Matthew Tkachuk sends support to Edmonton Oilers mega-fan Ben Stelter
Matthew Tkachuk sends support to Edmonton Oilers mega-fan Ben Stelter
Ben Stelter is not a Calgary Flames fan. He's actually a fan of the Edmonton Oilers, and also a huge inspiration to all of the players on that team.
The five-year-old, who is battling brain cancer, has become a viral sensation for his online videos showing his dedication to the orange and blue.
Before the Oilers and Flames faced off on Wednesday, Stelter's dad posted a video for his son's on-ice heroes.
"Hey guys, you guys win a game and let's get Tkachuk," Stelter's said.
Stelter then proceeded to fire a Nerf gun at a picture of the Flames forward.
Tkachuk didn't take offence to the video.
In fact, after he saw it, he posted his own video on Thursday via the Calgary Flames' official account to say all of the Flames are all behind the youngster.
"Hey Ben, I'm sure you're not the biggest fan of me," he said in his video.
"I could tell by the video of you shooting a Nerf gun at me. But everyone here in Calgary is cheering you on and we're all big fans of you."
THIS IS BIGGER THAN THE GAME
The video was a touching exchange that helps keep life in perspective.
"It's way bigger than hockey, and it doesn't matter who you're rooting for, we're cheering him on," Tkachuk said.
"We know he doesn't like us and that's just what the game brings, but we're all obviously thinking about him and his family.
"He's a true warrior and we're definitely cheering him on and hoping for the best for him."
Stelter's dad has since retweeted Tkachuk's video, thanking the Flames for the love, and saying they can be friends "off the ice."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
No 'warnings or second chances' for illegal activity on Canada Day: Ottawa mayor
Ottawa's mayor is warning the city won't tolerate any illegal activity downtown during Canada Day festivities this year, as the city prepares for possible protests.

'Deepest apologies': Central Alberta rodeo organizers shocked by parade float
Organizers of a central Alberta rodeo and its parade committee are calling for calm after a float in this weekend's parade, which possessed a racist theme, was seen in the procession.
Woman trampled, killed by horses at central Alberta rodeo: RCMP
A 30-year-old woman is dead after falling off a horse at the Ponoka Stampede on Sunday.
Ukrainian officials: At least 2 dead as missile hits Kremenchuk mall
Scores of civilians are feared killed or injured after a Russian rocket strike hit a crowded shopping mall in Ukraine's central city of Kremenchuk, Ukrainian officials said Monday.
Canada outperformed most G10 countries during first two years of pandemic response: study
Canada handled key aspects of the COVID-19 response better in the first two years of the pandemic than most G10 countries, according to a new study by researchers from the University of Toronto, Unity Health Toronto and St. Michael's hospital.
When can you light fireworks in Canada? It depends on where you live
Figuring out where and when you're allowed to use fireworks in Canada depends on where you live and what rules apply in your municipality.
South Africa tavern deaths: 21 teens likely killed by something they drank, ate or smoked
South African authorities investigating 21 teenagers found dead at an east coast tavern over the weekend said on Monday the youths were probably killed by something they ate, drank or smoked, ruling out the earlier-touted possibility of a stampede.
Republican calls overturning Roe v. Wade a 'victory for white life'
U.S. Rep. Mary Miller of Illinois, speaking at a rally Saturday night with former U.S. President Donald Trump, called the Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade a 'victory for white life.'
Ghislaine Maxwell put on suicide watch after saying staff threatened her
Ghislaine Maxwell reported Brooklyn jail staff threatened her safety, prompting employees to place her on suicide watch, prosecutors said on Sunday, arguing there was no need to delay her sentencing on sex trafficking charges.