Paul Stewart: Some of My Best Friends are Linesmen (and the Gary Bettman Impersonator)

Great stories, Stewy! Can't wait til your final blog of the year.

A couple of years ago - after a Flyers/Lightning game in Philly - I went out for drinks and a bite with Brian Pochmara (the college roommate of a good friend), Brian Murphy, and Lonny Cameron. What a treat that was! They were just a couple of regular family guys like me. They really *LOVED* their jobs as NHL officials! They were also very humble guys who shared many funny stories and insight with me. They treated me like a friend!

I can't imagine the Bettman name having that kind of pull.

I can't imagine the Bettman name having that kind of pull.
- powerenforcer

Gary is the head of what's now north of a billion dollar business. Even back then, he was instantly known wherever he went. The proof: My little over-the-phone impersonation of him got us a same-night reservation after the Paul Stewart name got us nothing but "you'll have to wait a week for a table!"