Ryan Malone = Good Guy

The date was February 24, 2008. The Penguins just finished a tough loss at home in the shootout against a good San Jose team. My son and daughter suggested that we try to get some autographs after the game since it was an afternoon game and still a reasonable time of day. (Normally games start at 7:35 pm and a "normal" game would be over between 10:00 and 10:30 pm - much too late, especially on a school night , to hang around seeking autographs.) So being the great dad that I am I said "Sure, why not?".

We made our way to the curb near the exit to the parking lot that is adjoining to the exit that many of the Penguins use after the game where we were met with a throng of 40-50 other fans seeking autographs. Slowly but surely employees and players started to filter out of Gate 2. You had to squint to see if it was a player or just "Joe" the cotton candy guy. Most players just jumped in their cars with their entourage. Some would swing by and roll the window down and give their autographs. The first to do this was Gary Roberts (he wasn't as scary as I thought he'd be up close!). Then came Georges Laraque. Then Max Talbot. Most of the other Pens drove past or snuck out another way. Standing there through this all I made friends with a gentleman and his son, Ryan, who drove all they way in from Altoona to see the game. In talking to his son, Ryan, he mentioned that he played mite hockey for the Altoona Trackers and that -yes- Ryan Malone was his FAVORITE hockey player. Standing there in his youth small Ryan Malone replica game jersey he shared with me that all he really wanted was Ryan's autograph. Minutes turned into more minutes until it was now an hour and 45 mins later. The crowd had dwindled to somewhere between 8 - 12 folks which included me and my two kids; Ryan and his dad. At this point the only people coming out of Gate 2 were the ushers and the security folks. Suddenly a figure appeared that slowly made his way to the crowd. Almost everyone - including myself - though it was just another Mellon Arena worker. It wasn't. It was Ryan Malone. Immediately the crowd that remained rushed him. Somewhat startled he instructed everyone to remain calm and he would "sign everything". My two kids had him sign multiple autographs. My son had him sign his Sidney Crosby jersey for heaven's sake!!! But the highlight was when little Ryan from Altoona saw his dream come true - having Ryan Malone, himself, sign his jersey!

In this day and age of the selfish, me-first athlete this was a testament as to why I believe hockey was, is, and always will be the best sport in the world.

Here's to you, Ryan Malone! You get it. You were that kid once. And now you're paying it back.

The true Pens fan will never forget you. The true Pens fan will still be your fan when you pull on that Lightning sweater...

Ryan Malone = Good Guy