I went to High School with Mark Messier. Had him in a couple classes including a Social studies class in which the teacher was a former Rangers Draft pick (that never made the show in 6 team NHL) Mark was friendly to me, intelligent, and discussed philosophy, economics, goals, and we had group table discussions (I was lucky enough to have him in same group) and got to know each others stances. While we were vastly different he respected others opinions. More to the point he respected opinions that fell outside of convention. To him you were being honest if you said non conformist things. He was another old soul, at age 16 was even a Dead head (some will know what that means) and he was mentally beyond his years. Very thoughtful. An intellect, unmistakeably.
One of the interesting dynamics in the class was the teacher encouraging Mark to finish his studies, go post secondary, because pro hockey is not a sure bet, and Mark not listening and signing a WHA contract as a 16yr old and leaving town. About the last I ever saw of him around school. Everybody was hoping he would go to the 10 year reunion (but he didn't graduate and I knew he wouldn't go) Its pretty amazing too, how would that even look, everybody standing around talking about what they've been doing since highshool, Mark: "Oh, I've won 4 Stanley Cups.."
I also used to work out in the same Gym with Craig Simpson, Kelly Buchberger, Shayne Corson, Kevin McLelland and other Oilers. You haven't seen someone cardio train until you saw buckys routine. The one guy that was outside of anybodies fitness regime (oh wait, Mark Messier had a freakish recovery rate as well.) Buchberger would literally sweat buckets working out on cardio elliptical machines, stair climbers or treadmills. So much so that the whole area had to be dried off with towels after.
Favorite memory in the gym is Craig Simpson being involved in an advertising filmed shot for the gym (It was owned by Pocklington) and them having to use some of the equipment and Craig going up to me and others and apologizing for the interruption in our workout that day. He was so nice, so graceful. Not just that time, but always. Corson was a solid guy too that got a bad rap here. The only one that was easy to dislike was McLelland.
Met Fogolin lots at a neighborhood gas/convenience store. Nicest guy. Would just talk to anybody,
Saw MacT at Bocolinos with his spouse I was with my wife. Very quiet Sunday but we just looked over, waved, said nothing. We were about the only ones of a few tables that were even in the restaurant that night. We left them undisturbed as they were having a moment.
Met Glenn Anderson lots but will not mention that part.
I have a Wayne Gretzky, Paul Coffey, K Lowe story as well for another time.