DELAWARE, Ohio — Eleven-year-old Blake Mompher of Delaware is known for his epic Halloween costumes.
Blake was born with spina bifida and each year he incorporates his wheelchair into a creative costume. In past years, he has been mac and cheese, a school bus, McDonald’s french fries and even a Columbus Blue Jackets zamboni.
He is a huge Jackets fan and this year decided to dress up as a Blue Jackets player in a penalty box, but with a special twist.
Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew’s numbers are proudly displayed on the front.
Blake loved to watch Johnny play hockey and remembers his “scoring.” His dad, Aric, said he was hit hard by news of the player’s death in August.
“He does not like to talk about Johnny and I asked him this morning, when we talk about Johnny what does it make you feel like? He said it makes me mad, mad at that driver,” Aric said. “Johnny was fun to watch play hockey and Blake used to love him and cheer for him on TV and it brought so much joy into other people’s lives and Blake’s life and we wanted to reflect that with his costume.”
Each year when Blake comes up with his costumes, his parents take on the task of turning his vision into a reality. This year’s costume took some teamwork. Blake’s mom, Megan, posted on Facebook and recruited some strangers, now friends, to help build the frame. Others offered plexiglass and cardboard boxes.
Blake Mompher Halloween costumes
When Blake debuted his costume on social media, the Columbus Blue Jackets shared the post, writing “Blake has once again won Halloween.”
“That is special for us because the Fifth Line and all the fans have a bond,” Aric said.
Eleven years ago, doctors told Aric and Megan that Blake might not even make it to birth and if he did, might not have a good quality of life.
“He has been through a lot and it is hard. It is a juggling act but it is all worth it. He brings so much joy to our lives just as Johnny brought so much joy to hockey,” Aric said.
It will be a bittersweet season for Blue Jackets fans, and the Mompher family is hoping Blake’s costume will bring a smile to hockey fans in Columbus and show others that people who use wheelchairs can dream big.