Interesting Tidbit About Darren McCarty's Return

[Daniel Chosen 0]

I was Re-Watching my Hockeytown Video From 1997 and I noticed an interesting similarity. They were talking about Joey Kocur and how he was playing in an over 30 league at Christmas time, but then joined the Wings and provided an emotional spark with his physical play. It seemed a bit similar to Darren McCarty not being in the league at the beginning of the season, but worked really hard to make his way into the league. He might not have the impact that Kocur had back in 97, but it's not too often that a player who isn't even in the league in December makes his way onto a team that is 1 way away from winning the Stanley Cup.

[KronwallCRUNCH 5]

hmm, never thought about that. beauty bustin' out the dvds though!

[Gizmo 21]

I believe McGuire said between the benches after Game 4 that McCarty was being quite the cheerleader from the bench and frequently shouting out encouragements to the players on the ice like "Take it to them, boys!!!"

[poxer 0]

If you watched the post-game conference with Babcock he said McCarty was up on the bench screaming don't stop attacking keep attacking with only 6 mins left in the 3rd. McCarty brings a certain edge to his game and his experience really helps the younger players. Its funny you mention that video because I just watched it like a month ago and started to think the same thing.

[RedWingfaninCO 43]

I've only been a member here for a month now, so earlier today I decided to randomly flip through some of the old forum pages to see what had been posted in the past. Interestingly enough, I found a thread about McCarty that was from 2007. You guys were discussing his last games and how sad it was that he was struggling and hardly getting any ice time.

More than one person said he was "still a Wing" to them, and how great it would be to see him come back. Even if he was playing for another team, someone thought he would for sure get a standing ovation at The Joe.

Now a year later, we do have him back! And he did get his standing ovation! And he is again a Wing- home where he belongs...

[#19forPresident! 1]

Man I thought about getting out the dvd's myself, but seeing as I'll be at the game tomorrow I am really really really hoping I get a first hand, up to date, version of the same events.

And yeah DMac has been through so much @!#$ personally and in his career that it would be impossible for him not to inspire some people to put out that extra effort when his half toothless mug is screaming at them.

Also the mere mention of Joe Kocur brings a smile to my face, one of the true heavyweights of his generation. I remember some of his epic fights but my favorite Kocur related incident was the game when we played the Blues and he was on our coaching staff, there was a bench clearing brawl and Kocur got so pissed off he threw a folding chair on the ice, probably more so due to frustration that he wasn't in a position to pummel any of the people irritating him like he used to be able to.

[Daniel Chosen 0]

Just to add to what I originally said, I didn't mean to downplay McCarty's role on the bench this season. But watching the DVD again, I had forgotten how timely some of Kocur's goals were.

And just as a side note, how great would it be to see a line of Maltby, McCarty and Draper tonight. I know Babcock did it in the regular season, but I think it would get a huge ovation tonight.

[Ti-girl 0]

McCarty has also made the tranistion for Helm a lot easier.

He played with him in GR and Helm, being the type of kid he is (painfully shy) he needs someone to guide him for the first bit.

I give McCarty as much credit as I do Helm for Helm's success.

[MississippiWing 14]

I think McCarty adds those unmeasureable things to the team.

[Hank 0]

I could be wrong, but I think DMac still provides certain qualities in the dressing room, & is a positive influence overall - yet he sees no more than a few minutes of playing time...May not have the impact that Kocur has had on the ice, but off he's doing his fair share.

Take this for what it's worth but a relative of mine saw McCarty gambling at the Windsor Casino about 6 weeks ago.

If it's true that's not good news for someone who's a recovery alcoholic and lost almost everything to gambling. And if I were in Ken Holland's shoes and he was still doing stuff like this, I wouldn't have him back.

It shows that he's still not committed to fighting demons that helped put him down in the past.

We can get a lot of other kids to do more than what he's doing. I'd rather see Helm or Abeldaker get the nod over him next season.

Edited June 2, 2008 by Hank

[deker 0]

Just to add to what I originally said, I didn't mean to downplay McCarty's role on the bench this season. But watching the DVD again, I had forgotten how timely some of Kocur's goals were.

I'll never forget the look on Kocur's face when he had the breakaway on Hextall and roofed it with a backhand. It's was pretty much the same look everyone else had on their face when they saw Joe Kocur deke a goalie!

[Nightfall 871]

Take this for what it's worth but a relative of mine saw McCarty gambling at the Windsor Casino about 6 weeks ago.

If it's true that's not good news for someone who's a recovery alcoholic and lost almost everything to gambling. And if I were in Ken Holland's shoes and he was still doing stuff like this, I wouldn't have him back.

It shows that he's still not committed to fighting demons that helped put him down in the past.

We can get a lot of other kids to do more than what he's doing. I'd rather see Helm or Abeldaker get the nod over him next season.

Proof?

