Boy with cancer gets one day contract with professional hockey team
RALEIGH, NC -- Chase Bass can't ice skate, but he's a quick study, and the 7-year-old already knows he wants to play for the Carolina Hurricanes someday.
"I like playing dangerous sports," he said.
Chase attended his first hockey game in 2014 and became an instant Canes fan, but one player in particular caught his eye.
"He got an autograph from Jeff Skinner, and ever since then it's been his favorite player. So we went from not knowing anything about hockey to that's all he talks about, that's all he plays, that's all he likes," said his mother Tonya Bass.
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"I made him a card, and I went to the bottom to let them sign stuff, and he got me a picture," said Chase.
So, when Chase was diagnosed in 2015 with a rare white blood cell cancer, he wished for one thing-a chance to see his favorite player and the entire team in action.
Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina made it possible Thursday with a front row seat at practice and a street hockey matchup with Chase as team captain.
"He's pretty good. nine goals. I think I was plus eight today, so I'll take that," laughed Skinner. "Just seeing how much fun he had, and for us to play a small part in that is a pretty cool feeling."
"I think when the Canes found out about his passion and love of the Canes it was an easy fit," said Bob Frazier of Make-A-Wish.
Chase even shared some game day advice.
"He's got some good tips. I don't know if I should share them all or the secret will get out," said Skinner.
Chase and his family will be watching from the stands Friday as the Canes take on Buffalo. The team signed him to a one-day contract consisting of free hockey gear and luxury box seats for the game.
"The love that they show to their fans and how much they care about the community, it's not just about what's on the ice. It's about what's on the outside too. It's about holding things together," said Tonya.
