Last night, we went to a lovely dining establishment just outside Cochrane. 'Flores and Pine' is very elegant and I usually insist we sit at the bar anywhere we go because that's where all the fun is; I can talk to B anytime. Unfortunately, the bar was full, so we sat at a nearby table.
"Isn't that Mike Babcock sitting at the bar?" I said to B. I'm going to say hello. So, I did. Yes, it was Mike Babcock and he immediately stood up and gave us a huge smile and handshake. "Let's take a selfie," he suggested. So we did -- he holding my camera and taking it himself, as he must have done hundreds of times.
What a charmer. Googling him, I learn he coached the Mighty Ducks and Red Wings to Stanley Cups, becoming the winningest coach in the latter's history. He also led Team Canada to two Olympic Gold Medals. In his early years, he played for a number of farm teams, as well as the McGill Redmen. Despite his 2015 $50 million, eight-year contract for coaching the Leafs, Mike could do nothing with them and was fired in 2019. But then, nor has anyone else been able to in the 55 years since they last won the cup. The Leafs are a team of a few overpaid superstars, but they do not play as a team.
When we left Mr. Babcock to enjoy his dinner with his wife and sister, numerous other fans approached and he was a gracious with them as with us.
All in all, a fun evening!
No comments:
Post a Comment