Boy Fighting Cancer To Drop Puck During Game In Darien

DARIEN, CT — Before the Darien Varisty Boys Ice Hockey team battles it out with New Canaan on Wednesday, a young boy in the midst of a battle of his own will drop the ceremonial game puck at the Darien Ice Rink.

"Please join DHS Wave Puck, in collaboration with NCHS Rams Hockey, in honoring and supporting 10-year old Mikey Schneider, Honorary Captain for the Rams, as he drops the ceremonial game puck before this afternoon’s game at 4 p.m. at DIH," DHS Boys Ice Hockey‏ said Wednesday morning on Twitter.

According to a GoFundMe page created by Heidi Rieger LaFreniere on Jan. 15, 2018, Schneider was diagnosed with Metastatic Neuroblastoma, a cancer of the nervous system growing in his adrenal gland, last year. (To sign up for Darien breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"The cancer has metastasized throughout his body and will be difficult to treat," LaFreniere said on the page. "Mikey will fight. He is the true definition of a fighter."

Darien H.S. Athletics also linked to the GoFundMe page when announcing Schneider's special role in Wednesday's game on Twitter.

"Your Blue Wave and New Canaan will battle it out today at Darien Ice Rink, but Mikey Schneider has already begun his battle, and its one where he needs everyone’s support. Get there early and let’s rally around Mikey as he drops today’s puck prior to 4 p.m.," the tweet read.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the page has raised $217,114 toward a $250,000 goal in 12 months.

Photo credit: GoFundMe/GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner