'IT'S HIS PASSION'

The pain is always there each time he takes a stride on the ice.
But the passion is, too.
And that's what has fuelled the love of hockey in Dallin, a nine-year-old from Calgary with achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder that causes disproportionate dwarfism and underdeveloped muscles and joints.
His sport so dear to him leaves him in tears.
But not playing surely would, too.
"It hurts him every time, and I can't get him off," says Arlee, his mother. "He can be on the ice, when they do practice, he can be crying in pain and he'll still go on the next day because he just loves it.
"It's his passion."

His love almost didn't come to be.
Dallin, who skates with HEROS (Hockey Education Reaching Out Society) - a volunteer-driven charity that uses hockey to teach life-skills and empower marginalized youth, didn't think he could play after participating in his first session.
Hockey rallied around him.
He rallied around hockey.
"He didn't want to go back because he didn't feel like he couldn't do it," Arlee says. "They, his team, found that out and brought him in and told him, 'Let's do this.' They've really built up around him and supported him.
"He lives for hockey. Eats, sleeps and breathes.
"They've definitely built him up."
It's what hockey players do for each other, after all.
"One-hundred percent," says Flames forward Austin Czarnik, who skated with Dallin and his teammates last month. "Hockey is for everyone. That's one thing that HEROS says. It's fun for everyone. That just shows you how much fun it is and how much he just wants to be out there on the ice.
"It shows his character.
"He just wants to be a kid and enjoy himself and do the things that he loves.
"That's what we're about.
"We want everyone to feel like a close-knit family."

It is.
That close-knit feeling continued this past Saturday.
Dallin, a special guest of Calgary coach Bill Peters in conjunction with Air Canada's Mark Maker - someone who has made a positive impact on his or her environment and displays strong Canadian values - made a visit to the Scotibank Saddledome on Saturday morning before taking in the Flames 5-2 win against the Nashville Predators that night.
His day consisted of a reunion with Czarnik, some time out with Peters, a Zamboni ride, and a special appearance on Flames TV.
"That's the least we can do for him," Peters says. "We can be there for somebody and for a teammate, that's what you do. Dallin's no different.
"It's a special story and a real unique set of circumstances, but a fine young man.
"He's a hockey player. That's what he is, and hockey players are about doing it right, and lots of heart and passion. He loves the game. It's a fantastic game. When you get bit by the bug there's nothing you can do to shake it, and he's got it.
"He's a great kid. Great opportunity for him to come see an NHL game, meet some of the guys and have a special day. Thanks to Air Canada for making that happen."
Air Canada, unbeknownst to Dallin, saved the best surprise for last.
As part of their #ACFanFlight program, Dallin was surprised with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to follow his Flames to a game against the Vegas Golden Knights in March.
It a moment that prompted happy tears, this go-round.
"I didn't expect him to cry," Arlee admits. "He was crying.
"I did not expect that.
"As soon as he walked away, tears just fluttered.
"Today's amazing for us. We went from being told that he'd never be able to play sports.
"It's been amazing."