LUDLOW, Mass. (WWLP) - An 8-year-old girl in a pink helmet and glitter sneakers stole the spotlight last month at a benefit concert that raised more than $20,000 for the Springfield Thunderbirds sled hockey program.

Harper Carpenter, who has cerebral palsy, was front and center at the Sept. 19 event at the Ludlow Elks, high-fiving Trailer Trash lead vocalist Joe Fazio and dancing with Boomer, the Thunderbirds’ mascot.

For Harper, a junior player on the team, sled hockey has become a place to build confidence, stay active, and connect with teammates.

“Harper Carpenter has been a true spotlight in our program,” said Jess Levine, program manager for the Center for Human Development. “Her positivity and her take-charge attitude make her a perfect addition to our team. When you look at Harpe

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