Former NFLer and current Montreal Alouette Chad Johnson had a message for the Buffalo Sabres when he learned they had acquired NHL goaltender Chad Johnson from the New York Islanders. If the Sabres are really trying to tank their season, maybe 'Ochocinco' could get a shift or two one night.
As part of blowing up their roster on deadline day, the Buffalo Sabres traded away starting goaltender Michal Neuvirth to the New York Islanders for netminder Chad Johnson. But it was another, more famous Chad Johnson that was the first to make his love for the Sabres known.
Yes, we're talking about the football player Chad Johnson. The former NFL wide receiver who last suited up for the CFL's Montreal Alouettes tweeted to the Sabres soon after news broke of the deal for his goaltending name-felllow.
The message from Johnson quickly turned into a bit of a game between the Sabres and the once-named Chad Ochocinco. Once the Sabres had realized the former NFL star was aware of the deal that had brought a new netminder to Buffalo, they Tweeted back to Johnson, telling him they were ready for him to suit up, but just needed to know what size skates he was after.
Johnson, always the showman, had the perfect response:
Suffice to say that if there's a way to make this happen -- having Johnson suit up with the Sabres or even a Chad Johnson vs. Chad Johnson showdown of sorts -- we're all in. It wouldn't be the first time a hockey team has pulled a stunt to draw attendance.
You may recall that in 2002, former NBA player Manute Bol, all 7-foot-7 of him, suited up for a game with the Central Hockey League's Indianapolis Ice. Although Bol didn't actually touch the ice during the game, it was a pretty great publicity stunt and one that helped raise money for children in Sudan.
The 6-foot-1 Johnson may not be as odd to see on skates, but it would certainly be good for a laugh. And, hey, if nothing else, we want to know where you can get all gold skates.