The Minnesota Wild are paying tribute to 10-year-old fan Weston Paszkiewicz, who passed away from leukemia on Tuesday. The team is asking fans to leave hockey sticks outside on Wednesday in his memory. Paszkiewicz had a special Make-A-Wish experience with the Wild last month.
Weston Paszkiewicz, a 10-year-old Minnesota Wild fan, died Tuesday evening at 7:40 p.m. from leukemia, surrounded by family while watching a hockey game, according to his mother Danielle's update on CaringBridge.org. 'Our hearts are heavy as we write this update. We sadly share that Weston passed away this evening at 7:40 pm.,' she wrote. 'He has completed his battle with cancer and as our kids say, is now cancer free! He was surrounded by his family and passed peacefully while watching a hockey game believe it or not.'
In response, the Wild issued a statement expressing devastation and inviting fans to honor him. 'We are devastated to learn of Weston's passing. He was such a courageous young man that will be greatly missed by everyone that had the opportunity to know him,' the team said. 'Our hearts are with his family and friends, and all those that were impacted by Weston's brave fight. Please join us in leaving a hockey stick out for Weston tonight.'
Paszkiewicz's connection to the Wild began with his Make-A-Wish day on Oct. 30, when he skated with the team before their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He assisted former Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury in playing a prank on forward Kirill Kaprizov. Pittsburgh won the game 4-1, and afterward, Penguins forward Bryan Rust presented Paszkiewicz with the player-of-the-game helmet, earning him a standing ovation from both teams.
Wild coach John Hynes reflected on the impact: 'He spent a lot of time with us and you could tell when he was here, he wasn't doing well but I think when he came, it's one of those things too where you realize in our profession, whether you are players or coaches at this level, the impact you can have on someone... Sad for him and his family but the fact that I think we could make an impact on him, I think that gives you some satisfaction.'
Paszkiewicz attended another Wild game on Sunday during Hockey Fights Cancer night against the Vegas Golden Knights, which the Wild won in overtime. The team showed a video of his Make-A-Wish day on the video board, gave him a Matt Boldy jersey, and Fleury visited their suite. Danielle noted, 'The Wild organization again made Weston feel so special and made sure we were well taken care of at the game... Weston definitely didn't have the energy he had last time, but he made it the whole game and was able to see the Wild win in overtime which was exciting.'