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Chico makes his retirement official


dmann422

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Surprised there wasn't a thread yet- I will very much miss Chico. I know some things he says are cringe worthy, but for me it was always pleasant to listen to him and hear some of the old time devils stories. Also there are much, much worse color men in the nhl today from my gamecenter experience, so whoever does replace Chico will have some very big shoes to fill.

Thank you for everything Chico!

Edited by dmann422
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I've already told Chico's past Rockies/Devils story and posted about what he meant to the franchise during its slow transition from perennial loser to respectability.  Sadly, his Devils career ended before the slow build began to pay off, but he still did so much for this team after his playing days were over...I don't think I ever saw anyone as good with the fans as Chico.  Just a genuinely great guy.  He will be missed.

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I don't think I ever saw anyone as good with the fans as Chico.  Just a genuinely great guy.  He will be missed.

this cannot be said enough, I've never met him personally, but I've seen countless fan stories of his kindness and openness to each and every fan he meets. He really has been a treasure to this franchise.

Btw, as someone who was in diapers during those early devils years, I always appreciate your insight/stories from a fan perspective of those olden days.

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this cannot be said enough, I've never met him personally, but I've seen countless fan stories of his kindness and openness to each and every fan he meets. He really has been a treasure to this franchise.

Btw, as someone who was in diapers during those early devils years, I always appreciate your insight/stories from a fan perspective of those olden days.

 

Thanks.  The best thing about reminiscing about those olden days is seeing how far this franchise has come.  14 straight losing seasons in three cities...through five ownerships...endless embarrassments...having the game's greatest player call the team a Mickey Mouse franchise...I still remember when Ranger, Flyer and Islander fans in the 80s treated Devils fans like their little brothers...almost in a "aw, how cute, you root for that Devils team" kind of way.  It was so great when they went on that big run to get into the playoffs in 1988, especially since they did it at the Rangers' expense.  And then of course, the big playoff run that FINALLY slayed the Mickey Mouse label (even with 88-89 being a step back).  93-94 was also great, in that "so THIS is what it's like to have a terrific, upper-echeleon regular season record!"

 

It's just been a lot of fun to see this team grow.  And it's weird to see so many people that were a part of it getting older and moving on.  Though it absolutely NEEDS to happen, it's going to be weird when Marty's not here next season.  There's just certain guys you just don't think of ever being gone until they actually are.  Chico very much fits that bill. 

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this cannot be said enough, I've never met him personally, but I've seen countless fan stories of his kindness and openness to each and every fan he meets. He really has been a treasure to this franchise.

Btw, as someone who was in diapers during those early devils years, I always appreciate your insight/stories from a fan perspective of those olden days.

I've had the pleasure of meeting Chico twice- everything you've heard is true. He is truly one of the nicest human beings I've ever met.
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I've had the pleasure of meeting Chico twice- everything you've heard is true. He is truly one of the nicest human beings I've ever met.

 

And what made him even more special is you could tell he genuinely ENJOYED that fan interaction...in those moments, he became "one of us" and was so clearly at ease with it.  I think some guys in Chico's position do a pretty good job with that, but I don't think it ever at any time felt like it was a job to Chico.  He was just very naturally social and friendly.

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Chico will be missed, I almost can't even imagine no longer hearing his ramblings. I might still hear my innervoice step in for him. Haha.

 

Losing Doc and Chico in a span of years has really changed the Devils broadcast flavor. Godspeed Chico!!!!!!!
 

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And what made him even more special is you could tell he genuinely ENJOYED that fan interaction...in those moments, he became "one of us" and was so clearly at ease with it. I think some guys in Chico's position do a pretty good job with that, but I don't think it ever at any time felt like it was a job to Chico. He was just very naturally social and friendly.

No question. He did enjoy it, you could tell he wasn't someone who talked with and interacted with fans as much as he did just for the hell of it. He was as genuine, friendly, and engaging in person as he is on the air.
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I was lucky enough to have club seats tonight and I talked to him a few times and even got a picture with him. I told him it won't be the same without him and that really struck a cord with him and he hesitated to respond to me and he just put his hand on my shoulder and said he really appreciated it and said he is nothing without the fans. I will miss the guy very much, he is always great to listen to and an even better person.

First time I actually met Chico was before game 1 against the Kings. My friend and I literally bumped into him on the corner outside of the arena and of course good ole Chico was munching on a hotdog while talking to all the fans saying he's hasn't been so excited in years. He really is a great man.

Edited by Zubie#8
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Does Doc have a national game Sunday? It would be cool if he could come back for Chico's last game.

This would be so, so cool. I don't know if he'd be able to do it contractually but man.. That'd just be awesome.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Also, I know it's generally impossible to coordinate these things..

But a "Thank you Chico" chant on Sunday would be really amazing.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

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