Wild originality, super-creative people made this a special year
ByNHL.com @NHLdotcom
When we say that the 2017 calendar year had everything, we do mean everything.
We're not talking about only the amazing goals and slick saves, of which there were plenty. We mean 2017 had enough wild originality and super-creative people around the NHL to make 2017 a truly special one. Our Short Shifts team put together 17 of the best viral moments of 2017.
Emotions were running high after Brian Boyle's first goal of the season, which came in his fifth game back with the New Jersey Devils from being treated for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). And who could blame him? In a TV interview Boyle let it out , talking about the love and support he received from his family, friends, teammates and fans.
4. Canucks fan wins car with miracle shot
Aaron Dunn went to the Vancouver Canucks' game against the Nashville Predators on Dec. 13 not knowing he would become an internet sensation. But the graphic designer from Kamloops, British Columbia, burned up social media with a miraculous shot from center ice through a tiny slot in a goal to win a new car. His first shot went left, second one went right and third went right through.
It was just a man, Nevada Grassie, and his dog, Six, enjoying a hockey game. But Six took the internet by storm after Grassie, a veteran of the Air Force, shared the stories of the amazing German shepherd. Six was ready for her close-up, as she was shown on the scoreboard at the game and on the television broadcast.
Country singer Brett Kissel's mic went out during "The Star-Spangled Banner" before Game 3 of the 2017 Western Conference Second Round, but Oilers fans picked up the slack in spectacular fashion. Oilers fans singing "O, Canada" also quickly became a playoff tradition, as did the Predators trotting out some of country music's biggest stars to sing the anthem before playoff games in Nashville.
When Conor Payne wanted to propose to girlfriend Morgan Landsberg, he knew the best way to do it was to have her favorite Nashville Predators player, Viktor Arvidsson, deliver the ring . All Landsberg wanted was a picture of Arvidsson, but she got the memory of a lifetime, including a ringing endorsement from P.K. Subban.
Jason Maslakow went to see his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs play the Washington Capitals during the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs decked out to the max. But he probably never imagined he would become famous. The man now and forever known as "Dart Guy was the be-all, end-all symbol of die-hard fandom, inspiring countless memes and becoming the avatar for Maple Leafs supporters.
Jimmy Mains, a local police office in Rankin, Pennsylvania, was going to a Penguins game in March by himself. He tried, but couldn't find a friend with no commitments for the night. Instead of taking the extra room, he invited a homeless man inside PPG Paints Arena with him. A friendship was born.
16. Golden Knights first signing plays soccer alone
Losing the Stanley Cup Final can be crushing, but the love and support of the fans can mean everything. And the Nashville Predators got perhaps the cutest love and support video of all time. Her name is Wrigley, she's 3 years old and she was super-proud of her team's season.
