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Badger Bob · 08-21-2011, 04:06 PM

Floyd Smith - Sabres coach when they made Finals in '75. He purchased the house of my parents' friends (had actually been in the home for a dinner party, the previous summer). While bike riding with a friend, I told him. Then, on a whim, suggested we go to the house. We did and asked for Floyd. He came to the door and spoke for a few moments with us goofy kids. He politely excused himself, as he was getting ready to head to the airport to catch the flight to Philly. It's one of those things that happen as a kid, that you appreciate more as an adult, that it was such an amazing experience.

Scotty Bowman - was at an auto show at my then place of employment. He got to be friends with the Plant Manager, as both shuttled back and forth to Detroit from Buffalo. Scotty was exactly like when you see him interviewed on TV. He'll pause to think about the answer to a question, look up and give an honest and thoughtful reply. He signed his Detroit Red Wings Head Coach business card for me.

Guy Lafleur - saw him at after a card show ended in Toronto. The previous winter, he was scheduled to appear at old timers game in HSBC Arena to honor Ted Darling (Sabres broadcaster, who passed). I asked him what happened. He explained that he was driving through Burlington, and hit a snow storm. We chatted a bit about, and I decided to let him move along. After all, this was Guy Lafleur and probably a very busy man. He looked back to continue asking questions about me!

Mike Robataille - former Sabres and Canucks player, current Sabres studio analyst. See him at my gym frequently. Always willing to chat on a wide variety of subjects. His wife operates a successful real estate office.

Pat Lafontaine - a total gentleman who seems genuinely interested in everyone he meets and is extremely generous about signing autographs.

Jean Beliveau - met him at a signing event in Niagara Falls, NY. He's everything that you've always heard - pure class. A friend of mine, in Montreal, told me a story of when he was starting his career in finance at a bank, sometime during the mid 80's, Jean Beliveau had been asked to make an appearance. That afternoon, there was a holdup!

Rick Martin - saw him at an auto show. Told him that I attended the '78 All Star game at the old Memorial Auditorium as an 11-year old. He extended his hand and said, "one for me, two for Gilbert." What a grip that man had. Sadly, he passed over the winter, but I did attend the memorial service at HSBC Arena.

Can't think of any negative encounter with an NHL player ever. Of the 4 major sports in North America, hockey players probably have the highest proportion of players who are decent, all around people.

08-21-2011, 04:06 PM	#277
Badger Bob Lifetime Suspension Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: whereever my feet take me Exp:	Floyd Smith - Sabres coach when they made Finals in '75. He purchased the house of my parents' friends (had actually been in the home for a dinner party, the previous summer). While bike riding with a friend, I told him. Then, on a whim, suggested we go to the house. We did and asked for Floyd. He came to the door and spoke for a few moments with us goofy kids. He politely excused himself, as he was getting ready to head to the airport to catch the flight to Philly. It's one of those things that happen as a kid, that you appreciate more as an adult, that it was such an amazing experience. Scotty Bowman - was at an auto show at my then place of employment. He got to be friends with the Plant Manager, as both shuttled back and forth to Detroit from Buffalo. Scotty was exactly like when you see him interviewed on TV. He'll pause to think about the answer to a question, look up and give an honest and thoughtful reply. He signed his Detroit Red Wings Head Coach business card for me. Guy Lafleur - saw him at after a card show ended in Toronto. The previous winter, he was scheduled to appear at old timers game in HSBC Arena to honor Ted Darling (Sabres broadcaster, who passed). I asked him what happened. He explained that he was driving through Burlington, and hit a snow storm. We chatted a bit about, and I decided to let him move along. After all, this was Guy Lafleur and probably a very busy man. He looked back to continue asking questions about me! Mike Robataille - former Sabres and Canucks player, current Sabres studio analyst. See him at my gym frequently. Always willing to chat on a wide variety of subjects. His wife operates a successful real estate office. Pat Lafontaine - a total gentleman who seems genuinely interested in everyone he meets and is extremely generous about signing autographs. Jean Beliveau - met him at a signing event in Niagara Falls, NY. He's everything that you've always heard - pure class. A friend of mine, in Montreal, told me a story of when he was starting his career in finance at a bank, sometime during the mid 80's, Jean Beliveau had been asked to make an appearance. That afternoon, there was a holdup! Rick Martin - saw him at an auto show. Told him that I attended the '78 All Star game at the old Memorial Auditorium as an 11-year old. He extended his hand and said, "one for me, two for Gilbert." What a grip that man had. Sadly, he passed over the winter, but I did attend the memorial service at HSBC Arena. Can't think of any negative encounter with an NHL player ever. Of the 4 major sports in North America, hockey players probably have the highest proportion of players who are decent, all around people. Last edited by Badger Bob; 08-21-2011 at 04:10 PM.