Blackhawks' Niklas Hjalmarsson Visits Thomas Middle School as 'Thank You' for Goodwill Donations

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — In the spring, the students and faculty at Thomas Middle School helped out Goodwill by donating more than 70,000 clothing and household items as part of the charity organization's Pass It On Donation Challenge.

But that total collection — 70,414 items, to be exact — didn't just support Goodwill. It also earned the middle school a special visitor: Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson.

The three-time Stanely Cup winner with the Blackhawks was greeted with cheers and applause as he entered Thomas' gym Wednesday, Dec. 7, for a "thank-you" assembly set up by Goodwill. Hjalmarsson, who hails from Sweden, answered questions and later autographed team items.

The NHL veteran who's nicknamed "Hammer" also got a little face time with the school's mascot, Tommy the Timber Wolf.

There was at least one minor downside to Wednesday's visit: Hjalmarsson wasn't accompanied by his youthful "bodyguard," who popped up during a recent autograph signing at Chicago's Navy Pier. Hjalmarsson posted a photo of his tiny protector on Instagram on Wednesday.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson in 2014. (photo by Lisa Gansky | Wikimedia Commons)

Like What You're Reading? Stay Patched In!

• Like our Crime page on Facebook
• Live Traffic and Transit Updates