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A family trip to watch hockey in Chicago turned into a lot more than what Frank Forsberg and his parents Robin and Susan expected.
The family is from the Saskatchewan community of Macrorie.
On Sunday, Frank was invited to read the starting lineup for the Chicago Blackhawks in their locker room before the team’s game against the New York Rangers.
Frank was given the opportunity to read the starting lineup thanks to a relationship the family has with Blackhawks forward Reese Johnson, who’s originally from Regina.
“My son-in-law Riley Braun is friends with Reese Johnson, so him and my daughter Roxy set up the trip,” Robin explained.
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“Braun grew up with (Johnson) and played with the AAA Saskatoon Blazers. He used to pick up Reese from his house to drive him to practice because he wasn’t old enough yet,” added Frank.
The family went to the game on Feb. 7 against the Minnesota Wild, and the next day were invited to attend the Blackhawks’ practice so they could meet the players and staff.
“We were just expecting to go to games, but it turned out we met guys and they invited us to do full access, more or less,” Robin said.
What happened next, however, was an even bigger surprise.
“We met the coaches, went to the dressing room, and then (head coach) Luke Richardson phoned early in the morning the next day and said Frank could read the lineup if he wanted,” Robin said.
For Frank, the opportunity was a thrill as he and his family are huge hockey fans. It was a special moment for Frank, who has been through a lot during his young life.
Frank Forsberg, left, along with his parents Robin and Susan and Blackhawks forward Reese Johnson following the game against the New York Rangers. (Susan and Robin Forsberg/Submitted)
Johnson told the Blackhawks about Frank’s journey before the game.
“Frank was born premature at 21 weeks old with cerebral palsy due to a car accident,” said Johnson.
“Before he turned 19, he had 37 major brain surgeries, three experimental spinal surgeries and numerous stomach surgeries. He’s now 26 and lives every day with a smile on his face, and I know he’s going to remember this for the rest of his life.”
special moment in the locker room the other night ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4BSbOf4RWd
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 11, 2024
After the lineup was read aloud to applause from members of the Blackhawks, all of the players went up to shake the hands of Frank and his family members.
“It was very nice,” Robin added. “Even the players were pretty emotional.”
Frank said he didn’t get nervous reading the lineup, as he knows all the players’ names – including the players who have been off the ice with injuries throughout the entire season.
The Blackhawks lost their game against the Rangers 4-3 in overtime, but invited the Forsberg family back into the locker room after the game to take pictures with the players.
The entire week was a whirlwind for the Forsberg family. Once they got back to their hotel after the game, they were finally able to reflect and realize what just happened.
“I was pretty high-revved,” Frank said. “I couldn’t sleep. It was a pretty cool experience.”
The family said they’re grateful for the opportunity Johnson and the Blackhawks were able to give them.
