Photo: @JillCSN
T.J. Oshie has been known to make an impact on the American hockey fan. Whether you were marveled by his shootout performance in the 2014 Olympics or his quote after that game saying, “The American heroes are wearing camo. That’s not me”, Oshie has helped inspire young hockey players that grew up in our great country. Today, seven-year old youth hockey player Seth Parrish got the surprise of a lifetime.
Parrish, as part of TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), was invited by Oshie himself to join the team on the ice at the end of practice. He was even presented with his very own custom jersey.
. @TJOshie77 presented Seth with a #Caps jersey. 150 @TAPSorg participants will skate with #Caps players Thurs. to launch #CourageCaps pic.twitter.com/9t59JbJs2j
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) December 20, 2016
From the organization’s website: “The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) offers compassionate care to all those grieving the death of a loved one serving in our Armed Forces. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24 hours a day, seven days a week through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones.”
Moments like this…. Thanks @TJOshie77 🇺🇸🏒 Seth from @TAPSorg loves his jersey & can’t wait to skate with you & the @Capitals! #CourageCaps pic.twitter.com/IBj6oOqAlS
— teams4taps (@teams4taps) December 20, 2016
TAPS has assisted over 60,000 surviving family members, casualty officers and caregivers.
After meeting @TJOshie77, @TAPSorg Seth gearing up to go on ice with the #Caps in honor of the team’s upcoming #CourageCaps initiative pic.twitter.com/jfoGWsMrDt
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) December 20, 2016
After observing practice, it was finally time for Seth to hit the ice!
Here’s Seth making his way onto the ice with #Caps @teams4taps pic.twitter.com/n9duSJu6cn
— Jill Sorenson (@JillCSN) December 20, 2016
Seth Parrish @teams4taps skating with the Caps following practice today…@NoVa_Caps pic.twitter.com/DJ5UitwuP7
— Debbie Pierce (@HokieGirl4Ever) December 20, 2016
Teamwork with #Caps guest @TAPSorg Seth and @nateschmidt29. Seth and 150 #Taps participants will launch #CourageCaps Thursday pic.twitter.com/B3xW1t8zUy
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) December 20, 2016
Chorney & Wilson still on ice #Caps with Seth @teams4taps pic.twitter.com/HiQGnQKLhe
— Jill Sorenson (@JillCSN) December 20, 2016
Seth Parrish from @teams4taps gets out on the ice with the #Caps after practice. @TAPSorg will be back on Thursday for #CourageCaps Skate. pic.twitter.com/YPA4K5Au2S
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 20, 2016
The TAPS organization will be back on Thursday as Capitals American players Taylor Chorney, Matt Niskanen, Brooks Orpik, Oshie and Nate Schmidt and MSE Foundation will host a skating party this Thursday, Dec. 22 at Kettler from 5-6 p.m.
By Michael Marzzacco
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