Scott Darling gets the chance to pay it forward
For every ten heartbreaking stories about Homelessness you get one or two good ones. Every so often someone does something that brings you to tears but they're the good kind of tears.
The man in the above photo is Chicago Blackhawk goaltender Scott Darling. He's in his second season with the Hawks after a long career in the minor leagues. He's also overcome a battle with depression and alcohol addiction.
Darling had a breakthrough season in 2015. He didn't start the season with the team. During an injury to starting goalie Corey Crawford, Darling got a chance to be the temporary backup and he worked his way into that position full-time. In last season's playoffs, Darling found himself in the limelight during the first round against Nashville and his stellar play helped win the series. It was a big factor in the Hawks moving forward towards winning the 2015 Stanley Cup Championship.
Darling is back with the team again this year. I'm sure seven years ago when his life was in shambles, he couldn't imagine this was possible. Now he's living out his dream and is grateful for everything that has happened to him.
Scott Darling took an opportunity to give back to someone less fortunate.
When the Blackhawks were in Phoenix, a man down on his luck came up to Darling to ask for some money. Instead of giving him a couple of bucks, Darling got into a cab with him, took him to a hotel, paid for a months rent and bought him some groceries. You can find the details on this in this Second City Hockey story. You can find them on other outlets by searching Scott Darling.
It's the ultimate in giving back to someone who needs help. You can understand the mindset here...it's easy. Darling's a guy who had his own problems. He got help to overcome them. He saw a chance to help someone else and he goes far beyond what's expected.
It's great feel good story. Btw...it's not totally selfless because if you ever do anything like this, which includes giving change to someone in need or serving food at a church or shelter, it makes you feel good, too.
The interesting thing about this story is Scott Darling didn't want any publicity for this. It was between him and the man he helped. The only person he told was his fiancee. But we know what happens.... the story leaks. It's a good thing. Maybe others who can help like this will...whether we hear about it or not.
Scott Darling was a hockey hero last spring. He's a bigger hero today.
He paid it forward.
Blackhawk goalies are always good for a story. Here's one from almost three years ago about Corey Crawford.
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