Embarassing player encounters

[ClubFlames]

Met Phaneuf and Mark Smith at a bar, this was a few days before Phaneuf's extension was announced. Said hi to both of them, ended up getting wasted with both of them and they picked up the bill. Dion was busy charming the ladies who were all around him while I was just talking to Mark Smith and he kept showing me pics of his girlfriend at the time and kept saying how much he loved her and missed her (think she was still staying in San Jose) and it looked like he was pretty much ready to breakdown thinking about her.

I just didn't know what to say so I bought him a few more beers until it was time to leave haha

[me_dennis]

In 2008, my buddy was flying back to Calgary from Toronto, and he texted me before he boarded saying Iggy was on the same flight as him. I immediately offered to pick my buddy up from the airport, so I went home, grabbed my Iggy jersey, along with my girlfriend's jersey, and head to the airport. My buddy arrived and we stood around waiting for Iggy to show up. We saw him by the oversized baggage area, so we walked over like two dopey kids asking for an autograph and picture. I pulled out my jerseys from a plastic bag and Iggy gave me a weird look, probably wondering why I would have two Flames jerseys with me at the airport. I said that I usually keep my jerseys in the car for when I goto games. I don't think he bought it though, but regardless, I got my autographs and picture, so I was happy

[MolsonInBothHands]

As a teenager, around 16, I didn't follow the Flames that much, I had just moved to Alberta from BC, and my first summer here I tagged along with some buddies to attend my first Calgary Stampede.

My buddy had to take a leak, or grab a hot dog can't remember, but he was the die hard Flames fan at the time. While I was waiting for him, I was hanging out watching guys try to ring the bell with the hammer.

This big blonde guy comes and leans on the rail beside me and starts chatting with me about the game asking if I thought there was a trick to ringing the bell. We both agreed yes because some small guys had hit it once, while big brawny guys had failed lots. So this guy says he is going to give it a shot. When he got to it my buddy was back from wherever he went, and his jaw dropped. "Holy ####, do you see who that is?!?, That's MacInnis!"

He cranked that bell hard 3 times in a row, and I felt pretty stupid for not even knowing who I was talking to.

[SofaProfessor]

I was standing outside a bar downtown after a Flames game. Long line, I'm wasted after watching a classic Flames circa 2009/10 loss, it's cold out and who gets whisked by all of us? Ales Kotalik. My first thought was, "Oh hey, that's Ales Kotalik. Neat." Then I was like, "Wait, I just left the Dome and came straight here. He was playing. How did he get here so fast?!"

Then I went on some drunken rant about how Kotalik should be staying at the rink late to practice so he can stop sucking so bad while he awkwardly slinked through the doors into the bar. They kicked me out of the line and I had to go elsewhere. Not my proudest moment. Wish I wasn't so mean. On that note, however, I also don't take back anything I said.

[Iggy_12]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

Hamilton and Bennett (or at least Bennett's dad) lived in my building.

When I saw them in the elevator in the morning, I could clearly see the look of "oh you recognize me" in their eyes but I just said "good morning" and they didn't reply back. I pushed my floor and faced the door awkwardly.

So you live in riverfront hey

[Forbsey-123]

Every time I've met one its been a bit of a gong show.

Was born in Brantford Ontario (Gretzkys hometown) and he held the Gretzky classic each year. Happened to be at the pool where they all stayed and I'd heard that Brett Hull would be there...so I bring his card and am wondering aimlessly around the pool looking for him....must of walked right by him 10 times looking right at him but not recognizing (He was in a bathing suit, tanned as hell with shades on) and I only recognized him in his helmet....he eventually stopped me and told me to come over....I told him I couldn't...I was looking for Brett Hull.

Once all banged up at Cowboys in the University days....waiting in line at ATM and I drunkenly stumble into the guy in front of me and kind of push myself off him so I don't fall over....I feel an arm grab me by my shirt and straighten me out...I grab the arm and try to yank it off me while telling buddy to get the eff off me. I look up and its Iginla giving me the jersey scrunch with his other fist cocked by his side....a guy grabs his arm off me and cuts in front of me telling me to chill out...it was Kristof Oliwa.....yikes...sobered up right quick and apologized

About a year after Iginla incident I'm working at the Olympic Oval in the skate/rental skate/sharpening booth. I'm in the booth out of view and I hear the girl I'm working with tell a customer that the sharpener was broken and we couldn't sharpen his skates...customer then asks to rent a pair and she says that he'll need to leave his ID while he rents them (standard policy)....he kind of laughs and says "really" the girl starts to get a bit of an attitude and says 'ya really, its our policy'....customer then asks if there's any way around it or if there was anyone else who could help him and she says no....sorry, nothing we can do. I decide to peak my head around the corner and see whats up. It was freaking Mario Lemieux and he was over in the Hockey Canada building preparing for the 2002 Olympics....wanted to go for a skate with a few volenteers.....I almost fell out of my chair then told him he could have whatever he wants. He asked if he could sharpen his skates himself, so I let him (machine was fine....we were just lazy). It was a time before cell phones and having a camera on my constantly so all I got was his autograph on a friggin receipt. I told the girl I was working with that if Mario wants he can have anything available...even the freakin money out of the till if he says so.

