Jiri Hudler delivers epic Lady Byng speech at NHL awards (Video)

LAS VEGAS – The Lady Byng winner announcement is generally met with a collective yawn. It’s an award for gentlemanly conduct in a game that allows fighting. Go figure.

But then Calgary Flames forward Jiri Hudler walked on stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Wednesday night in his socks. And the groans turned to mild curiosity, which then became hilarity once Hudler opened his mouth. Watch the incredible above video.

Hudler had jokes. He said his phone had a message from coach Bob Hartley saying to make sure childish looking teammate Johnny Gaudreau was in bed by midnight the prior evening.

He had a fake counter-joke from 'Johnny Hockey.'

He gave props to the Flames PR staff! He gave props to the writers! He made a high-pitched noise!

After the presentation he was still in his socks because his shoes were too stiff.

“I was sitting there for an hour and half. I thought Lady Byng  was going to be first trophy, but it's not. Obviously it is the most important one,” he said.

And he showed his intimate knowledge of all things Lady Byng.

“I know Wayne Gretzky won it five times,” Hudler said. “I know it started in 1925. And, I know I'm the first Czech player to win it and that is all I care about.”

Thank you Jiri Hudler, for the most interesting Lady Byng acceptance of all time.

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Josh Cooper is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @joshuacooper

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