MONTREAL - There was a very special reunion at the Bell Sports Complex last Thursday.

Fifteen-year-old Thomas Lachance and his family were on site to take in a morning skate, when the youngster's hockey hero emerged from the locker room and made his way across the ice in flip flops and shorts to formally welcome him to the Canadiens' practice facility.

It was Brendan Gallagher, who was eager to greet Thomas and the rest of his family - his mother, Annie Prevost, step-father, Jean-Pierre Mercier, and step-brother, Pier-Olivier Mercier.

Thomas and Brendan first met at the local Shriners Hospital for Children, where Thomas receives treatment for diastrophic dysplasia, a rare genetic disorder that affects cartilage and bone development.

Gallagher has been visiting patients and their families at the Shriners for the last several years. He has also hosted charity softball games back home in British Columbia to raise funds and awareness on their behalf, and hosted the inaugural Skate for Kids fundraiser last November in Montreal as well.

Thomas was beaming with pride when the Habs' assistant captain stopped by for a visit. It was as if they'd picked up right where they left from their previous encounter.

"When I first met Gally at the hospital, we chatted and we played a game of NHL. It was a lot of fun," said Lachance, a Beauce, QC native who is currently in Grade 10 at Polyvalente Belanger. "He really takes being associated with the Shriners to heart. He's there to help the kids overcome their obstacles and succeed in life. He's a gentleman. He's always there for us."

Admittedly, Thomas feels a strong bond with the seven-year NHL veteran. He admires Gallagher's playing style, refusing to back down from anyone or anything. That's how Thomas approaches the curveballs life throws his way daily as a result of his condition.

"There's a connection there. I see some of him in me and some of me in him," explained Lachance, referencing the warrior-like mentality the two have in common. "He goes to the net and does what he has to do for the team. He isn't scared of anything and makes plays no matter what. He inspires me with the way he plays. It's incredible to watch."

Thomas and his family were on the South Shore after the youngster was selected as a "Mark Maker" by the Air Canada Foundation, which supports the Shriners.

According to the airline, a "Mark Maker" is someone who has a "positive impact on their environment while displaying the values that define Canadians, modern Canada, and [the] airline."

No doubt Thomas' courage and perseverance are shining examples for others.

"Thomas' biggest operation was for scoliosis. He had a very crooked spinal cord and he was at the Shriners for 11 weeks," said Annie. "He just had surgery on his foot, and he recently started walking again. Every day he wakes up, getting out of bed is an obstacle in itself. But, when those obstacles pop up, he doesn't back down. He battles every single day of his life."

According to Annie, Thomas and Brendan still text message from time to time and the Habs' forward appreciates the kind words and encouragement.

A once in a lifetime experience

After watching head coach Claude Julien prepare his troops for their tilt against the Washington Capitals, the Canadiens' bench boss invited him and his family into the locker room for a chat.

Thomas had plenty of questions, and Julien answered every single one of them - as did Canadiens owner, president and CEO, Geoff Molson, who visited him at the Renaissance Montreal Downtown Hotel a day earlier.

Thomas' passion for hockey - and the Habs - really is quite incredible.

"He's been passionate about the game since he was four years old. He always made game plans in his head. When he was younger, he had a board and he made lines and did play-by-play while watching games, too," shared Annie. "All of his friends adapted their hockey games to be able to play with him and include him. He only talks about hockey and technology."

It was only fitting then that Thomas' unique experience come to a close with him attending one of the most memorable games in recent memory, as the Canadiens rallied to down the defending Stanley Cup champions at the Bell Centre.

Gallagher scored twice in the win, as did Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who Thomas also adores.

Video: Condensed Game: Capitals @ Canadiens

During the first intermission, Air Canada had one last surprise in store for him, though, in conjunction with their Fan Flight initiative.

While visiting the Canadiens' Alumni Lounge and meeting the likes of Rejean Houle and Peter Mahovlich, Thomas was surprised with a trip to New York City to catch the game against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden on March 1.

Thomas was clearly overwhelmed with joy, and his smile told you just how much the events of the day really meant to him.

Have a blast in the Big Apple, young man! You deserve it!