During the NHL Winter Classic and just a few months back, the former Edmonton Oilers’ captain, Wayne Gretzky, and his family came together to offer help for Skyler, a young girl battling spina bifida, nurturing her dream of playing for the Paralympic sled hockey team. “Congratulations. You will not be home for the holidays because the Gretzky family is inviting your new family to Chicago to watch with Wayne Gretzky,” read the letter, which she was given by a popular influencer, Zachery Dereniowski, also known as the mdmotivator.

Cut to the day of the Winter Classic, Skyler got to hang out with Paul Bissonnette, Anson Carter, Ty Gretzky, and, of course, The Great One. Skyler described it as the best day of her life. Something similar unfolded amidst the intense battle between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers, fighting for the 2025 Stanley Cup Championship. The Gretzkys are at it again, and fans all over cannot help but appreciate the gesture.

Zachery Dereniowski, shared a reel on Instagram that quietly shifted the online conversation surrounding the electrifying finals to something softer. Walking up to two unsuspecting Edmonton Oilers fans, Eric and Davin, in a grocery store, Dereniowski asked them if they wanted to buy Stanley Cup tickets for only a dollar. Davin, of course, couldn’t believe him. “How did you get Stanley Cup tickets for a dollar?” he asked. “Wayne Gretzky…him and his son,” the influencer replied. It was still too good to be true until, like Skyler, Davin was also handed a letter. “You will not be home tonight because the Gretzky family is inviting you to Stanley Cup game tonight,” Davin read the contents, still in shock from having received tickets to the Stanley Cup Finals for just a dollar each.

But that wasn’t all. Apart from the two tickets for the thrilling game between the Oilers and the Panthers, Dereniowski had more to offer. “I got one more surprise for you two. I got $1,000 cash,” he said, and the brothers’ reaction was raw and real. When asked for what they’d use it, the answer was simple—“Rent and Food,” Davin said while hugging his brother tightly. Then off they went to Rogers Place, shook hands with Gretzky, and shouted at the top of their voices when Edmonton scored a goal. And as the two brothers had the best day of their lives, Oilers fans couldn’t help but shed tears of happiness.

NHL fans appreciate Wayne Gretzky’s act of kindness

Hockey fans were quick to respond with a flood of emotion. “I’m not crying you’re crying 😭❤️❤️🙌🏽” one fan commented, capturing the reaction of those who watched the moment unfold. Yet another one said, “Love this so much and so heartwarming. Totally crying my eyes out at how beautiful this is! Kindness is everything. God bless you and them ♥️” Because the scenes off the rink just got defined by humanity.

There was a blend of disbelief, warmth, and pure admiration that echoed in the comment section, with one fan writing, “I love this so much 😢😢😢 he said they needed it for rent and food and gave it away 😭😭😭😭 please make a gofundme for these brothers ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️” The fan couldn’t help but notice how the two brothers chose to spread the love they got. With the emotional wave not stopping, another one added, “Damnn. Needed to see this. Spreading kindness and love ❤️ Thank you 😢 😭”

And to sum it all up, this one expressed, “Love this so much and so heartwarming. Totally crying my eyes out at how beautiful this is! Kindness is everything. God bless you and them ♥️” In this NHL season of high stakes and big crowds, the small gesture not just echoed clearly but spread the awareness for helping people achieve their dreams.