I wanted to let you in on a little secret about one of the NHL’s biggest, and some would say meanest, players – former Anaheim Ducks and current Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger.

Pronger is a really nice individual. He’s also a very smart one.

Those statements are bound to gall fans of the Kings, Sharks and especially the Oilers, but I believe it’s true. People who follow the Ducks on a daily basis have told me this year after year. And I experienced it myself when I interviewed him for the book.

It’s difficult to find hockey players, even pros, who won’t make a few minutes to talk when I tell them the subject of Palm Trees and Frozen Ponds – the game’s history in California. Most politely answer questions, and a few will expand ideas.

Pronger was different. After our introduction (and after he put down the Wall Street Journal he had been reading), he asked me questions about the project. Once he had a grasp of it, he offered stories – including a fun one about his first visit to Anaheim before the 1993 draft.

Another thing stood out – his sense of humor. He is a really funny guy.

It’s no surprise to me that he wears a letter wherever he plays. Leadership is a lot about enfolding people, welcoming them and helping them succeed, as well as the occasional kick in the pants (which I, thankfully, didn’t get).

In my book, Pronger is very good at all of those things. Anaheim’s loss certainly is Philly’s gain.