
Wayne Gretzky and Tyler Gretzky gave a magical Stanley Cup moment to some disabled fans of the Edmonton Oilers
Image Via Getty
In the midst of the fierce fight for the 2025 Stanley Cup between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers, an exceedingly emotional moment unfolded far from the ice. It wasn't a goal, save, or a hit- it was a moment of kindness that brightened two lives.
Wayne Gretzky, with his son Tyler Gretzky, teamed with YouTuber Zachery Dereniowski to surprise and delight two disabled Oilers fans with an unforgettable post-game live-show experience.
Wayne Gretzky and Tyler Gretzky have given the ultimate gift to Davin and Eric
Back in the city, the excitement from Game 1's overtime victory by the Edmonton Oilers and Game 2's double overtime victory of the Florida Panthers kept everybody glued to their seats. However, for two brothers and lifelong Oilers fans, Davin and Eric, who had never been to a live NHL game, something amazing was about to happen.
The gang parted ways after a social experiment by content creator Zachery Dereniowski and a positivity promoter. On the streets, he would give Stanley Cup Final tickets worth one dollar to unsuspecting fans. After Davin and Eric shared their love for the team, they had no idea what would follow. Dereniowski handed them this mystery box. Inside: Tickets to the game, courtesy of Wayne Gretzky and his son, Tyler. The brothers were stunned when told they were attending that night.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Good News: You May Be Richer Than You Think
FinanceAdvisors.com
Undo
The magic continued as the duo received $1,000 in cash to spend throughout their night. Once at the arena, they saw Edmonton's thrilling 4-3 win in Game 1, only to then meet Wayne Gretzky. The "Great One" warmly greeted the two, asked about the excitement, and gifted them Edmonton Oilers jerseys signed by himself, turning what was never meant to be into reality.
A Stanley Cup Final Full of Action and Emotion
While kind acts made news stories off the ice, the contest on the ice remained tight and intense.
Faced with partners who pushed them to their limits, Panthers coach Paul Maurice rejected suggestions of bad defense, putting forth goalies Stuart Skinner and Sergei Bobrovsky to defend themselves well. High scores, he argued, did not come from poor defense but rather the greatest offense and an adjunct to hard work.
Also Read:
Why the NHL never wanted Wayne Gretzky's son Ty Gretzky—even with the name
The Stanley Cup Final has given us all the drama, emotion, and great hockey. But the heartfelt surprise organized by Wayne Gretzky and Tyler Gretzky reminded us that beyond sports lies the human connection from which lifelong memories flow.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
How Zeev Buium became the NHL's first player with Israeli heritage and a proud Jewish background
When you think of hockey rising stars, Minnesota Wild defenseman Zeev Buium is quickly becoming a name to remember. At just 19, he's already making waves by going straight from college hockey to the Stanley Cup playoffs, a rare feat in NHL history. But what truly sets Zeev apart isn't just his skills on the ice, it's the powerful story behind him: being the first NHL player born to Israeli parents and proudly carrying his Jewish heritage into the spotlight. Zeev Buium's hockey journey fueled by passion and perseverance Zeev's journey started at the University of Denver, where he made a name for himself as a top player. Winning a National Championship in 2024 and being named the National Collegiate Hockey Conference player of the year in 2025, he earned spots on prestigious award lists and helped Team USA win gold at the World Championship. — DU_Hockey (@DU_Hockey) Then, in April 2025, he made history by stepping onto NHL ice for the Stanley Cup playoffs without skipping a beat. For most players, that's a dream come true and Zeev is living it. Behind all that success is a story of family, values, and sacrifice. Zeev's parents, Sorin and Miriam, immigrated from Ashdod, Israel, to San Diego in 1999. They raised Zeev and his two brothers with a strong work ethic and a tight-knit family spirit. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later [Video] getfittoday Undo Growing up, the family drove hundreds of miles multiple times a week so the boys could train in a youth hockey program run by the Los Angeles Kings. It wasn't always easy, but Sorin and Miriam's commitment never wavered. 'They taught us what it means to work hard and be dedicated, but also to stay grounded and kind,' Zeev shared. Their Israeli and Jewish heritage was more than just a background, it was a guiding force shaping the young athlete's mindset and approach to life. Proudly embracing Jewish identity on and off the ice In a sport where cultural diversity is still growing, Zeev's pride in his Jewish roots is refreshing and inspiring . 'I'm a proud Jew,' he says simply but powerfully. For him, being Jewish is more than a label, it's an essential part of who he is, influencing how he approaches challenges and success alike. His parents, though new to hockey when they first came to the U.S., have fully embraced the sport, supporting their sons through every practice, game, and milestone. Zeev's older brother, Shai, was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings, proving the whole family's hockey passion runs deep. Also read - Sources confirm Bam Adebayo to bang the drum and DJ Khaled to appear at tonight's Stanley Cup Final Game 3


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Sources confirm Bam Adebayo to bang the drum and DJ Khaled to appear at tonight's Stanley Cup Final Game 3
