Behind the Screen With Jesse Pollock, 2025
Simon and Emelie sprinkles love worldwide
The first time I visited Toronto, I went to the Hockey Hall of Fame with one person in mind, my best friend Simon. Simon is autistic, and hockey has always been a source of pure joy for him. The Boston Bruins are his favourite team, so I picked up a Bruins puck for him, and my Canadian partner found a Bobby Orr jersey, small gestures meant simply to make someone I love happy.
When I returned to Sweden, I surprised Simon with the gifts. I recorded his reaction, not for attention, but to show my partner the happiness we’d hoped to create. My partner later shared the video, and unexpectedly, it spread far beyond us. It went viral.
Soon after, the Boston Bruins saw the video. Even more unreal, Simon’s biggest idol, Swedish goalie Linus Ullmark, saw it too. Simon received a care package from the team, and through a friend of mine in Sweden, who is both a goalie coach and a friend of Linus, Simon also received a personal video message from Linus.
When I surprised Simon again, this time with all of that, it was emotional, human and REAL. I recorded that moment as well, and once again, the video travelled far beyond our circle. Millions of people around the world saw it.
For me, this experience was never about views or virality. It was about connection, empathy, and the power of small, thoughtful actions to create something meaningful. It reminded me why communication matters, why stories resonate, and why authenticity is always stronger than performance.
There is more to this story, and more still unfolding. For now, I’ll let the moments speak for themselves.
Link to the article on NHL’s website: LINK