Though Steve Yzerman is usually very business-like, the Detroit Red Wings general manager also has a good sense of humor as he proved by pulling a pre-draft prank on Chicago Blackhawks rookie forward, Kirby Dach.
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Dach was on the most recent episode of the “Spittin' Chiclets” podcast and he told a story of how Yzerman got him good as the NHL Draft was approaching.
From Detroit News:
“I only had eight or nine interviews,” Dach said. “My interviews were short and sweet. I didn't get any tough questions. Actually, (Steve) Yzerman in Detroit grilled me.
“I sit down and say, ‘Nice to meet you.' He's a hockey legend and I'm trying to be respectful.
“He says, ‘I hear you smoke weed.'
“I said, ‘No I really don't.'
“He says, ‘OK,' and the questions go on.
“And then he says, ‘So are you sure you don't smoke any pot? I had a couple of teammates who said you smoke weed.'
“I said, ‘No, I don't really smoke any weed.'
“He says, ‘Are you sure?'
“I said, ‘Ya. I'm sure.'
“He's like an intimidating guy. He's very intense and he's in your face and I'm sitting there and I'm starting to sweat and I'm thinking I'm going to have to change my shirt after this for the next interview.
“But then, after I got out, he's like, ‘I know you don't but I was just (messin') with you.'”
Well, played Stevie Y! Well played!