Lord Stanely 39 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 Board seems a little slow lately -probably because of all of the injuries. I thought I would try something different just to get some action going. Which NHL players have you met- were the nice or pricks? Also how did you meet or know him? For me: Marcel Dionne- Rockstar cool- met him at his store. Franzen- Very nice- met him after game 2 of SCF as he was leaving the arena Luca Caputi (sp?)- decent but distant (he was just weeks away from his first call up to the big show)- met him after a minor league game as he was walking out with his agent and parents. A couple of guys whow were drafted but not yet in the NHL while they played for the Niagara Ice Dogs- they were OK. A former Blackhawk who I can't for the life of me remember his name- he played in the 70/80's. Lived in a condo assoc I managed and was extremely nice. Alice Prius- nice- Pass it on hockey tournament. That's about it for me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DatsyukianDekes 2,428 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 (edited) Kris Draper - He was running the track at my school in the off season and was visiting his parents who live in Pickering. He was nice, didn't really have a chance to talk to him as he was walking back to his SUV but I did get an autograph. Edited January 20, 2011 by darkmanx 1 hokeychik22 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edicius 3,269 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 Gordie. He was beyond nice. So was his wife. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zohan Franzen 18 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 Nick Schultz - while he was playig with the Kassel Huskies during the lock-out. Met him and a few other players at a bar and talked to him about the NHL and stuff. Was pretty tough for me because my my english sucked back then! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest ToMaToToWnWinGsFaN_24 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 ive only met a couple wayne gretzky - met him when i was like 2 or 3 at the edmonton mall Brian Propp - met him quite sometime ago in saskatchewan in his hometown. my father got all estatic and excited cause hes a big flyers fan but my fav: D-Mac - met him at my sisters high school graduation back in 1998. his sister happened to be graduated the same year as her. he sat behind me and gave me his autograph on the gruduation booklet which i still have. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barrie 900 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 (edited) I met Gordie Howe at a "Wine and Dine with #9" outside Windsor Ontario at a Winery. Very cool experience! There was about 20 of us. We got to eat Gordie's favorite meal, got to ask him a few questions, listened to him talk, got a few pictures taken with him, and he signed his "9" book. I can't think of any others... I got Roenick's autograph one time. Also at OHL games the players like to hang around in the concession area after and give autographs. A few times I've been to games I've walked by some and said a few words, but have no idea who I talked too. It could have been a star for all I know! Actually I was at a game in Brampton where Ryan Oulahen got injured, high-lowed. He was captain of the Battalion at the time. After the game I asked one of his teammates hanging around signing autographs how Ryan was doing, just because how hard he got hit, I was concerned. Also funny thing, I was wearing a Red Wings jersey and had no idea he had been drafted by the Wings. I probably looked smart asking how he was doing in a Wings jersey eh? Edit: Oh yea just remembered... I was flying home from my cousin's wedding, Vancouver to Calgary to Hamilton. Ray Emery was on my flight, from Calgary to Hamilton, it was just before the the 2007-08 season, a week before training camp. I talked to him at baggage claim, asked him when training camp started, he said, "in a week". I congratulated him on making the finals the previous year with Ottawa, and wished him the best of luck for 2007-08. I didn't ask for an autograph, I didn't really want one, haha. Edited January 20, 2011 by Barrie Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nate94gt 134 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 I met flipper when he played for the griffs. he was nice. he was actually the one that started talking to me. so that was cool. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevkrause 1,247 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 (edited) there have been quite a few actually, so I'll just give the best and worst of the list... Best - Gordie Howe and Steve Yzerman, both incredibly nice, engaging and humble and EXACTLY what you would expect of them Close runner up - Mickey Redmond, also very nice and funny Worst - **DISCLAIMER** - This has LONG since been forgiven and I hold nothing against him and actually met him again years later and he made up for it... Bob Probert - This was in the late 80's/early 90's period, I was only a kid and it wasn't even night yet, we went to a local bar and grill after a hockey game and he was there with Kocur and some other guys, they were all clearly drunk (and probably coked up too) and he was very abrasive, rude and seemed like he wanted to fight everyone at the place... in retrospect, I realize this was a dark period in his life and I met him again in the early 00's and he was very quiet, humble and polite Edited January 20, 2011 by stevkrause Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kira 451 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 As I've been lucky enough to go to training camp every year since '05, my list is very long, so I won't list them all here. But the nicest is definitely Pasha. If there was anyone that was a little standoffish and cold, I'd have to say it was Dan Cleary. