Dino leaves colorful legacy

After 608 goals, 1,200 points and 1,240 games, the diagnosis finally came true. Yes, Dino Ciccarelli retired on Aug. 31, a mere 21 years after doctors said he would never play again after suffering a broken leg in junior. (See pg. 2 for more on Ciccarelli.) Actually, they said skating would be problematic and even walking might be a chore-thanks to that surgically inserted two-foot steel rod and the 100-plus stitches which served as a graphic reminder. Then, as always, Ciccarelli proved them wrong. His was no quiet determination. He led face-first, giving as good as he got. The amazing thing about Ciccarelli’s bad back was that it lasted so long, after all those cross-checks at the net. “My heart wants to play, my body is saying enough,” Ciccarelli said. “I’ve had 19…

McCarty prepared for long wait

Darren McCarty always tries to look on the positive side. That philosophy remains intact even as he struggled with the realization he would likely miss a significant part of the Detroit Red Wings’ training camp because of gridlocked contract negotiations. “At least I’ll have a good chance to work on my golf game,” McCarty said. A joke, of course. But even McCarty admitted the strangeness of the situation. For as long as he can remember, McCarty would pick up his stick and skates and head to the rink in September. Not this year though, at least not yet. Negotiations have been limited at best, with the Red Wings having faxed proposals ranging from one to four years to McCarty’s agent, Pat Morris. The Red Wings and McCarty are about $750,000 a year apart on…

NHL DEPTH CHARTS

Deal for Dafoe no closer as sides still $1M apart

It appears for the second year in a row, the Boston Bruins will have key players holding out for contracts at the start of training camp. Last year, it was Jason Allison, Kyle McLaren and Anson Carter. This year, it appears the club will be without their best player-goalie Byron Dafoe. He is reportedly seeking $4 million a year while the Bruins are said to be offering $3 million. After some initial progress in late June, the sides hunkered down into their respective positions for the next two months. On Aug. 31, Dafoe sat down with GM-president Harry Sinden in a face-to-face meeting for half an hour. It was initiated by coach Pat Bums, though Bums wasn’t in attendance. “Hopefully something will come in the next couple of days,” Dafoe said. “There’s a…