Nicholas Shanahan joins our officials for a visit before a game in Tampa
Back on November 6th in Tampa, Florida. The Edmonton Oilers took on the Tampa Bay Lightning. The officiating crew that night was Jake Brenk, Tim Nowak, Brandon Gawryletz, and Dan O Rourke.
There was, however, another special guest in the Referee’s room that evening.
From Referee Jake Brenk:
“Our guests for the night were Nicholas Shanahan and his family! “Nick” is 9 years old and in 3rd grade he likes soccer, street hockey and really wants to learn to ice skate! He has tried a few times and is getting better all the time but said he’s gonna get out and practice more. He wants to play hockey when he grows up. Nick recently finished his cancer treatment late this summer and rang the End of Chemo Bell at the children’s cancer center just this September!! He is now cancer free and a SURVIVOR of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
We just wanted to say how much our group enjoyed hosting Nick and his family in our room before the game! He asked some great questions pertaining to hockey and we were all blown away by his maturity, great attitude and intelligence! It was an honor to have this gentleman and his family be a part of our officiating brotherhood for the evening. He looked real good in his new NHL Officiating team sweater!!!
Special thanks goes out to TJ Luxmore for helping us out as well as Kristina Hjertkvist community relations for the Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment.”
You are truly an inspiration Nicholas! We, the NHLOA, hope you and your family enjoyed your time at Amalie Arena in Tampa!