Hockey is family” The bold red letters, carefully written on tape, wrapped around the edge of the puck. It’s surface, front and back, was covered with signatures from players. This special puck was given to Eli Wiemerslage, a member of the Meramec  Sharks, a youth hockey team based in St. Louis County, Missouri. Eli’s sister, Elsa, is bravely battling leukemia that had recently relapsed. When word spread to the Sharks, the hockey community mobilized, proving that hockey is more than just the game on the ice — it’s a family.

Elsa Strong

During a game between the Meramec  Sharks and the Chesterfield Hockey Club, the two teams came together to support the Wiemerslage family by wearing leukemia ribbons on their helmets and wrapping their sticks with orange hockey tape.

“Once the news that Elsa was sick again began to spread amongst the hockey team, the coaches and parents immediately began brainstorming ways to show our support to Elsa and her family at the team’s next game,” head coach Zach Absolon told Greater Than The Game. “Multiple moms on the team came together to collect money for a gift basket for the family, purchase orange laces and grip tape for the boys, make orange cancer ribbons for their helmets, and provide orange ribbon pins for the coaches, families, and any others in attendance of the game that wished to show support.”

The Sharks were even able to get #ElsaStrong banners printed by a local business, organizing everything within twenty-four hours.

“It was amazing. It was awesome to see — it was a total surprise with the other team,” Eli’s father, Kevin Wiemerslage, told Greater Than The Game. “We knew the team (the Sharks) were trying to do something, but when we showed up, it was an awesome feeling.”

A Magical Moment

That feeling carried over onto the ice. With the score tied at one in the second period, Eli scored to give the Sharks the lead. Check out the goal below.

“I picked up the loose puck, and skated with it and shot it top shelf,” Eli Wiemerslage stated. “I was going straight to Elsa to try and give her a high five through the glass and pointed at her.”

After the goal, everyone in the building was emotional.

“I had tears in my eyes when he scored and saw how happy he was from the scream and smile on his face. Being the head coach of the team, you live for moments like that,” said Absolon.

“I was happy, sad, excited — just a whirlwind of emotions that swept through me for what seemed like an eternity,” assistant coach Jeff Long added, “but in reality, it was probably about 30 seconds.”

Assistant coach Matt Budwell noted that what stands out to him in that moment was the fact that Wiemerslage is always doing the little things that don’t always show up on the score sheet or get recognized. Adding, although it may sound cliche, the goal.”

Beyond the Ice

On that day, the game of hockey transcended the play on the ice. It showed how sports can foster an unbreakable bond and create a family that will last far beyond the last whistle. Wiemerslage explained that it was this community that had his family’s back throughout Elsa’s journey.

“Hockey parents and kids have the biggest hearts you can find,” Wiemerslage said. “They all said they would be there for whatever we needed, and to see one of the other team’s players give that puck to Eli was huge.”

As much of an impact as the hockey community has had on the Wiemerslages, Coach Bedwell explains that the family has had just as much of a profound impact on everyone around them.

“If you ever met them in person, you would have no idea what they’re going through,” said Budwell. “I think if I was in their position, I’d probably be pretty bitter at times. I don’t know how I would see the world in such a way that they do. They’re just — they’re really, really inspirational people. I mean, they show up, they’re always positive. They always have a smile on their face. You know, they may have just been in the hospital for the last three days with Elsa getting blood transfusions and all of the worst news you could ever imagine. And they don’t treat anybody any different. They’re just world-class people, and we need more people like them in the world.”

Reflecting on his family’s journey, Wiemerslage has one piece of advice for anyone who is going through a similar struggle:

“You are never fighting alone.”

No matter who you are, we all need people who will stand with us through tough times — whether it be a sports team, coworkers, family members, or friends. And if we don’t feel like we have that support system, let’s try to be that for others and make sure everyone knows they aren’t fighting alone.

To support the Wiemerslage family in their fight, please follow the Prayers for Elsa Facebook page found [here].

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