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Interview with a former New York Ranger
by Patrick Hoffman on 07/06/09 at 10:28 PM ET
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Back in the late 80’s and early 90’s, I am sure that New York Ranger fans were used to hearing “It’s a power play goal” call from Sam Rosen. This was back when the Blueshirts used to be at the top of the league in that category.
One of their best power play performers, No. 8 Darren Turcotte, was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions about how he got into the game of hockey, his favorite memory as a Blueshirt, what he’s doing now, what he likes about the “new” NHL, and more.
Continue below to read about a former great New York Ranger.
PH: How did you first get into hockey?
DT: Having grown up in Canada it was pretty easy. For some unknown reason there is a love for the game at a very young age up here. Must be the long, cold winters.
PH: Growing up, who was your favorite team and player? Why?
DT: I was always a big fan of Wayne Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers because of their offensive abilities. I was never a big kid growing up so seeing Wayne Gretzky be as good as he was at his size was always motivation for me.
PH: At what point in your life did you know that you wanted to be a hockey player?
DT: I really don’t recall any specific time. Things just seemed to fall into place for me. I was not a high draft pick in the OHL or the NHL because of my size but was able to prove myself along the way.
PH: Tell us about your experience as a New York Ranger. What is it like to skate in the red, white & blue? What was it like to play at Madison Square Garden in front of thousands of Blueshirt fans?
DT: I will always remember my time in New York and the opportunity the Rangers gave me. The fans at MSG are remarkable and I loved playing in front of them. I still have vivid memories of many things that happened there.
PH: What is your greatest memory as a New York Ranger? (I can remember when you scored a tying goal against the Vancouver Canucks back in February of 1992).
DT: They are numerous. Finishing first overall would be one of them. I scored a couple of hat tricks in the Gardens also that are memorable. I am just disappointed that I was not around to see the Cup hoisted after seeing the team built over the 3 previous seasons.
PH: What’s your career been like after you retired from the NHL? How are you still involved with the game of hockey today?
DT: I am still involved as a coach. I spent 4 seasons coaching Midget Hockey in Nashville and then returned to North Bay, Ontario to coach a Junior A team. Next season I will be an assistant coach for the University team in North Bay. I am also very involved with USA Hockey teams and will be bringing the Team USA Select 16 team to Fussen, Germany in August.
PH: What is it like watching the game now? What differences are you seeing from when you played?
DT: I love today’s game and the speed. No more clutching and grabbing which makes it a much better game to watch. Maybe I could come out of retirement.
PH: Any words of wisdom for aspiring hockey players out there? Kukla’s Korner readers out there?
DT: Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you cannot play at the next level. Set your goals wisely and work every day to achieve them. Every day that you take off, your competition is getting better.
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Comments
Thanks Scotty! It’s nice to think back to the “old” Ranger teams with guys like Kelly Kisio, Brian Mullen, John Ogrodnick, Bernie Nicholls, Troy Mallette, Mark Jansenns, Mike Gartner, David Shaw, etc. They used to actually score on the power play!
Posted by Patrick Hoffman from Fairfield, CT on 07/08/09 at 01:09 PM ET
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Patrick has a tremendous passion for hockey. Besides covering the Rangers and the NHL for Kukla’s Korner, you can also find Patrick’s work over at RLD Hockey, Rangers Tribune, and TheGoodPoint.com.
Prior to writing for the above mentioned outlets, you could find Patrick’s musings at hockey web sites/outlets such as TheHockeyNews.com, The Fourth Period, Spector’s Hockey, Hokeja Vestnesis, Blueshirt Bulletin, SNYRangersBlog.com and many more.
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Nice interview Pat; one of my best friends rocked a Turcotte jersey for years ...
Posted by Scotty Hockey from NY on 07/07/09 at 11:17 PM ET