In Search Of Tony 'O'.

Bill Gardner played center for the Chicago Blackhawks back in October 1982. He was a quick journeyman fourth line offensive checker and played for the Blackhawks in their starting lineup for five seasons. He would then spend another four seasons alternating between the minors and the Hawks. Bill would finish his pro career in 1993 after four seasons in Austria.

It was early morning Sunday October 17, 1982. I along with my new bride Bonnie was at the Toronto International Airport waiting for our honeymoon flight to Florida. We had been married the day before. Now don’t get me wrong, I was overjoyed to be married and I was looking forward to a long life with my beautiful new bride. My friend Paul who had been one of my ushers got up early to drive us to the airport and he decided to wait around to see us off.

The previous night we had left our reception at about 9 pm. We headed over to my grandmother’s apartment in Willowdale to get changed before heading back to the reception. We then spent the last couple hours thanking and handing out stupid doily wrapped wedding cake to all our guests.

The first thing I did when I got to my grandmother's apartment was to turn the television on. I wanted to catch a bit of the last period of the Leafs and Blackhawks game. I quickly took off my rented tux, faux leather shiny shoes and my bow tie all while watching the game. We had told our guests we would back within the hour since my grandmother's apartment was only about ten minutes away.

However, now we were going to be late. 

We had driven over with my other usher Bruce and his rusty old pick-up truck wouldn't start. It was freezing cold that night and the battery was dead. The three of us headed back up to the apartment where I was able to catch the end of the game.

The Leafs lost 3-2.

It was well over an hour by the time we were able to get ourselves back over to the reception hall. My hockey buddies were all convinced I was watching the game after we were late getting back. 

Oh, they did know me all too well.

Back at the reception, my NWAA teammates had all changed into their red hockey jerseys. We all partied the night away, dancing and rock’n to the many Rolling Stones songs I had requested from probably the only non-hockey fan in the room that night, our DJ Vince. By the end of the night we were all sweaty, tired and it felt as if we had played our usual Saturday night game at Forest Hill Arena.

While at the airport I spotted Hawk superstar Denis Savard. I quickly figured out that the Blackhawks would be catching an early flight back home for an evening game that night against Detroit. I left Bonnie standing alone with our luggage while Paul and I set out to get an autograph from Chicago's legendary goalie Tony Esposito. We scoured the complete departure level, we could not find him anywhere. We saw many other players, but not Tony 'O'. He had played goal the night before so he had to be there.

But where was he?

I spotted Bill Gardner and walked over to inquire as to where Tony 'O' might be. Bill told us that Tony hides in one of the private lounges and stays to himself. I just assumed it was one of those weird goalie things. It was at that moment Bonnie had spotted us and carrying our two bags scurried over to where Paul, Bill and I were standing. I introduced her to Bill as if we were old longtime friends. I explained to Bill that we had been married the day before and were on our way to Florida for our honeymoon. After congratulating us and chatting a bit more, Bill left to catch his flight to Chicago.

The weeks quickly passed and for whatever reason Bonnie and I found ourselves now standing inside Maple Leaf Gardens. We were not just inside the Gardens, we were standing behind the visitor’s bench and the Chicago Blackhawks were heading onto the ice for morning practice. I still do not remember how we ended up right at the bench on that Saturday morning, but Bonnie and I were definitely there. I spotted number fourteen Bill Gardner skating by the bench. 

“Billy” I hollered loudly. 

He turned his head and came right over immediately. He took off his glove and held out his hand to shake mine. I was puzzled; he obviously had me confused with someone else. 

“How are ya?” he said while I shook his hand.

“Billy, I think you got me confused with someone else,” still puzzled by his friendliness. 

“No, I remember last time we were in Toronto, I met you at the airport before you left on your honeymoon.” I was dumbfounded. 

“You remember, that was back in October?” I replied as he put his glove back on. 

“How could I forget? You left your new wife just standing alone in the airport while you looked for Espo.” He said as he skated away still shaking his head in bewilderment.

It was now mid-December; I had been married two months already. And here is this pro hockey player with all the traveling, all the people he must meet and he remembers our little insignificant meeting at the airport.

Was it that strange? Was it that bizarre what I had done back on that October day? I mean, I had what I assumed would be the rest of my life with this woman. Afterall, how many opportunities does one get to meet Tony Esposito?

Years later I was given a small wooden sign that hangs on my door to this day. It reads:

“We interrupt this marriage to bring you the hockey season.”

I guess my ex-wife Bonnie would say the interruption began on the second day of our marriage.

It was a shame; I never did get to meet Tony 'O'.

*Update: Sadly I will never have the chance to meet Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Tony Esposito. On August 10, 2021, Tony Esposito passed away from pancreatic cancer. RIP Tony 'O'