Hockey fan hopes $1 million lottery win signals luck for Leafs
After winning $1 million in the lottery, one Canadian grandma hopes her luck will rub off on her favourite hockey team.
Heather Loney, a resident of Fenelon Falls, Ontario, is a mother of four with seven grandkids. A long-time lottery player, she enjoys playing Lotto Max, Lotto 6/49, and other Instant games. So when she found out about Triple Millions, a game only available in the summer, she decided to give it a try.
“I actually bought 10 tickets. I kept three for myself and gave the rest to my kids as birthday gifts,” recalled Loney.
However, an ordinary day instantly became an unforgettable one after an unexpected discovery.
“I discovered my win when I returned home from a night out at bingo,” she said. “I hadn’t had any luck there, so I decided it was a good time to check my lottery tickets. When I scanned this ticket, I saw the ‘Big Winner’ message, and my heart dropped.”
She ran across the street to her daughter’s house and banged on the door.
“When she opened it, I showed her my ticket, saying, ‘Look at this! Is this real?’ We both screamed with pure joy,” said Loney. “I kept my poor, pregnant daughter up until 4:00 am that night. I couldn’t sleep for days with all that excitement running through me!”
She called her other children, shrieking as she shared the news.
“I’ve faced a lot of hardship and loss over the years, and while I do feel sad that I can’t share this win with those who are no longer with us, I know they are watching over me,” she stated. “I feel beyond lucky and blessed.”
Now $1 million richer, Loney said she’ll use her windfall to pay bills and invest. She also has several travel plans.
“I want to take my family to Disney World, take my sister on a cruise, and treat myself to a trip to Nashville,” said the lottery winner.
OLG
Loney, who arrived at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto wearing a hockey jersey, said she hoped her good fortune would signal the Leafs.
“I’m proof that extraordinary things do happen,” she said. “If I can win the lottery, maybe the Leafs will bring home a win this year, too.”
The winning ticket was purchased at New Rave Convenience on King Street East in Oshawa.
All forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are strongly advised to gamble responsibly. If you are experiencing any signs of gambling-related issues, you can find resources here.