The encounter was by chance.
The friendship means the world to Patrick Maroon.
At a time in the NHL season when players are called warriors and terms such as 'do-or-die' are used to describe a kid's game played by grownups, the Anaheim Ducks forward has a reminder of what really matters and what's truly life and death.
It's his buddy, seven-year-old Niko Greco, who's in the midst of a more important battle than any Stanley Cup playoff game could ever be: Leukemia.
"He's such a strong little kid. He does make you realize what life's all about," Maroon said.