Colorado Avalanche goalie Joe Cannata dedicates his mask to a very special young fan

When the Colorado Avalanche signed goaltender Joe Cannata to a one-year two-way contract on July one, it was hardly big news. The 27-year old will likely spend most of his season with the San Antonio Rampage and is nothing more than insurance on the organization’s depth chart.

It turns out, Joe Cannata is more than just a number on the depth chart - he is one of the good guys that truly understands what it means to be a role model.

Last week, Cannata revealed the paint job for his new mask through David Gunnarsson’s Instagram account and it comes with a very special message.

Cannata’s mask is dedicated to Ruby Mae Millea, a 3-year old girl that is currently at Tuft's Children's Hospital in Boston battling a form of childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma. The family found out about Ruby’s diagnosis back in June and both of her parents have taken a leave from work to support her and her 10-month old brother Max.

Cannata surprised Ruby and her family with a visit to her hospital last week and is using the mask to raise awareness for Ruby’s fight.

The family’s #RubyStrong movement is one that Avalanche fans should get behind, and it is great to see a player like Cannata bringing awareness to a fan in need.

If you have the means to support, please go and help the family raise money for Ruby’s medical and living expenses through their GoFundMe campaign here.

Also for more information about Neuroblastoma and the fight to combat it, please visit the Children’s Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation website at www.cncfhope.org