SPRINGFIELD -- Nate Vila received an early Christmas present at the MassMutual Center Friday evening as the Springfield Thunderbirds hosted the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

During the second intermission, Vila was selected from the crowd to compete in the Shoot to Win contest. Putting the shot to the back of the net won Vila a brand new 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC from Mercedes-Benz of Springfield.

"I'm 22 and live with my Mom and Grandma," Vila said. "I'm joining the Army in a few weeks and will be reporting to Fort Benning, Georgia for at least a four-year enlistment.

"Pretty much that has been my main focus...until tonight!"

Michelle and Peter Wirth of Mercedes-Benz of Springfield were in attendance to congratulate Vila.

"We are thrilled that the stars aligned tonight and a true holiday miracle took place this evening at the MassMutual Center," Co-Owner and Head of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, Michelle Wirth said.

"We would like to welcome Nathan to the Mercedes-Benz Springfield family."

Mercedes-Benz of Springfield is a 37,000 square-foot dealership that opened its doors in October of 2017.

"What better way to celebrate the holidays than to be able to have someone leave a T-Birds game with a brand new Mercedes," Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa said. "Thanks again to our great sponsor Mercedes-Benz of Springfield for making this dream come true."