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I was on my way home tonight from a job interview that I didn't really want to go to, and as I'm walking from the subway back to my apartment who do I see?
Sergei Fedorov!
He was hanging on Robson street in front of a Cafe Crepe with a number of other players that I didn't recognize. Of course I stopped and asked politely for his autograph and he was very easy going about it. I don't have a scanner, so I had to take a photo of the autograph in my notebook. Please excuse the nasty photo. I thought you guys would be interested!
Right on That's very cool. Hockey players are in general invisible around here so one would probably die of shock if recognized let alone asked for an autograph
I met Adam Oates at a night club in Boston once. He was hanging out with some friends a couple weeks after the Bruins were knocked out of the playoffs. He was a cool guy. He took the time to chat with my friend and I. He even apologized for not going further in the playoffs.
I've met various other Bruins (and Bruins alumni) over the years but those were all at charity fundraisers the Bruins held. The most awe-inspiring Bruins alumni I met at those was the one and only Bobby Orr. He was the nicest and most humble guy you would ever meet. I was getting my picture taken with him and I was a bumbling mess of nerves. All I could get out was "Thanks you". He grabs my hand in a very friendly handshake, big genuine smile on his face, and thanks me for coming out and helping the charity. The man is like a god in Boston but he doesn't have an air of superiority about him. He's just a genuine down to earth nice guy.
CatchUp wrote:with a number of other players that I didn't recognize.
I beileve those are called Columbus Blue Jackets players.
Awesome meeting such a (formerly) great player.
I was about to add some smart-alec remark to go with your Blue Jackets crack and then I remembered how bad my Boston Bruins are lately. I've got no room to point and laugh.
bruins72 wrote:I've met various other Bruins (and Bruins alumni) over the years but those were all at charity fundraisers the Bruins held. The most awe-inspiring Bruins alumni I met at those was the one and only Bobby Orr. He was the nicest and most humble guy you would ever meet. I was getting my picture taken with him and I was a bumbling mess of nerves. All I could get out was "Thanks you". He grabs my hand in a very friendly handshake, big genuine smile on his face, and thanks me for coming out and helping the charity. The man is like a god in Boston but he doesn't have an air of superiority about him. He's just a genuine down to earth nice guy.
I read somewhere a while back that Orr's neighbors didnt believe he was in the HOF.
I once was in a restaurant when Chelios came in with his family. I didn't bother him though, I think its rude when people bombard athletes/Celebs when they are out with their family.
Also a family friend was once in a Chicago bar when Chelios came in. A while later so did Kid Rock. I guess Rock was all uptight and being a jerk with his security guards, but our friend talked and had some beers with Cheli that night.
My wife's cousin met Donald Brashear's fist once. When asked why he did not sue like someone in the States (New Jersey?) did, his response was: " I deserved it, besides it is nice to have a broken nose caused by a hockey goon in the NHL. I always wanted to be in the NHL, now I feel like I have been, cause I would have been a goon." The guy is 5 foot 4 120 lbs soaking wet.
I meet a lot of the current players and Blackhawks Alumni with my charity events too, and without exception the hockey people I've met have been the most personable celebs ever. I talk with my personal Hawks hero Stan Mikita each year after the season, he never misses an event and never turns down an autograph offer especially for kids. Now coach Savard is a darn nice guy as well who always makes time for the Alumni Charities.
Mainly I just love to get them talking about their playing days One of my fondest memories was when Keith Magnusson was sitting at our table talking with my dad about a scrap he'd had, Keith was one of the nicest guys you'd ever meet a true heart of gold, but if you crossed him on the ice hooboy were you in for it! My dad's since passed away (like Keith taken from us farrrrr to early) but I will never forget him and Maggy laughing and talking about 'the old days' that night.
Hehey, that's cool! Would love to see some NHL star live. Too bad i dont hang around too much in North America.
I have seen Jarkko Ruutu and Janne Niinimaa (he was at this metal festival in finland, he stood next to me and we moshed for the whole gig of Dimmu Borgir) and my friend lives practically next to Jere Karalahti, the HIFK icon and respected player in finland so i see him from time to time. Never spoken to anyone though, since Niinimaa was pretty wasted and although i love how Ruutu plays, i still wouldnt dare to go talk to him =p.
* stood waiting in pedestrian traffic lights with Saku Koivu
* stood right in front of Sami Salo in a movie theater ticket line
* when exiting the public library, come within an inch of crashing into Fredrik Norrena who was going in with a big stack of books
One of my fondest memories was when Keith Magnusson was sitting at our table talking with my dad about a scrap he'd had, Keith was one of the nicest guys you'd ever meet a true heart of gold, but if you crossed him on the ice hooboy were you in for it! My dad's since passed away (like Keith taken from us farrrrr to early) but I will never forget him and Maggy laughing and talking about 'the old days' that night. 
