Philadelphia Wings Sign Teen Cancer Survivor to One-Day Contract – Nbc Sports Philadelphia

Philadelphia Wings Sign Teen Cancer Survivor to One-Day Contract – Nbc Sports Philadelphia

The Wings may have gotten themselves a new good luck charm.

The team won its second straight home game against the Rochester Knighthawks on Sunday night and in attendance was Malvern Prep freshman Lucca DiBartolomeo.

Last week, the 15-year-old signed a one-day contract with the Wings. The contract included his own customized jersey, locker stall and a chance to experience what it’s like to be a part of the team.


Lucca is a Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma survivor. The Wings and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Random Acts of Light program worked together to give the teen this surprise.

Wings forward Matt Rambo spoke with CBS reporters about the team’s plans to give Lucca an “experience of a lifetime.”

“Just have a good celebration and bring him onto our team and into our family and join us in the locker room and pregame just to show him how it’s done at our level.”

Malvern Prep’s Varsity Lacrosse Coach John McEvoy and Wings Assistant General Manager Joe Carlini also helped to orchestrate the surprise for Lucca. McEvoy played professionally for the Philadelphia Wings (1991-2002) where he was an All-Star and team captain.

Lucca’s surprise was a success. He was shocked to be greeted by Rambo and his teammate Kevin Crowley while at school.

“I had no idea," Lucca said. "I walked up here, I was so surprised. I was so happy to be with my favorite players."

Just before the game, he joined the players in the locker room where Crowley and Trevor Baptiste were happy to help suit him up and welcome him to the team.

Head coach Paul Day described Lucca as someone who represents what the Wings should be about.

“It really gives you perspective on how lucky we are to be involved in professional sports," Day told Fox29, "and how lucky we are to meet a tough kid like him.”

Alexander Ross
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Alexander Ross

Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.