We really can't snark on this next story, for reasons that you'll see in a moment, so we're just going to lay it on you straight.

From SB Nation's own NHL writer Steve Lepore.

Alexander Ovechkin will be a part of the annual ESPN "My Wish" series.

— Steve Lepore (@stevelepore) July 10, 2012

A 16-year old hockey player with lymphoma from Boise, ID will get to skate with his hero (Ovie) and ride the zamboni at a Caps game.

— Steve Lepore (@stevelepore) July 10, 2012

See what we mean? We've seen quite a few of these segments, despite the fact that for some reason, our apartment always gets really, really dusty when we watch them.

So, let's just call this reason number 102,403, 283 why Gary Bettman and Don Fehr should move heaven and earth to get a new collective bargaining agreement done before the season starts. Seriously, you guys, the kid has lymphoma.