Dream comes true for New Zealand child

December 14, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
San Diego Gulls News Release


SAN DIEGO — David Smith, a young native of New Zealand who is terminally ill with Multiple Sclerosis, has dreamed of seeing a professional hockey game in the United States.  The San Diego Gulls, with the help of some local sponsors, are making that dream come true.

David, along with his parents Julie and Chris Smith, will be in San Diego from Dec. 31 to Jan. 4 and will attend the Gulls game against the Bakersfield Condors on Sunday, Jan. 2 (free of charge).  In addition to the game, the Smith's, with the aid of the Gulls and other local sponsors, will also visit other San Diego attractions, such as the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park.  During their visit, the family will also be granted a free stay at the Mission Valley Resort in Hotel Circle.

"It is an honor and our pleasure to be able to grant David and his family their wish of attending a professional hockey game," Gulls Chief Operating Officer Tera Black said. "With the NHL being locked out, we wanted to do whatever we could to make sure that David would be able to enjoy some high-caliber hockey while taking in everything San Diego has to offer."

This trip is the culmination of months of planning and was in jeopardy when the NHL halted play earlier this year. Fortunately, the Gulls were able to offer their services, both on and off the ice, to ensure that the excursion will be an unforgettable one for David, who is confined to a wheelchair, and his family. The Smith's had to reroute their entire trip to get to San Diego rather than Los Angeles.

The Gulls take on the Long Beach Ice Dogs at 7:05 p.m. on Wednesday for the final game of their season-long, nine-game homestand. Wednesday is a ‘Wacky Wednesday Holiday Party' featuring ‘Santas Gone Wild'. Santa Claus will be on to hand out gifts to fans. The Gulls will then travel to British Columbia for a three-game set with the Victoria Salmon Kings.  Friday, Saturday and Monday's games are all slated for a 7 p.m. start.

All games can be heard live on KLSD 1360AM and www.sandiegogulls.com with Chris Ello calling the play-by-play.  All home games and many road games can be viewed on the Gulls' web site, courtesy of B2 Networks.  Click the B2 Networks link on the home page for a list of the upcoming telecasted games.  To view pictures from this season, visit www.sdgullsphotos.com and www.zerodogentertainment.com.



ECHL Stories from December 14, 2004


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