Leafs, Wings alum share Centennial Classic experience: 'It is so cool'

Detroit Red Wings legends beat their Toronto Maple Leafs counterparts in the Centennial Classic Alumni Game on Saturday afternoon, though the final score is already immaterial.

Supremacy is a moot point in this sort of exhibition. It's really nothing more than a reunion - a chance to celebrate team, and brotherhood, and to feel those feelings one more time.

But old timers remain intrinsically proud and competitive. And for that, the entire process, from selection to beer-in-hand completion, is an emotional one. Just ask Kris Draper and Gary Roberts.

Here is that spectrum, in their words:

Pride

Lanny McDonald: It is such an honor. Not just the 100th anniversary of the league, but the 100th anniversary of the Maple Leafs. To be able to come back and be a part of this, how they have it set up with the alumni sitting in between the current players. It is so cool. What a class move by Brendan Shanahan and Mike Babcock. Three different generations all hanging out, loving the fact they wore the Maple Leaf.

Bryan McCabe: Pure excitement. It is a complete honor to be included in this group of players, and to participate in this special weekend - especially here in Toronto, where I played seven years. It's a real special time.

Dave Andreychuk: I was honored. There are so many good players here, and there's obviously a lot of guys to pick from. I didn't spend a lot of time in Toronto, when you think about it. It was only three and a half years of my career. But three special ones, that's for sure.

Sudden angst

Steve Thomas: Don't expect very much from me. That's all I have to say right now - seriously.

Darren McCarty: The worst part is playing.

Good nature

Darcy Tucker: We'll have some fun in the first couple periods, then we'll see how it goes.

Chris Chelios: I wanted to cheer for the Leafs. We won the last game, so I was hoping they would pull it off.

Instinctual competitiveness

McCarty: Not shocking. You almost expect it. Guys are volatile. Just because you're retired doesn't mean you don't have the same jam. You just don't have the ability.

Chelios: It started slow, then at the end it comes out. Most players have that.

McCarty: We're no different than buddies getting together on Thanksgiving to throw the football around in the backyard. When you're playing something, and it (starts) getting a little out of hand, and it gets a little more intense and down the wire. Boom.

Perspective

Chelios: This is the best part of the whole alumni weekend, getting together with guys that you haven't seen in 20-25 years. (The game) gives you a little feeling from back when you were playing, and now the fun part is having beers with the guys and reminiscing about the old times.

McCarty: It's just cool - cool to be around the guys.