Hockey is a very important part of some kid’s lives, and for some more than others. For one kid in particular – Wisconsin native Carter Holmes – hockey literally saved his life.
You hear some people say that sports saved their life in regards to it gave them something to focus on, it got them off the streets, or it provided a glimpse of happiness in a time of darkness, but for Carter, hockey literally saved his life.
In February, 2018, Carter was playing hockey when he was hit in the neck by a hockey puck. What may have seemed like a hurtful moment at first, it was actually a blessing in disguise. That bruise swelled up to a point where they had to go get it checked out, and it turns out that the hockey bruise was the indicator in Carter’s cancer diagnosis. Without that puck hitting him, there’s no telling when the cancer would have shown, or if it would be too late.
As a result, he had his hockey wish come true. He got to take the ice with the Chicago Blackhawks as a reward for his bravery, and participated in Hockey Fights Cancer month by dropping a ceremonial first puck.
He also got to hang out with his hockey heroes, including his favourite, Patrick Kane.
Carter is back on the ice again, completing an amazing story that began with a hockey bruise.
