Price, thank you for proving that your skills on the ice are secondary to your kindness!
You gave me a memory that will last a lifetime and there is nothing more generous to a young hockey fan like me.
Sincerely,
Justin
(via Global News)
