Using smelling salts to improve alertness is likely nothing new for a professional hockey player. But the Minnesota Wild’s Ryan Reaves still might have bitten off more than he could chew Saturday night.
As the Wild battled the rival Chicago Blackhawks at home, Reaves asked for some smelling salts from a Minnesota trainer. When they apparently weren’t strong enough, he wanted something more potent.
While Reaves probably wanted the salts to get more “into” the game, he seemed to have some very visible regrets after taking the stronger variation. The 36-year-old exploded in discomfort upon inhaling the second version. That or the salts were just that powerful, and Reaves simply had to compose himself:
(Warning: NSFW language in the text below)
Ryan Reaves asked for stronger smelling salts and regrets the hell of out that 🤣💀 pic.twitter.com/cg08g8zNTF
— CJ Fogler AKA Perc70 #BlackLivesMatter (@cjzero) March 25, 2023
Whatever Reaves’ aim was here, it worked out. He recorded a goal, and the Wild eventually prevailed 3-1. Though, next time, as Reaves detailed in the postgame, he might want to prepare accordingly for the stronger ammonia inhalants:
Ryan Reaves on this incredible moment caught on camera:
"Honestly I almost puked twice. That was the strongest one I think I've ever had. I'm going to be taking it a little easier next time."#MNWild https://t.co/zxR4J8Ajit
— Dane Mizutani (@DaneMizutani) March 26, 2023
NHL fans thought Reaves’ seeming immediate regret upon taking the second version of the smelling salts was hilarious.