He was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a type of malignant brain tumor, in March 2021 at the age of four. Since then, little Ben has had brain surgery, four rounds of chemotherapy and 30 radiation treatments.

“The world lost a special boy and an absolute hero last night,” Mike Stelter wrote on Twitter. “Ben you were the best son we could have hoped for and you were my best friend. Your sisters were so lucky to have a dear brother. You fought so long and so hard and you beat all the odds,” Ben’s dad, Mike, tweeted Wednesday.

Ben has been an Oilers fan since he was a kid, at home he wore the jersey of their biggest star, Connor McDavid, whom he wanted to meet in person. It finally came true for him. And several times.

In March of this year, Edmonton, as part of the Hockey Fights Cancer campaign, invited him to the game against San Jose, in front of which he stood during the Canadian anthem with his idol McDavid on blue. online and after the game participated in a press conference with the players. Later he visited the locker room several times again, he was very popular among the players, they had Ben as a talisman. When he could, he attended every Oilers home game.

Even more overwhelming for all was the news that now arrived. Condolences are pouring in from everywhere. Calgary, Edmonton’s rival in the battle for Alberta, current Stanley Cup winners Colorado, NHL management and, of course, the Oilers also responded.

“You touched all of our hearts and were an inspiration to us. I’m lucky to have been your friend. Rest in peace Benny,” McDavid wrote on Instagram.

“Ben, you are a true fighter and an inspiration to us all. Your strength, determination, courage and love shone through the hockey world and especially on our team. Your pre-game slap with I will miss us. Sending love and support to the Stelter family,” added Edmonton forward Evander Kane.

“You have truly changed the world and done a lot of good in a short time. Mom and I are proud of you. You had a bigger heart than anyone we’ve ever met. There remains a Ben-sized hole in our hearts and life will never be the same without you. We are absolutely devastated. We love you, our sweet boy Benny,” dad Mike concluded in his touching message.