They thought they were just taking in a Red Wings practice, but looks can be deceiving.
These are players from the Michigan FAR Flyers, a special hockey team who was getting set to get their own ice time at the storied Joe Louis Arena.
"We have one of the greatest special needs hockey teams out on the ice," Pamela Ayres, president of FAR Therapeutic arts and recreation said. "The Wings and Warrior came to us and said we want to do something special and that's what we're doing here today!"
But instead of thinking they were just pacing up theory own skates, Justin Abdelkader unveiled the surprise.
"Each one of you guys here has your own stall and there's some equipment for you guys and so just find your stall and enjoy it!" Abdelkader said.
You can tell by the expression of these kids out here living in hallowed ground that their excitement is over the top but when they walked through that room to see brand new Warrior gear it was different, especially for Justin Abdelkader who said the faces of these kids told him the whole story.
"It was awesome I was so excited seeing their reactions and how excited they were, even for me seeing all this new equipment it's really exciting but obviously celebrating "Hockey is for Everyone" month and Warrior came through with a huge sponsorship and gave them new bags and helmets and new gloves, it's really really cool," Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader added.
