Zebras Care in Florida

On Friday December 18th prior to the Carolina Hurricanes @ Florida Panthers game the four officials for the evening, Paul Devorski, Tim Nowak, Steve Miller & Dean Morton were awaiting 2 young visitors to the looker room as part of the Zebra’s Care program. Once the rather large group arrived and initial introductions had taken place there was a bit of a silent pause as our guest were just a little shy, but that didn’t last long as the offer of a couple of pucks hats and pins that were distributed seemed to break the ice, and break the ice it did as many questions started to come our way from the large group, 11 members in total.

We offered up our game jerseys for them to try on which they eagerly accepted, with smiles on the faces in the room growing larger and larger. Young Nour Abouassali a 6 yr old boy who is battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, grabbed hold of a helmet and put it on then he tried out one of our whistles, and with one hefty breath brought the room to attention. Eumon Roach an 11 yr old boy who is battling Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, was standing to the side with his mom watching curiously, as the sound was produced a smile came upon his face as he was intrigued by the what Nour had created.

As more questions were asked and many pictures taken it was time to leave the room and head out to the Zamboni doors and check out the Stadium and the ice surface. They looked around eyes wide open in awe of how big the arena was, Eumon commented on how loud it must get when the game is on with so many people in the stands. A few more pictures at the ice level and it was time to head back to the officials room, return the jerseys and say our good byes, Nour and Eumon hugged and gave high fives to us all as their families looked on smiling with approval.

In Florida, the Panthers have paired up with the Embrace Life Children's Foundation for the Zebra's Care visit. The NHLOA and Zebras Care would like to thank Panthers Darren Perry; Coordinator, Community Development and Foundation for making this evening run so smoothly.

It was a great pleasure to meet the boys and their families. It was good night had by all. We wish them all the best

Embrace Life Children's Foundation provides care and assistance to children battling chronic and terminal diseases. If you would like to find out more about this foundation, visit their site at