Dear High School Hockey Players, Parents, and Fans,
Tonight’s contest (Tuesday, January 12 at 7:30pm at the Asiaf Arena in Brockton) between Stoughton High School and Canton High School is more than just another hockey game. At the start of the first period, we will be making a young man’s dream come true. Matty Marcone is a senior at Canton High School. He has been the boys’ hockey team manager since his freshman year, and he is beloved by his teammates and coaches of past and present. In Canton, we call Matty, “The Mayor” because he knows everybody and everybody knows him. Talk to Matty for two minutes, and you will see that he has one of the purest, kindest hearts of anyone you will ever meet.
Matty loves hockey, and he is good at it. However, he has never been able to play youth hockey or high school hockey due to a variety of health issues he has endured for his entire life. In September 2012, Matty was diagnosed with dyskeratosis congenita (DC), an extremely rare genetic disorder that results in premature bone marrow failure at an early age. Sadly, there is no cure. However, Matty’s health issues have not stopped him from living life to the fullest. He is a passionate Bruins fan, a dedicated
team manager for three high school sports teams, a hard working student, a proud member of the Boston Bear Cubs hockey program, a loyal friend, and a loving son and brother.
team manager for three high school sports teams, a hard working student, a proud member of the Boston Bear Cubs hockey program, a loyal friend, and a loving son and brother.
Matty’s dream is to put on his school’s hockey jersey and take the ice with his teammates. Thanks to Coach Dan Mark and the extraordinary sportsmanship of the Stoughton High School hockey team, Matty will get this chance tonight. Not only will he skate one shift in a varsity hockey game, but hockey fans may just get to see a little of the “Matty Magic” that his teammates have seen so many times over the years.
We are deeply thankful to Coach Mark and his players for making tonight possible.Tonight embodies what high school sports are all about, as we are about to make a young man’s dream a reality.
Sincerely,
The Canton High School Boys Ice Hockey Team