The Florida Panthers are bringing some serious star power to Sunrise Arena tonight ahead of Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers. NBA star Bam Adebayo will be banging the drum to fire up the fans, while DJ Khaled is set to perform outside the arena, promising a night full of energy and excitement. With the series tied 1-1, both teams are ready for a battle and the Panthers are making sure the crowd is loud and proud. Bam Adebayo and DJ Khaled headline the celebrity lineup for Game 3 Bam Adebayo, the Miami Heat forward known for his skills on the court, will bring his rhythm to the ice by banging the drum in the pregame ceremony. Meanwhile, DJ Khaled, the legendary music producer and local favorite, will take the stage to hype the crowd before puck drop. Their appearances highlight the unique blend of basketball, music, and hockey culture coming together for one of the NHL's biggest nights. This isn't the Panthers' first time teaming up with big-name celebrities for the Stanley Cup Final. Last year, DJ Khaled performed outside the arena before Game 2, and Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel took his turn banging the drum before Game 1. These star-studded events are part of a growing tradition to energize fans and create an unforgettable atmosphere as the Panthers chase their first Stanley Cup. Why Game 3 is a turning point in the Stanley Cup Final With the series tied 1-1, tonight's game could set the tone for the rest of the final. Winning Game 3 at home is critical for the Panthers to build momentum and pressure the Oilers. Bringing in Bam Adebayo and DJ Khaled isn't just for show, it's a strategic move to boost fan energy and help create a true home-ice advantage. As the puck drops tonight, all eyes will be on the ice but the pregame festivities promise to be just as memorable. Bam Adebayo banging the drum and DJ Khaled's performance will set the stage for what could be a defining moment in the Stanley Cup Final. Panthers fans can expect a high-energy night full of passion, excitement, and maybe a little bit of celebrity magic. Also read - Don Cherry slams Stanley Cup Final refs after controversial Game 2: 'The worst I've ever seen'


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
The Carolina Hurricanes try to pull a bold offseason coup for Mitch Marner in the free agency
With October and the NHL offseason around the corner, the Carolina Hurricanes look ready to become one of the most aggressive contenders in free agency. The franchise that is famous for its calculated moves and financial muscle is reportedly aiming for Toronto Maple Leafs wunderkind winger, Mitch Marner. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With Marner inching closer to entering unrestricted free agency on July 1, the desire of Carolina to attract high-end talent fits squarely with their hard push to finally attain that elusive Stanley Cup. This follows a strong 99-point season and run to the conference finals. Mitch Marner's creatively elite playmaking garners attention from the ambitious Carolina Hurricanes At an estimated valuation of $1.25 billion, Carolina is riding high as a serious contender for Mitch Marner once his current contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs expires. They have at their disposal an enviable $28 million salary cap space, and with ownership explicitly stating that they desire to spend to the limit, the team is focused on building that talent base that might have cost them a Stanley Cup appearance this year. Carolina management knows that through their playoff push, there remains an element missing from the offensive setup: creative, game-changing forwards who can swing moods. This charade fits Mitch Marner perfectly. With 102 points this season, including a league-best 75 assists, Marner has made himself one of the NHL's top playmakers. His career record of 741 points in 657 games testifies to his consistent dominance since his debut in 2016-17. Considering that period, he finds himself sitting in fifth place for total assists and eighth for overall points. There were rumors that Carolina was active in trade deadline events for Marner, but his no-movement clause kept him in Toronto. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now On the other hand, with no such clause now looming and keeping Marner out of reach with an asking price of $13 million per annum, Carolina is preparing for yet another big push. The need for a pure offensive threat is only becoming more apparent with the exit of Mikko Rantanen, who was once brought in to uplift Carolina's forward line but subsequently traded out to Dallas. Also, while Carolina prepares to make its pitch, the scenario in Toronto is still unfolding. Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has shed hints of organizational changes, stating that there is something going on with a reassessment of the team's DNA. Any specifics about Marner's contract have been avoided by him, which means there is still everything on the table. Marner has said he is grateful for his time with Toronto but has not explicitly outlined his long-term plans. Also Read: In case Mitch Marner is put into free agency, Carolina will be one of the first teams to come up with an offer so enticing that no one can refuse him. The chances of getting Marner seem so good with money and with the willingness to sign him; the pursuit of this particular star sends out a distinct message that this franchise is no longer willing to settle for deep runs: it is all about the Stanley Cup.