Sparky Surprises Hockey Moms Ahead of Mother's Day

The New York Islanders celebrated Mother's Day early this year surprising three Long Island hockey moms with flowers and gifts, presented by CardWorks Acquiring. All three moms were nominated as the "Ultimate Hockey Mom" by a family member in the last month.

The first stop was in Seaford to surprise Brooke Pulice with four tickets to a game in the 2023-24 regular season and an Isles Lab prize pack.

"I was very shocked, I can't believe it," Pulice said upon receiving the surprise. "I'm very excited. I'm a lucky mom for sure. The fact that you guys recognized me is such an honor."

Pulice plays a vital role in taking her kids, Matthew, 3, and Dominick, 6, to their games and always making sure they have the right hockey gear when getting them dressed.

"I'm getting better at tying skates, that's for sure," Pulice said with a laugh.

Dominick and Matthew, who have a passion for collecting pucks, were in luck as a puck was included in the prize package their mom received. The two boys excitedly rushed inside to retrieve their prized puck collection to show Sparky, displaying each puck on the porch with pride.

Pulice was nominated by her husband, Dave, who is grateful for his wife's hard work for their kids in a sport they love.

"She does everything for the boys," Dave Pulice said. "I'm working and I can't be there for them all the time. It's great she can be around for them."

The next stop was Franklin Square to pay a very special visit to Lauren Foley. Sparky arrived with two tickets and a bouquet of flowers for the special needs teacher, who was in shock when she realized she was nominated by her friend.

"It made me cry," said Siobhan Licastro, who nominated Foley. "Because she deserves this and a lot more."

The pair of friends shared an emotional hug on the front lawn in front both of their children and Sparky. Foley made a positive impact on Licastro's two children with special needs, who both know her as Miss Lauren.

"The work that she has done with them to get them to come out of their shell has been amazing," Licastro said. "My daughter just started playing with other kids in the classroom and interacting and that's all because of Lauren."

Not only does Foley make a difference in the classroom, but she is also an outstanding hockey mom to her son Jack, who was born with half a heart and overcame three open heart surgeries. Powered by the support and love of his family and the drive to never give up, nothing stops the tenacious 12-year-old from playing the sport he loves.

"I tear up every single time he plays a game and comes out on the ice, because it's something we never thought he could do," Foley said. "It's something that a lot of people told us that he would never do. He's proven them all wrong."

Jack will play for the Long Island Sharks next season. Foley pointed out that the feeling of watching her son on the ice is priceless and is just as special every time. She said the early mornings and long drives are all worth it, as hockey brings the whole family together.

"I love watching him," Foley said. "I'll wake up as early as I need to drive him wherever he needs to go just to watch. He's my miracle."

Jack was excited to see his mom honored with a special surprise on their front lawn, joining in on pictures with Sparky and a celebratory moment with their family friends.

"Practice tonight!" Foley shouted toward her son with a smile.

The final stop was Oceanside to surprise Maria DePace, who was getting home from work as a fourth-grade teacher in Glen Cove. She celebrated her birthday on Wednesday and is getting ready to take her family to a hockey tournament on Friday morning for her 10-year-old son, Vinny.

"I can't believe this whole thing, thank you!" DePace exclaimed after she was given her special prizes as a designated Ultimate Hockey Mom.

DePace explained that her family is involved in hockey every day, whether it's traveling to support her son on the ice or watching Islanders games.

"Twice a week he has practice at 6 a.m., so I get up with him at 4:30 and I take him over to Freeport," DePace said. "Whatever he needs, whether it's tournaments or games, I run with it."

Her family gathered on their front lawn dressed for the occasion in Islanders jerseys. Vinny showed some early appreciation for Mother's Day, thanking her for being the best mom.

"I like always having her there, it means a lot to me," he said.