Utah Grizzlies Spread Holiday Cheer with Children’s Hospital Visit

photo credit: Dell Treasure

(photo credit: Dell Treasure)

During the holidays, families come together to celebrate the season, but for some families their loved ones must spend time in hospital, battling for their lives. The children at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah got a special treat with a visit from the Utah Grizzlies players, Head Coach Tim Branham and their mascot Grizzbee this past week.  The players visited with some of the children, signing pucks and posters, handing out stuffed animals and putting a smile on many a face. The players shared in the joy as they were able to bring a little bit of light and holiday cheer to kids fighting cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

“It’s nice getting around and seeing all the kids, and wishing them a Merry Christmas. These are kids that have been dealt a tough hand and any time we can get out and do something like this and brighten their day with doing something so small, giving them a puck or a stick, it really makes our holiday a lot better too,” said Grizzlies Goaltender Ben Meisner.

The greatest gift the players gave was their time and the possibility of hope. For many, the hospital stay can be a lonely place as their families are far away as they undergo treatment. For the players, it was surprising that many of the kids weren’t from the Salt Lake City Area and didn’t have any family close so the players felt good sitting down with several of them to talk hockey and give them tickets to an upcoming game, a hope for a speedy recovery.

Here is a short video of the team’s visit: