There are bound to be a few tears shed when a sports team wins big, but some victories are sweeter than others.
Professional hockey team the Washington Capitals won the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history on June 7, 2018, and right-winger T.J. Oshie was among the jubilant players who celebrated with his teammates. He was understandably filled with emotions as he gave interviews after the game. Wiping away tears, T.J. said winning the cup was “a dream come true,” but it was especially poignant because of one person in the audience.
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When asked if he’d like to dedicate the win to anyone in particular, a fresh round of tears fill T.J.’s eyes, and he says this win means the world to his father, Tim Oshie, who has been battling Alzheimer’s disease since 2012.
Growing up in Everett, Washington, Tim had always fostered T.J.’s love for hockey. Any parent of a hockey player can tell you that it’s not easy to spend all your free time sitting in the arena at the crack of dawn, but T.J.’s father was always there to support and encourage him along the way.
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T.J. had the sweetest words of appreciation for his dad, giving back to the man who made the victory possible.
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“My dad, oh boy, he doesn’t remember a lot of stuff these days,” T.J. said. “He remembers enough, but I’ll tell you what, he’s here tonight, I don’t know where he’s at, but this one will stick with him forever. You can guarantee that.”
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T.J. went on to say that traveling is now difficult for his father, so he was grateful to the family members who made it possible for him to be there. He then excused himself to go find his family, and when he saw his dad, he wrapped him in a giant bear hug.
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Judging by the look on Tim’s face, he knew exactly where he was and what had just happened, which is definitely a memory worth holding on to.
We’re definitely not crying…
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Alzheimer’s affects an estimated 5.7 million Americans, so T.J.’s story of enduring love strikes a nerve for many of us. It’s important to remember the person we love before they were robbed of their memories and to honor the impact they’ve had on our lives.
Watch T.J.’s emotional interview below, and please share the love this son has for his father.
.@TJOshie77's dad has Alzheimer's, but he is sure that he'll remember this one. ❤️ #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/U6AwR8QZOF
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) June 8, 2018
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