A lifetime moment for Myer Gallant with Sidney Crosby (Image via: Twitter) For 10-year-old Myer Gallant, a lifelong Pittsburgh Penguins fan from O’Leary, Prince Edward Island, Wednesday was unforgettable. Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disease that affects the nervous system and muscles, Myer has faced challenges far beyond his age. Yet, thanks to the Penguins and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, he got a taste of NHL life, signing a special one-day contract with the team.Myer’s first reaction upon seeing the contract placed on the table by Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas was pure surprise. “Shocked,” he said simply. The special day allowed him to meet some of his favorite players, including Sidney Crosby and Ryan Graves, both fellow Maritimers, making the experience even more personal and memorable as well.
A day in the life of an NHL player: Pittsburgh Penguins create a memorable experience for Myer Gallant
Dubas emphasized the broader impact of moments like these. “To be able to give back to people who make that level of investment in the Penguins is something that I think we’re always thrilled to do,” he said. For the Penguins, this gesture was a chance to give back. Crosby shared the experience with warmth. “Being a fellow Maritimer, it’s pretty cool. Hope he enjoys the day,” he said, highlighting the bond shared across generations and regions.Graves, recently recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL, spent time trading gifts with Myer, receiving homemade treats in return. “He’s a great kid. It’s special to be part of something like that,” Graves said, noting how the day puts professional athletes’ own routines into perspective.Myer enjoyed a locker room breakfast, wore Crosby’s No. 87 jersey, and observed practice from the glass. Autographs and a press conference with Dubas completed the day, leaving memories that will last a lifetime. Parents Randy and Jaclyn Gallant watched their son’s joy unfold. “When he got here, and he’d seen his jersey, it was something else,” Randy said.Even amid the Penguins’ recent on-ice struggles, moments like Myer’s visit show the impact the team can have beyond the rink. Dubas believes that while the season naturally has its highs and lows, experiences like these serve as a meaningful reminder of the difference the organization can make. For Myer, the day was far more than just a hockey experience, rather it’s a lifetime moment for a dedicated fan.