Scott Hart before being surprised by Red Wings Player Tyler Motte during today’s practice at Little Caesars Arena
For 10-year-old Scott Hart, hockey has been more than just a sport it’s been a calling. What started as a childhood challenge to out-skate a figure skater at Campus Martius has quickly evolved into a relentless pursuit of his NHL dream. And today, that dream took a giant leap forward.
Scott, a rising star in the Detroit Ice Dreams hockey program led by Red Wings ambassador Jason McCrimmon, was invited to attend a Detroit Red Wings practice at Little Caesars Arena. As Scott and his parents watched from the stands, his favorite Red Wings player, forward Tyler Motte, skated onto the ice for practice. It was already surreal for Scott, but the best surprise was yet to come.
“Giving back to the community is important to me,” Motte said.
“Being from Michigan and playing for the youth hockey programs around Detroit. It means a lot as kids watch practice games that you look up to, not just players like me, but our leadership.”
Scott’s eyes widened with disbelief and excitement as Motte approached him in the stands. The following 20 minutes flew by in a whirlwind of slap shots, a special Red Wings jersey, and Saturday afternoon game tickets. After practice, Scott enjoyed an exclusive locker room tour, snapping photos and excitedly sharing the experience with his family.
Scott Hart meeting Red Wings Player Tyler Motte during today’s practice at Little Caesars Arena
Scott’s favorite thing about today, outside of meeting his favorite player, is the practice and how the Red Wings worked hard because that is what he does.
“I’m so happy to go to the game,” Scott said.
As the afternoon fun came to a close, Scott left the arena with a heart full of inspiration and a fire in his eyes that burned even brighter. Today, his dream wasn’t just something far off in the future; it felt real.
“I hope you guys can make it to the playoffs,” Scott told Motte.
“We’ll do our best for you, buddy. We look forward to seeing you at the game,” Motte said.
Scott’s parents, who have dedicated countless hours to building a backyard rink for him each winter, watched with pride as their son soaked in every moment.
Deidra Hart, Scott’s mother, pointed out that when discussing had of hockey with people of color, there’s a common perception that they don’t participate in the sport.
“We’re the originators,” Hart said.
“I want hockey to start looking like us. I want my son not to be an anomaly when he goes to school. I want him to be able to go into these arenas and see other little boys like him because we play just as hard, and we dominate the sport.”
(L-R) Scott Hart, Red Wings Player Tyler Motte, Deidra Hart, Scott Hart Sr.
Scott started playing hockey almost six years ago, has no plans to slow down, and has fallen in love with the sport.
Scott’s mom highlighted that hockey is no different from any other sport, including basketball and football, and Black youth must make their presence felt and make sports like hockey inclusive spaces.
If you ask Scott, he’ll tell you this is just the beginning. He is having fun skating and shooting the puck and is looking forward to tournaments, including states.
“We are going to win,” Scott said.
“But most importantly, I want other players to feel joyful and excited when they get on the ice like I do.”
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