Wayne Gretzky helps make disabled fan’s dream come true at Winter Classic

'I hope one day I can make somebody as happy as you made me'

Published Jan 02, 2025  •  2 minute read

A hockey fan named Skyler is moved to tears after being invited to the Winter Classic. Twitter

During his legendary NHL career, Wayne Gretzky dished out more assists than any other player.

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He may have retired long ago, but that hasn’t stopped him from giving a helping hand and making one fan’s dream come true.

In a viral video shared by Bleacher Report and Spittin’ Chiclets on social media, a young girl named Skyler scored an invite to this week’s Winter Classic in Chicago after showing an act of kindness towards a man asking for change.

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Skyler, who is in a wheelchair, approached the man who was sitting outside of a building and asked her for a couple of bucks.

He asked what she was holding, which happened to be the cover for her sled for playing sled hockey.

Skyler took out $2 to give to the man, who then asked what her dream is.

“My dream is to be a professional sled hockey player,” Skyler said. “Play in the Paralympics one day.”

When asked how long she has been playing for, Skyler replied eight years.

The man asked why Skyler was in a wheelchair, to which she explained that she has spina bifida, a condition that affects her spinal cord and that her feet “don’t work at all.”

The man then gives the money back to Skyler, saying that he felt bad for taking it from her even though she said it was OK.

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A hockey fan named Skyler is moved to tears after being invited to the Winter Classic. Twitter

After a short break, Skyler came back out from the building with a hot chocolate for the man, much to his surprise.

He had a surprise of his own for Skyler, though, as he revealed that he wasn’t in need of money at all, handing her $1,000 US in cash, which moved her to tears.

He explained that she could use the money to help chase her dream, which only brought on more tears of joy.

“You really don’t know how much this is helping me,” Skyler said. “My family has been broke for the past little bit, but this really helps.”

That wasn’t the only reward for Skyler’s kindness, though, as the man gave her a “mystery hockey puck” with a message inside.

“Congratulations, you will not be home for New Years because the Gretzky family is inviting you and your family to Chicago to watch the NHL Winter Classic,” the note read.

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Cue the water works as Skyler gratefully accepted the invite.

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The clip closes with Skyler and her dad attending the game between the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field.

She appears to have gotten the VIP treatment, meeting several stars of past and present including Paul Bissonnette, Anson Carter and Brayden Schenn.

And, of course, the Great One himself.

“This is the best day of my life,” Skyler said. “I hope one day I can make somebody as happy as you made me.”

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