So I am meeting a couple buddies in a bar here in Saskatoon after work last night, and while waiting for a bunch of guys to clear a space for me to sit down at (there are a bunch of dudes crowding the table beside us), a gravelly voice asks me "so what, you want an autograph too?" Sitting at the next table are Stevie Y, Mark Messier, and Darryl Sutter (and odd trio to say the least!!).. I reply, "nah. I just wanted to shake Steves hand. I really respect a guy who plays his entire career with a team, rides out the rough times, and turns a struggling team into a dominate one!. A guy who understands hockey hate and loyalty are hard to find today!"
Mark says (while I am shaking Steve's hand) "you can't control the teams you get traded to, or where you go in the league. theres no need to hate the teams a player has played for because he got traded somewhere"
With a big smile,I said "dude. you are a hockey icon. You are one of the top 5 leaders in all sports of all times, second in so many catagories to Wayne that its not even funny, with a history of clutch performaces. I don't hate teams you have played for... I am a canucks fan. I simply hate you!"
Sutter almost fell off his stool because he was laughing so hard
I had a beer with them, and even though sutter 'hates me too!' we had a really nice chat about a variety of topics. When Messier doesn't have his 'hockey god' hat on, he really isn't a bad guy.. and sutter has a wierd sense of humor. if he wasn't a Flamer, I could almost like him. Stevie Y is just that.. classy a guy as any I have ever met ( I avoided the Olymic selection topic). All three have a good knowledge of the Junior talent in town...All in all, a good night...
