[Soliak]

I had an awkward run in with Duchene at a bar/club in Vancouver a few years ago. He walks in with Giggy, Nathan MacKinnon and Nick Holden. As they walk up to the bar to order a drink I say g'day and start talking to them. Giggy sits down on a stool next to me and starts asking me if I like hockey, we talk about the Flames etc...he's a cool guy and we are drinking together - sweet.

After about 15 minutes he offers to buy me a shot and we power it down, then keep bantering for a bit longer. I'm feeling pretty comfortable and it's more just like hanging out with a mate rather than a pro - this is where I go wrong.

I let slip that it's an interesting group he has tonight, him being older and dressed completely different to the others. The other 3 guys all have shirts flared open with the top two buttons undone, Duchene has a ridiculous gold chain around his neck with a ring hanging off it, they look like idiots. At this point the other guys are a few meters away talking to some girls. Giggy inquires what I mean by the comment and I mention their get-ups and how much smaller Duchene was to what I expected. He starts laughing and starts yammering for Duchene to come over, Giggy is giggling saying "oh he's gonna love this...". Duchene comes over and he's got this what-the-####-do-you-want expression on his face like Giggy is always playing tricks on him or like I wanted an autograph or something? Giggy then tells me with a grin to repeat what I just said...."I wasn't trying to be offensive, Matt, but I was just telling Giggy here that you look much smaller then I expected".

Duchene looks at me deadpan for about 10 seconds, says nothing and walks away. Giggy howls with laughter and buys me another shot.