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CALGARY — When the Canadiens hit the ice for an optional morning skate Thursday at the Saddledome, there was a woman sitting behind their bench holding a sign that read: “MONTREAL CANADIENS PLEASE HELP FULFILL MY MOMS LAST WISH”.

I walked over and introduced myself, asking what that wish was.

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Denise Martell, who was holding the sign, explained that her mother Theresa Martell — sitting beside her — was very sick and probably didn’t have much longer to live.

Photo by Stu Cowan / Montreal Gazette

“On April 3, my mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and it’s everywhere now,” Denise said while holding back tears. “She’s been quite ill for about four years. I overheard my son and her talking on the night that we got told and he asked her: ‘Grandma, what’s one of the last things you would want to do?’ And she said: ‘Meet the Montreal Canadiens.’ And then I reached out.”

The Canadiens arranged for Denise and her mother to attend Thursday’s morning skate along with Theresa’s two granddaughters: Breanne and Kailey. Theresa was also going to attend her first Canadiens game Thursday night.