This past Wednesday night six-year-old Adley and his dad Aaron sat in their usual seats at Rogers Arena; they're regulars, cheering on the Canucks as often as they can.
The difference on this night was Adley's sign, which was spotted against the glass early in the 1st period and has been melting hearts ever since.
"BO MY DAD WILL BUY ME A WIENER DOG IF U SCORE," it read, with some awesome postscript: "I will name him Hotdog Horvat."
Midway through the 3rd period, with the Canucks leading the Arizona Coyotes 2-0, Bo Horvat was a plus-1, with zero shots and five faceoffs won.
Then it happened.
Horvat streaked in on goaltender Mike Smith and went backhand to score his team-leading 12th goal of the season to not only cement Vancouver's fifth straight win, but land Adley a wiener dog.
Horvat added to the night by giving Adley his stick when he returned to the ice post-game as the game's third star.
"It was an unbelievable night," said Aaron, a 36-year-old Vancouverite, who fully intends to fulfill his end of the bargain.
Dad and son already have a dog, a one-year-old teacup Pomeranian named Koko, but Adley has been asking Aaron for a new little playmate for a while. Dad was on the fence, so with the pair heading to Wednesday's game, he left it up to fate.
"Bo's his favourite player, so it was no-brainer who he'd pick to score," said Aaron. "Bo messaged us on Instagram and said Adley better be getting a dog!"
He is. In time.
"We're hoping to find a good shelter dog, if anyone has any recommendations!"
Dachshund dreams do come true.
