Grade 8 student Jake Mattice shows off his new equipment donated by Steve Mason, and supporters through a GoFund Me account (Photo: Joe Action Sports )
A local goalie has his new gear.
Jake Mattice got his first chance to wear equipment donated by a groups of supporters through a GoFund Me Account and NHL netminder Steve Mason.
On Monday January 23rd, Jake’s father Wayne Mattice had his car broken into. Inside the vehicle was Jake’s goalie equipment.
After Wayne and local photographer Joe Belanger posted the story to Facebook, it took on a life of its own. It was viewed tens of thousands of times and it came to the attention of Steve Mason. The Flyers’ goalie contacted Belanger and Mattice and offered to donate equipment to Jake.
Mason gave Jake a trapper, blocker and pads from CCM in Quebec, while a mask, chest protector, neck guard, skates and the rest of the equipment was purchased with the GoFund Me donations.
The story also went viral, with dozens of other media outlets reporting on it (first reported by Quinte News).
The Belleville Junior Bulls thank NHL goaltender Steve Mason for his gift of new equipment (Photo: Joe Action Sports Photography)
Mattice won his debut with the new equipment on Saturday.
