The Montreal Canadiens selected defenseman David Reinbacher with the fifth pick of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft ... eventually.
Canadiens goalie Carey Price was called to the microphone by general manager Kent Hughes to announce the pick and, as he's done to plenty of teams on the ice throughtout his career, he blanked.
Price started off with a greeting in French and announced the pick was "David."
Hughes hopped on the mic for the rebound.
"We planned it that way," Hughes joked before calling out Reinbacher's full name.
Reinbacher took it in stride.
"I was confused there a little bit. But I had an idea it was me. Then, before they came up to the stage, Montreal had said it to my dad and to the family (it was me). I was like, OK now it's getting exciting," Reinbacher said. "It turned out the right way. I'm so happy and so thankful for that."
Reinbacher said Price apologized, but the mixup was a small price to pay to meet an NHL legend and join the storied Canadiens.
"He was like 'Yeah, I'm sorry for that.' I was like 'Yeah, no problem.' You got to look up to a guy like him. He's one of the idols there. It was just stunning when I could shake his hand so I was really happy," Reinbacher said. "It's an incredible feeling. To be picked by such a great organization, it's awesome. I can't believe it still. They have a great history. Great fans. Great team. Great teammates. Great coaches."
Price took his apology for the gaffe public, posting on social media.
Boy that was embarrassing. Sorry David….. Reinbacher. 🤦🏻♂️😅
