Rock Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 Goodbye, Mr. Devil http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=e...2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2 Friday, July 11, 2003 By TOM GULITTI STAFF WRITER The New Jersey Devil's Ken Daneyko announced his retirement after 18 seasons in the NHL. Ken Daneyko has been a New Jersey Devil from the team's humble beginnings through its rise to the NHL's elite. Along the way, he became synonymous with the franchise, a pillar of toughness easily identifiable on the ice by his familiar gap-toothed scowl. That 21-year journey will officially end today when the 39-year-old defenseman announces his retirement at a 10 a.m. news conference at the Continental Arena Winner's Club. "It's a big era that's going to end in New Jersey," Devils' goaltender Martin Brodeur said Thursday. "He'll be missed not just for hockey, but his personality, his leadership, and his love of the game. For us, he's been there all the time." Daneyko had said several times in the weeks since the Devils captured their third Stanley Cup that he was "leaning toward" retirement. He made his final decision after meeting with general manager Lou Lamoriello on Wednesday. "He loves the game so much, it was probably the toughest decision he had to make," Brodeur said. Daneyko could not be reached for comment. He becomes the latest in a line of NHL players to retire on top. Ray Bourque ended his playing career after capturing the Cup with Colorado in 2001. Detroit's Dominik Hasek retired after winning the Cup last year, but announced earlier this week that he would return to play one more season. Daneyko is expected to take a job within the organization, probably in community relations. "He definitely could still play if he wanted to," said Devils' captain Scott Stevens, who will attend this morning's news conference. "I guess you could play one more year or you retire on a great note like Kenny playing the last game and winning the Stanley Cup." During his 18 full NHL seasons, he played in a team-record 1,283 regular-season games, which is the fourth-most all time in the NHL among players that have spent their entire career with one team. "When you think of the Devils, you definitely think of him because of how long he's played for them," Stevens said. "It's going to be definitely strange without him in the room." After being drafted 18th overall in the team's first draft after moving to New Jersey in 1982, Daneyko arrived in the Garden State the next season as a raw 19-year-old. He played his first NHL game Oct. 5, 1983 against the Rangers, notching an assist in a 6-3 loss at Madison Square Garden. He endured the Devils' painful early years, during which they missed the playoffs in their first five seasons. By 1986, he had developed into a dependable fixture on a blue line corps that has been the foundation of the team's three championships. A stay-at-home defenseman, Daneyko wasn't the swiftest skater, but he always seemed to get the job done. He registered 36 goals and 142 assists in his career. He took more pride, however, in his physical play, as evidenced by his club-record 2,519 penalty minutes. "He's just as tough as it gets," Brodeur said. "To me, he was a guy that no one really liked to play against, whether he was 23 or 38. Everybody didn't like to play against him because he was going to make you pay the price. That's the type of guy he is. If you touched one of his teammates, he was going after you." Daneyko also had to battle through some rough times off the ice, briefly stepping away from the game in 1997 to get help for alcoholism. He dressed for the first 165 postseason contests in team history before being a healthy scratch for Game 4 of this year's Eastern Conference quarterfinals in Boston. He would play in just 13 of the team's playoff games and was a healthy scratch for the first six games of the Cup Finals against Anaheim before Devils' coach Pat Burns put him back in the lineup for Game 7 at Continental Arena. His return provided an emotional boost in a 3-0 victory. The fans showed their adoration for him by cheering every time he touched the puck. "What a way to go out," Stevens said. "Game 7, you haven't played a game in the Finals and you go out there and every time you touch the puck the crowd goes crazy. And, then you win the Stanley Cup. That's pretty remarkable." Sensing that night could be his last chance, Daneyko circled the ice after the game and blew kisses to the fans in thanks. "I saw a lot of old No. 3 jerseys out there tonight," he said afterward. "I just wanted to say 'Thanks.'" That No. 3 will likely be the first Devils jersey to be retired. "He probably saw the worst of the organization early on and he battled through that and that's one of the reasons why the Devils players and the people around the game really respect him," Brodeur said. "He paid his dues to get what he's got now. He's going to retire with three Stanley Cups and being a Devil all his career. That's pretty amazing." Daneyko by the numbers -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1,283 regular-season games with Devils, the fourth most in NHL history for one player with a single team and the most in team history 175 playoff games with Devils, a club record 36 career regular-season goals 142 regular-season assists 2,519 penalty minutes, most in team history 219 teammates in his 18 full seasons with the Devils 6 career high for goals in one season, set in 1989-90. Also had 15 assists that season to establish personal best of 21 points. 3 Stanley Cup championships Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbdf Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 I'm so relieved that Dano is able to realize it is time and will not tarnish his place in Devils and Hockey history by playing out a year or two or more than he should. Yeah, he could come back, play a fill in role as #7, get 35 or 40 games in, but that's not the way to end a career. As it is, he goes out on top, where he absolutely rightly belongs. Mr. Devil, the Stanley Cup Champion. I know some of you disagree, but this guy's jersey should be hoisted into the rafters - the only question is whether you give him the honor as the first, for what he has meant to, given to and been through here over the years, or wait for scott stevens, the captain who brought us 3 stanley cups (and counting) to hang up the skates first. I'll miss that toothless face yelling at the ref's and opponents out there. Thanks for the years, the highlights, the cups and the enjoyment you've given us Kenny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nieuwy25 Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 I bet if you asked Scott, he'd honestly say that he'd want to see Dano's #3 up there first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pepperkorn Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 I feel all misty... wow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LIDevsFan1 Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 I feel all misty... wow. I hear ya ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weekes Head Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 We love you Kenny! ...I think I have a tear in my eye. I just can't imagine this team without Dano. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brylin18 Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 mashed up face, two front teeth missing, scars, bruises....and three cup rings....that's kenny d, the consummate new jersey devil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FriesenKris Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 He becomes the latest in a line of NHL players to retire on top. Ray Bourque ended his playing career after capturing the Cup with Colorado in 2001. Detroit's Dominik Hasek retired after winning the Cup last year, but announced earlier this week that he would return to play one more season. How dare they mention those names in Dano's article! The man has never played for another team in a 20 year career. This is Dano's time to shine, along with those 3 Stanley Cups & 3 championship rings! I'm going to miss him but what a way to go out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westcoastdevfan Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 fairwell old friend, Thank you for all the great years. I will miss you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zamode Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 Congrats and thanks, Dano--go out on top! Best wishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheeps Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 new signature Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dallasdevil15 Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 Best of luck to Dano in whatever he does in the future. What a great guy to this organization! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueSkirt Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 Dako Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weekes Head Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 Dako? :wave: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimi_R Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 i think its french it goes on bread Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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