With the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup Playoffs in full bloom, I thought this would be the perfect time to flash back to last years’ NHL Awards and my surprise encounter with none other than “Mr.Hockey” himself, the legendary Gordie Howe.
Gordie is one of the greatest players to ever lace up the skates! He is an NHL Hall of Famer who played for the Detroit Red Wings and Hartford Whalers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Mr.Hockey also played with the Houston Aeros and New England Whalers in the World Hockey Association (WHA).
The funny or ironic thing was that I bumped into former NHL great and one of Gordie’s longtime fellow teammates in none other than Mr. Tony McKegney! Unfortunately, however, the focus and attention I had on Mr.McKegney seemed to all of a sudden have abruptly ended when Mr.Howe’s presence became known outside of the stage door of the storied Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada! In fact, the hockey fans gathered around outside there were in absolute awe and a frenzy was soon let loose on the beloved hockey god himself! Quite the scene it was there indeed!
I also ran into Tyler Stewart of legendary Toronto band, the Barenaked Ladies. Mr.Stewart was indeed very happy to see me! We chatted for a bit with each other! It was fantastic really! I just hope he remembered to say hi to my fellow Englishman and former NHL great, Mr. Steve ‘Stumpy’ Thomas! I do really admire Stumpy and his charismatic ways! For afterall, he was one of the true gentlemen and consumate professionals (much like Mr.Hockey and the Great One) to ever have played in both the American Hockey League (AHL) and the NHL during his fantastic career! A real competitor and gritty leader he was in the sport of ice hockey nonetheless, who was the heart n’ soul of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Chicago Blackhawks for many years during his time in the NHL!
All in all a great night it truly was and a really fun time had by all in attendance that evening! Pure magic! In fact folks, I can hardly wait for the 2008 edition of the NHL Awards ceremonies here in Hockey Town to start all over again! Quite simply put: the NHL still is the coolest game on earth! Cheers to the legend of Mr.Hockey! Game On!