Young Canadiens fan forced to leave Leafs game after Suzuki gifts him a stick

There are few sights in hockey more heartwarming than interactions between fans and players during pre-game warmups.

Young fans line up against the glass, hoping to catch the attention of their heroes for a chance at a wave, a gifted puck or even a selfie.

However good-natured and touching these exchanges are, they can sometimes take an unexpected turn for the worse.

Prior to the Toronto Maple Leafs' 3-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday, Habs forward Nick Suzuki found a young admirer with a sign asking him for a selfie and a puck.

Suzuki happily complied with the latter, but the fan unfortunately missed the catch and caught the puck in the mouth, resulting in a bloody bottom lip and a few tears.

Feeling bad about the awkward result of his good deed, Suzuki posed for a picture with the boy, Hunter, signed his puck and offered him a stick.

Unfortunately, Hunter and his father Steven were dealt another blow when Scotiabank Arena staff told the two they were not allowed to have the stick with them in the stands, and would have to leave the game if they wanted to keep Suzuki’s gift. Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment provided their side of the story on Monday, telling TSN's John Lu that security approached the Beauparlants in the concourse with 10 minutes remaining in the third period and offered to check the stick until after the game, but they decided to leave under their own volition.

Those responding to Steve’s tweets expressed confusion and regret about the incident, wishing young Hunter the best after his eventful evening in Toronto.

In the end, things didn't turn out too bad for Hunter. The Canadiens offered to send him a sweater of his favourite player, while Suzuki and the team have extended an invite to have them as guests at Saturday's game against the Washington Capitals.

More from Yahoo Sports