Scott Darling
Darling with the Chicago Blackhawks in December 2014
Born (1988-12-22) December 22, 1988
Newport News, Virginia, U.S.[1]
Height 6 ft 6 in (198 cm)
Weight 232 lb (105 kg; 16 st 8 lb)
Position Goaltender
Caught Left
Played for Chicago Blackhawks
Carolina Hurricanes
HC TWK Innsbruck
National team  United States
NHL Draft 153rd overall, 2007
Phoenix Coyotes
Playing career 2010–2021

Scott Darling (born December 22, 1988) is an American former professional ice hockey goaltender. He previously played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Chicago Blackhawks and Carolina Hurricanes. Darling was selected by the Phoenix Coyotes in the sixth round, 153rd overall, of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Darling won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Blackhawks in 2015, becoming the first Chicago-area native player to do so as a member of the Blackhawks.

Playing career

Amateur

Darling grew up in Chicago's southern suburb of Lemont, Illinois, and as a child idolized the Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Ed Belfour.[2] He played minor ice hockey with the AA Vikings (Orland Park), AA Huskies (then Darien, now Romeoville) and AAA Team Illinois and Chicago Young Americans.[3] He played in the 2002 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Chicago Young Americans.[4] He attended Notre Dame College in Wilcox, Saskatchewan, in eighth grade and played AAA hockey for the Hounds. He attended Lemont High School.[3]

Prior to turning professional, Darling attended the University of Maine, where he played two seasons of NCAA Men's Division I Ice Hockey with the Black Bears ice hockey team.[5]

Chicago Blackhawks

In the 2013–14 season, Darling enjoyed his most successful American Hockey League (AHL) season, earning 13 wins in 26 games with the Milwaukee Admirals.[6]

On July 1, 2014, the Chicago Blackhawks signed Darling as a free agent to his first NHL contract on a one-year deal.[7] Darling made his NHL debut on October 26, 2014, against the Ottawa Senators, making 32 saves in the 2–1 win.[8][9] He became the first former Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) player to play in an NHL game.[10] On November 1, 2014, it was announced Darling had been reassigned to the Blackhawks' AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, following starting goaltender Corey Crawford's recovery from an upper-body injury.[11] However, Darling was recalled two weeks later, on November 15, 2014.[12]

On February 22, 2015, Darling was promoted from Rockford and placed onto Chicago's NHL roster, replacing Antti Raanta as the team's backup goaltender, who himself was demoted to Rockford. The Blackhawks also signed Darling to a two-year contract extension.[13] On March 18, 2015, Darling recorded his first NHL shutout in a Blackhawks' victory over the New York Rangers.[14] On April 15, 2015, Darling recorded his first playoff win after replacing Crawford in net, making 42 saves, with the Blackhawks defeating the Nashville Predators 4–3 in double overtime.[15] Darling set an NHL record in his debut for the longest relief appearance without allowing a goal (67:44), as well as the most saves in relief without allowing a goal (42). On June 15, 2015, Darling became the first Chicago-area native player to win a Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks. [16]

Carolina Hurricanes

On April 28, 2017, at the conclusion of the Blackhawks season in 2016–17, Darling's rights as a pending free agent were traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for the Ottawa Senators' original third-round pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.[17] On May 6, 2017, Darling agreed to terms with the Hurricanes on a four-year contract.[18] His first season with Carolina was underwhelming, as he recorded a 13–21–7 record with a 3.18 goals against average (GAA).

On November 29, 2018, the Hurricanes placed Darling on waivers. At that point, he had a .892 save percentage in seven appearances for the club.[19] He cleared the following day, and joined the Hurricanes' AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers.[20] On February 10, 2019, Darling was granted a "personal leave of absence" from the Charlotte Checkers and the Hurricanes organization for an undetermined period of time.[21]

On June 30, 2019, Darling and a 2020 sixth-round draft pick were traded to Florida Panthers in exchange for James Reimer. He was subsequently placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of buying out the final two years of his contract.[22]

Innsbruck HC

Darling signed with Innsbruck HC of the Austrian Hockey League in November 2019.[23] He abruptly returned to the United States in March 2020 following the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in Europe.[24] Darling appeared in 33 contests for Innsbruck, where he posted a 3.34 GAA and .898 save percentage prior to his departure.[25]

Return to North America

As a free agent, Darling returned from Austria and agreed to a professional tryout contract to attend the Florida Panthers training camp on January 2, 2021.[26] With the Panthers under the leadership of former Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville, Darling was subsequently released without a contract at the conclusion of camp.

