Okay. This story requires some background:

I am a HUGE Red Wings FANATIC. I’ve followed them since 1996 (got a late start – not my fault) and since discovering them have followed their every move. I live an hour outside of Hockeytown so I go to as many home games as I can afford a year.

Anyways, a friend and I decided to go eat at Cheli’s Chili Bar before going to the game. We had the chili (shocker!) and I LOVED it. Seriously – so freaking good. Then we took the Cheli’s Chili shuttle to the Joe and watched an excellent game that the Wings won. (WooHoo!!!) Then we waited with the throngs to get a ride back on the shuttle to Cheli’s where my car was parked. Once we arrived back at Cheli’s, I needed to stop back inside to pee. (sorry – overshare?)

So we go back inside Cheli’s and the first person I spot is no less than THE Chris Chelios. Now, remember I am a HUGE fan. And I am familiar with his Hall of Fame career and his general awesomeness. And I can talk Red Wing hockey like a pro. So we walk in a little further as I point him out to my friend and she doesn’t believe that it’s actually Chelios until he walks right by us. I don’t say anything to him because I’m kind of awestruck (note: I have met quite a few famous people in my life and have never had this unfortunate freezing ever before.) So the guys behind us are chuckling at us and call us over. They basically say Cheli is just a normal guy – talk to him.

At this point, Cheli walks by me again so I step forward, put out my hand and say “Mr. Chelios? Really great chili.” Yep. That’s it. Really. Great. Chili. No intellectually stimulating conversation. No comments on how well he played in the game. Nothing that indicated that I had 2 brain cells to rub together. Just “really great chili.” I was so stunned by my own stupidity I couldn’t say anything else and he just looked at me like “okay….” My friend said something much more intelligent.

Worst celebrity meeting ever. I need a do-over. But it’s a great story…

As a side note – he was wearing something worthy of Prince. Black sheer button-up shirt that went to mid-thigh with layers of ruffles running down his chiseled chest. Now, the man can wear whatever he wants but… ruffles? See-through top that could double as a dress? Yikes.

He’s still a serious bad-ass though and I have nothing but respect for him. The next time I meet him – I’m going to have something better to say.