Micheal Aldred

Sudbury, ON • Canada • 27 Years Old • Male

Tucker-ed Out

Darcy Tucker has officially called it a career. "After spending the whole summer anticipating I would play, it got to a point where I knew it was time."

"I just knew, during workouts I didn't have that same feeling," Tucker told TSN, "and I needed to be fair with my family."

Darcy Tucker had a successful career playing the role of a grinding pest. After beginning his career in Montreal and moving to Tampa Bay for his inability to transition his scoring abilities to the NHL level, the Maple Leafs brought him in where he instantly became a fan favorite.

There were plenty of rumours this past off-season suggesting Tucker would join the Leafs training camp on a try-out basis, but after the Leafs confirmed Tucker was not in their best interest at the time and Tucker confirmed he was not interested in any try-out offers, it seems the feisty 35 year-old decided it was time to call it quits.

"I regret not winning a Stanley Cup in Toronto, that would be the ultimate for any player."

"It was difficult to play in Toronto, it wasn't easy, but I took it as a compliment, and I thrived on it. I loved the pressure there," Tucker added.

Tucker will now focus on his certification while developing Turning Point Sports Management where he will become a player agent.

"I have always been a guy who needed something to move on to and I'm both thrilled and excited about this opportunity," Tucker concluded.

While he will be missed on the ice for fans across North America, it will certainly be exciting to see what players decide to sign with him in order to elevate their game to the Tucker level.

Cheers to Darcy Tucker and his successful career which proved that even the small boys can play with a big heart.

(All quotes from TSN.ca)

Micheal A. Aldred