Larry Courville, the dirtiest player in the game (and proud of it)! Pictures from the Syracuse Herald American and Crunch program

I had the pleasure of meeting Larry Courville at the Carousel Mall, while Christmas shopping last year. He, Chris Kelleher and Craig Hillier were at the Crunch kiosk, signing autographs for those purchasing Crunch memorabilia.

I approached Larry; hand extended and introduced myself as a devoted fan. He put out his hand as well, pulling it back quickly, pointed toward CompUSA and said. "Isn’t that Celine Dion over there?" I turned to look and felt a shot to the back of my head! I turned and yelled, "Why did you do that?" Larry looked blankly at me and said, "Do what?"

I figured my mind was playing tricks on me, so I got my autographs (oddly, Larry wouldn’t even take the gloves off to sign my poster). I wished them well as I turned to go and felt what seemed to be a fist to the left kidney!

I said, "That’s it Courville! It’s on!" I swung my best right hand, but it never made it to Larry’s jaw, as I was tackled by security, restrained as Courville laughed at me and eventually ejected from the Mall.

OK, I Was Lying…Here’s What Really Happened!  

Larry was very cordial and pleasant to talk to. He actually apologized for how bad the team was playing and thanked me for coming out to see them. I assured him that things were going to get better (boy, was I wrong!) and to keep playing hard. Regardless of how our opponents may view him…Larry Courville is a class act!