Met Todd Nelson Last Night

[ztking]

Just figured I'd share a brief story about new-ish Oilers head coach Todd Nelson. I work at restaurant/bar in Edmonton and I thought I recognized him sitting at the bar. I stopped by and asked if he was Told Nelson and he immediately introduced himself to me, shook my hand and we had some good, yet brief, talks about the Oilers, coaching and hockey in general. He came to watch the Jets/Canucks game and just came across as a very genuine down to earth guy.

Some people noticed I was talking to him for awhile and slowly but surely a few more people came by to talk hockey and as frustrating as it might have been, he gave everyone that came up to him his full attention and answered any questions they had.

He even went out of his way to take a picture and have a good talk with a guy with Down's Syndrome who was in the place wearing an Oilers jersey.

Figured I'd share, always nice to see a bit of personality behind some of the guys in the league.

[Pit Bulls]

Nelson sounds like a real class act!

[donions]

He's a breath of fresh air after the Eakins tenure. He always came off as arrogant and pretentious, not saying he was or wasnt I never met him or knew anyone who did, but that was certainly the perception fans had.

Pulling for Nelson but cant help but feel this team could use a more seasoned NHL coach; Paul MacLean or Todd McLellan if he gets canned.

Nice story tho

[potatoetree]

Dallas Eakins always looked like he belonged in an episode of Mad Men.

Nelson sounds like a nice guy.

[ztking]

Nelson sounds like a nice guy.

He definitely was. When I jokingly asked about his new found celebrity status he gave the classic: "I'm a just guy from a small town that loves the game and that's who I always will be."

[ericdaoust]

I think the Oilers have to get through another 3-4 interim coaches before naming a permanent one. Sucks for a guy like Nelson to be in a situation like this. Seems like a cool dude.