One of the greatest hockey stars to lace up their skates in Minnesota spread some holiday cheer by dropping by the house of one of the state’s oldest fans.
108-year-old Dorothy Heckmann was enjoying the holidays with her family while wearing her Minnesota Wild hockey jersey.
But while she was lounging in her chair, she received some attention from a visitor: Hockey Hall-of-Famer Mike Modano.
The priceless look of shock and joy on Heckmann’s face for the surprise is worth a thousand words as Modano shook her hand.
As Modano wished her a Merry Christmas, Heckmann replied, ‘Oh my goodness, you were wonderful.’
Modano came bearing gifts, bringing along an old wooden stick that he signed. He also brought along a signed Wild jersey with his name and number on the back as well as a signed puck from the old Minnesota North Stars.
108-year-old Minnesota hockey fan Dorothy Heckmann got a surprise visit from Mike Modano
Modano visited and came bearing gifts – including a signed hockey stick and jersey
Modano is regarded as the greatest American hockey player to ever take to the ice
Modano dropped by to spread some joy to one of his longest fans – and to chat hockey.
‘I am so thrilled and happy to meet Dorothy,’ Modano said (via KSTP). ‘I mean she is an amazing woman. I am just so lucky. You just made my year and the next year and the next year.’
Modano is often regarded as the greatest American hockey player to ever take to the ice.
His lengthy career never saw him play for the Wild. Rather, he started his career with the North Stars and followed them when the team moved to Texas and became the Dallas Stars.
Modano retired after the 2011 season when the Michigan native played one season for his hometown Detroit Red Wings. He played 1,499 games, the most of any American – notably being made a healthy scratch by controversial coach Mike Babcock on what would have been his 1,500th NHL game.
Modano also holds the record for the most points ever scored by an American with 1,374.
Since retiring, the Wild hired him as an executive advisor.
