The Bridgeport Sound Tigers made a child's wish come true today at Webster Bank Arena.

Kaden Symington, a 12-year-old from Ridgefield, had five open heart surgeries and is now getting a shot at a brighter day thanks to the Make-A-Wish foundation.

Symington got his jersey in the locker room and signed a one-day contract with the Sound Tigers. He laced up with captain Ben Holmstrom and got to skate with the pros.

"It's real exciting but kind of nervous at the same time," said Symington.

Symington played hockey for three years, but was forced to give it up when he got sick.

"I think he's probably easily the toughest guy in this locker room for everything that he's went through," said Holmstrom.

Suzanne Symington, Kaden's mom, said she was grateful to Make-A-Wish for bringing this experience to her son.

"Make-A-Wish has brought us into their family. They've been so good to us," said Suzanne Symington. "They've made all of his wishes come true and then some."

Symington will be recognized at Webster Bank Arena on March 23 for Make-A-Wish night with the Sound Tigers.