Not that I am denying it, but levying that kind of accusation without proof is pretty low. I have to give McCarty the benefit of the doubt that he has turned his life around until I see otherwise. When he was here in GR, he spent time improving his image in the community, press, and fans.

[Opie 308]

Proof?

Not that I am denying it, but levying that kind of accusation without proof is pretty low. I have to give McCarty the benefit of the doubt that he has turned his life around until I see otherwise. When he was here in GR, he spent time improving his image in the community, press, and fans.

You should read a little closer he said IF it is true. He didn't accuse anyone of anything!

[Nightfall 871]

You should read a little closer he said IF it is true. He didn't accuse anyone of anything!

No, his relative did. Which still puts the burden of proof on him/her.

[Hank 0]

You should read a little closer he said IF it is true. He didn't accuse anyone of anything!

Thanks Opie.

No, I don't have proof other than what my family member and the 4 people he was with claimed.

Nightfall, McCarty's always been a tremendous public figure. He's always stopped to sign autographs or get himself involved in the community. It doesn't mean he's not battling demons. Probie did a lot of charity work too and continues to do so, but we all know the issue's he's had.

Heck, even Mike Tyson has given a considerable amount of his fortune away to charity and he's no saint (I remember reading one story where he used to drive by his old haunts in Brownsville and pick inner city kids up to get them new shoes. One of Tyson's limo drivers said he once got limo's for a dozen kids and drove them to a shoe store to get them brand new sneakers for basketball and school).

McCarty has a heart, but he's also a flawed human being like the rest of us. Only his demons could cost him his career all over again - IF this sighting is true about him gambling again.

Edited June 2, 2008 by Hank

[stormboy 47]

And just as a side note, how great would it be to see a line of Maltby, McCarty and Draper tonight. I know Babcock did it in the regular season, but I think it would get a huge ovation tonight.

it would be sweet if babs started that line. let 'em play one shift and then not play together the rest of the night...but that would just be a sweet way to start the game. good for the fans.

[Datsyukgrl_in_ATL 0]

Just to add to what I originally said, I didn't mean to downplay McCarty's role on the bench this season. But watching the DVD again, I had forgotten how timely some of Kocur's goals were.

And just as a side note, how great would it be to see a line of Maltby, McCarty and Draper tonight. I know Babcock did it in the regular season, but I think it would get a huge ovation tonight.

I thought that Mac was out tonite with Homer's return? I'm such a big McCarty fan, it was amazing to see him score the first goal of the playoffs.

[2probert4 8]

I was Re-Watching my Hockeytown Video From 1997 and I noticed an interesting similarity. They were talking about Joey Kocur and how he was playing in an over 30 league at Christmas time, but then joined the Wings and provided an emotional spark with his physical play. It seemed a bit similar to Darren McCarty not being in the league at the beginning of the season, but worked really hard to make his way into the league. He might not have the impact that Kocur had back in 97, but it's not too often that a player who isn't even in the league in December makes his way onto a team that is 1 way away from winning the Stanley Cup.

I would have never thought he made it back, guess I was wrong eh ?

[esteef 2,679]

I would have never thought he made it back, guess I was wrong eh ?

NON-BELIEVER!!!!

[esteef 2,679]

Take this for what it's worth but a relative of mine saw McCarty gambling at the Windsor Casino about 6 weeks ago.

If it's true that's not good news for someone who's a recovery alcoholic and lost almost everything to gambling. And if I were in Ken Holland's shoes and he was still doing stuff like this, I wouldn't have him back.

It shows that he's still not committed to fighting demons that helped put him down in the past.

We can get a lot of other kids to do more than what he's doing. I'd rather see Helm or Abeldaker get the nod over him next season.

Why did you even post this? It's off topic and takes an unnecessary shot at MAC.

You've spent so much time defending Crosby you're starting to just lash out at anybody now.

Booooooooo!

[RedRockit 0]

Any thread in which the OP makes refs to Kocur and Mac....

[Nightfall 871]

Thanks Opie.

No, I don't have proof other than what my family member and the 4 people he was with claimed.

Nightfall, McCarty's always been a tremendous public figure. He's always stopped to sign autographs or get himself involved in the community. It doesn't mean he's not battling demons. Probie did a lot of charity work too and continues to do so, but we all know the issue's he's had.

Heck, even Mike Tyson has given a considerable amount of his fortune away to charity and he's no saint (I remember reading one story where he used to drive by his old haunts in Brownsville and pick inner city kids up to get them new shoes. One of Tyson's limo drivers said he once got limo's for a dozen kids and drove them to a shoe store to get them brand new sneakers for basketball and school).

McCarty has a heart, but he's also a flawed human being like the rest of us. Only his demons could cost him his career all over again - IF this sighting is true about him gambling again.

Then why even make a statement like that other than to troll on these forums? You can't back it up, so you just toss out a bulls*** statement. For what end?

I am not denying McCarty has had issues. Same with Probert. Point is that he is going the extra mile to clean his image up and come back to the game of hockey.

Hearsay is just that....hearsay.