DENVER — Hockey fever is real in the Mile High with passion running deep for the burgundy and blue. Thousands of fans packed Ball Arena Friday night to cheer the Avalanche on in Game 2, including Callum Van Praag.
Not only is he a die-hard fan, but he plays goalie too. “The hardest part about playing goalie is staying positive and it takes a lot of energy," Callum said.
Watch Callum's story of inspiration in the video player below:
This 11-year-old knows he has a huge personality which makes playing goalie the perfect position. Besides hockey season, he also plays goalie for lacrosse.
“I like being the center of attention. Everybody always looking at me, that’s fun,” Van Praag said.
While Callum is in the crease, his family keeps a close eye on his phone where an app helps them know his current blood sugar. In December 2024, Callum was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
Jen Weber, his mother, said there was a learning curve to figuring out what pregame fuels he needed and how to best stabilize his sugar levels.
“But I think the biggest thing, honestly, is just letting everybody know it doesn't stop you. You can still play the sports and do what you want to do, you just have to play a numbers game,” Weber said.
Being a busy 11-year-old and an athlete, Callum understands the importance of tracking his blood sugar levels and making sure it is at the right level.
In December, he was chosen to be an “Av for a Day” which is presented by HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children’s. According to the NHL,the candidate is chosen “for their ability to inspire others, their efforts to demonstrate a positive attitude while facing hardships, remarkable commitment to improve their community, or extraordinary dedication to academics.”
This day is one Callum will never forget. Not only did he get to meet his role models, but he also got to go into the locker room and read out the starting lineup ahead of the game.
“It was really cool. I think my dad has said this before, but it was like something that would be my one wish if I had a chance for a wish, so that was pretty cool,” he said.
Besides living out a dream, Callum also created a special bond with a member of the team — the Avalanche strength and conditioning coach also has Type 1 diabetes.
“I got to talk to him and we got his email, so whenever I want to talk to him, I'm able to just email him and if I ever need anything for like conditioning with diabetes, I can just ask him,” Callum said.
While hockey moves fast, when players and teams take time for the community, it creates something that matters far beyond the ice, a connection Callum will forever have.