On January 26, Darling returned to the roots of his past success in joining the Blackhawks, signing a professional tryout contract (PTO) with the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL, to begin the 2020–21 season. [27] He made a lone appearance in his return to the IceHogs on February 9, allowing five goals on 27 shots.[28] Darling was released from his PTO with the IceHogs on February 17, 2021.[29] He retired from professional hockey after his release.[30] Darling reflected on his career, stating, "I grew up in Chicago, I've been a 'Hawks fan my entire life, I still am a 'Hawks fan. It meant the world to me. My family went to the parade in 2010, I watched 2013 with my mom on her couch and being on the 2015 team and helping them along, oh my God, it makes me emotional just talking about it."[30]

International play

Medal record
Representing  United States
Ice hockey
World Championships
Bronze medal – third place2018 Denmark

Darling played for the United States in the 2018 IIHF World Championship, mainly serving as the backup to Keith Kinkaid. He recorded featured in two wins in as many games with a 2.25 GAA and a .870 save percentage.[31] On May 20, the United States defeated Canada 4–1 to win the bronze medal.[32]

Darling played in the Wayne Gretzky Ice Hockey Classic for Team USA in the summer of 2016 in Australia.

Post-retirement career

According to Darling, he was depressed for six months after his retirement, until he began doing stand-up comedy. Darling was recognized by a comedian at Chicago's Laugh Factory comedy club who encouraged Darling to try and open for him. By summer 2022, he toured with comedian Ian Bagg and performed multiple shows in Raleigh.[30] Darling became a studio analyst for Blackhawks coverage on NBC Sports Chicago in October 2022.[33]

Personal life

Born in Newport News, Virginia, Darling was the son of an Army officer who was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington and Fort Rucker, Alabama before the family finally settled in the Chicago suburb of Lemont.[1] At the University of Maine, he was involved in excessive partying and by his sophomore year was abusing alcohol. He frequently violated the school's code of conduct and was given three suspensions from the hockey team within a 16-month period, resulting in him being dropped.[34]

After bouncing around for several years through various minor hockey leagues, his goaltender coach Brian Daccord said he was not permitted to play at his hockey school until he made a dedicated commitment to the gym. It was at this time, he lost nearly 40 pounds and gave up alcohol in 2011.[1][35] Darling said even at the lowest point, after being cut from what might have been the worst team in organized hockey, he never forgot something his father told him about getting ahead: "It was kind of like his motto—'Saw the wood that's in front of you.' " [36]

In 2016, Darling helped a homeless man in Arizona by buying him groceries and renting him a hotel room for the month.[37] The story went viral after Darling's Uber driver shared it with the media.[37] Darling's deed was recognized by President Barack Obama during the Blackhawks' visit to the White House, who recounted the story and praised Darling.[38]

