The touching story between former Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price and young Anderson Whitehead will have touched many people in 2019. Five years later, the little boy has obviously grown into a teenager, but his relationship with his teenage idol is still intact.
Their first meeting took place on February 23, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Price became aware of the drama he was experiencing and greeted him on the sidelines of the morning practice. Faced with the young man's tears, he followed him with a hug.
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A few months earlier, Anderson's mother, Laura McKay, had died of cancer at the age of 44, but not without promising him before she left that she would do everything in her power to one day meet his favorite hockey player.
“When you're going through a difficult time and you're at a young age like me, it really helps,” Anderson says today, with some perspective on that magical day. Over the years, I realized that my mother was doing better now than when she was suffering every day. You have to be able to find your way and move forward.”
Texts here and there
Anderson, 16, is attending St. John's College and completing Grade 11 in Brantford, Ontario. While he still loves ice hockey, he plays tennis himself and is considering a career in sports data analysis and advanced statistics. His morals are good, he who assures that for five years his life no longer revolves around his relationship with Carey Price.
“Photo courtesy of the Whitehead family”
“I obviously don't communicate with him every day, but we still share updates every now and then,” Anderson says on the phone, checking his text messages. The last time was in January to wish each other a Happy New Year and before that it was in November.”
“I wouldn't say he's my friend, but more of a role model for me,” the teenager said. If I had to describe him in just one expression, I would say he is a very stylish man.”
Unforgetable evening
After their first meeting in Toronto, young Anderson shared another precious moment with Price in June 2019 during the National Hockey League's annual trophy gala. The boy was then invited to Las Vegas, although he was informed that the Canadian goalkeeper could not make the trip. His surprise was enormous when he saw Price join him on stage.
“That’s my favorite memory,” Anderson admitted. I was able to sit with him throughout the evening and he introduced me to several players, including Sidney Crosby.
Searching for help
More experiences followed: an invitation to the All-Star Game in St. Louis in 2020, then, during the pandemic, a Stanley Cup Final game between the Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021 at the Bell Center.
Personally, meanwhile, young Anderson used his sudden fame to raise money for various charities. When Price joined the NHL's relief program, he also showed his unwavering support.
“It was a surprise to me, but I was glad to see that he asked for help,” Anderson said. Everyone can need help at some point, and you shouldn’t be afraid.”
The young man could hardly be in a better position to know this.