Remembrance Day is one of the most solemn days of the year. It’s a day to take the time to acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices made by those who fought to protect our freedom, and to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Soldiers leave everything behind protect our freedom, and tragically, some of them never have the opportunity to come.  

When they do, though, it’s one of the most heartwarming things that can happen. Have you ever spent a few hours on a lonely evening getting emotional over YouTube compilations of soldiers surprising their families? Yeah, us too. One of the most amazing things we’ve witnessed at sports games is soldiers surprising their loved ones with their homecoming, and we’ve definitely been left teary-eyed over some amazing reunions at NHL games. We’ve compiled 5 amazing soldier homecomings from NHL games, and you’re going to want to grab a tissue if you keep scrolling.

1. The Florida Panthers helped L.T. Victorio Fazzino surprise his family by returning home unexpectedly from his second tour in Afghanistan during their game against the Bruins, and the way his daughter reacts to him will melt your heart.

 

 

2. Last season, the Maple Leafs helped welcome home Corporal Jeremy Hillson to surprise his family during a ceremonial puck drop, and it was one of the most amazing moments we can remember from last season.

 

 

3. Back in 2015, the Arizona Coyotes invited two season ticket holders who’s son,  U.S. Army Sergeant Dan Urman, was deployed in Afghanistan to drop the game puck. Little did they know that he was the one delivering the game puck, and the reaction is incredible.

 

 

4. The Columbus Blue Jackets pulled off the surprise of a lifetime for 6-year-old Breadon, who thought he was doing a regular interview after a mini-game between periods, but was instead surprised by the return of his dad.

 

 

5. The Carolina Hurricanes also executed an incredible surprise of their own in surprising U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Christopher Egan’s daughter with his homecoming, and the way she runs to him says it all.

 

 

Did you make it through all those with a dry eye left? We sure didn’t.

Thank you to all those that have served, and make sure to take time today to remember their sacrifices.