Chicago Blackhawks: Daniel Carcillo’s Story

Ex-Blackhawk Daniel Carcillo May Be Retired, But He Still Has A Story To Tell

I was on my way home from work today and I was cruising Facebook in the car (don’t tell anyone; I only do it at stop lights).  I saw that one of my girlfriends had shared Daniel Carcillo’s most recent article in The Players’ Tribune.  Now, I have the upmost respect for what Carcillo is trying to do with his Chapter 5 Foundation.  I couldn’t wait to get home to read it.

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Once I was able to read it in its entirety, I was incredibly moved by what Danny had to say.  Now, I never really was a big CarBomb fan when he played for the Chicago Blackhawks.  In my opinion, he was a subpar hockey player who didn’t even do a good job at his role of being a goon.  But since he has retired and reached out in memory of his friend Steve Montador, I have gained a whole new respect for him.

I hesitated long and hard before I wrote this post.  After all, I love the physicality of the game.  Who doesn’t like a good hockey fight?  It gets everyone’s adrenaline flowing.  And in many instances, it can be a turning point in the game.  It gets the players riled up, and can provide much needed energy and excitement to snap everyone out of a funk.  It charges up players and fans alike, and this is part of what makes hockey great.

But Danny shares with us the downside of all this.  His testimony is raw, and emotional, and NEEDS to be shared.  He talks about the downside of the glory; the concussions, the depression, and the isolation.

One thing I found greatly uplifting about Danny’s article is how much he appreciated his Chicago Blackhawk teammates.  He discusses going to a birthday party for Andrew Desjardin’s son.  He talks about being supported by Jonathan Toews and Brent Seabrook.   It’s good to know that the leaders of the team support everyone through thick and thin.  Hockey players have a special fraternity, and it’s great to hear that the players we know and love are a part of that.

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I can’t speak for him, but Danny might be calling for the game to be changed.  After all, he lost a dear friend in the name of us all being entertained.  He dealt with his own terrible issues in the name of us all being entertained.  And for many hockey fans, this might be hard to digest.  We selfishly want to see physical play and fighting.  I am ashamed to say that I wish things could stay as they are.

But Danny’s article sheds some light upon all this.  Mostly, he is calling for a support group for players after they leave the game.  He wants them to be able to have someone to talk to with their issues, frustrations, and needs when they hang up their skates.   This is an admirable wish.

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But enough of me and my high horse.  I urge you all to read Danny’s words and form your own opinion.  Again, I have the highest respect for Mr. Carcillo.  For the love of the game and all involved, I wish him the best in his quest!  I would love to hear your comments in the section below.