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'Beyond excited': Local boy hits the ice during Leafs' pre-game

Penetanguishene's Felix Van Beek opens game with lap around Scotiabank Arena waving Toronto Maple Leafs flag

Rather than just taking in the action at a recent Leafs’ game, a hockey player from Simcoe County became a vital part of the scene.

Skating on the same ice as current Toronto Maple Leaf players like John Tavares, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, Felix Van Beek served an integral role during the pre-game festivities as he hoisted the team’s flag to an appreciative crowd during a solo skate around the rink.

The 11-year-old has been playing hockey with the Penetang Flames since he was seven.

“He is a kind, fun and thoughtful boy and a great role model to his two younger brothers Henry and Charlie,” Ashleigh Van Beek says of her son, who plays right wing on his Penetanguishene team.

The experience all started when Van Beek saw an advertisement on Facebook from Scotiabank Arena about the chance to win the Scotiabank Skater prize.

“I entered Felix and we were super surprised when they contacted me to let me know that he had won,” Van Beek explains. “Felix was beyond excited, his class and hockey team were all very excited for him too.”

The prize included four tickets to the game, a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey, private dressing room, behind-the-scenes tour and, of course, opening the game with a lap around the ice while waving the Toronto Maple Leafs flag.

“All of the staff and people involved with this program are fantastic,” Van Beek says. “They made him feel like a real VIP, hooked him up with some extra Maple Leafs merchandise and met Wendel Clark!”

Van Beek says her son did a great job following instructions and had a great skate even in the midst of a very loud and chaotic environment.

“He kept a little slice of hometown pride during the event with a Penetang Flames sticker on his helmet,” she says. “After he was finished, we got to take our seats and watch a great game where the Leafs won 7-0.”


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Andrew Philips

About the Author: Andrew Philips

Editor Andrew Philips is a multiple award-winning journalist whose writing has appeared in some of the country’s most respected news outlets. Originally from Midland, Philips returned to the area from Québec City a decade ago.
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