Nearly 8,000km away in the Rittich family household, the TV's on and the troupe gathers 'round, but younger-brother Tomas is hoping not for close-ups for his talented bigger bro, but a more huggable member of his favourite team.
"Typical," David, the bubbly beacon of energy, laughs. "When they're watching my games when they're back home, he's always looking for Harvey the Hound.
"He pretty much loves him.
Tomas, 23, has autism, along with other developmental issues that have had a significant impact on both of the brothers past, present and future.
For the most part, he lives an independent life, but has limited social skills, and his ability to communicate, interact and maintain relationships are challenges David and his parents, Jana and David Sr., have learned to adapt to.
It's also why the Rittichs value their family time more than anything in the world, making the long trek west to watch David (and Harvey) over the past few weeks a memorable one for all.
Be sure to watch the video. Someone must be cutting onions in the office.
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That's on top of David's own improbable journey to the NHL!
Didn't think it was possible to like the guy anymore, but i sure hope he is our #1 goalie for a long, long time...because you know he's going to be able to take care of his brother and the rest of his family with that money.
What a great read. Rittich has been a revelation and this only adds to the reasons to root for him.
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Location: A simple man leading a complicated life....
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Calgaryboy and myself got to meet David's parents at a Flames practice last March. They didn't speak any English and I had to get Petr to interpret what they had to say. IIRC David was going to take the family to Banff the next day. Truly wonderful people. Although we never got to talk with their son Thomas, he was there watching the practice a few rows over.
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"Life of Russian hockey veterans is very hard," said Soviet hockey star Sergei Makarov. "Most of them don't have enough to eat these days. These old players are Russian legends."
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Just saw the clip of Rittich’s brother hugging Harvey and then David. How can you not like this guy?
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