'Uncle' Jeremy Swayman gets the sweetest surprise from Linus Ullmark’s son Harry

Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman received a special welcome from Ottawa Senators netminder Linus Ullmark’s son Harry at Canadian Tire Centre on Saturday. Ullmark’s kids made signs welcoming him to Ottawa.

“Hej Uncle Sway” and “We miss you,” the signs read.

Ullmark also brought his son to meet Swayman during the warmup. Swayman greeted him with a fist bump, hugged him and gifted him a hockey puck.

Ullmark, who is on injured reserve with a back injury, played for the Bruins from 2021-24 before being traded to the Senators in June. He is a close friend of Swayman and they shared a special moment when the Senators faced the Bruins in November.

In Saturday’s matchup, the Ottawa Senators rallied to defeat the Boston Bruins 6-5 after a penalty shootout.

"Probably the greatest comeback I've ever been a part of," Ottawa goalie Leevi Merilainen said after the game, via NHL.com. "Such a crazy game. High emotions. Felt like a playoff game for the most part."

Merilainen, who made 23 saves, has stepped up for Ottawa since Ullmark’s injury. Josh Norris tied the game for the Senators with 12 seconds left in the third period to force overtime.

Tim Stutzle scored the only goal in the shootout, which allowed Ottawa to grab the win.

For Boston, David Pastrnak had a goal and two assists. Swayman made 39 saves but his heroics were not enough to prevent the Bruins from slumping to their seventh loss in nine games.

Jeremy Swayman dressed up as Santa Claus for Linus Ullmark’s kids

The two goalies started dressing up as Santa Claus for each other’s kids in 2022. In 2023, Jeremy Swayman kept the tradition alive and Linus Ullmark shared pics of on his Instagram. The snaps showed Swayman having fun with Ullmark’s children.

"Swaynta Clause, making core memories wherever he goes. Our family’s favorite tradition nowadays! 🎅🏼❤️ Thankful for this wonderful person. Love you kompis!" Ullmark captioned.

Ullmark’s kids had a lot of fun unwrapping their presents and Swayman also gave them a "Swaynta" hug.

Swayman is set to be in goal against the San Jose Sharks on Monday. Ullmark hasn’t played since Dec. 23 but the Senators said that he is now day-to-day. He is traveling with the team on its road trip which begins on Sunday against the New Jersey Devils.