Bush Welcomes Red Wings To White House
15/10/2008 00:10
WASHINGTON - U.S. President George W. Bush welcomed the Detroit Red Wings to the White House Tuesday, celebrating a Stanley Cup championship team that overcame odds and age and even had one player who scored a goal with his teeth.
With the Stanley Cup on display near the podium, Bush paid tribute to forward Darren McCarty, a popular player who came back from alcohol problems and injuries to help the Red Wings' playoff run.
Bush said McCarty "had a problem - he drank too much. And it brought his career to an early end. But Darren McCarty did not give up. Darren McCarty decided to do something about it."
Bush recounted McCarty's decision to clean up his life, return to the minors and work his way back to the NHL. "This guy got his life back together, seized the moment, and scored the opening goal in Game 2 of the series against Nashville. That is a stout story."
Bush noted that 46-year-old defenceman Chris Chelios became the oldest player to win a Stanley Cup and the second-oldest player to play in the NHL. "That guy is going to play a lot more."
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SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
What a thrill for the Red Wings, I’m sure!