An Alberta mother wrote a sweet message to the Chicago Blackhawks on Facebook Monday, thanking forward Patrick Kane for making her eight-year-old son’s day.

She also posted a photo of her boy decked out in Chicago gear, standing next to Kane as he signed the child’s hockey stick.

Shannon Mercer said her son was standing on the steps of the hotel Kane was staying at in Edmonton. The Blackhawks were in town to face the Oilers Monday night.

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Mercer said her son was so nervous waiting to catch “a glimpse” of his favourite player “with stars in his eyes.”

“When the bus pulled up, he said he could feel his heart beating… You motioned for him to come to you, where you took the time to ask his name, his age, who his FAVOURITE player is (you of course). Tweet This

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“You signed his hat AND his stick and you gave my boy a most special and amazing memory that he will never, ever forget,” Mercer wrote.

“He said that meeting you is basically his best Christmas gift and that nothing could ever beat this day. I wanted to let you know, from the bottom of this mama bear’s heart, thank you for taking the time to share yourself with my little boy today.”

As of noon Tuesday, more than 16,000 people had reacted to the post and it had generated nearly 500 comments and 2,400 shares.

Mercer added she really hopes Kane gets to read the post.

Shannon Mercer shared this photo and message to the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday, Nov. 21, 2016. Credit: Facebook/Shannon Mercer