Dougie Hamilton’s Heartfelt Tribute Honors a Young Fan’s Lasting Legacy
NHL defenceman Dougie Hamilton maintains a deep nyt connections with the family of Thea Roelofsen, a young fan he met during a Hockey Fights Cancer event. Since her passing in 2017, he has honoured her memory each year with a personal gesture—donating his game stick to her loved ones. Their bond began years earlier, rooted in an unexpected friendship that grew during her battle with cancer.
Thea Roelofsen was fighting Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer, when she first crossed paths with Hamilton. The meeting took place during Calgary’s Hockey Fights Cancer night, though the exact date remains private. What stood out was their instant recognition of each other, sparking a friendship that would leave a lasting impact.
Hamilton’s annual tribute ensures Thea’s legacy endures within the hockey community. The stick donations serve as a tangible reminder of their connections, while his ongoing relationship with the Roelofsens reflects the lasting impact she had. For a family who lost their daughter too soon, these gestures offer comfort and a continued connections nyt to her spirit.
