It’s not unusual for the Calgary Flames to open their dressing-room doors to young fans who relish the opportunity to mix and mingle with their hockey heroes.
The players are always so wonderful with the kids, often taking the initiative to introduce themselves while offering up an autograph, a high-five and some quick banter.
What was different about Thursday’s visitor was that it was him who brightened the room, leaving a wake of players, coaches and staffers beaming.
Ten-year-old Ben MacInnis had won his way into the room as part of the Calgary Sun’s Rookie Reporter program, opening the door for him to interview a player or coach of his choice for an intermission feature to run on the Jumbotron.