Aw, Mac <3
Nov. 11th, 2009 10:25 pm![[personal profile]](http://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
redwing_badgerDETROIT -- Darren McCarty has no more comebacks left in him.
The former Detroit Red Wings forward sensed that last season, which he spent mostly with the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL), would be his final year of hockey. His feelings were confirmed after his third hernia operation in the offseason.
McCarty on Tuesday said he has retired as a player and is embarking on what he hopes will be his next career: television. He will make his TV debut as a studio analyst for Versus during the Red Wings-Nashville game Nov. 23.
"I'm done (playing),'' McCarty said. "I knew after my last surgery this year, it was time. I can walk away and be happy. I enjoyed it. I didn't want to play again. I knew going into last year that was probably it.''
McCarty, who has filled in as a radio analyst on a couple occasions, said he is excited about his first TV gig, which he hopes will lead to a permanent job.
"It's a natural fit for me with my personality,'' McCarty said. "Hopefully, this opens up some doors. I want to stay around the game.''
When former teammate and close friend Kris Draper heard of McCarty's new venture, he couldn't resist taking a jab.
"His looks are definitely more for radio than television, but I think he's going to do a good job,'' Draper said. "He's very passionate towards the game, and I think this is a great opportunity.''
What kind of style will McCarty bring to TV?
"I think I'll be a little more reserved to start with, speaking intelligently, precise, to the point,'' McCarty said. "As my comfort level increases, you'll see more of my personality.''
He said it helps working a Red Wings game for his debut.
"That's a great advantage, but I think I can talk about most players around the league from having played against them,'' McCarty said. "With the Wings, it'll be good. I can rip on Draper, (Kirk) Maltby and (Chris) Osgood and there's nothing they can do about it. It'll be fun.''
Asked what he thought if McCarty were critical of his team, Draper laughed and said, "He better not rip any of us, or we'll be talking. He better be a homer.''
Draper added: "He's going to call it as he sees it. He was an honest player, he's an honest person. But I hope he still has some loyalty to us in this dressing room, with everything we've been through together.''
McCarty played in 758 games over 15 NHL seasons, picking up 127 goals, 161 assists and 1,477 penalty minutes.
Known for his toughness and grit, he fought many battles over the years and battled several off-ice issues, including alcoholism.
McCarty won three Stanley Cups with the Red Wings before the salary cap took effect in 2005, forcing the team to trim payroll and buy out his contract.
After two seasons with the Calgary Flames, his career appeared to be over before he launched a comeback in the minor-league ranks. It led to a second stint with the Red Wings late in the 2007-08 season.
McCarty is one of only five players to play on each of the Red Wings' four Cup teams since 1997, joining Draper, Maltby, Nicklas Lidstrom and Tomas Holmstrom.
The former Detroit Red Wings forward sensed that last season, which he spent mostly with the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL), would be his final year of hockey. His feelings were confirmed after his third hernia operation in the offseason.
McCarty on Tuesday said he has retired as a player and is embarking on what he hopes will be his next career: television. He will make his TV debut as a studio analyst for Versus during the Red Wings-Nashville game Nov. 23.
"I'm done (playing),'' McCarty said. "I knew after my last surgery this year, it was time. I can walk away and be happy. I enjoyed it. I didn't want to play again. I knew going into last year that was probably it.''
McCarty, who has filled in as a radio analyst on a couple occasions, said he is excited about his first TV gig, which he hopes will lead to a permanent job.
"It's a natural fit for me with my personality,'' McCarty said. "Hopefully, this opens up some doors. I want to stay around the game.''
When former teammate and close friend Kris Draper heard of McCarty's new venture, he couldn't resist taking a jab.
"His looks are definitely more for radio than television, but I think he's going to do a good job,'' Draper said. "He's very passionate towards the game, and I think this is a great opportunity.''
What kind of style will McCarty bring to TV?
"I think I'll be a little more reserved to start with, speaking intelligently, precise, to the point,'' McCarty said. "As my comfort level increases, you'll see more of my personality.''
He said it helps working a Red Wings game for his debut.
"That's a great advantage, but I think I can talk about most players around the league from having played against them,'' McCarty said. "With the Wings, it'll be good. I can rip on Draper, (Kirk) Maltby and (Chris) Osgood and there's nothing they can do about it. It'll be fun.''
Asked what he thought if McCarty were critical of his team, Draper laughed and said, "He better not rip any of us, or we'll be talking. He better be a homer.''
Draper added: "He's going to call it as he sees it. He was an honest player, he's an honest person. But I hope he still has some loyalty to us in this dressing room, with everything we've been through together.''
McCarty played in 758 games over 15 NHL seasons, picking up 127 goals, 161 assists and 1,477 penalty minutes.
Known for his toughness and grit, he fought many battles over the years and battled several off-ice issues, including alcoholism.
McCarty won three Stanley Cups with the Red Wings before the salary cap took effect in 2005, forcing the team to trim payroll and buy out his contract.
After two seasons with the Calgary Flames, his career appeared to be over before he launched a comeback in the minor-league ranks. It led to a second stint with the Red Wings late in the 2007-08 season.
McCarty is one of only five players to play on each of the Red Wings' four Cup teams since 1997, joining Draper, Maltby, Nicklas Lidstrom and Tomas Holmstrom.
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Date: 2009-11-12 06:16 am (UTC)Last week I'm doing the dishes with the Avs game on as background, when I hear the announcers say his name. Wha? Oh, he's the Assistant Coach. Hey, as long as he's back in burgundy.
The thing about players becoming announcers is that the really good stories they have on their ex-stablemates, they can't tell on-air.
Music of the Moment: The King Of Broken Hearts by King George Strait, from the Pure Country soundtrack
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Date: 2009-11-12 01:19 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-11-12 01:37 pm (UTC)then i read this: He will make his TV debut as a studio analyst for Versus during the Red Wings-Nashville game Nov. 23. and i almost threw my coffee in joy!
maybe i shouldn't have my coffee in my hands while i am reading things..
anyways,
I think DMac will make a great Analyst! I am excited. It's still sad to see him retire though.
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Date: 2009-11-12 02:25 pm (UTC)xD yes. i will be looking forward to this. <3
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Date: 2009-11-12 02:44 pm (UTC)He's going to make an awasome analyst.
no subject
Date: 2009-11-12 05:56 pm (UTC)