Andrew Podolak, a Cleveland man, saved a 4-year-old boy from being hit by a hockey puck that flew into the stands during an American Hockey League game. The puck was headed straight toward the boy, Nasir Davis, during the third period of the game. Podolak quickly reacted and struck down the rogue puck, sparking a friendship with the boy and his mother, Asia Davis. Tensions were high on the ice that day, with several fights breaking out before the puck flew off the ice.
Asia Davis shared the near-accident on TikTok, describing how the puck came flying towards her son’s head before Podolak blocked it in the nick of time. A video captured during the game shows the mother yelling in shock as the puck headed their way, with Podolak standing and moving his arm in front of the boy to shield him. Davis was relieved and grateful for Podolak’s quick actions and asked her followers to help her find him to thank him once again.
Podolak received Davis’ message hours later, with the two reuniting after the video went viral. Davis shared that Podolak believed he was meant to be at the game to protect her son, emphasizing the serendipity of the situation and highlighting her belief in a higher power. Podolak explained that his first instinct was to jump in front of the puck to protect the young boy, describing the experience as crazy. Davis noted that they were both seated in seat 7, which is her lucky number.
Davis expressed her gratitude to Podolak, telling him that he was a special person and hoping that he would never go a day without knowing that. Podolak responded by noting that everything happens for a reason, embracing the idea that their meeting was meant to be. The newfound friends were invited back to the Cleveland Monsters, where Nasir had the honor of dropping the puck ahead of Saturday’s game. The incident served as a heartwarming example of a stranger stepping in to protect a child in a moment of danger, leading to a lasting bond between Podolak, Davis, and her son.
