Happy 22nd birthday, Jordan Staal!

So you didn’t grow up next to the Staal’s sod farm in Thunder Bay, Ontario? Neither did we – and they don’t make ‘boys next door’ like this in the US. Jordan’s done a lot in his 22 years: drafted 2nd overall, in his rookie year he was the youngest player to ever score a hat trick or score 2 shorties in one game, oh and he’s won a Stanley Cup.  At 22 Chuck and I still ate ramen noodles and thought bars on the Sunset Strip were cool.

All suited up.

Staalsy is a prime example of a core belief here are WUYS: hockey players make other athletes look like little girls: During game 1 vs. Montreal in last season’s playoffs, the top of Jordan’s foot was sliced by a skate blade, severing a tendon. He had surgery that night and was back on the ice 6 days later. He missed only 2 games – the only 2 he’s ever missed, regular season and playoff, since joining the Pens. He’s had another surgery and an infection, so he’ll miss the start of camp (9/17) but expects to be ready to play the Pens opener on October 7.

  And vs. Detroit, I get the tingles.

Jordan is distressingly handsome, always smiling and can run someone over like a freight train. His playoff beard is among the NHL’s most unflattering. He’s like a giant, excited and slightly Mennonite-looking golden retriever. We think he’d wait patiently while you try on 8 pairs of jeans, compliment the pair you buy and then knock out the first guy who comments on your ass (unless it’s Max Talbot).  So happy birthday, Jordan, and get well soon.  See you in October!

Best sign ever - Giordano Bros., San Francisco