SUMMERSIDE - Noah Dobson won't be nervous stepping onto the ice at Montreal's Bell Centre with some of today's best NHL players.
"It'll be exciting," says the eight-year-old Summerside youngster.
On Jan. 25, the Summerside Source for Sports Atom AAA Capitals' defenceman will stand alongside his hockey heroes, minutes before the 2009 NHL All-Star game.
Noah won the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity through McDonalds' "In the Line Up" contest. He's one of a dozen minor hockey players from across Canada who will participate in pre-game on-ice ceremonies.
"I didn't believe it," said dad Andrew, who after getting the call, phoned wife Jenny at work. "We were both more excited at first than I think he was."
TSN sportscaster and former NHL goalie Glenn Healy later called Noah to confirm the news.
"I wasn't really thinking about the McDonalds contest. I didn't have it in my brain or anything," said Noah. "He congratulated me and that's about it."
Healy asked the youngster a few questions before Noah turned the tables, asking the former NHL star who had the hardest shot when he played.
The answer? "Al McInnis."
Noah, his parents and sister Elly leave for Montreal Jan. 23.
"It's going to be unreal. For most of the family it's like Christmas," said Andrew.
That day Noah takes part in an on-ice session with two all-stars followed by a shinny hockey game, then supper and a question and answer session with the players and notable NHL legends.
On Jan. 24, the youngsters will be special guests at the skills competition. Then, on Jan. 25, Noah, in his miniature Team East all-star uniform, will take to the ice with the all-stars, including his favourite player, Sidney Crosby.
He's hoping for an autograph from his hero, maybe even a few tips.
"Just seeing the game and going to the locker room with the players will be thrill enough," said Andrew. "He's a kid, who at even younger than four, picked up the game."
Noah, who turns nine on Wednesday, has aspirations of playing in the NHL and can't think of a better way to celebrate his birthday.
"This will be my present."
