10 NHL Players You'd Want to Have over for Dinner

NHL players are a different brand of professional athlete. They are normal people. You won't find too many 6'6'', 250-pound NHL players who seem unhuman. The NHL is as down to earth as it gets.

Thus, plenty of fans would love to have the opportunity to host their favorite NHL players for dinner. Certain players would be better guests than others. Here are the 10 NHLers I would be most inclined to invite over to my house. 

Alexander Ovechkin

Alexander Ovechkin is arguably the most skilled player in the NHL, but it's Ovi's charisma and charm that makes him the international superstar that he has become. Ovechkin knows how to have a good time. He would make a very interesting guest at the dinner table.

Phil Kessel

I may be in the minority here, but to me, Phil Kessel seems like a pretty down-to-earth guy. Kessel is not exactly one of the most beloved players in the NHL, but it seems like he knows how to have a good time.

Who else could have been picked last as gracefully as Kessel was at the 2011 NHL All-Star Game? Plus, have you seen some of the hats this guy wears?

Shawn Thornton

Shawn Thornton is always a hell of an interview. He holds nothing back and is willing to talk trash just about anyone. It would be great to sit down and pick his brain someday.

Mike Richards

Word on the street is that Mike Richards knows how to party. Maybe inviting him over for dinner would be reciprocated with a night out on the town as Richards' wingman. Jeff Carter always took to that role quite nicely.

Tim Thomas

Tim Thomas is the epitome of an ordinary human being. Physically, there is nothing imposing about him. He is not the most talented, he does not come from a wealthy family or a long lineage of hockey greats. Best of all, Thomas realizes where he came from. He would make a fantastic dinner guest.

Paul Bissonnette

Anyone who follows Paul Bissonnette on Twitter knows just how funny this guy can be. Imagine having him over for dinner and actually talking to the guy. There's no doubt Bissonnette has a few stories up his sleeve.

Jeremy Roenick

Roenick may be retired, but he is too entertaining not to have on this list. J.R. has always been graceful to his fans. I would love to sit down with him and talk about the great journey he took through his NHL career. 

Marty Turco

Marty Turco is hilarious. Some of the little things he says and does on the bench often go unnoticed, but he has an excellent attitude and sense of humor at this stage in his career. Turco is going to make a hell of a broadcaster and would make an even better guest.

Bobby Ryan

Bobby Ryan is quickly becoming a star in the NHL. His dynamic skill set, postseason exposure and entertaining personality have made him a fan favorite.

Since following him on Twitter I've also realized he is a big fan of other sports and has a hell of a sense of humor. What more can you ask for?

Patrick Kane

Some may consider Patrick Kane immature or out of control, but I see a kid who knows how to have a hell of a time. Much like with Mike Richards, I would hope that dinner would parlay itself into a night on the town. I would drive, though. Taxis are inconvenient, and something tells me Kane may not be welcome in a taxi.