It's been almost 10 years since I've gone Shark hunting... but Labor Day freed up my schedule and allowed me to go. So after two hours of standing in the sun... here's what I hauled in:
Douglas Murray
My first catch of the day was our Swedish defensemen, who happens to be one of my favorite players on the team. I like the way Murray carries himself on the ice... always willing to stand up for his teammates. I'm not 100% sure... but I think he fought in almost every game I attended last year.
Antti Niemi
After Murray, a bunch of the younger players came out... but I didn't recognize any of them... so I didn't bother to ask for their signatures. Then a few minutes later our starting goalie walked out. I've never seen him in person, but I knew he was a bigger name, because my buddy started digging through his photos. He told me it was Antti Niemi, so I pulled a puck out of my pocket... walked over to him and said hello... asked him to sign my puck... and then wished him luck this season.
Ryane Clowe
When I turned around... Mr. Clowe was walking towards me... so I pulled the other puck out of my pocket and repeated my greeting. He smiled and said "thanks" and started signing for a few others in the group.
Todd McLellan
After those three, we stood around for another 30 minutes. I had to call it a day, because I was meeting my brother for lunch. And just as I was about to head out, Coach McLellan walked out of the building smiled at us and headed towards his car. Nobody else was interested in his autograph... but I figured what the heck and walked over to his car. Just as he was about to put the car in reverse, he noticed me and rolled down his window. Like with the rest of them, I said "thank you" and wished him luck this season.
I couldn't wait around any longer... or risk being late for lunch... so I took off without seeing Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, or anyone else. But you won't hear me complaining. I just met and acquired autographs from three players and the head coach... all of whom I had never seen before in person.
Today's question of the day:
Who's the nicest professional athlete you've had the privilege to meet in person?
Happy hump day everyone! Sayonara!
5 comments:
Matt Kemp.
Met him three times, and he's by far the nicest, most approachable and engaging athlete I've ever met.
Lyle Odelein. I had a job where I was able to meet almost every hockey player more than once during the '98/99 season. He was by far the most genuine and down to earth guy you'll ever meet.
oh, and Murraay fought four times last season, winning three and drawing one.
10/30 Anaheim - Aaron Voros - W
3/15 Dallas - Steve Ott - W
4/4 Los Angeles - Kyle Clifford - D
4/6 Anaheim - Brad Winchester - W
The Bryan Brothers...the twins who dominate men's doubles tennis. They are amazingly nice.
Zakwin - It's nice to hear a superstar like Kemp is still approachable and engaging. He's having one heck of a year.
Captain - What kind of job was that? Any positive experiences with Sharks players? I remember Jeff Friesen was always nice to the fans and would hang out and talk.
I definitely went to the 10/30 Anaheim game... I think that was the time he fought and another Shark fought at the same time. And I'm pretty sure I went to the LA game... although I have to double check to see if I have the ticket.
The Lost Collector - I've never heard of them... but I'll have to look them up on YouTube when I get home.
Alan Shearer! English Soccer Player, An absolute credit to professional sport!
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