For 14-year-old Stanley of Steamboat Springs, hockey has always been more than a game. It is the place where he feels strongest; most like himself and closest to his dreams. That love for the sport, and for the Colorado Avalanche, took center ice when Stanley’s wish was granted by Make-A-Wish Colorado.
Stanley, who is battling a brain tumor, arrived at Ball Arena with his family, not as a fan in the stands, but as a guest of honor. His day began during morning skate, where Avalanche mascot Bernie greeted him and escorted him into the arena. From the moment Stanley stepped toward the glass, his excitement was impossible to miss.
He watched the Avalanche fly across the ice from a front-row seat, taking in the speed, sound and precision of the team he had followed for years. Sitting beside him was Maxy, the Avalanche’s beloved team dog, making the moment even more memorable for a teen who has spent countless hours focused on recovery and treatment.
Photo credit: Michael Martin Photography
The highlight of the morning came when Stanley met Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog. The two shared a connection that ran deeper than hockey. Landeskog, who fought his way back after nearly three years away from the game due to injury, understood perseverance. Stanley, who recently returned to playing hockey after treatment, saw his own determination reflected in the captain’s journey.
Landeskog took time to talk with Stanley, offer encouragement and sign a jersey just for him. Across the fabric, Landeskog wrote a message that Stanley will carry with him long after the day ended: “Stay strong, Stanley!”
That message resonated deeply with Stanley and his family. For a young athlete whose life has been redefined by hospital visits and recovery schedules, meeting someone who embodies resilience meant everything.
Photo credit: Michael Martin Photography
The excitement from morning skate followed Stanley into game night as well. When the Avalanche returned to the ice, Stanley was once again at the center of the action.
In front of a packed Ball Arena, Stanley was introduced as the night’s Youth Skater to the roar of thousands of cheering fans. He climbed aboard the Zamboni and waved to the crowd, soaking in a moment most hockey fans only dream about.
The Avalanche made sure the night ended on a high note. Colorado put on a dominant performance, scoring eight goals in an 8-4 win over the Ottawa Senators. Each goal added to the energy of the night, turning Stanley’s wish into a full celebration of hockey, community and joy.
For Stanley, the experience was about more than meeting his favorite players or spending a day at the rink. It was a reminder of what he is fighting for. The confidence, excitement and hope he felt inside Ball Arena is something he will take with him as he continues his journey.
His experience is also a reflection of what Make-A-Wish Colorado strives to do for children facing critical illnesses. Wishes are not just special events; they are opportunities to replace uncertainty with strength, and to give kids something powerful to hold onto when things get hard.
DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 08: of the Colorado Avalanche skates against the Ottawa Senators at Ball Arena on January 08, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images)
As the final buzzer sounded and Ball Arena began to empty, Stanley’s day with the Avalanche came to a close. But the impact of his wish will stay with him far beyond the scoreboard.
For one unforgettable day, Stanley was not defined by his diagnosis. He was a hockey fan, a member of Avalanche faithful and a reminder of why sports matter. They bring people together, create hope and show us what resilience really looks like. And for Stanley, the message from his captain said it all: stay strong.
You can support wishes for kids like Stanley by attending Make-A-Wish Colorado’s annual party with a purpose, Whiskey, Wine & Wishes on May 7 at Mission Ballroom. Buy tickets and learn more here.