Last year, the Boston Bruins prospect, Jakub Lauko, experienced a heartfelt moment when he netted his first NHL goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins in a thrilling 6-5 overtime victory.
However, this milestone carried a deeper significance beyond the rink.
Lauko decided to honor the memory of his late childhood friend, Ondrej Buchtela, who tragically lost his battle with cancer a few years ago. The two had shared a lifelong passion for hockey, both on and off the ice.
"I made a promise to my dying friend two years ago that I would make it to the NHL for him,"
Lauko revealed, and he certainly delivered on that promise.
Despite the excitement of his achievement, Lauko knew that the puck belonged with Buchtela's mother in the Czech Republic.
"It's going to his mother. My dad and mom might be a little disappointed, but I made a promise to him and his family,"
he shared.
Yesterday, Lauko shared a heartwarming photo on Twitter, capturing a beautiful moment with Buchtela's mom holding the cherished puck that fulfilled the heartfelt promise.
This heartwarming tribute reminds us that hockey is more than just goals and victories; it's about the connections and promises that transcend the sport, touching lives in a deeply meaningful way.