Auston Matthews’ dragon-themed skates were designed by a Barrie child.
A little Barrie youngster is riding the waves following his latest interaction with one of the top players in the NHL today.
Finnegan Sposito, who will be eight years old soon, has developed a unique bond with Toronto Maple Leafs sensation Auston Matthews. They initially met in 2019, forming a friendship that has lasted to this day.
“I remember talking about the skates and I remember talking about [how] he’s the best hockey player,” Finn said. “He’s my best buddy ever.”
Finn was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at an early age, a disorder that causes the lungs to produce extra mucus, trap infections, and obstruct airways. The young second grader spends around two hours per day on rehabilitation procedures.
“We’re always cautious when we go to new places,” said dad Matthew. “Although Finn has an immune system when he does get sick, he just stays sicker longer, and then we know the long-lasting effects potentially of some of these infections.”
However, that diagnosis forms the basis of his connection with Matthews.
“You know my dad’s little brother, who he was extremely close with growing up, had CF, and he’s actually the one that kind of introduced me to hockey and had season tickets to Coyotes games,” Matthews was quoted as saying in a promotional video. “So he would always bring me and my dad, so without him and without that connection, I’m not sure I’d be playing hockey.”
According to Finn’s father, Matthews frequently invites cystic fibrosis patients to a box suite at the Scotiabank Arena. The Spositos received such an invitation shortly prior to the pandemic, when Finn was just three.
Then, late in 2023, the family received a call from the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, informing them that Matthews wanted to visit Finn again and asked him to help design the skates he would wear at the upcoming All-Star 2024 game in Toronto.
The offer was part of a joint marketing by Sick Kids Hospital, CCM, and the Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment.
“Camille called me at work and asked, ‘What do you think?'” I am like, of course! There is no question. “He must do it,” remarked Matthew Sposito.
During a routine visit to Sick Kids late last year, young Finn was shocked by a visit from #34 when he learned he’d be putting his design skills to use, which he’s really proud of.
“If I were to draw something, it would be something really cool,” Finn said me. “I can design anything you want, except for something like really hard!”
Finn and Matthews collaborated on a dragon-themed design for the skates Matthews would use on the All-Star ice, inspired by his desire of becoming a paleontologist.
The third encounter occurred a few months later, when Finn, his sister, and his parents spent the weekend in Toronto to see the big game.
Matthews then prepared to meet one of his most devoted admirers for the third time.
“Auston is a genuinely good man. “After the initial excitement of giving him a big hug and yelling his name, it was almost as if they were best friends just hanging out and talking,” said dad Matthew. “It was really cool to see.”
And Matthews made certain Finn did not depart empty-handed. He had a pair of Finn-designed skates, sized for his child’s feet, waiting for him to take home.
“That was, that was the best part of the weekend – was just seeing the joy in his eyes after it was all kind of said and done and just kind of absorbing the event,” Matt added.
When Finn returned to class, he was eager to tell his pals that the event had made him famous on apps such as YouTube, and that he was the talk of the school.
“They are like really excited,” Finn remarked. “They want to claim that everyone in my school said, ‘Finnigan, you’re famous! Finnigan, you are renowned!”
When little Finn watches the sports from home, he has one thought in mind: his famous friend is dominating the game this year.
“Auston Matthews always wins
