When word spread that six-year-old Bensten got hit by a car sledding late last week, one of the first players to wish him well publicly was Tom Wilson.
Wilson knows a thing or two about fighting, and before Washington’s game against Anaheim Thursday, the enforcer spoke to WUSA’s Surae Chinn and had some uplifting words for the young Caps fan.
Why did you get involved?
Tom Wilson: It’s pretty crazy what Twitter can do these days. We want him and the family to know that all the guys in the locker room are really pulling for him and that we’re aware of what’s going on. He seems like a great kid. Hopefully he can win this fight and pull through here.
If he’s listening right now, what would you like to say to him?
TW: Just to keep fighting. Every given night we’re playing for him. There’s a couple guys like me that have been aware of what’s been going on. We just want him to know we’re playing for him. It’s pretty sad to see that happen to a kid. We all had great childhoods. Hopefully he can pull through here and continue on as an everyday kid.
That support does not end in the family with Tom. It also includes his big brother Peter.
Fight BMAN fight. Love and support from Canada. #pray4bman #gocaps pic.twitter.com/dBfduCW7yz
— Peter Wilson (@petewilson1989) February 7, 2015
On Thursday night, Bensten’s family revealed that he had opened his eyes for the first time since his accident. Tonight, Bensten was off a ventilator and wiggling his legs. Now that’s a true fighter.
Bensten is breathing without a ventilator, wiggling his legs, and tracking movement with his eyes. Whatever happens next, it's a good night.
— RMNB (@rmnb) February 7, 2015
@suraechinn live with @tom_wilso #Caps #pray4bman @wusa9 @GameOnWUSA9 pic.twitter.com/qcv1cQg5Dy
— Tom Hunsicker (@TomSportsWUSA9) February 6, 2015
CSN Washington’s Jill Sorenson also did a report from Kettler earlier Friday. She spoke to Braden Holtby and John Carlson after the two signed a handmade card for Bensten.
Braden Holtby: We want to support our fans any way possible. Obviously in situations like this, you don’t want to be a part of them. No one does. You have to come together and make sure the support is there so he knows he can fight through anything.
John Carlson: I’m just wishing him all the best. Hoping he gets better soon. I can’t wait to meet him. He seems like a passionate kid that really loves hockey. We’re praying for him and hopefully he can get on the road to recovery.
