Darth Vader falls at hockey game, more embarrassing than prequels (Video)

Max The Lion is the mascot for the Manchester Monarchs, the Los Angeles Kings’ AHL affiliate. He had a birthday party on Sunday, and like so many boys turning 14 he decided to have a “Star Wars” theme.

What a thrill to be accompanied onto the ice by the Dark Lord of Sith himself, Darth Vader!

Operative word: Ice. Here’s Darth Vader biting it as he steps out on the red line, in the most cringe-inducing moment for “Star Wars” in recent memory that didn’t involve the word “Mesa” or “midichlorians”:

The Force was not strong with this one.

We especially liked the way his helmet flew off like The Shockmaster’s, which itself was just a Stormtrooper’s helmet with glitter paint on it.

Obviously, Darth Vader has been involved in greater embarrassments. Dancing to “Beat It.” That stupid “NOOOOOOOOOOOOO” when he’s resurrected by Palpatine. Being portrayed by Hayden Christensen. But this is up there.

So, in the official Empire on Ice rankings:

1. Invasion of Hoth

2. Ice skating Stormtroopers in “Strange Brew”

3. The actual Empire on Ice from Robot Chicken

1977. Vader falling at a hockey game.

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