Hi this is Fred Wallace with ” Off the Wire ” brought to you by your local Auto Logic, the Logical Choice.
The recent passing of hockey legend Gordie Howe evoked many memories for many people.
I met Mr Hockey once, about 20 years ago when CFOS had a massive 2-day charity golf tournament at Chippewa Golf Club.
Gordie was the head celebrity in a very prominent field of special guests, which included Owen Sound native Les Binkley.
Aside from Gordie who met every player at a designated spot on the course, every other celebrity was placed with a group of players who were participating in the event.
Les Binkley ended up being with the Kirkland Brothers from Sauble Beach.
And while the Kirkland Brothers were hockey fans, they were quite sceptical that their celebrity was in fact a National Hockey League goaltender.
The level of disbelief from the brothers continued to grow until finally, on Day 2, the group approached Gordie Howe’s station.
The Kirklands were obviously impressed to meet the legendary Gordie Howe.
Sheepishly, Les Binkley said, ” these guys don’t believe I played in the NHL, Gordie, but you scored your 600th goal against me. “
Not missing a beat, Gordie Howe replied, ‘ No, Les. I scored my 700th goal against you ! “
The Kirkland brothers roared, but they were now believers and they spent the remainder of the tournament telling one and all that THEIR celebrity was former NHL netminder Les Binkley….. primarily thanks to Gordie Howe’s long memory and endorsement.
I’m Fred Wallace