Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid is used to being recognized in Canada, where he’s revered as one of the greatest hockey players of his generation. But even the NHL’s best can have unexpected, wholesome encounters in the most unlikely places.

Recently, McDavid stopped by a local Taco Bell after a long day of training, just looking for a quick bite. Dressed casually, he tried to keep a low profile. However, as he stepped up to the counter to place his order, he suddenly heard hushed whispers from behind him.

“No way… is that Connor McDavid?” one boy said to his friend.

“Dude, it has to be. Look at his hair! And his jawline—only McDavid has a jawline like that!” the other responded excitedly.

McDavid couldn’t help but grin as he turned slightly, catching a glimpse of two young boys, probably around 12 or 13, nervously nudging each other. He had been recognized. But what happened next made the moment even more special.

“I bet he’s gonna order something fast—just like him on the ice,” one of them whispered.

McDavid, amused by the comment, turned around with a smirk. “You know what? You’re right. Gotta keep things quick, just like my game.”

The boys’ faces lit up in shock. Not only had they spotted their hockey hero in the wild, but he had actually spoken to them! After a moment of stunned silence, one of them managed to blurt out, “You’re the GOAT, McDavid!”

Laughing, McDavid chatted with the boys for a few moments, asking them if they played hockey and what positions they liked best. Before heading out with his meal, he took a quick picture with them and even signed a napkin—since it was the only thing they had on hand.

As McDavid left the Taco Bell, he couldn’t help but appreciate the moment. A simple fast-food stop had turned into an unforgettable experience—not just for the boys, but for him as well. Because at the end of the day, even a hockey legend enjoys seeing the joy his presence brings to young fans.

And for those two boys? Well, they probably won’t be eating Taco Bell again without thinking about the time they met Connor McDavid in line.

Mattias Ekhlom excited to battle against Oilers teammate Connor McDavid in 4 Nations Face-Off opener

When they’re together in Edmonton, they’re allies. But over the next week and a half, Oilers teammates Connor McDavid and Mattias Ekholm will be anything but.

The 4 Nations Face-Off kicks off in Montreal on Wednesday night, with McDavid’s Team Canada taking on Sweden’s Ekholm in the opening game. It’s a rematch of the 2014 Olympic gold medal game, a tournament neither player took part in.

So this will be a special moment for both players in the potential one-off tournament. After missing out on the Stanley Cup last spring, both McDavid and Ekholm will be looking to take home some coveted hardware in Boston next Thursday.

Answering a question from Daily Faceoff Live host Tyler Yaremchuk on Monday, Ekholm is ready for the challenge – even if he’d rather have McDavid on his side of the ice.

“I think I live in denial right now, just trying not to have it happen,” Ekholm said with a laugh. “But it’s going to be interesting. It’s been a while. I’ve gone up to him against him before I got to Edmonton. But yeah, he’s a great player. I play him in practice every day. So I’ve seen (what McDavid can do) first-hand.”

Ekholm has represented Sweden in various international events, winning gold at the 2018 World Championship and the bronze four years prior. Winning gold at an event like this would mean a lot for Ekholm, who hopes to also win the Stanley Cup for the first time in a few months.

But he knows the tourney won’t come easy – and they’re starting off with a bang against a Canadian team on home ice.

“He’s not the only one that’s good on (Canada). So it’s going to be a challenge for us overall. But it’ll be interesting to see how that pans out or if I’m on the ice at the same time. I want to win and I think he’s wired the same way. So we won’t be friends out there, but I’m sure afterward, we can hopefully have a laugh about it.”