Tom Wilson appeared on national television on Monday night.
Wilson was one of four NHL players who participated in a takeover episode of “The Price is Right Tonight,” the Canadian primetime spin-off of the classic American game show. Joining the Washington Capitals alternate captain on the stage with host Howie Mandel were New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, Seattle Kraken defender Brandon Montour, and Edmonton Oilers rearguard Jake Walman.
The episode, which aired on Canada’s City TV network, saw each player join a civilian contestant as they navigated the show’s challenges, including the famous Plinko board.
The hockey-themed episode also featured Toronto Maple Leafs legend Wendel Clark and the Stanley Cup straight from the Hockey Hall of Fame.
“I felt like I had to do it,” Wilson told NHL.com’s Dave McCarthy. “Just the nostalgia of growing up watching it. It’s a pretty famous game show, probably one of the top of all time. So for my family and older brother, I feel like it will be a fun thing to do.”
Wilson was paired with his partner, Dan, who was trying to win money for a dream honeymoon with his wife. The two played a hockey-golf hybrid game, with Dan just one short tap-in away from achieving his goal.
“Just tap it in,” Wilson said. “It’s all in the hips, right? Alright, I’ve got faith he’s got this. Bang it home!”
Dan did as Wilson told him, sinking the short putt with his makeshift hockey-stick putter.
While Dan ultimately succeeded, Wilson admitted he might have been a better game show partner earlier in life, before adopting the lifestyle of a well-paid professional athlete. Wilson, who once famously geeked out about a 3-for-1 ketchup deal at Costco as a rookie, has become less concerned with prices after earning an estimated $55 million over the past 14 seasons with the Capitals.
“I’m probably worse now than when I was a kid because I don’t know what anything costs, but it’s really cool to be here,” Wilson said.
Schaefer, still just 19, had a similar experience to Wilson, but for slightly different reasons.
“I’m still trying to learn about all this stuff,” Schaefer said. “My dad’s teaching me about all this financial stuff. My dad’s the pro. Imagine if I could get an earpiece and he’d be in a grocery store just running down the aisles and stuff.”
Steve Mayer, the NHL’s President of Content and Events, created the opportunity for Wilson and the other players by reaching out to Claire Adams, the show’s executive producer. The process moved along further when the Canadian-born host, Mandel, a hockey fan, got involved.
“We are a show that is made of energy, and the NHL just took it to the next level,” Mandel said. “I am so excited. As a Canadian, our bloodline is the NHL, and these are some of the best stars in the entire league. From Team Canada (Wilson) to the rookie of the year (Schaefer), it’s just crazy. It was just amazing. Our show is very exciting, but when the NHL is here, and we are filled with hockey fans, it takes it to the next level.”
Let’s hope the league keeps reaching out to game show producers. Maybe even one day Wilson could end up as a contestant on Survivor.
