Chris Terry enjoyed a 101-point campaign with the Plymouth Whalers this season.
By Angela Ayles
Coming off a 101-point season with the OHL's Plymouth Whalers this season, the future looks bright for Carolina Hurricanes' draft pick Chris Terry.
But there is more to the 18-year-old Brampton, Ont. native than numbers on a score sheet.
Just ask Bobby Suvoy.
Bobby is a 16-year-old boy who has been struggling with Lou Gehrig's disease for the past year. One year ago Bobby was your typical hockey enthusiast who loved to watch the Whalers with his father, following Terry, his favorite player, around the ice.
A lot can change in one year.
Today, Bobby is completely paralyzed. Confined to a wheelchair and constantly requiring the assistance of a breathing machine, Bobby rarely makes it to see Terry and the Whalers. Despite his physical inability to make it to the games, Bobby insists on watching every game on live stream.
Before Suvoy falls asleep every night, he asks his parents to drape Terry's jersey over him so he can dream of his hockey idol signing the shirt in front of his family and friends.
Thanks to Terry, this boy's dream has come true.
Bobby was scheduled to attend the Whalers' final regular season home game on March 15. He knew that if he made it to the game, Terry would be there to sign his jersey. Bobby was unbelievably excited for the game...but then the unexpected happened.
Just two days before the big night, Bobby's doctor ordered the ailing teen to stay home instead of watching the game live. Bobby's condition had taken a turn for the worse and he couldn't even move from his bed. He was crushed.
Chris Terry has a lot of things going for him, but being an incredible hockey player is just one of them.
Terry made a special trip to Bobby's home on March 15. He signed Bobby's stick (and wrote "Do it 4 Bobby" on it), autographed his jersey and took pictures with him and his family. He made Bobby's dream come true.
That night, the Whalers lost. But Bobby Suvoy and Chris Terry won in a very big way.
Bobby got the chance to meet his favorite player of all time and Chris Terry experienced what it's like to change someone's life.
Sometimes, the best things in hockey happen off the ice.
Just ask Bobby Suvoy.