A dream has come true for a young boy from Saskatchewan who, at age 11, has inked his first NHL contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Garrett Gamble — from the Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation, northeast of Saskatoon — on Saturday signed a one-day contract as the team's puck dropper.

It's been one of the happiest days of his life. - Garrett Gamble Sr.

Gamble, known affectionately as "G-Man," was born with Morquio syndrome, a disorder which causes heart disease, skeletal abnormalities and early death. The contract, and a three-day stay with the Maple Leafs in Toronto, was arranged by the Children's Wish Foundation.

Garrett dropped the puck at the game against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night.

"We are very proud," his father, Garrett Gamble Sr., told CBC News.

"The community is behind us. They really love what happened to Garrett. He is going to be a celebrity when he gets home."

Cheering for the team

Garrett left for Toronto with his dad, mom and sister on Thursday. Since arriving, his band has posted photos of him signing the contract with the Leafs, cheering on the bench as the team went for their morning skate, and sitting in his own locker in the team's dressing room underneath a Leafs jersey that reads "G-Man" on its name bar.

"Today was one of the most fun days that my son has ever had in his whole life," his father said. "Up until now we have been going through just ups and downs. We have two children who have been born with this disability. It's been one of the happiest days of his life."

In a video posted on the team's website, Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf said it was important to the players to accept Garrett in the dressing room and make sure he enjoys his day as a teammate.

Interim head coach Peter Horachek called Garrett a "good kid."

The Leafs website included a player bio page for Garrett, complete with his stats and position.