Montreal Canadiens' goalie Carey Price makes a save against Ottawa Senators during third period NHL hockey action in Montreal, March 14, 2012.CHRISTINNE MUSCHI/Reuters
Want a goalie stick from Carey Price?
It appears it might be a good idea to bring something to trade for one.
The Habs goalie had more than just hockey equipment in his double-wide stall at the team's practice facility on Monday (goalies have more gear, so they get more room).
There was a well-worn rodeo lariat sitting on top of a shelf, courtesy of a young fan in Edmonton, where the Habs played the Oilers recently.
"He had a sign that said he'd give me his rope if I gave him a stick, so I threw it over the glass," he smiled.
Later on, the Habs' bemused equipment staff turned up with the fan's end of the bargain.
Price, who does competitive team roping in the summer, has all manner of twine and cable in his cowpoke kit and didn't really need this one ("it's a little beat up, actually"), but it seemed like a reasonable trade, so he made it.
Even last-place teams manage to have some modicum of fun in their dressing room, and so Price has been using the rope to lasso teammates - an unsuspecting Ryan White was among his most recent victims.
So teammates have learned not to get within the 15 feet or so that Price can throw the thing.
"I've probably got most of 'em once or twice," the B.C. native laughed.