Career statistics

    Regular season   Playoffs
Season Team League GP W L T/OT Min GA SO GAA SV% GP W L Min GA SO GAA SV%
2005–06 North Iowa Outlaws NAHL 8 2 4 0 405 28 0 4.15 .888 — — — — — — — —
2006–07 North Iowa Outlaws NAHL 1 0 0 0 15 3 0 12.00 .786 — — — — — — — —
2006–07 Capital District Selects EJHL 22 9 9 3 1,242 70 1 3.38 .924 — — — — — — — —
2007–08 Indiana Ice USHL 42 27 10 2 2,391 121 1 3.04 .908 3 1 2 179 11 0 3.69 .889
2008–09 University of Maine HE 27 10 14 3 1,566 72 3 2.76 .895 — — — — — — — —
2009–10 University of Maine HE 27 15 6 3 1,511 78 0 3.10 .895 — — — — — — — —
2010–11 Louisiana IceGators SPHL 30 6 22 0 1,598 102 0 3.83 .892 — — — — — — — —
2011–12 Mississippi RiverKings SPHL 35 15 17 1 2,055 100 1 2.92 .905 1 0 1 59 5 0 5.12 .762
2011–12 Florida Everblades ECHL 1 0 1 0 58 5 0 5.14 .773 — — — — — — — —
2011–12 Wichita Thunder CHL 1 0 1 0 60 4 0 4.01 .840 — — — — — — — —
2012–13 Wheeling Nailers ECHL 32 13 12 4 1,819 85 2 2.80 .907 — — — — — — — —
2012–13 Hamilton Bulldogs AHL 1 0 0 0 25 0 0 0.00 1.000 — — — — — — — —
2013–14 Milwaukee Admirals AHL 26 13 6 2 1,347 45 6 2.00 .933 — — — — — — — —
2013–14 Cincinnati Cyclones ECHL 6 4 1 1 368 16 0 2.61 .916 — — — — — — — —
2014–15 Rockford Icehogs AHL 26 14 8 0 1,419 52 2 2.20 .927 — — — — — — — —
2014–15 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 14 9 4 0 833 27 1 1.94 .936 5 3 1 298 11 0 2.28 .936
2015–16 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 29 12 8 3 1,551 67 1 2.58 .915 — — — — — — — —
2016–17 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 32 18 5 5 1,689 67 2 2.38 .924 — — — — — — — —
2017–18 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 43 13 21 7 2,476 131 0 3.18 .888 — — — — — — — —
2018–19 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 8 2 4 2 486 27 0 3.33 .884 — — — — — — — —
2018–19 Charlotte Checkers AHL 14 5 6 2 742 42 0 3.40 .882 — — — — — — — —
2019–20 HC TWK Innsbruck EBEL 33 9 24 0 1923 107 0 3.34 .898 — — — — — — — —
2020–21 Rockford IceHogs AHL 1 0 1 0 60 5 0 5.00 .815 — — — — — — — —
NHL totals 126 54 42 18 7,042 319 4 2.72 .908 5 3 1 298 11 0 2.28 .936

International

Year Team Event Result GP W L OT MIN GA SO GAA SV%
2018 United States WC 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) 2 1 0 0 80 3 0 2.25 .870
Senior totals 2 1 0 0 80 3 0 2.25 .870

