The Chicago Blackhawks invited a special guest to join one of their early season practices this week. Twelve-year old Gabriel Colon has been battling leukemia for three years but the cancer hasn’t hindered his love and passion for hockey, so it was a dream come true when Gabriel got to practice with favorite team during a recent morning skate thanks to the Blackhawks organization and the Make-A-Wish foundation.

Colon found his own ‘Hawks jersey waiting for him in the locker room before practice, then he got the chance to meet and perform drills with some of his favorite players – including Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa, and Andrew Shaw.

He even got some celebration tips from Captain Serious:

12-year-old Gabriel, who is here with Make-A-Wish Foundation, hangs out with 19 and 88 on the ice.

A photo posted by Chicago Blackhawks (Official) (@nhlblackhawks) on Oct 10, 2014 at 10:02am PDT

Then it was time for some team bonding and autographs:

After practice, Gabriel gets a seat next to @88PKane in the dressing room… and some signed gear!

A photo posted by Chicago Blackhawks (Official) (@nhlblackhawks) on Oct 10, 2014 at 10:28am PDT

It looked like the kid had a huge smile plastered on his face the entire time, so good on the ‘Hawks and Make-A-Wish for that. He certainly deserves it.

colon

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[h/t For The Win]