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barrie 900 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 (edited) Worst - **DISCLAIMER** - This has LONG since been forgiven and I hold nothing against him and actually met him again years later and he made up for it... Bob Probert - This was in the late 80's/early 90's period, I was only a kid and it wasn't even night yet, we went to a local bar and grill after a hockey game and he was there with Kocur and some other guys, they were all clearly drunk (and probably coked up too) and he was very abrasive, rude and seemed like he wanted to fight everyone at the place... in retrospect, I realize this was a dark period in his life and I met him again in the early 00's and he was very quiet, humble and polite I have a customer who knew Probert, is a friend of Paul Coffey too, he said the same thing about Bob, quiet, humble, and polite. Edit: My customer said one year he drove Coffey to Detroit to negotiate his contract with Wings management. I think it was before the 1993-94 season. Edited January 20, 2011 by Barrie Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jesusberg 1,256 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 I've only met a few, but mostly were positive experiences... Gordie: I met Gordie at the Joe when he was releasing a book. I was getting my copy signed, and my buddy who was behind me (who's a Habs fan) didn't have a book and was just waiting for me. Howe looked up at me and said, "Who's this guy? Your bodyguard?". My friend's face turned bright red as we walked away. McCarty: I got to meet D-Mac once when he was in Windsor. He was actually just walking downtown with some other guys one night and I bumped into him. I shook his hand, told him I was a fan and let him be after that. Adam Graves: I actually got to meet Graves quite a few times, in public and in private. My mother was dating a guy who was friends with Graves when they were children. I got to shoot the s*** with him for a lot of stuff, really easy guy to talk to. I was still pretty young then, but I remember getting multiple items signed including a poster and several hockey cards. By far the funniest/most embarrassing hockey player I've ever met was Kyle Wellwood. Being from Windsor he comes back sometimes to the local bars. The 2-3 times I've seen him he ALWAYS gets embarrassed when he's recognized, and even gets a little mad. I remember maybe the summer before last he was at a bar called the Beach wearing a soccer jersey of some sort. When people kept pointing him out he actually used the shirt to cover his face, pulling it up over the front. In the process he exposed his stomach, which was met with a lot of "Hoo Hoo" (Pillsbury Doughboy sounds). It was actually pretty funny. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sputman 1,268 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 i met rod brind'amour at msu hockey camp back in '91. i asked him if he'd fight probert and he just laughed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown_Ryan 119 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 I met Jimmy Carson - He was a friend of the guy who owned the store my brother was working at. (when He was a Wing) Very nice and polite I shook hands with Dino - Ultra cool... I met the Hatcher boys - Both really nice ( at least that day! ) Greg Steffan (sp) decent, When i was a kid - mid 80 ish - My buddy and I were with his sister and she took us to meet Bob Probert and Sheldon Kennedy. Both nice (to a couple kids they better of been right?) That's it for me. No one really recent or new. haven't been that fortunate yet! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Konnan511 1,736 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 (edited) At this past training camp in traverse City, me and a friend were at the bar when DMac, JHo, Draper, Ozzie, Maltby and John Keating walked in. Got drunk with them while watching some NFL game. I told them thank you for everything they've done, got a picture with all of them at closing time (I think those pictures are in the water cooler members photos section) and went on my way. Draper was meh, JHo was awesome (I asked him how longs it's been now that he has been coming to TC and he said 5 years and he hopes for 10 more), Maltby didn't stop buying everyone drinks all night, Ozzie was humble (I was drunk and doing my best to convince him he is making the HHOF and he was being neutral on the subject), DMac was tanked and bitching about the Casino being 15 minutes away. Keating dipped out early and was a very jolly guy. I also met Paul Coffey a million times because he was best friends with my 9th grade science teacher and he always came in. Keith Primeau I've met a bunch because he was neighbors with my Aunt/Uncle, the guys a ******. Edit: (Tori) Spelling Edited January 20, 2011 by Konnan511 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hooon 1,089 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 Was on a flight with Scotty Bowman a couple years ago and talked with him for a while at baggage claim. He was still with the Wings at the time and said he was on his way to a connecting flight to Russia where he was going to see a player. Great guy, didn't mind chatting it up about hockey for a few minutes. I saw Kopecky at the grocery store last year (at least I'm 99% sure it was him) but I decided not to say anything. Otherwise, I think thats it for me. Impressive lists from you guys, though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WizardOfOz30 1,886 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 I've been to 2 of Toasts in 2009 so I met most of the guys there. When I was younger I met Adam Oates, Rick Zombo, Joe Kocur, Primeau, Federov, I'm pretty sure Probert. I know there are a few other ones because my uncle would take us to those softball games they used to do. I remember meeting Yzerman the 1st time and being very disappointed with him. I was young and I guess expected him to actually look at me and say hi before signing my jersey, which was his. That sort of ruined things for me for a while, but as I got older I realized he was very busy signing everything and I'm sure he was nice to me, just not what I had expected. I met him again in 2009 at the Toast and he was so nice. I'm glad I had that opportunity before he went to Tampa. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
