![](https://ftw.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2023/11/Philadelphia-Flyers_Owen.png?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
The Philadelphia Flyers absolutely nailed this fan engagement moment, and it’s just so darn wholesome.
On Tuesday, cameras spotted a new edition on the bench when the Flyers took on the Carolina Hurricanes. Owen, a nine-year-old hockey fan and captain of his local youth hockey team, was the team’s special honoree for the night.
Treating fans to special moments isn’t new to sports. But Owen’s story is one of so much resilience and courage that making him a bench enforcer was likely a no-brainer for Philadelphia. Extraordinary fans call for exceptional moments.
We added a new enforcer to the club. 💜👊
Nine-year-old Owen Micciche, the ultimate fighter on our roster, is rooting on the Orange & Black from the bench tonight. #HockeyFightsCancer | #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/tG5vYgQf7H
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) November 29, 2023
This extremely kind and heart-warming gesture hit hockey fans right in their feelings.
👏👏👏 well done and giving this kid one night he will never forget! He may learn a lot of new words, but a very classy move by y'all!
-Sabres fan
— JW99 (@99JoeWeZ) November 29, 2023
This absolutely rules, you the man Owen!! Kid had some wicked wristers in warmup too
— KMan (@kmanforever) November 29, 2023
Kudos to the Flyers Organization, very classy. Congratulations Owen on your first coaching job in the NHL.
— A. Fallis (@Fallis30) November 29, 2023
There’s nothing cooler than being on a hockey bench. Literally. https://t.co/1OcMBQBH84
— O.J. Spivey (@OJPhilly) November 29, 2023
Keep fighting, Owen! We're rooting for you ❤️ https://t.co/TpWnCnQ5FI
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) November 29, 2023
Life is just constantly unfair and cruel…but this is an awesome thing done by the Flyers. https://t.co/rYT6DJdXEF
— Michelle (@Chelles116) November 29, 2023
First this is so awesome I teared up when I watched it, second I would love to see all the new words Owen learned standing next to Torts 😂 https://t.co/fr1aSU2Qqh
— Dustin Perez (@Pez1865) November 29, 2023
Keep fighting Owen! 🙏
This is amazing from the @NHLFlyers for doing this! #Gritty https://t.co/7sF61G1YdB
— Flavorflamebbq.com (@flavorflamebbq) November 29, 2023
The feel good story we needed today. https://t.co/op4C9jCpIm
— Christopher (@fuzzychris91) November 29, 2023