Eli plays goalie in his youth hockey league and wears No. 35, just like his favorite player.
He first watched Kuemper during the 2012-13 NHL season, when he was a member of the Wild, and shortly after the Kalafatiches moved to Minnesota from San Diego. He continued to follow Kuemper's career when he signed with the Los Angeles Kings and then when he was traded to the Coyotes in February.
"He gravitated to Kuemper," Brian Kalafatich told NHL.com. "He's followed Kuemper whoever he's played for."
Eli had an inkling the Coyotes backup would start in Minnesota and was hoping to watch Kuemper's return to Minnesota on TV with his dad, who did one better by picking up front-row seats for the two of them to go on Eli's birthday.
Kalafatich contacted the Coyotes, who sent Eli a gift box and told him Kuemper may be able to meet up after the game. Brian got Eli a Kuemper No. 35 Coyotes jersey and put the gifts in his hockey bag before telling his son he had a youth game at the home of the Wild that night.
"It isn't uncommon for him to play a Mites game at their arena," Brian said.
Brian and his wife Jamie made a sign that said, "Welcome home, Kuemper" for Eli to carry inside the arena, and Brian brought extra paper and markers for Eli to make an extra sign that said "#35 Rules." Brian and Eli hung around after the game, and sure enough Kuemper came out to sign Eli's jersey and pose for a picture.
