Brian Burke, president of hockey operations for the Calgary Flames, doesn't usually stick to script. Such was the case on October 4, when he started his informal presentation to a packed room of Faculty of Law students.
"Are there any Edmonton Oilers fans in the room?" he asked.
"Okay, I'll do my best to speak slowly and use small words," he said amidst the audience laughing.
In Edmonton for Opportunities in Sports Law and Current Issues, not to mention the "Battle of Alberta" season opener set for that evening at Rogers Place, Burke was candid and unfiltered, discussing everything from current events to legal careers in pro sports.
"There is a slim chance of making a living in pro sports," he said, adding that he wasn't trying to discourage students, but rather encourage them to consider alternative legal careers.
"Don't put all those eggs in one basket."
Burke also briefly touched on his time as a law student. Like many students, he said he wasn't sure that law was the right fit, and deferred an acceptance to Harvard in favour of a stint in the American Hockey League.
After trading in his hockey stick for textbooks, Burke graduated from Harvard with a JD in 1981.
He said that during the completion of his degree, he didn't have a solid plan or idea of where his education might take him.
"I place great pride in that I completed law school and passed the bar," he said, adding that he is still licensed to practice law today - a little known fact he said often wins him bets when out with friends.
Burke also touched on the responsibilities of being a lawyer, and emphasized the "tremendous power" lawyers have in society to help the vulnerable and challenge injustices.
He also challenged and expressed discontent over the view that lawyers are unethical, and said some of the best people he knows have a career in law.
"You can practice law ethically, honestly," he told students.
The second half of the presentation was focused on current issues in sports and politics - from the NHL's withdrawal from participating in the upcoming Winter Olympics to the ongoing controversy over NFL players' choosing to kneel in protest during the American national anthem.
"I believe the NHL should be there," he said of the upcoming Olympic games, adding that he has high hopes for Beijing in 2022.
Of the latter issue, again Burke made it clear where he stands.
"You can be a force and an activist, but not in the arena," he said.
"I've voted in every election I've been eligible to vote for. I'm outraged by what's happening in the U.S.," the Rhode Island native said, "but there's no legal issue there, is there?" he asked the audience.
Burke also discussed concussions and how the way they are viewed and treated has changed drastically.
"Any player will lie to get back out on the ice," he said in reference to the strictly enforced NHL rules to follow when a concussion is suspected.
Encouraging students to ask questions was a common theme throughout his presentation.
Many students asked about drafting and his role in the NHL. In particular, one student asked if he could give a behind the scenes look at drafting twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin to the Vancouver Canucks.
He responded with a detailed story that included mention of the "crazy twin" stuff that the Sedins are able to do.
Burke responded to as many students as he could, and finished the talk with an encouraging message.
"Don't sweat it if you don't have a plan. Do your best."