When it comes to the world of professional sports there are players who, for one reason or another, leave an indelible mark on the fans who witnessed their greatness in action, and there's no doubt in my mind that former National Hockey League defenseman Dustin Byfuglien is one such player.
On Saturday night, one day ahead of the Heritage Classic between the Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens, the Jets Alumni faced off against the Canadiens Alumni in a game that brought many legends of the past back to the ice. While many of the players in attendance received a warm reception from the crowd, it would be Byfuglien who would steal the show.
The fans in the City of Winnipeg let Big Buff know exactly just how beloved of a player he was on Saturday night and, if the warm reception he received during his introduction wasn't enough, Byfuglien was also cheered loudly throughout the game itself.
At one point there was an attempt to interview Byfuglien on the bench, but the crowd was so loud in their appreciation for the former Jets defenseman that he simply saluted the crowd once again. That of course only caused the fans to cheer even louder.
It was a heartwarming reception for Byfuglien and you could tell just how much it meant to the player as well, with Byfuglien smiling from ear to ear all night long.
