Alex Galchenyuk gives a young fan an amazing gift

Matteo, 11, never thought of the surprise that Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Galchenyuk had in store for Christmas. Thanks to his new friend, he attended Friday's Bridgestone's Winter Classic at the Gillette Stadium, accompanied notably by his mentor from Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Friday was going to be fantastic for the youngster of Pierrefonds-Roxboro, Montreal. His whole family knew why, except him. When his mother, Shelley Currie, had him read a small text message, it said he was getting a pair of tickets to the game of the day on New Years.

I'm too excited! Out of all the kids in Quebec, it's me he decided to choose! Alex Galchenyuk is one of my favorite players and I can not wait to go into the locker room to meet him. If I was in the National Hockey League, I would want to be like him! He is left-handed like me and it always goes to the net, admitted the youngster during a telephone interview.

When asked about the gift he gave to the young lad, Galchenyuk said.

It's important for me to give back to others, to offer young people the joy of life, he said. When I see these children smile its huge for me, it reminds me of when I was growing up playing hockey outdoors. [...] Hopefully we will get a win so he can go home happy, said the Habs' forward.

Paired with his "Big Brother" Mark Hopkins since April 2013, Matteo is aware of how lucky he is. He was able to watch a few games at the Bell Centre, but nothing beats the magic of the prestigious event in front of tens of thousands of spectators outside.

I think we will win, perhaps by a goal, added the fan that will also get some brand new hockey equipment, courtesy of the hockey equipment company Bauer. This is something that I will remember for the rest of my life. 

As part of this trip with all expenses paid by the Canadiens' centerman. He will be at his side to encourage the Habs and heckle the Bruins, besides they can visit Boston with other relatives who will join them on the spot.

I consider him my son. This gift is a ray of sunshine for him and if he is happy, I am happy also!, said the adoptive father, who also father's three adults aged 24, 28 and 30. Matteo love's him [Galchenyuk] and it to be invited has made him very happy. Sports are also fundamental in the life of the young fan because he can learn to work in teams and to listen to more experienced people, said the father.

For him it is a dream come true, said his adoptive mother, who was contacted by Bauer one week before the even happened. He plays ball hockey in the street and is really interested in hockey. And for him, it is important to have someone like Mark who has a positive influence in his life. 

According to the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Island, Francesca Corso, the generosity of Galchenyuk is unbelievably amazing.

We need more Alex Galchenyuk's in the world, she stated. Many children in the program have experienced a significant loss and have low self-esteem and he's [Galchenyuk] been making it easier for them to gain that happiness and make the self-esteem grow. Using group activities and many friendships have been made friendships, we must provide them with memories that will mark them forever, said the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters.