Matt Nieto will never change the No. 83 on his sweater because of the connection it represents with his younger sister Erin.
Erin, 19, was diagnosed with Down syndrome and autism. She is also nonverbal. There are 20 or so words she can say, according to Mary Nieto, who is Erin and Matt’s mother.
“Avalanche” is one of those words. “Matt” is another. In fact, she says “Matt! Matt!” whenever she watches an Avalanche game on television.
She can also say “83” because that is the number Nieto wore when he broke into the NHL with the San Jose Sharks until being claimed off waivers by the Avalanche during the 2016-17 season.
“When Matt went over to Colorado from the Sharks, he kept his number because she knows how to say ’83,” Mary said. “He’ll never change it because of that.
Source: https://twitter.com/br_openice/status/1677783182148608001?s=46&t=Xn0juU2C4hEaElfmeGb4jQ
by STLBooze3
35 Comments
I don’t even know this guy from Adam, but I like him now. Good guy, Matt. 💪
Well that’s wholesome af
Who was cutting onions?
Well I love that, awesome gesture his sister
Well that’s the feel-good story I need for today
From Long Beach, California, Matt Nieto! Seems like an awesome guy
That’s the most heartwarming story to come out of Long Beach.
Looks like only 4 other teams have a 83, hope he keeps the number through the rest of his career.
Got me cryin in the club rn
👏👏👏👏
This is really cool. I don’t mean for this to come off insensitive but it’s wild that out of 2 siblings you have a sister with Down syndrome and a brother who’s a top end athlete. Biology and genetics be crazy.
So beautiful! As someone who has a family member with Down’s syndrome, this doubly warms my heart. 🥰
Stop making me think nice things about the Avs!
I’m not crying, I’ve just got something in my eye!
I’m a Nieto fan after reading this.
Pretty sure the original source of the info is Peter Baugh of The Athletic
Man you can just tell Matt has been an awesome brother to her. She only has a 20-word vocabulary, and that much of it revolves around him? Wholesome.
Surely even Lou would let him wear 83 right?
I’m not crying, you’re crying
That’s essentially enough for me to want the number unofficially retired after he’s done with it
As a pregnant woman, I both needed this cry and to read a hopeful story.
I love Nieto, and I was sad to see him go, happy to see him come back, and sad to see him go again.
The pick-me-up I needed this morning.
Got goosebumps reading that. Sounds like he is a good guy and shares an incredible bond with his sister.
That’s adorable
This so sweet man, honored to have the Nieto family in Pittsburgh!
IIRC Carter Hart wears 79 for the same reason for a fan in Everett.
I’m not crying, just have something in my eye
The gravelord is wholesome
I believe his full name is Long Beach Native Matt Nieto
She got diagnosed at 19?
I’m sure he will make sure that Erin will always be cared for and taken care of.
He’s a good guy…a good human being.
He’s a great guy, may not be the best player on your team but puts 100% out on the ice every time. I will root for him no matter what team.
> “Avalanche” is one of those words. “Matt” is another. In fact, she says “Matt! Matt!” whenever she watches an Avalanche game on television.
Fuck, here come the tears 😭
grew up with an aunt with down syndrome who recently passed so this hits me. needed this :_)
Very very difficult to not love Long Beach native Matt Nieto. One of the rare precious gems in the league.
Respect