NHLer has big turnout for game

The NHL lockout didn't stop one player from getting in some ice time even if it meant going to his Twitter account to round up a few players. Montreal Canadians defenseman Josh Gorges did just that and — after tweeting that he was scratching together a pick-up hockey game in the Verdun section of the city — the outdoor rink filled up with players of all ages and skill levels hoping to get a chance to skate with the NHL star. The 28-year-old Gorges' open invitation to his followers on the social network made Wednesday's Boxing Day holiday extra special to a lot of NHL-hungry fans. If the skate reminded him of casual pond hockey games in the past, the jeans and parka clad Gorges didn't seem to mind. "I haven't played outdoors in a long time," Gorges told reporters.  "But I figured we've got some time  and I've got nothing else to do." Gorges had been hinting about the upcoming game in messages sent out to his 23,000 followers on Twitter.  A few hours before the impromptu game, he joked that he might be slower than usual because of a big Christmas dinner the night before. The NHL lockout is in its 103rd day. At least one hockey star remembered his roots. Way to go, eh.

Original Story: http://ihatelupica.blogspot.com/2012/...