Rochester Grizzlies Honor Young Hockey Fan

Barrington Larrison celebrates the end of his cancer treatment at a Rochester Grizzlies game.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Hockey

Rochester Grizzlies Honor Young Hockey Fan

Eight-year-old Barrington Larrison recently marked the end of nearly two and a half years of leukemia treatment. The Rochester Grizzlies hosted a surprise celebration to honor the young sled hockey player.

Why it matters

The event highlights the strong bond between local professional athletes and their community members who demonstrate significant resilience. Larrison, a fan of the team, participated in a special moment on the ice to commemorate his medical milestone.

Barrington Larrison is 8 years old and has successfully completed a nearly 2.5-year course of treatment for leukemia. He is also a sled hockey participant with the Rochester Mustangs.

The players

Barrington Larrison

An 8-year-old sled hockey player with the Rochester Mustangs who recently completed leukemia treatment.

Rochester Grizzlies

A local hockey team that organized a surprise event to honor a dedicated young fan.

Sawyer Zaruba

A Rochester Grizzlies player who joined Barrington Larrison for a ceremonial puck drop at center ice.

The details

Family and friends organized a surprise event at the rink to celebrate Larrison's journey. Larrison, who also lives with arthrogryposis, performed a ceremonial puck drop at center ice alongside player Sawyer Zaruba.

Barrington Larrison completed his cancer treatment in October 2026.
Larrison performed the ceremonial puck drop during the weekend of October 24-25, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This celebration reflects the ongoing community outreach efforts that define the current season for local hockey organizations. These gestures foster deeper engagement between the team and its supporters, extending beyond game-day results.

The surprise celebration provided a meaningful public recognition for a young athlete, highlighting the local team's commitment to its fanbase. This event serves as a focal point for the community's support of Larrison as he shifts his focus back to his participation with the Rochester Mustangs.

The takeaway

Larrison's journey serves as an inspiring example of persistence while navigating both leukemia and arthrogryposis. His participation in the ceremonial puck drop underscores the importance of community support in the recovery process.