A Canton teen got the opportunity to join his high school’s hockey team on the ice for the first time on Tuesday night.

Matty Marcone was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder three years ago. He plays hockey for a special needs team but also helps out with Canton High School’s hockey program. For the past four years, Marcone has gone from the team’s water boy to their "team CEO."

Tuesday, team coach Brian Shuman gave Marcone the chance to play with the team during a game. 

"He goes to all the practices, kinda sits on the sidelines," said Marcone’s mother, Susan Marcone. "Just to be able to have him go out for that one shift to skate with everybody is pretty awesome."

Marcone got to play a shift with his team and even scored a goal.

"It means a lot to me," said Marcone. "I love playing with them and working with them."

"I’m pretty choked up," said Shuman. "I think the kids are going to be choked up on the bench. It’s really something all of the guys are really excited about because Matty means so much to us. He’s an inspiration without knowing it."

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