[It's a great day 4 hockey]

Here's a what made me a Joe Thornton fan. I was fortunate enough to go to the 2004 World Cup of hockey championship game. After the Team Canada win I figured the team would celebrate at Wanye Gretzky's restaurant. I was right.

Instead of being part of the pack I decided to enjoy the moment from a distance and take it all in. A small mob of people crowded around the back of the restaurant as the stars of the game got out of their limos. Dressed to the nines not one took the time to even toss a smile in the fans direction as they quickly entered.

After a couple of minutes my attention was drawn to a person kitty corner from the restaurant. It was Big Joe. He was wearing shorts, sandals, a Team Canada jersey, and a ball cap. He was taking in the moment, hiding in plain sight. When a couple of fans walking by realized who he was Big Joe shook hands with the guy, hugged the girl, and signed the guy's jersey. He chatted with them for a couple of minutes before the couple continued on. He took another minute to himself before crossing the street walking up the crowd of twenty or so people that were still at the restaurant's back door and gave out high fives and autographs before heading in.

From that day forward I've always wanted him to be a Flame.