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
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
DEVELOPING Live updates from the Trump hush money trial: Stormy Daniels, bookkeeper testify
Adult film star Stormy Daniels is on the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Boeing 737 catches fire and skids off the runway at a Senegal airport, injuring 10 people
A Boeing 737-300 plane carrying 85 people skidded off a runway at the airport in Dakar, Senegal's capital, injuring 10 people, according to the transport minister, an airline safety group and footage from a passenger that showed the aircraft on fire.
Breast cancer screening should start at age 40, Canadian Cancer Society says
The Canadian Cancer Society says all provinces and territories should lower the starting age for breast cancer screening to 40.
Man accused of killing two children at Quebec daycare to stand trial in April 2025
The man accused of murdering two children and injuring six others after a city bus crashed into a Montreal-area daycare is scheduled to stand trial over five weeks beginning in April 2025.