American Andrew Podolak used his hand to deflect a hockey puck that was heading straight for a 4-year-old boy sitting in the stands.
Asia Davis, 33, mother of 4-year-old Nasir, told the story of her search for a hero who saved her son's life during a hockey game in Cleveland, Ohio, last week. As the game was nearing its end, a puck flew into the crowd, headed for Nasir.
"The ball just came out of the sky and hit my son's head," Davis said.
Podolak catches a hockey puck for baby Nasir. Video : 5 ABC
Davis said the stranger sitting next to her managed to stop the ball from hitting Nasir. Confused and panicked, she forgot to ask for his name and contact information.
"He saved my son's life," she said, posting on TikTok, expressing her gratitude and hoping the community would help find the person who deflected the ball.
Davis' video went viral and eventually she found Andrew Podolak. His friend shared the video with Podolak and connected the 28-year-old with the mother and daughter. He recalled the moment he saw the ball hurtling toward Nasir.
"I saw it go over the windshield, it was flying. I thought 'Oh my God' and instinctively, to protect the child, I jumped in front of him," Podolak said. In a split second, he raised his hand to block the ball, deflecting it.
Podolak had originally booked two seats but chose the one next to Nasir. "I was in section 107, row 7, seat 7," he said. "I suddenly realized that everything happens for a reason."
"7 is my lucky number. I was born on Saturday. Every time I bet, I always play number 7. I don't believe in coincidences, I believe that everything happens for a reason. I feel very grateful," Podolak said.
Davis, Nasir and Podolak reunited in a match in Cleveland on April 13. Photo: 5ABC
Podolak’s actions and the story of his search for his savior caught the attention of the Cleveland Monsters. The team contacted Podolak, Davis and Nasir, gave them tickets to the game on April 13 and invited them to experience the field. They reunited and this time, they were invited to hit the field.
Hong Hanh (According to Guardian/Wbng )
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