Carter Hart had to meet Brandon Hull.
When Flyers senior director of public relations Zack Hill reached out to the 20-year-old goalie about signing a stick for the youngster's birthday, Hart had an idea.
"I told Zack, 'Why not just have him come to the rink and skate or come and hang out with us since I'm in town at the same time," Hart said to NBC Sports Philadelphia's Taryn Hatcher. "It just worked out that he could come, hang out and have some fun."
An awesome, Hart-felt idea.
Brandon and his parents Amy and Kevin made their way to Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, New Jersey, on Wednesday for a special birthday gift. Hull, a goalie just like Hart, turns 10 years old next week. When Hull was 6 years old, he underwent multiple surgeries and a partial foot amputation following a scary accident.
He is a huge Hart fan.
His parents were telling me a story just before we got on the ice. He came out to my first game against Detroit. His dad asked him, 'Hey, do you want to go to a Flyers game?' And he said, 'No, Dad, I've got to go to practice.' And then he said I was playing and he said, 'Oh, I'll go now.' That's a goalie, you've got to be dedicated to your craft and work as hard as you can.
NHL
- Hart
Hull has overcome so much. You can read more about his story at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's website right here. Now his story includes a day with Hart.
"I feel like I want to be like him when I get older and play for the Flyers just like him," Hull said.
"It's super cool and exciting that I'm able to skate again."
Hart was just as excited.
"I was just happy to put a smile on his face," Hart said.
For much more on Hull's unforgettable day with the Flyers, watch Hatcher's feature in the video above.
For sights and scenes from the day, see below.
(Zack Hill/Philadelphia Flyers) (Zack Hill/Philadelphia Flyers) (Zack Hill/Philadelphia Flyers) (Zack Hill/Philadelphia Flyers) (Zack Hill/Philadelphia Flyers) (Zack Hill/Philadelphia Flyers) (Zack Hill/Philadelphia Flyers)
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