[Iggy_12]

Not a hockey player but:

Back in 2010 me and a couple buddies went to San Diego to catch an eagles chargers game. We had second row seats down by one of the endzones, my buddy being a HUGE eagles fans (me a pats) was trying to convince me that after 2 pretty solid seasons from Desean Jackson that he was better and would have a better career than Randy Moss.

My exact words were "Desean Jackson couldnt hold Randy Moss' jockstrap, child please" Almost immediately after the woman in front of me turns around and says "You better be careful what youre saying thats my boy!" Me baffled by said statement noticed this lady in front had a Jackson jersey on and a Cal championship ring on one of her fingers, I quietly ask "what do you mean YOUR boy".

She tells me that Desean is her son and she heard me talking smack. I wasn't sure if i believed her despite the damning evidence but I apologized and told her i meant no disrespect but Randy is a legend! i challenged her and told her if Desean really was her kid she'd have no problem getting us a little meet and greet after the game. Sure enough when the game ended desean comes trotting over jumps into the stands gives his mom a big hug and kiss. She turns to me and goes "believe me now" i just took a bow and conceded haha!

what are the chances right!

[The Coppernian One]

Not an embarrassing one, or even a player...

A couple of summers in university I worked on campus at the UofA in guest services. They operate the Lister dorms as a hotel over the summer. It's a bit of niche because it's way cheaper than a hotel, but can cater to large groups who don't need a full hotel type service.

We had all of the teams from a national inline hockey tournament staying with us and Walter Gretzky was a coach of one of the Ontario teams. We ran into big issues with the teams (I think 14ish - 17ish year old boys) all inviting the girls from the stands back after the games and had them wandering around annoying all of our other quests. Our manager had a meeting with the coaches to discuss the puck bunnies and Walter Gretzky pretended not to know what a puck bunny was. I was trying not to laugh watching him play dumb while my co-worker was trying to tactfully expain to him what a puck bunny was in several different ways. The guy always had a smile and always joking around the entire time he was there.

[FireGilbert]

I worked as a painter one summer and while door knocking in Brittania arrived at Jim Peplinski's house. Before I could even start my marketing pitch he pretty much told me I was stupid for knocking on his door because the house was mostly brick and bluntly told me to go away. I felt so embarrassed for being called out by a former Flames player and learned a valuable lesson that being a pro hockey player does not necessarily make you a nice person.

Another story was attending the Thereon Fleury hockey school as a 12 year old and realising I was a good couple inches taller than Theo. I was worried he was embarrassed to have this kid towering over him but obviously he didn't care at all.

[Captaincanada80]

Boring hockey game and saw this thread pop up.

I've had a very fortunate childhood and will share a story or two.

So, as some know on here I come from the Moss family in Edmonton. My aunt dated Gretzky for many years and Uncle Joey is still kicking it with the Oilers. Unfortunately, most of my experiences with Wayne and the Oilers were when I was too small to remember. My parents and extended family often share stories which just blow your mind.

Wayne would still come over to my aunts house for dinners on the night before a game. Getting into my teenage years, adults would chit chat over diner but being so young me and my cousins would go play hockey down in the basement. Wayne would always excuse himself and come play with us kiddies. I remember a few times catching him on the shins. oops

Another time when we were a bit older, lets say 16. Wayne always put in some one on one time with us kids. He asks my cousin...
" Hey Adam, hows it going with the ladies"

my cousin responds "not bad, there's one girl i like from school but I don't think shes not interested"

Wayne was like " that's BS, give her a call and invite her over"

Cousin Adam was like "no way, too nervous"

Wayne responds with "Give me your phone, whats her number?"

Proceeds to call up this girl for my cousin...."She answer and asks who's this?"

"Wayne"

"Wayne who?"

"Gretzky, my friend Adam here wants you to come over and join us for diner

So cautiously makes her way over. Wayne answers the door, gives her a hug, makes her feel right at home. Fast forward my cousin ends up dating a chick way outta his league for like 6 months

I know this is a Flames board and might not be the most popular player, However i can honestly say classiest human I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Always found time for everyone who attended these get together's.

[Karl Racki]

Not really embarrassing, but awkward and awesome IMO and a story I love to tell. Nucks had been in town for a game and I was flying to Vancouver the next day, ended up on their plane. They flew commercial coach in those days apparently. I was in the middle seat and Kirk McLean was in the aisle, already seated. He didn't get up to let me past and with my carry on, it was tough to get past him. Banged him with my carry on. Sat down, looked at him and said "shoulda made like a puck, I woulda slid right past you". He did not laugh. We did not converse further on our one hour flight.