Awards and honors

Award Year
NHL
Stanley Cup (Chicago Blackhawks) 2015 [39]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Darling, Scott (December 23, 2014). "An Interview with Goalie Scott Darling of the Chicago Blackhawks". Puck Junk (Interview). Interviewed by Sal Barry. Archived from the original on December 30, 2014. Retrieved December 23, 2014.
  2. ↑ Dietz, John (April 19, 2016). "My NHL Idol: Blackhawks' Darling on Ed Belfour". Daily Herald. Arlington Heights, Illinois. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  3. 1 2 Hine, Chris (April 23, 2015). "Scott Darling: From Humiliation to Hero". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  4. ↑ "Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA" (PDF). Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 6, 2019. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  5. ↑ Reading Royals (August 29, 2010). "Royals Sign Goaltender Scott Darling" (Press release). Reading Royals. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved February 3, 2012 – via OurSportsCentral.com.
  6. ↑ "Scott Darling Nets Shutout in First Start Between Pipes for Admirals". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. November 2, 2013. Archived from the original on November 18, 2013. Retrieved November 2, 2013.
  7. ↑ Chicago Blackhawks (July 1, 2014). "Blackhawks Agree to Terms with Three" (Press release). Chicago Blackhawks. Archived from the original on July 7, 2014. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
  8. ↑ Hedger, Brian (October 26, 2014). "Blackhawks to Start Rookie Goaltender vs. Senators". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on October 27, 2014. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  9. ↑ "Ottawa Senators at Chicago Blackhawks, 10/26/2014". National Hockey League. Retrieved October 27, 2014.
  10. ↑ Southern Professional Hockey League. "Former SPHL Goaltender Scott Darling Win NHL Debut" (Press release). Southern Professional Hockey League. Retrieved October 27, 2014.
  11. ↑ Myers, Tracey (November 1, 2014). "Blackhawks Updates: Crawford Starts, Darling Reassigned". CSN Chicago. Archived from the original on December 14, 2014. Retrieved November 2, 2014.
  12. ↑ Chicago Blackhawks (November 15, 2014). "Blackhawks Recall Darling, Assign Raanta" (Press release). Chicago Blackhawks. Archived from the original on November 20, 2014. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
  13. ↑ National Hockey League (February 22, 2015). "Blackhawks Recall Goalie Darling, Send Down Raanta" (Press release). National Hockey League. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  14. ↑ Knobler, Danny (March 18, 2015). "Brad Richards, Scott Darling Enjoy Unforgettable Outings in Win at Rangers". ESPN. Archived from the original on March 20, 2015. Retrieved March 19, 2015.
  15. ↑ "Blackhawks Top Preds in 2OT After 3-Goal Deficit, Pulling Corey Crawford". ESPN. Associated Press. April 16, 2015.
  16. ↑ Lewis, Tisha (June 16, 2015). "Scott Darling: First Blackhawk Raised in Chicago Area to Win Stanley Cup". MyFoxChicago. Chicago: WFLD-TV. Archived from the original on June 18, 2015.
  17. ↑ TSN.ca Staff (April 28, 2017). "Hurricanes Acquire Rights to Darling from Blackhawks". The Sports Network. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
  18. ↑ Williams, Terrell (May 6, 2017). "Hurricanes, Darling Agree to Four-Year Deal" (Press release). Carolina Hurricanes. Archived from the original on May 6, 2017. Retrieved May 7, 2017 – via National Hockey League.
  19. ↑ Armstrong, Mark (November 29, 2018). "Darling finished with Hurricanes; a free agent signing gone wrong". Durham, NC: WTVD-TV. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
  20. ↑ Alexander, Chip [@ice_chip] (November 30, 2018). "Darling clears waivers, was on ice with Checkers this morning. Zykov claimed by Edmonton" (Tweet). Retrieved November 30, 2018 – via Twitter.
  21. ↑ Alexander, Chip (February 10, 2019). "Canes Goalie Scott Darling Taking Personal Leave of Absence". The News & Observer. Raleigh, NC. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
  22. ↑ Florida Panthers (June 30, 2019). "Panthers Acquire Scott Darling and a 6th Round Pick from Carolina" (Press release). Florida Panthers. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
  23. ↑ "Scott Darling: Signs in Austria". CBS Sports. November 4, 2019. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  24. ↑ King, Scott (March 13, 2020). "Former Blackhawks goalie Scott Darling leaves Europe as COVID-19 spreads". Yahoo! Sports. Yahoo!. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  25. ↑ "Scott Darling". HockeyDB. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  26. ↑ "Former Blackhawks goalie Scott Darling signs PTO with Panthers". NBC Sports. January 3, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  27. ↑ "Scott Darling returns to Blackhawks organization". Chicago Suntimes. January 26, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  28. ↑ Taft, Jay (February 10, 2021). "Hogs Hits: Wolves roll to win in Game 2; several Hogs step up for Hawks". Rockford Register Star. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  29. ↑ Scott Powers (February 17, 2021). "IceHogs release Scott Darling from PTO". Twitter. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  30. 1 2 3 McCarthy, Dave (September 10, 2022). "Former NHL goalie Darling finds new career in stand-up comedy". NHL.com. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  31. ↑ "IIHF World Championship 2018 - Goalie Stats". QuantHockey.
  32. ↑ Cerny, Jim. "USA beats Canada 4-1, captures bronze at 2018 IIHF World Championship". Sporting News. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  33. ↑ Roumeliotis, Charlie (October 11, 2022). "Podcast: Darling on his new role as Hawks studio analyst". NBC Sports Chicago. Retrieved November 20, 2022.
  34. ↑ Simmons, Jeff (April 16, 2015). "Person of Interest: The 411 on Scott Darling". Sportsnet. Archived from the original on April 20, 2015. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  35. ↑ Campbell, Ken (November 17, 2014). "After Overcoming His Demons, Scott Darling Wants to Make Mark on the NHL". The Hockey News. Archived from the original on December 2, 2014. Retrieved December 30, 2014.
  36. ↑ Litke, Jim (April 15, 2015). "From South Suburbs to Lowest Rung of Minors, Local Hero Scott Darling Finally Back Home". Canada.com. Associated Press. Archived from the original on April 20, 2015. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  37. 1 2 Hine, Chris (February 8, 2016). "Blackhawks' Scott Darling helps needy man in Arizona — in a big way". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  38. ↑ "President Obama recognizes Scott Darling, Kimmo Timonen". NBC Sports. February 18, 2016. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  39. ↑ Cohen, Jay (June 15, 2015). "Chicago Blackhawks Win the Stanley Cup". The Huffington Post. Associated Press. Archived from the original on June 16, 2015. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
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