I first met Bates or (Bates-cee as I call him) back in 1999, when I was a flight attendant for the NHL Carolina Hurricanes and he was a player on their team. Back then he had long shoulder length hair, that he would sometimes slick back and look like a true guido (Italian-American). With his good looks, status as a pro-athlete and his “fat paycheck” Bates has been considered by many to be a “player”, no pun intended.  Why not? He’s young, single, handsome and extremely charming, I say make the most of it!

Of course, the men admire  his conquests while the women involved are less enthusiastic about his escapades.  A teammate once told me he was in admiration of Bates’ ability to attract women.

In talking with Bates, he’s always very gregarious, has a self-deprecating sense of humor and a quick wit. He also has a mischievous smile, which always makes me wonder what he’s up to.

KA: What is your most memorable moment was while playing in the NHL?

BB: “Best moment would be playing in the stanley cup finals in 2002, unfortunately we lost but it was my worst and best hockey moment. I got to play in the finals but we lost.”

KA: When did you retire from playing professional hockey?

BB: “I retired in 2012.”

KA:  When did you open your bar?  What’s the name of it and why did you choose to open a bar?

BB: “We opened Lucky b’s —  www.luckybsbar.com in 2005. I opened it cause I knew I couldn’t play hockey forever so I needed some thing to fall back on and …oh, did I mention I like beer.”

Bates Battaglia is his name and his jersey number was #13 when he played with the Carolina Hurricanes. Hence, the name Lucky B’s 13.

Earlier this year Bates and his brother Anthony, won season 22 of the Amazing Race 2013.  They split a million dollars in prize money.

KA: Did the producers tell you why they picked you and Anthony out of the thousands of contestants?

BB: “They didn’t tell us exactly why but I assume because we are awesome- haha. I do think  because I had hockey hair and Anthony had hockey teeth…and we were pretty comfortable on camera.”

KA: What did you do with your winnings, if anything?

BB: “We’ve been pretty conservative with our winnings. Anthony and I have talked about possibly opening an italian restaurant… and as far as the trips we won, we haven’t taken them yet but donated one of them to charity.

     If you’re ever in Raleigh, North Carolina stop by Lucky B’s 13 and say “Hello” to Bates, tell him you read this article and ask for a free drink. 🙂

    Me & Bates-cee back in the day!