by Barry Stagg
March 1998
DANIEL CLEARY
The erratic path to the National Hockey League continues for young Daniel Cleary. The pride of Riverhead, Harbour Grace and indeed all of Newfoundland is back on the ice in Belleville, Ontario after a particularly unfulfilling stay with the Chicago Blackhawks.
It seems that this youngster never got a real chance to crack the Hawk lineup. By sitting out this prodigious junior-age sniper, the Chicago management created conditioning and attitude problems that were as avoidable as they were predictable. I suppose we should remember that Chicago and the Wirtz family are the same operators who let Bobby Hull get away to invent the World Hockey Association. They have a history of wrongheaded decision-making.
Having said all that, it still comes down to Daniel Cleary taking responsibility for his own life and career. It will not do for him to be a perpetual victim of his own indifference or carelessness as he leaves junior hockey behind. He must remember and learn from the fact that he never played for Canada in any of the three World Junior Tournaments for which he was eligible. He was cut from the team all three times. These rejections should be juxtaposed with the great contributions of other Newfoundland juniors at the World Tournament. John Slaney and Dwayne Norris were winners in every sense for their team, themselves and for all Canadians and for we Newfoundlanders. Daniel Cleary played himself out of that role in three consecutive years. Whether his omission was a wise choice by the junior team management is now totally irrelevant. He did not make the cut for three years running.
Back in Belleville, this young man got himself arrested for drinking and driving. His contrition and obvious mortification at the situation still leaves the pattern of behaviour intact. This is a young fellow who finds trouble and tangles unsuccessfully with it. The support of fans and most importantly the support and assistance of the Chicago and Belleville management is commendable. It also shows the justifiably high regard that people have for this young star. Now this man must show that all the support and money directed his way is deserved.
Perhaps some financial perspective on this dilemma is helpful. After all Mr. Cleary is the owner of a large multi-million dollar contract to play hockey for the Chicago Blackhawks. By the standards of Riverhead and of Toronto he is a wealthy and important taxpayer and citizen. His task is to maintain and improve upon his financial fortunes while growing into a solid and responsible man. It will not do for his path in life to follow the star-crossed trails of Bob Probert or the late Pelle Lindbergh. Lindbergh by the way was the star Philadelphia Flyer who killed himself in a drunk- driving accident. Money and easy privilege will not last long if the player cannot control himself.
This winter and spring of 1998 will give this talented youngster a chance to play to his potential and to sweat away the baggage that he has carried into the Belleville Bulls dressing room. His coach Lou Crawford is a veteran professional player. Crawford is also the brother of Marc Crawford who knows a thing or two about both Newfoundland and winning the Stanley Cup. The experience is there for Cleary to take advantage of as he sees fit. On the professional side he has a chance to play for Chicago coach Craig Hartsburg who was a star defenceman in Minnesota and who is now a highly regarded coach in hockey's toughest league.
The chances are there for Daniel Cleary. Perhaps a word or two with both his bosses and a few Newfoundlanders who have gone before him would be of assistance. Lou Crawford and Craig Hartsburg know the highs and lows of the professional game. Likewise Newfoundlanders Joe Lundrigan, Doug Grant, Bob Gladney and Don Howse can offer a thought or two on making it in a tough and ultimately unforgiving business that we call professional hockey.
Until next month: Be proud, Be prosperous.