A woman in Western New York has been waiting 32 years for this moment, and it happened thanks to the good people in Western New York. 

Ashley Lynn has been a huge fan of Rob Ray, a former professional ice hockey player for the Buffalo Sabres and the Ottawa Senators, for several years.

Ray is currently a Canadian sports broadcaster who still lives around Western New York. Over the years, he has earned several awards, solidifying his spot in Sabres history, including the 1999 King Clancy Memorial Trophy from the NHL and a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame.  

He’s left a lasting impact on several Sabres fans over the years, including Ashley Lynn, who is celebrating a special birthday this year. 

Lynn turned 32 on Thursday, July 11, and if you have been a fan of Rob Ray, you already know that he wore #32 during his time with the Buffalo Sabres. 

Ahead of the big day, Lynn had been making plans for, what she calls, her “Rob Ray Birthday,” but her big birthday wish this year was to get a picture with Rob to celebrate the big 3-2! 

Lynn shared this post with the Bills Mafia Babes, asking for their help with the task:

“I’ve been madly hooked on Rob Ray since I was about 5.

Tomorrow I turn 32, his number. I’ve been calling it my Rob Ray birthday.

I so badly just want a picture with him. (I have 100+)

But tomorrow is my Rob Ray birthday.

Open to any help!

I’ve waited 32 years for this day.”

Lynn gave us permission to share the post outside of the group, in hopes of making her birthday wish come true, and I am so excited to share that the power of radio and Facebook got us in touch with a close friend of Rob Ray, who ultimately contacted Lynn via her cell phone! 

Ray hung out with Ashley and her kids, Carson (5) and Zane (3), for over 30 minutes! How sweet of him to do that? It absolutely made Ashley’s day!

Several people have stories of Rob Ray and how kind and genuine of a person he is to everyone who has met him. How cool is it that he went out of his way to grant her birthday wish?

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