[Jacks]

Originally Posted by Young_Guns

Had nosebleed tickets to a game back around 2008 or so. By the end of the game I was #####faced and had to take a piss. I somehow ended up in a box suite that Lanny was in. I interrupted his conversation and got somebody to take a pic of Lanny and I. On the way out I grabbed a pulled pork sandwich off one of the tables in the suite...still got the pic lol.

http://imgur.com/

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Captaincanada80

Boring hockey game and saw this thread pop up.

I've had a very fortunate childhood and will share a story or two.

So, as some know on here I come from the Moss family in Edmonton. My aunt dated Gretzky for many years and Uncle Joey is still kicking it with the Oilers. Unfortunately, most of my experiences with Wayne and the Oilers were when I was too small to remember. My parents and extended family often share stories which just blow your mind.

Wayne would still come over to my aunts house for dinners on the night before a game. Getting into my teenage years, adults would chit chat over diner but being so young me and my cousins would go play hockey down in the basement. Wayne would always excuse himself and come play with us kiddies. I remember a few times catching him on the shins. oops

Another time when we were a bit older, lets say 16. Wayne always put in some one on one time with us kids. He asks my cousin...
" Hey Adam, hows it going with the ladies"

my cousin responds "not bad, there's one girl i like from school but I don't think shes not interested"

Wayne was like " that's BS, give her a call and invite her over"

Cousin Adam was like "no way, too nervous"

Wayne responds with "Give me your phone, whats her number?"

Proceeds to call up this girl for my cousin...."She answer and asks who's this?"

"Wayne"

"Wayne who?"

"Gretzky, my friend Adam here wants you to come over and join us for diner

So cautiously makes her way over. Wayne answers the door, gives her a hug, makes her feel right at home. Fast forward my cousin ends up dating a chick way outta his league for like 6 months

I know this is a Flames board and might not be the most popular player, However i can honestly say classiest human I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Always found time for everyone who attended these get together's.

Not hard enough apparently.

[Badgers Nose]

I ran into the team at the Dome, watched the Canes game, was very embarrassed.

[TheAlpineOracle]

A couple of years ago (maybe 5?) after Giordano has signed his first extension I decided I'd get his jersey because I really liked his game and given the extension it wouldn't be obsolete for a few years. Later that year Gio gets hurt.

A couple of weeks after he got hurt, I'm taking the elevator up to my seats (by alumni lounge) with my wife. If you are aren't familiar with this elevator, it's the ####tiest elevator in which world but if you take it close to game time there's a good chance it goes down to the Lower level to pick up some NHL VIPs and the Flames scratches. Well on this day I was busy reading a work email and don't even realize the elevator went down to pick up before we made our way up to the suite level.

I'm typing away on this email and someone goes "I like your jersey". I keep typing and my wife says my response is "Thanks, I just got it because I won't have to replace
It for a few years as he just signed an extension". I hear laughter behind me and keep
Typing. My wife taps me on the shoulder and tells me to turn around. So I do and it's Giordano and some scratches.

Kind of caught me off guard and I was a little embarrassed so I say "Oh, hey there" and walk out the elevator. My wife says he had a pen out ready to sign the jersey and I just walked away and he had a "what the ####?" Look on his face.

[Alpine Fisher]

Back in 1998 the Summer Hockey I was on played in a tournament in Edmonton. We went to the old spaghetti factory and one of our coaches saw Jarome Iginla in the restaurant and asked him to come over and say a few inspiring words to our team.

Iginla was very gracious and came over and addressed our team and was really nice.

As he finished his speech a few dinks on my team started chirping him saying "Iginla who?" and "Flames suck".

Felt kinda bad, but Iggy took it in stride. This was before he became a big star.

[Alpine Fisher]

Originally Posted by TheAlpineOracle

Kind of caught me off guard and I was a little embarrassed so I say "Oh, hey there" and walk out the elevator. My wife says he had a pen out ready to sign the jersey and I just walked away and he had a "what the ####?" Look on his face.

Alpine Posters UNITE!

[polak]

I paid money to watch like half of the Flames get drunk and try to perform Aladdin on Ice earlier tonight. I was expecting better to be honest.

[gt4flames]

Mr. Regher comes to my restaurant all the time. Super nice guy.

I once sniped a girl from Colbourne too. He wasn't happy.

[Jetfire]

I guess not really embarrassing but an awkward meeting. I met Jonas Hiller a couple weeks before his horrible season last year at the mall, he was shopping for a phone and I noticed him from about 10 feet away, and when he was leaving the store I kinda just got his attention, "hey you're..." and he turns back, gives an awkward "yeah" and immediately turns and starts walking away out the store. Kinda caught in the moment of meeting my first NHLer I asked if I could get a picture with him and he was polite and did so, but man he was overall just incredibly awkward and surprisingly shy. Nice guy though, said a couple other small things too "good luck this season" (yeah I cursed him) but that was about it.