On December 10th the Toronto Maple Leafs were in town playing our beloved Canucks. With a large following, Vancouverites flocked to Rogers Arena to watch the talented Leafs. For 7 year old Thunderbird Lloyd Andrews, this would be the start to a very special story.

Like many, Lloyd attended warm ups that night to watch his favourite player, Auston Matthews. During warm up Lloyd gained the attention of the Maple Leafs head Equipment Manager, Brian Papineau. Lloyd gave Brian his Thunderbirds player card to give to Auston. Brian then said to Lloyd he couldn’t guarantee Auston would be able to sign it for him to which Lloyd responded “this is for Auston to keep” which gave Brian a big smile.

Brian then gave Auston the card which led to Auston signing a picture for Lloyd for being such a supportive fan. The Andrews family received the photo right before Christmas and wrapped it under the tree so Lloyd could open the signed picture on Christmas morning. Needless to say, Lloyd was over the moon when he unwrapped the special gift thanking him for his card. This is the kind of the feel good stories that truly show the good hockey brings out in all of us!