ARLINGTON, Va. – Liam Reigel’s wish to meet Lars Eller and go on the ice with the Washington Capitals turned out even better than he imagined.
With an assist from Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, Eller introduced the 12-year-old from Eldersburg, Maryland to the Capitals in their locker room and presented him with an autographed jersey prior to their practice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex on Monday. Reigel then joined the team on the ice at the end of their practice, scored on a breakaway against goalie Darcy Kuemper and worked on his skills with Eller and the other Capitals.
“I’ve been here for two other practices, and this time getting to go on the ice and talk to the Capitals [play-by-play announcer] Joe Beninati was a dream come true,” Reigel said smiling.
Reigel’s relationship with Eller began with a family friend arranging for the Capitals forward to send him an encouraging Cameo video message when Reigel was in the hospital after being diagnosed with a brain tumor in December. After being discharged from the hospital, Reigel attended a Capitals’ practice with a sign thanking Eller for the message and Eller gave him an autographed stick.
“He gave me words of encouragement while I was at the hospital, which is something that I will never forget,” Reigel said. “I went to practice on Dec. 28 and [got] a signed stick. He’s just been a massive motivator through all this.”
Eller also gave Reigel some advice after Kuemper stopped his first two breakaway attempts. When Reigel scored on his third shot, beating Kuemper between the pads, he was mobbed by the Capitals players in celebration.
“It’s a little bit emotional,” Eller said. “I’ve got a daughter almost his age myself, so it’s sad, but it’s also rewarding and puts things in perspective to see him come in here with a big smile on his face. It’s a great day for him just to be here and be a part of the practice and be in the room. So to give him a good experience and a good day in his life, it feels very rewarding and fulfilling for me and I’m sure for other guys, too.”
Reigel’s wish continues when he and his family will attend the Capitals’ game against the Detroit Red Wings at Capital One Arena on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; SNE, SNO, NBCSWA, BSDET, ESPN+, SN NOW). Reigel will watch warmups from Washington’s bench and was invited by coach Peter Laviolette to read the starting lineup in the locker room.
“Lars brought him in the room and did a great job just introducing him and getting him comfortable around the guys and it was awesome out there,” Laviolette said. “Of course,” Kuemps” had to rob him on the first two, but he finally was able to tuck one by Kuemps and the players let him know that he just scored a big goal. So, it was a great day, a great day for him and great for us to be a part of.”