On her first-ever mom's trip, Susie Grimaldi was seen crying tears of joy after watching Rocco score during the first period of Nashville's game against the Washington Capitals on Monday.
Susie was one of about 28 moms on the Predators inaugural mothers outing in Washington, D.C., and Grimaldi estimated that his parents had only seen him play live a handful of times through his 58-game NHL career with the Predators, Florida Panthers and Colorado Avalanche.
Susie Grimaldi jumped head first into helping Rocco's hockey career when she and his dad, also named Rocco, moved from California to Michigan. Susie was the team manager for his teams after she retired as a police officer because of medical issues.
"I've said all week my parents have basically sacrificed everything for me," Grimaldi said after Nashville's 6-3 win. "[They] basically retired from their jobs early as police officers to let me live my dream. Taking a chance on a 12-year-old kid and moving to Michigan just for hockey so they've done everything for me, so it was a nice little reward to score for her
Susie is known for her loud, proud support of Rocco and his teammates, but he was taken aback upon learning about his mom's show of emotion.
"Surprised," Grimaldi said when told that Susie shed a tear after his goal. "She's a tough cookie. I don't know if I've ever seen her cry much, being a police officer and a tough, strong woman. So it means a lot for her to show the emotion."
Watching her son score his second goal of the season was overwhelming. Susie Grimaldi was also in attendance when Rocco scored against the San Jose Sharks on Nov. 13.
"It's special," Rocco told Fox Sports Tennessee during the first intermission. "She's sacrificed everything for me, both my parents have, so for her to be here and see that, it's very special. I'm happy she's here and I love her a lot."
