Canadians who found themselves with nothing to do on Boxing Day had the chance of a lifetime as an NHL star sought out a pickup game on Twitter.
With the NHL lockout rumbling on, Montreal Canadiens player Josh Gorges was seemingly at a loose end. In need of some action, the defenceman took to the Web to arrange a Boxing Day face off with fans of the team.
Dozens of players turned up at a neighborhood rink in Montreal’s Verdun neighborhood for a the opportunity to play with one of their heroes.
“I haven’t played outdoors in a long time, but I figured we’ve got some time and I’ve got nothing else to do,” Gorges told the Canadian Press.
Gorges, 28, put the word out to his 23,000 followers on Saturday that he was looking for a game.
He informed followers of the time and place on Christmas Eve, stating that people of all ages and skill levels were welcome.
Last year, Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant sank 66 points in a Harlem pick-up game and showed up at a flag football game as the NBA remained locked out.
Gorges told ESPN he hopes “more than anything” that the impasse between the NHL and the players’ union comes to an end so the season can start soon. Until then, he might be best placed to continue delighting fans in the great outdoors. Let’s just hope someone remembered the coffee and hot chocolate.
Photo by @istvan_92/Instagram