While Darren McCarty was all smiles Monday night after signing a new contract that will keep him a Red Wing for the next four years, the city of Detroit couldn't be happier that the feisty forward was remaining in "Hockeytown."
During his 10-year career, McCarty has done just as much off the ice in the Detroit community for his neighbors in need as he has done on the ice for the organization.
"Darren has been an important member of our hockey team and championships the last several seasons," Wings' general manager Ken Holland said. "We are all very pleased that he will remain with the Detroit Red Wings."
 |
|
McCarty, a fan favorite in Detroit, visits hospitals quite often as he raises money for cure-finding multiple myeloma research.
|
"In an era in which many professional athletes are self-centered and difficult to interact with, there is one Red Wing who has justly earned his wings," FOX Sports Net reporter Shireen Saski said. "Darren McCarty may be known throughout hockey for his tough, relentless and grinding style on the ice, but here in 'Hockeytown' he is just as well recognized for his perpetual kindness and generosity off (the ice)."
In fact, his charitable efforts were recognized by the NHL this year when he was named the winner of the 2003 NHL Foundation Player Award. The NHL Foundation Player Award recognizes community service and is accompanied by a grant of $25,000 to further causes the winner supports.
In its sixth year, the Foundation Player Award recognizes an NHL player who applies the core values of hockey commitment, perseverance and teamwork, to enrich the lives of people in his community.
In 2002, Ron Francis of the Carolina Hurricanes was acknowledged for his charity work. Other recipients include Olaf Kolzig (2001), Adam Graves (2000), Rob Ray (1999) and Kelly Chase (1998).
"I am very humbled by this prestigious honor," McCarty said. "I would like to thank [team owners Mike and Marian] Ilitch and the Detroit Red Wings organization for the continuous support they have shown to me, my family and the McCarty Cancer Foundation."
The McCarty Cancer Foundation was established by the rugged Detroit winger as a Father's Day gift in 1997 for his dad, Craig, who had been diagnosed in 1995 with a rare blood cancer called multiple myeloma. McCarty decided to start the foundation because he wanted to give back to his dad who had helped him in his battle against alcoholism and also because he discovered that there was very little funding being put toward research for that type of cancer.
Although Craig McCarty lost his battle with the disease in 1999, Darren and his family are dedicated to carry on Craig's legacy, so that someday soon a cure will be found.
"My dad always told me to do things to the best of my ability and although he is no longer with us, I know he would be very proud," McCarty said.
The NHL Foundation judging panel, which consists of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman; former New York Islander and New York Ranger, and current NHL Director of Alumni Relations, Pat Flatley; NHL Group Vice President of Communications Bernadette Mansur; and NHL Director of Community & Diversity Programming Kenneth Martin, Jr., was also very pleased.
 |
|
Tough as nails on the ice, McCarty is a "happy-go-lucky" guy once the game ends.
|
"We are very proud to award Darren with the 2003 NHL Foundation Player Award," said Mansur. "Darren exemplifies the spirit behind the NHL Foundation -- hard work, dedication and commitment off the ice. His outstanding charitable work is representative of the efforts of all our athletes who give tirelessly to their communities."
To date, the Foundation has raised $3 million for myeloma research and is currently establishing a myeloma research lab at The Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids. McCarty, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, not only helped raise funds and awareness for multiple myeloma, he has also gone the extra mile throughout the years in creating support groups, which help people cope with the disease.
"Our focus is to raise money for research to find a cure for multiple myeloma, and also to help with support groups," McCarty said. "I got the idea and learned from AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) that there are a lot of people in the same situation. If you can lean on each other and use each other as support, it makes things a lot easier to handle."
"Both diseases are something we can't control. But it's something we can try and battle. I think the hardest thing to do when you have a disease, whether it be cancer or alcoholism, is to feel alone. That's when you get defeated."
As long as he is around, McCarty will not let people feel alone.
"Darren McCarty is one of those spectacular people who is both a great sports person and someone who genuinely is concerned with the community and charities that help others," Red Wings' Alternate Governor Denise Ilitch said.
 |
|
McCarty is the team leader of the organization's annual charity softball game, which pits the Red Wings against baseball's Detroit Tigers.
|
McCarty is the team leader of the organization's annual charity softball game, which pits the Red Wings against baseball's Detroit Tigers, hosted by the Ilitch Charities for Children.
McCarty not only serves as the Red Wings' captain each year at the event, he also goes out of his way to meet and greet as many fans as possible at the worthwhile affair, making him one of the most popular and sought-after athletes at the game.
"Darren now has been in the NHL for a decade, and with each passing year his drive, dedication and commitment to his own charitable foundation, the McCarty Cancer Foundation, and countless other charity groups, only gets stronger and stronger. He is incredibly generous not only to our family foundation, but is perhaps the most visible and active ambassador for the Red Wings and Detroit," Denise Ilitch said.
"Whether it is a hospital visit, taking the time to talk to a kid who needs a little guidance, stressing the importance of education, or boosting the spirits of someone who is down on his luck, Darren is always there to help," Tigers' outfielder Bobby Higginson said.
"The work he does to assist those around him is unending," linemate Kris Draper said. "I have been with him on numerous occasions when he has been in the community helping others and I can honestly say I don't think there is another guy who can compare to the impact he makes each and every day."
Rob Picarello covers the NHL for NHL.com.
