NJ Devils Draft 13-Year-Old Fan Fighting Cystic Fibrosis, Welcome To Our Family!
NJ Devils Draft 13-Year-Old W/ Cystic Fibrosis ... Welcome To Our Family!!!
UPDATE
9:54 AM PT -- 10/14 -- TMZ Sports spoke with the newest member of the NJ Devils ... and he gave us a play-by-play of his special day!!
UPDATE
Reilly tells us he was blown away by the support from those who shared his big moment .. saying, "It means so much to me and it makes me happy that it gives people hope ... or I make them feel happy or believe."
UPDATE
Reilly also sends a message to those who may be going through similar obstacles ... and it's powerful stuff!!
The New Jersey Devils just made a dream come true for one of their biggest fans ... by selecting a 13-year-old with an honorary draft pick!!
Reilly Hoagland was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis -- a chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system -- at age 4 ... but has remained active on his local hockey team.
The team got wind of Reilly's love for the Devils ... and partnered with Make-A-Wish New Jersey to hook him up with an all-out party for his honorary introduction to the team.
Perhaps the most important pick Tom Fitzgerald could make this #NHLDraft season.
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) October 7, 2020 @NJDevils
Welcome to the #NJDevils family, Reilly. We're happy to have you. #WeAreOne | @wishnj pic.twitter.com/ypO97S7Vih
Reilly got his own custom jersey ... and former players Bruce Driver and Grant Marshall and even the mascot all dropped by to visit!!
"On behalf of the New Jersey Devils organization, I would like to welcome you and your family to our family," Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald said in a video message.
"I've heard a lot of amazing things about you, from your speed, your shot, your passion, your commitment — all the characteristics we value as a New Jersey Devil."
"I look forward to seeing you at the rink soon."
Current Devils star Travis Zajac added, "It’s great to have the addition of another New Jersey guy on the team."
"Congrats on your big day and see you at the Rock real soon.”
That's not all -- the team says it will host Reilly at a home game next season!!
Go, Reilly!!
Originally Published -- 10/8 11:32 AM PT
