Brendan Gallagher spent Monday afternoon with some of the children at the Shriners Hospital.
While the Canadiens forward brought smiles to the faces of many on hand, he told CTV Montreal he gets just as much out of the visits as the kids do.
"These kids have had a tough break in life, but the attitude that they have, the positivity that they have, it's something that I can learn from," he said.
Patients like Alessandro Capone say it's always exciting when a Habs player stops by.
"I think I probably get a bigger kick out of it. Honestly, it's amazing that we get to meet these people," he said.
Chloe Youwakim, agreed.
"What I also find is amazing is that he's not the only one. There are also other hockey players and just the fact that they're doing this for children who are ill is just amazing," she said.
While at the Shriners the Hab met other patients and some staff members before launching his upcoming fundraiser 'Skate for Kids.'
Gallagher will be hosting an open skate for the children, their parents and friends at the indoor skating rink at 1000 de la Gauchetiere.
Former Hab Georges Laraque will emcee the event, which will also feature a photo station with Brendan Gallagher, a tattoo station, the Fezzy Bear Rescue Squad and a mascot parade.
The doors open at 1:30 P.M. with three available ice times between 2:00 P.M. and 4:30 P.M.
You can purchase tickets at the door the day of the event, or online here.