Community Surprises 13-Year-Old With A Send-Off He'll Never Forget
March 5, 2022
It was a send-off for the ages for 13-year-old hockey player, Owen Nei.
Owen Nei / Gillette Children's
Owen has been defying the odds since birth. Diagnosed with hydrocephalus and Goldenhar syndrome, he has persevered through more than a dozen surgeries, playing hockey far longer than anyone could have imagined.
"[Hockey] means life. It means family. It means everything to me," Owen told Kare 11. "It's everything I've ever wanted."
But he's reached the final point in his career.
The next age level, bantams, will be much too physical for Owen because it involves checking.
So, Owen played his final home game at Schulz Arena in St. Paul – with a big surprise waiting for him.
"I think this is the most people I've ever seen at one of my games," Owen said.
Gillette Children's
Owen's family had no idea that parents and fans had organized a huge celebration for his final home game.
Complete with "O-Dawg" signs and a boisterous pre-game introduction, they packed Schulz Arena on Friday and created an atmosphere almost unheard of at the pee wee level, giving the feel of a high school or college hockey game.
Former Minnesota Wild player Wes Walz presented Owen with a gift from the team, and Mayor Melvin Carter's office proclaimed "Owen Nei Day" in the City of St. Paul.
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
A Husky Was Lost. Owners Found Him With A Drone - Hanging Out With Bears
Dog Completely Changes From Black To White
Cat's Face Shows Opposite Of Gratitude After Being Rescued
A First Birthday Reunion Party For The Whole Litter, Mama Pup Included
This Senior Dog Sanctuary Celebrated 12 Years With A Dog Prom
Local Police Department Makes Public Statement To Community On Taylor Swift's New Album
Man And Dog Left Stunned After Cat FLIES Across The Room
The Cat Chooses You: A Boy's Heartwarming Shelter Adoption Story
'Thing Kept Attacking Me': Squirrel Defends Man's Home From Burglar
Dog's Hilarious Windshield Wiper Chase Captured By Motorist
Octopus Takes Woman On Date, Shows Her Underwater Treasures