newfy 695 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 Ciccarelli really came off as a great guy to me. He had just retired when I met him and he was playing an alumni hockey game, I was young and wouldnt stop bugging him but he was cool about it and signed a bunch of s*** for me. Ysaebart? was pretty cool as well Shawn Burr seemed pretty quiet when I met him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Travis 576 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 Should've met Gordie at a signing, but my Dad thought it was important for me to go to class. He went and said Gordie was a class act, which we already knew. MR. HOCKEY IS WAY MORE IMPORTANT THAN 3RD GRADE! 4 Original-Six, 55fan, Jenny and 1 other reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,794 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 Was on a flight with Scotty Bowman a couple years ago and talked with him for a while at baggage claim. He was still with the Wings at the time and said he was on his way to a connecting flight to Russia where he was going to see a player. Great guy, didn't mind chatting it up about hockey for a few minutes. I saw Kopecky at the grocery store last year (at least I'm 99% sure it was him) but I decided not to say anything. Otherwise, I think thats it for me. Impressive lists from you guys, though. You should have told Kopecky that you appreciated his last shift in Detroit. I've never met any NHL players unfortunately. I've met a few NFL players, but that's about it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AceInTheSleeve 97 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 Was in front of Danny Heatley in line on a flight to kKelowna from Calgary, the boarding pass lady came up to him and asked him for an autograph, he didn't even speak to her he just signed it..she thanked him and walked away. After the flight at baggage claim he was giving me this look like "I know this dude recognizes me but I'm really hoping he doesn't come talk to me right now" Danny Heatley: definitely a ZERO Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jusek 437 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 (edited) I was at Teemu Selänne's hockey camp about five years ago and chatted with him a bit. There were former NHLers Ossi Väänänen and Juha Lind too. I have also met Sami Kapanen. Edited January 20, 2011 by Jusek Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ogreslayer 1,069 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 (edited) Only one I've met is Gordie. He did a "make-a-wish" appearance & autograph signing with the Indianapolis Ice back in 2000 or 2001. Had my Lids jersey on, which he commented on as soon as my turn in the autograph line came up. Had a nice long chat with him about the Wings season & predicting Lids would win his first Norris that year among other things. I finally had to beg out of the conversation as we were holding up the line & some people behind me were really getting pissed. He seemed like he could have just sat there talking hockey for hours. He's always been Mr. Hockey but it was never clearer to me why he was after spending 5 minutes or so talking with him. Hero of the highest order. Edit: I will say I've met some NHL players before they actually hit the NHL. Was at Bowling Green the same time Rob Blake & Nelson Emerson where there and actually ran into both more than a few times. Edited January 20, 2011 by ogreslayer Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HockeyTownHouligan 57 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 I had the pleasure of meeting Kirk Maltby for a cooking thing at a meijer in Rochester Hills. He seemed like he was a pretty cool guy, I asked him who he got to beat up in the Avs/Wings brawl. And I got Patrick Eaves' autograph this pre season after a game and Brendan Smith's autograph eaves was quiet and didn't say much and smith was pretty cool too, I told smith he had a lot of potential and to keep up the good work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stockholm-wing 0 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 (edited) I've met Lidström 3 times. All of them we're after SC wins. 2002 he brought all the "hardware". The conn smythe, Norris and Stanley. After the last SC win I "stalked" Stanley and met Lids, Kronner and Sammy all in 4 days. Also met Patrik Juhlin (played for the Flyers in the mid 90's) we played soccer on the same team when we were young. He and Lids played on the same team (Västerås) in 1990. Edit- forgot to mention that Lids and I went to the same highschool but at that time he hadn't yet reached superstar status! Edited January 20, 2011 by Stockholm-wing Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wing Across The Pond 196 Report post Posted January 20, 2011 I met Jimmy Carson - He was a friend of the guy who owned the store my brother was working at. (when He was a Wing) Very nice and polite I shook hands with Dino - Ultra cool... I met the Hatcher boys - Both really nice ( at least that day! ) Greg Steffan (sp) decent, When i was a kid - mid 80 ish - My buddy and I were with his sister and she took us to meet Bob Probert and Sheldon Kennedy. Both nice (to a couple kids they better of been right?) That's it for me. No one really recent or new. haven't been that fortunate yet! I can’t believe I shook that frickin’ guy’s hand after the game. That pisses me right off.... We have the worst brand of hockey over here in the UK so I envy you all and have to get over to Detroit soon! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
