Bovee watched the Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman play in the League live for the first time against the San Jose Sharks while wearing his jersey and carrying a sign that said "1st NHL Game, #2 is my grandson, 89 years young."
Instagram from @penguins: "#2 is my grandson and favorite player!" 🥰
"She hadn't seen me play since I was a kid," Ruhwedel told the Penguins website. "Not as a pro, so this is pretty cool."
Bovee, who turned 89 on Feb. 22, regularly watches the Penguins in the Sacramento on NHL.tv but hadn't been able to watch Ruhwedel in person. Ruhwedel's sister made the sign for her to carry, and he made sure to get a picture with her before the game.
"That was really special," Ruhwedel said. "It hasn't worked out in recent years with scheduling and everything like that. For her to get out here and see me play is pretty special."
Bovee was one of 22 family members to watch the Penguins play the Sharks. Ruhwedel is from San Diego, but much of his family lives in Northern California, and they were loud and proud supporting him.
"It was a decent-sized cheering section today," Ruhwedel said. "That's pretty crazy."
The Penguins lost 5-0 to San Jose, but Bovee was brimming with pride even though the result wasn't what the family wanted.
"From the time he was a little, bitty boy, he was going to play hockey," Bovee told the Penguins website. "I am extremely proud of Chad. He's such a tremendous young man."
