Pittsburgh Review

Two young fans from Make-A-Wish experienced a memorable day with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Connor Lafave, 12, and Henry Bennewies, 9, both from Ontario, were officially signed to special one-day contracts by Kyle Dubas, Penguins President of Hockey Operations and GM.

“Both have terrific energy,” Dubas noted. “Connor's more focused and determined, Henry's a little bit more outgoing, but both have great energy, both have great potential."

The boys met the team during breakfast in the locker room before joining them on the ice. Bryan Rust remarked on their enthusiasm: “Henry and Connor have an awesome all day. They've been in here with smiles on their face.”

Henry engaged in friendly competition at the faceoff dot with Drew O’Connor. Marcus Pettersson observed that Henry was winning most of the draws.

“This experience for Connor and Henry will impact them for the rest of their lives,” said Stephanie Pugliese from Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

The event marked the sixth year of collaboration between the Penguins and Make-A-Wish. Cindy Himes expressed gratitude for this tradition: “It really is something special... It's actually a privilege.”

Connor’s father Ryan shared his son’s journey with leukemia and how his love for hockey began: “One day, he was like, ‘Hey, can we watch the game tonight?’ I was like... ‘Oh yeah!’”

Henry’s father Kyle became emotional reflecting on his son's battle with cystic fibrosis: “He’s been through a lot... He will never forget this.”

After practice, Sidney Crosby gifted personalized sticks to Connor and Henry while Michael Bunting commented on making their day special: “But just to be able to put a smile on their face... that's what it's all about.”