The double-takes were understandable.
You can see why a few Calgary Flames players spent a split-second wondering whether a new guy had walked into the dressing room as they prepared for Game 5 in their Stanley Cup playoff series with the Vancouver Canucks.
Brandon Bollig arrived for Wednesday’s optional practice freshly shorn.
The winger hadn’t grown a beard especially for the playoffs. He always seems to have a great one on the go.
It’s not hipster-style just incredibly thick.
“I found a couple scars I didn’t realize I had. I think I found a pencil in there from grade school.