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Cam 'N' Eggs: Stuck in an elevator with Kurt Browning
| Source: |
Edmonton Sun |
| Date: |
May 23, 2023 |
| Author: |
Cam Tait |
The bangs on the elevator, stuck between floors deliberately, became
louder with the same cry: “Are you guys OK?”
Skater Kurt Browning reached down and grabbed two more cold beverages
and took my straw out of my empty can, put it in the new can and
flashed his smile which beamed around the world.
We’ll ignore George for a while and enjoy out beverage,” he
said.
It was April 1992. Browning had just skated around the Royal Glenora
rink in a creative show, skaters twirled, jumped and glided to the
entire Les Miserables soundtrack.
After the show, there was a reception in the Royal Glenora lobby with
a couple of hundred people.
Kurt, a good friend, made the rounds, shaking hands and chatting with
people.
He came over to me with a case of his favourite adult beverage.
“Come with me, Cam,” he said. “We’re going for a cold one.”
Kurt wheeled me into an elevator, which was installed a few months
before.
Now, it’s an elevator that only moves up or down if you push a
button. Kurt did the driving, and, when we got halfway between floors,
he took his hand off the button.
“Nobody can find us now,” Kurt said. “Let’s have a brew.”
It was one of the many laughs Kurt and I shared recently during
practice before his final Stars On Ice performance at Rogers
Place.
We were having a great time. Meanwhile, Royal Glenora general manager
George Pinches was in a panic.
World skating champion.
Guy in a wheelchair.
In an elevator.
Not moving.
“George will be OK,” Kurt said.
“We’re OK.”
We finished our beverages and then Kurt pushed the power button to
resume our ride.
George was at the door when we arrived.
“You guys OK?” George asked.
The Browning smile flashed once again.
“Never better,” he said.
I hope your Tuesday doesn’t have too many … ups and downs.
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