Wild, Penguins team up to give Minnesota boy battling leukemia a day he’ll never forget

Weston was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in January and has spent much of the year in and out of the hospital undergoing treatment. According to his Caring Bridge site, he was able to return home for the first time since July just one day before the big event.

On their way to the Wild’s home at Xcel Energy Center, Weston received a police and fire escort, with friends and neighbors lining the streets to cheer him on.

After arriving at the arena and signing his contract, Weston joined the team for morning skate and even helped his favorite player, former Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, pull pranks on Wild star Kirill Kaprizov and Penguins legend Sidney Crosby.

Before puck drop in the Wild’s game against the Penguins, Weston carried the team flag to center ice, then watched his hometown team from a private family suite.

"It puts perspective on what you're going through and what it is. I mean, you know, we're doing something that we love, we're coaching something that we love, we're playing a game we love," said Wild head coach John Hynes. "Yes, there's highs and lows in what you do, but you have the opportunity to come out and make someone's day."

"A kid like him that's great. He's fighting for his life and he's in a real tough situation. You see the support that his family has. I think the guys were great with him. It's special," continued Hynes. "I think the more that you can do that, probably the impact that has on him. You go out and see him score a goal, the smile on his face and he's coming out and playing with NHL players, it's just awesome."

The night ended with one more unforgettable gesture — this time from the Penguins. Following their 4-1 win over the Wild, Pittsburgh invited Weston into their locker room and presented him with their player-of-the-game helmet.

For more information on Weston’s journey and how to help, visit his Caring Bridge site. A GoFundMe page has also been set up to support him and his family.