A 10-year-old Minnesota boy, Weston Paszkiewicz, who captured the hearts of many after signing a special one-day contract with the Minnesota Wild through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, has passed away. His family shared the heartbreaking news on his CaringBridge page, saying he died peacefully on Tuesday night while watching a hockey game, surrounded by those who loved him most.
Weston had been fighting leukemia since January, a battle that required months of difficult treatment. Despite the challenges, his family and community remembered him as a child with extraordinary strength, courage, and heart. His mother, Danielle Paszkiewicz, paid tribute to him in a deeply emotional message, describing him as “the most courageous, strong, resilient, incredible person ever,” and expressing the family’s lasting love for him.
Just weeks before his passing, Weston experienced a moment he had been dreaming about. Thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, he was given the chance to sign a one-day contract with the Minnesota Wild. It was a day that brought joy not only to Weston but also to everyone who witnessed how special the experience was for him.
The celebration began outside his home in Lino Lakes, Minnesota, where local police escorted him in a parade-like sendoff. Neighbors lined the streets, cheering and waving as he headed toward the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul. When Weston arrived, he was welcomed by the team and given the full experience of being a Wild player for the day.
He signed his contract, toured the team’s locker room, took photos, and joined the players on the ice during their morning skate. Later that evening, he proudly carried the Wild flag to center ice before the team’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins showed their support and admiration as well, presenting Weston with their player-of-the-game helmet—a gesture that deeply moved his family and everyone who learned about it.
The Minnesota Wild honored Weston again on Sunday during their Hockey Fights Cancer night, a league-wide event dedicated to supporting those affected by the disease. The tribute highlighted the impact Weston had made in a short time and how much his story had touched the hockey community.
Weston’s courage and spirit also resonated strongly beyond the professional hockey world. Orono Youth Hockey, one of the organizations he had been connected to, posted a heartfelt remembrance on social media. They described Weston as one of their “greatest warriors,” emphasizing how his determination and positive attitude inspired everyone around him. The organization wrote that he showed “true strength, bravery, and heart” every day, and that his legacy will continue to motivate others long into the future.
Weston’s story is one of bravery, love, and the power of community. While his life was far too short, the moments he shared with his family, friends, and the Minnesota Wild left memories that will never be forgotten. His journey reminded many people of the importance of hope, kindness, and standing together during the hardest times. Through the support of his loved ones and the gestures from the hockey community, Weston experienced joy and recognition that celebrated his strength and the bright light he carried within him.
As his family and community mourn his loss, they also hold onto the lessons he taught them—lessons about resilience, bravery, and living each day with heart. Weston’s legacy will continue to inspire countless people who followed his story and were touched by the courage he showed throughout his fight.
