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.

Carbo game-worn jersey auction

If you're a memorabilia collector, then have I got an item for you.

Game-worn jerseys are far too rich for my blood (but I have two Carbo game-used sticks and Carbo's rookie game-worn skates, which I think is pretty decent!).  It is my dream to own one someday.  The latest Classic Auction has Carbo's autographed game-worn jersey circa 1988, hammered with team repairs.  Like all of Carbo's game-worn jerseys, it is a work of art and a real beauty.

(photo credit:  Classic Auctions)

2011 Dallas Stars Alumni Classic

To complete today's trifecta of posts, the 2011 Dallas Stars Alumni Classic was held this evening at the Dr. Pepper StarCenter in Frisco, Texas.

Stars alumni were mixed with current players and the teams were split into a "Black Team" and "White Team" format.  Carbo, who was assigned to the Black Team, played on a line with another #21, Loui Eriksson, and his old Stars and Canadiens teammate, Mike Keane.  He tallied two assists.  Also on the Black Team was Ed Belfour, playing defence!

The White Team, featuring newly retired Mike Modano, came out on top and won the game 11-9.  (Dallas Morning News)

Also, Carbo will be playing in the 2011 Dr. Pepper Golf Classic, tomorrow at the Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas.  (Dallas Stars)

Carbo looking happy to be in a Dallas uniform again.  (photo credit:  Dallas Stars)

Guy sometimes shows up in the strangest places.

YouTube is a wonder in modern cyberspace.  Videos from all eras can be found on this website -- everything old is new again.

I was alerted to this oddity.  This is Andre Philippe Gagnon's "La Canada" music video.  Watch for Carbo at around 1:28.  There is no date on this but I'd say that it's from around the time Guy was captain of the Canadiens.

I'll be featuring more Carbonneau videos in the coming months; stay tuned!

A funny.

Courtesy of my dear boyfriend, Erik.  This came about when a friend of his did a web search on Guy but accidentally typed "carebearnneau" into the search engine.

Well, Erik got inspired.

Play smart

Guy has done a lot of charitable/community work over the years.  As the captain of the Montreal Canadiens, he was highly visible and put that visibility to good use.

One of my earliest memories of Carbonneau -- other than mispronouncing his first name (being the true Anglais that I am) and being corrected by a Habs-fan classmate -- is of owning this card.  It is an insert in the 1991-92 Pro Set hockey series and contains a message from Carbo on the back:

A couple of years ago, after attending a reception, I was arrested and lost my driver's licence for a year on a charge of drinking and driving under the influence of alcohol.  I now fully realize what could have happened:  I could have killed or injured someone or killed myself or seriously injured myself, which could have ended my hockey career.

For the above reason, I hope that you will agree to say like I do:  Never again.  Our lives and the lives of others are too precious to take such a risk.  Once again, please say no to drinking and driving.  

Carbo was approached by Pro Set because of his work with the provincial police in Quebec to spread the word about drinking and driving.  The card certainly had an impact on me as a youngster.

Small news roundup

Two items:

• Carbo, of course, can be seen on RDS this coming season as an analyst during Montreal Canadiens games.  (RDS.ca)
• Guy is also supporting a new pool complex in his hometown of Sept-Iles, Quebec.  The city has put in a third request for the government to finance part of the construction cost.  (Le Nord-Est)

(photo credit:  RDS)