RIVERVIEW, N.B. – Toronto Maples Leafs fan Matthew Ward of Riverview is still reeling from an emotional call from NHL star Dion Phaneuf.
Last week, Global News introduced you to the 22-year old and his impressive collection of Leafs memorabilia. Born with an aggressive form of Muscular Dystrophy, Ward will never be able to travel to Toronto to see his favorite team play. So the Leafs organization decided to step in and do something special for their loyal fan.
READ MORE: Moncton man donates jersey to Maple Leafs fan with muscular dystrophy
Tuesday afternoon Ward spoke via Skype with Phaneuf, the Leafs’ captain, who is his all-time favourite player.
“I heard you had some questions for me?” says Phaneuf on the call.
Ward’s hands were sweating and his heart was racing as he learned all about his favorite player’s pastimes.
“What do you do in the off season? What are your hobbies and your interests?” his mother, Elan Saniga, asked for her son who struggled to speak.
“I spend my summers in P.E.I. with my family and when I am not golfing or on the boat I like to play tennis,” Phaneuf replied.
The three spoke for about 10 minutes when Phaneuf revealed, like most players, he is a little superstitious.
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“I eat the same thing every day on a game day.”
Phaneuf told Matt he loved his room and his collection of Maple Leafs memorabilia.
“I had a comforter like that when I was a kid too with all the teams on it,” said Phaneuf as he noticed Ward was missing one jersey in particular on his wall.
“I sending one out for you ok? Ok perfect, I am going send it in the mail.”
Before Phaneuf signed off, Ward had one final question: what was the highlight of Phaneuf’s career?
“When I was drafted that was a dream come true.”
As they prepared to hang up on a call that Matt wished would never end, Phaneuf said, “It was nice talking to you!”
Ward said the call was the highlight of his life.
“It’s pretty cool!”
His mother, Elan Saniga was nearly speechless.
“For him (Phaneuf) to take the time to speak with him while he’s lying in bed is absolutely amazing!”
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