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Barrie Colts play Santa at RVH

Players deliver gifts and Christmas cheer to ailing children

Barrie Colts Captain Mike Webster clearly enjoys the memory.

He cracks a grin as he recalls the time when he was a kid, his brother was in hospital with appendicitis and pro hockey players visited the ward.

"For me, it was like wow, looking up to some of these guys in their uniforms," said Webster. "It didn't even matter if they were professional or not."

Now Webster and his Barrie Colts team mates are the athletes who enjoy that admiration. 

Today, Webster and six other Colts donned their jerseys to offer that star power to help others during a special visit to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre. 

Brandon Prophet,  Anthony Stefano, Rasmus Andersson, Cordell James, Rocky Kaura and Justin Scott delivered gifts donated from Canadian Tire to young patients at RVH's pediatric ward.

The strapping players visited 5-year old William Hilts who told them he likes hockey but plays baseball. 

"This made his whole day," said William's mom Angela.

Hilts has an autoimmune disorder but was going home today. 

"Some of the kids might not be doing that well and just to make them happy for that brief moment give them a little excitement, it's huge," said Justin Scott.

The Colts also gathered around 14-year old Emily Szabo's hospital bed to deliver a gift, well-wishes and sign autographs.

"It's a good feeling. We get to give to children who are not fortunate right now," said Brandon Prophet.

The players realize they are looked upon as role models and they're humbled by it.

The hospital visit was a new experience for Cordell James.

"You wouldn't think that just a regular person like me or any of the guys would mean that much to these kids and people in this town," said James. "We're regular people and to see the effect that we can have on these kids, it means a lot to us."

All the players recognize how important hockey is to Barrie and they are grateful to give back to the community where they play.

17-year old Keegan Comar has been at RVH since Nov. 30 and hopes to get home for Christmas.

He posed for pictures with the hockey heroes and the visit brought a smile to his face.

"It's awesome," said Webster. "See the reactions. It's like a two way thing--making their day a little better but also we are very appreciative and see the effect we could have on people. It's something you don't take for granted."

After visiting the children, the players signed autographs in the hospital food court.


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Sue Sgambati

About the Author: Sue Sgambati

Sue has had a 30-year career in journalism working for print, radio and TV. She is a proud member of the Barrie community.
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