WISH COMES TRUE: Milton boy, 9, to design custom skates, stick for Auston Matthews

Article content

A Milton boy with cystic fibrosis and a love of hockey will have his dream become a reality thanks to Make-A-Wish Canada and Guby Customs.

Liam Wilson, 9, has been granted his wish to design hockey skates and a stick for his hockey hero – Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews.

“This extraordinary project is not only a testament to Liam’s courage but also a celebration of the power of dreams,” reads a statement from the boy’s family.

With the help of Montreal craftsman Guby Customs, Liam will create the skates and stick for Number 34 – whose team takes on the Ottawa Senators Sunday night in their first preseason action as they get set to begin their latest quest for an elusive Stanley Cup.

The gear will be given to Matthews in a surprise at a future date.

“I’m incredibly excited to work with Guby Customs and his friends on this amazing project,” Liam said. “I can’t wait to see Auston’s reaction when he sees the skates and stick.”

Matthews, who has made unpublicized visits to the Cystic Fibrosis Centre at Sick Kids hospital in the past, is no stranger to wearing customized skates and sticks that pay tribute to a cause close to his heart.

The CCMs he wore in a game in 2020 had “Sick Kids” emblazoned on the sides of the boot and his CCM stick had the hospital’s name printed on its shaft.

Make-A-Wish Canada says it is proud to take part in this journey with Liam.

“Liam is very excited to meet Auston and present him with the customized gear,” Deana Wilson said of her son, adding Liam is “excited” about the project and hoping he can impress Matthews with his artwork.

“And he’s very thankful that he’s met Guby Customs and all of his friends that are helping him make his dreams come true, she added.