Happy birthday, Guy; also, Guy in Dallas for Modano's jersey retirement

Happiest of birthdays to Guy, who turns 54 today.  May you have a blessed day!

(photo credit:  Dallas Stars)

Carbo was in Dallas recently to take part in Mike Modano's jersey retirement ceremony.  Blog reader James was there and sends in this report.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to fly my family out to Dallas for the big Mike Modano jersey number retirement ceremony.  It was an unbelievable experience for us all with a few extra surprises along the way.  The big deal for me was getting to see Guy and his wife get out of a limo and walk the green carpet into the American Airlines Center for the event.  It took a lot of effort but in the end we got close enough that I got Carbo’s attention and asked if he would sign my jersey.  Now, Guy had been signing hats and programs all along the route but when he saw I was wearing a 99 cup worthy #21 sweater he was very pleased.  He smiled and said “all right” when I turned around to show him the back.  I usually don’t let anyone sign my stuff but since this was Guy and the jersey is not a gamer I decided to make an exception.

I just want to say that the whole evening was spectacular and something the Stars organization should be praised for.  It was first class all the way.  They brought in so many important people who in some way, large or small, made a contribution to the life and career of Mike Modano.  That list included most of the 1999 SC championship team and it was awesome to see them together again for the occasion.  Oh, and Lord Stanley’s Cup was there as well… pretty cool.  Guy didn’t have a speaking role in the ceremony but his presence was certainly noticed.  There were plenty of fans yelling out his name after he was announced.  On that note,  It was slightly embarrassing when my wife yelled out, “Guy, my husband loves you” in front of a few thousand people who all knew she was referring to me.  It’s cool though… and true I guess in a totally hockey bro sort of way. 

James also sent in a few pictures:

Thanks for sharing your story, James!  So glad you got to meet Guy and your jersey looks fantastic signed.

A wonderful Carbo story

While Google-searching a while ago, I found this story.  It cannot be verified, of course -- but I believe it because I have read/heard similar stories about Guy and his kindnesses towards his fans.  Reading this will certainly brighten any Carbonneau fan's day.  Enjoy!

Pure class.

One of the words I most often see associated with Guy is "class."  He has always been wonderful to his fans.

Said Brenden Morrow in 2007:

“He played the game 20 years, and he still handles the players, the coaches, the media and the fans with respect every day. He might be upset about a game or something else going on, but I’ve never seem him turn down an interview or say no to a fan who wanted an autograph.”  (Dallas Stars)

Okay, so perhaps Morrow might be a little biased, being Carbo's son-in-law.  But the stories speak for themselves.  There is Diane Lau's story of her encounter with Guy, Darkest Before the Dawn.  And then there's my little tale.

Well, I actually have a few tales, but this one comes to mind because this morning I was sitting at my computer, anxious over a job interview.  And I looked at the signed Carbo photo on the wall above my desk.  For our first anniversary in 2009, my dear boyfriend Erik wrote to Guy, explaining to him that our anniversary was coming up and would he mind signing a photo?

A few weeks later, he got back this:

Yep, pure class.  Thank you, Guy -- for the autograph and for giving me a little cheer this morning when I needed it.