Members of the Edmonton Oilers shared their grief and special fan memories Thursday after Ben Stelter, 6, died in an accident Thursday. did. Fighting brain tumors.
READ MORE: Beloved Oilers fan Ben Stelter dies after battle with cancer: 'The world is the most special
"He was an amazing little guy who lit up every room he was in," said Oilers captain Connor McDavid. said.
"Today is a very tough day for the entire Oilers family, all the fans, but most importantly the family," he said. "Today is a terrible day and I am thinking of the whole Stelter family."
When he was four years old, Ben was diagnosed with glioblastoma. This is a progressive brain tumor. He had surgery to remove the tumor, several rounds of chemotherapy and dozens of radiation treatments. But last December his tumor recurred and Ben started more radiation treatments over the winter.
Story Continues Below Ad
His family revealed he died Tuesday night.
"The world lost its most special boy and absolute hero last night," said his father, Mike Stelter, in a statement posted to Twitter on Wednesday. "Ben , you were the best son we could have ever wished for, you were my best bud.
"There remains a hole in our hearts the size of Ben. You Life will never be the same without you.We are totally devastated.I love you my dear Benny Boy.”
Last night the world has lost its most special boy and absolute hero. Ben, you were the best son we could have ever wanted and my best bud. Your sister was very lucky to have you as a very kind brother. You fought so long and hard and broke so many possibilities. pic.twitter.com/HWibnZKOxC
— Mike Stelter (@m_dan25) Aug 10, 2022
Ben caught the heart of the team and the world of hockey with his viral video of him rooting for the team.A huge Oilers fan, Ben's dream was to meet McDavid. The two met last fall, and in March Ben slipped into the heart of the ice alongside his heroes for the national anthem.
Story continues below ad
"Ben meant so much to himself and his teammates," McDavid said Thursday. "The relationship we built over the course of a year is something I will never forget.
"Share that moment with him... stay close to him to see his face... the ice melts. Not many people get to experience what it feels like and what it sounds like.It was pretty noisy in there.It was really special for me to go through it with him and I will always remember it.
READ MORE: 5-year-old Oilers fan battling cancer takes spotlight at Thursday's game Steal
McDavid said he fell in love with Ben and his entire family after their first meeting.
Trending Stories
"I loved being around him.
"What a wonderful boy." Very strong and very brave.It was very exciting to see someone go through it...especially a 5 or 6 year old kid.He was such a fighter."
Zach Hyman says Ben gave him a post I shared my memories when I joined the game press conference.
Story continues under advertisement
"He wasn't nervous or shy. He was ready to go on stage."
``Some players get nervous in front of a room full of media.
"Someone asked him who his favorite player was. He looked at me and said: 'Connor,'" Hyman said with a laugh. . "They had a really special connection.
"The fans were all chanting his name. It was a really cool moment... something I will cherish forever."
READ MORE: Edmonton Oilers 50/50 Supports Cancer Research in Honor of Young Fans Battling Disease
Ben, Hyman agreed and had a special energy about him.
``As anyone who has met Ben knows, he lit up any room.
"He made an impact on the entire hockey world. He will be sorely missed. He's such an inspiration to all of us." What he's been through puts everything in perspective," Hyman added.
"I miss him." 116} The Calgary Flames Old Edmonton Oilers big fan showing support for Ben Stelter battling brain cancer
Our heartfelt condolences and condolences to Ben's family.
Story Continues Below Ad
"As a father myself, I see the impact professional athletes have on my children. What I found really interesting about my time with Ben was how children affected organizations and teams.
I was very impressed with the courage," said Woodcroft.
READ MORE: Flames' Tkachuk Helps Big Edmonton Oilers Fan Fight Brain Tumor
For many people, many things come into view in defining what is important in life. To see the courage this young man had to fight what he had to fight and the lessons to learn from him.
"We lost a little boy who routinely displayed nothing but courage (and) who could inspire a team and inspire a city.
"It was special to me to see the impact he had on so many people. I know I am grateful for the time I was able to spend with him. The bright light has been lost, but his spirit lives on.”
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc .