Darcy Tucker Brings More Than Grit to Colorado

It was interesting seeing former Toronto Maple Leaf Darcy Tucker sporting a Colorado Avalanche jersey. In fact, it looked good. Tucker, long renowned for his grit and intensity, seemed downright comfortable in it. And well he should; the Avs (obviously) like his style of play and by all accounts he should be able to, as he indicated, fit in "seamlessly" with his new club.

Speaking as both a hockey fan and a parent of minor hockey players, I, for one, will miss watching him play in Toronto. Any footage of Tucker that I have seen reveals an intensity of effort, a 100 percent per shift attitude. Unlike most, my appreciation for Tucker's qualities came, not from his career high point total from a couple seasons back (although that was nice), but rather from seeing him play hurt two seasons back.

Tucker had torn a muscle between his ribs, which is one of the most painful injuries one could suffer. Every time one moves (or draws breath) it feels as though someone is sticking a red hot branding iron in one's side. Yet, torn muscles or not, Tucker was out playing hard; playing physical and seemingly ready for his next shift. I recall him attempting a one-timer and collapsing to the ice in pain, but picking himself up and continuing his shift.

A similar situation occurred when he broke a bone in his foot. He had himself fitted with a special pad so that he could continue to play. To play in this day's NHL, when a mild flu (or stress!) will allow players who are paid many multiples of what Tucker makes, to sit out for several games, his grit and courage in the face of serious adversity I found to be both refreshing and, on a personal note, inspirational. Allow me to elaborate.

My son had the opportunity to meet Tucker in the Leafs' dressing room about a year ago. Tucker was genial, friendly and keen to speak to him. My son left elated. About three weeks after the meeting, my son suffered a very serious spleen injury while playing minor hockey, resulting in his being hospitalized for the better part of 10 days. He was prescribed five months of "doing nothing" for fear that his spleen would rupture and that he might die. Consequently, when tryouts rolled around for the Rep team, things didn't look too promising.

To our surprise a package arrived from the Toronto Maple Leaf hockey club, inside of which was a warm letter of encouragement to our son and a signed photo from Darcy Tucker. It meant the world to him. The thought that a man who was no stranger to playing hurt would take the time to let him know that he was rooting for him and that he "could do it", inspired my son to attend the try outs. He made the team and ended up having his best season (last year) in minor hockey. We had hoped to thank Mr. Tucker in person  (he cottages in the same area where we live) for his encouraging gift when it mattered the most if our paths should cross.

Now, however, he is playing his brand of hockey in Colorado. The Avalanche should be assured that they not only acquired a talented and gritty hockey player, but have also acquired an individual who has the ability to inspire those who may sorely need it to dig deeper, play harder—and succeed. In his excellent article (Heart and Soul: The Case For Darcy Tucker In Toronto; Bleacher Report: December 30, 2007), author Daniel Sallows made the point quite eloquently:

Tucker is a player who does so much with so little.

As a junior at 5'9" and 160 pounds, Tucker scored 64 goals and 73 assists in 64 games with the WHL's Kamloops Blazers. He had 52 goals and 88 assists in 66 games the year before, including six goals and three assists in four games in the Memorial Cup.

To put those statistics into perspective, Sidney Crosby had six goals and five assists in five games in his Memorial Cup appearance, and his junior points totals are close to those of Tucker.

Last season Tucker tallied 24 goals and 19 assists while fighting injuries and dressing for only for 56 games. The year before, he had 28 goals and 33 assists in 74 games.

Not to shabby for a guy who plays consistently on the third line, and spends 100 minutes a year in the penalty box.

And since no one else seems be saying it, I will: Thank you, Mr. Tucker for your example while in Toronto and despite the vicissitudes of pundit opinion on the matter (and by the very nature of the beast, public opinion must be diverse about any public figure), rest assured that there will always be one family in Ontario that will be cheering for you in your new career as a member of the Avalanche.