The Stork has taken a lot of ribbing over Sweden's loss to Canada in the Gold Medal game.
So Eddie Lack on his first visit met a young fan Kade at BC Children's Hospital was all excited when he heard the Canucks were going to visit and he had an Olympic joke all ready for Eddie.
A visit to BC Children’s Hospital should have been a break from the Olympic chirping for Lack. Then he met Kade.
Since finding out early Monday morning the Canucks were making their annual BCCH visit, the seven-year-old sat waiting. He waited, waited and waited some more, focused on the joke he had prepared for Lack, and not the ulcerative colitis he’s battling.
With Kade in protective isolation, Lack couldn’t enter the room, but just being at the door to greet one of his biggest fans made both their days.
“Hi Eddie,†Kade grinned.
“Hey buddy, it’s great to see…â€
“I’ve got a joke for you!†Kade said, as he excitedly cut him off.
“I can’t wait to hear it buddy. Shoot.â€
“Eddie, what time is it in Sochi?â€
Lack stood in silence, pondering his answer. “Gold o’clock,†Jason Garrison laughed under his breath.
Before Lack could reply, Kade unveiled the answer.
“Three past Henrik Lundqvist!!!â€
Room 11 in ward 3F erupted in laughter, mostly from Lack.
The 26-year-old Canucks goaltender had never visited the BC Children’s Hospital before and on this day he was one of more than 20 players, including injured forward Mike Santorelli, who made the trip.
Anyone who hadn’t had a flu shot wore a surgical mask (hospital’s orders), so Lack couldn’t hide his wide-eyed reaction to the difficulties many of the children he visited are facing.
Normally outspoken and boisterous, Lack was quiet and reserved throughout most of the tour, alongside Jannik Hansen, Brad Richardson, Chris Tanev and Garrison.
Kade’s joke changed everything, for both guys.
“It really puts it in perspective that yesterday I was cheering for who would win a medal and I thought that was so important,†said Lack. “These kids and staying strong and knowing they can overcome their illnesses is what’s actually important.
http://canucks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=706403