Advertisement

Hockey fans create touching tribute to player’s mom fighting cancer

Jared Aulin bounced around the American Hockey League for almost a decade before taking his game to Sweden and finding a home with Orebro of the Swedish Hockey League. He's posted 135 points in 147 games over three seasons there and become a fan favorite.

In a recent interview with Aftonbladet, Aulin revealed that his mother was recently diagnosed with cancer.

It can't be easy being in another country, trying to focus on your job while a loved one is fighting a terrible disease.

On top of that, as Orebro battles in the SHL qualification playoffs, Aulin has been dealing with an injury, but he has an easy way to block the pain from his mind.

"You always feel something after a hockey game, but I do not think about it when I play," he said. "And I can not complain about anything, for this year an easy fight for me compared to what my mother is going through right now."

Aulin's relationship with the Orebro fans was never more evident than what happened this week.

On Wednesday, Aulin and Orebro beat AIK 3-1 in their first home game since he revealed the news about his mother. After the game, while the players saluted the crowd, the fans at one end of the rink raised a banner that said, "WIN THIS FIGHT MRS. AULIN."

The gesture really touched Aulin.

"When I'm out there [hockey] clears my head," Aulin said while fighting back tears afterward. "What the fans did today... I don't think I've ever seen it in sports."

"I know my mom will be real proud knowing that the city appreciates me and the biggest thing is that they support her in her fight. She's a strong woman and I'll be home soon to give her a big hug and hope that helps."

Via Aftonbladet

- - - - - - -

Sean Leahy

is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!