MONTREAL - It was just over a year ago when Alex Galchenyuk first met young Charlotte Rose at a Chanukah party hosted by Chai Lifeline Montreal, a charity for children who suffer from serious illnesses.

The four-year-old Cote Saint-Luc resident is battling Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD), a metabolic disorder that affects her body's ability to create and store energy.

Charlotte's mother, Lauren, will never forget the moment the two came face-to-face last December.

"I brought her over and it was kind of like an instant bond. I put her up on the table to take a picture with him and he immediately put his hand on her back. It was so sweet and genuine," recalled Lauren. "Charlotte had just come out of a really, really rough month. She had been in the hospital and this was her first outing in almost three weeks, so it was really special to her."

In a flash - both literally and figuratively - Charlotte became one of Galchenyuk's biggest fans.

"When she watches a hockey game, she'll follow Alex around with her finger on the TV. She always wants to watch 'her boy' play. That's what she calls him - 'her boy,'" said Lauren. "Charlotte doesn't watch the scoreboard. It's not whether the Canadiens win or lose. All she wants to do is watch 'her boy' play."

Galchenyuk was similarly moved by the meeting - so much so that both families have stayed in contact since that first encounter.

"She and I had a connection right away," said Galchenyuk, who along with Chai Lifeline and his sister, Anna, recently invited Charlotte and her parents to attend the December 14 game against the New Jersey Devils at the Bell Centre, which included a post-game meet-and-greet. "She's always given me a tremendous amount of support. Her mom sends my family videos of her celebrating whenever we win or whenever I score a goal. Seeing how happy she was after that game, it brings tears to your eyes. It's something you can't describe."

Nevertheless, Lauren did her best to put the unique visit into words.

"She ran into his arms when they met. It was incredible. She was just the happiest little girl that day," she said. "During the game, Charlotte was screaming for 'her boy.' She didn't care who heard her. It was just 'Galchy! Galchy!' and she was so excited wearing her Girlchenyuk jersey. That's what she calls herself - 'Girlchenyuk.' It was one of the greatest gifts to see her so happy. I have never seen her light up like that in my entire life."

Seeing Galchenyuk play actually inspired Charlotte to take up skating herself recently, and she isn't letting her condition slow her down.

"She's a little apprehensive about falling and getting hurt, but she's so determined on skates. She wants to be just like Alex. He's given her courage. It's more than just a friendship. It's been a gift for all of us," explained Lauren. "It's given her an incredible amount of confidence, especially when it comes to being on the ice. Even when she falls, it doesn't stop her."

Charlotte's unwavering spirit is one of many things Galchenyuk admires about his new young friend.

"She's so strong at such a young age. She's battling her disease and she's so outgoing, so passionate, and so energetic. No matter what's going on in my life or in hockey, I look at her and I automatically smile," said Galchenyuk, who recently reunited with Charlotte at the Bell Sports Complex after she took in her first practice on the South Shore. "She touches my heart in such a warm way. We have a great bond."