The suburbs were hopping Monday afternoon as myriad Blackhawks fans flocked to the Lemont Park District’s CORE building to give Blackhawks backup goaltender Scott Darling, along with the Stanley Cup, a hero’s welcome.
In front of an overjoyed hometown crowd, Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves declared Monday “Scott Darling Day” in the village and informed the 2015 Cup champion that a street would be named after him.
Darling spoke about receiving the honors and his whirlwind rookie season.
Is it still surreal that this is all happening?
Oh yeah. This whole year, from start to finish. Like I’ve said before, it’s just such an honor to sign with the team. I was thrilled to be on the [Rockford] IceHogs, and then to get an opportunity with Chicago and having a role in the playoffs and win a Cup, it’s been unbelievable.
Training camp is right around the corner …
I’m as hungry as ever. I want to stay here. I want to be here for a long time. So [I’ll] take a couple weeks off, then in a couple weeks the season is going to start. So I’m excited to get back at it.
What was it like coming here today?
It was awesome. This is where I spent a lot of my life. I went to [elementary school] next door and have my family here, and just to be in the streets where I used to ride my bike and hang out and to see people so excited to have me here, it’s pretty amazing.
Can you believe how many people waited to see you?
I felt bad it was raining. But it means a lot to me that they stuck it out.
With Antti Raanta getting traded, does that solidify the backup position for you?
Nothing solidifies anything. [I’ve] still got to earn everything next year. There’s always so many good goalies, so [I] can’t let the foot off the gas at all.
How was Raanta in the locker room?
He was unbelievable. Him and I through a pretty uncomfortable situation remained really great friends and he’s a great guy. We’re going to continue to be friends and I wish him the best of luck. It’s an exciting opportunity for him and for me too.
Tell us about the new Stanley Cup tattoo?
It means tons. I’m a fan of tattoos to begin with. I always wanted an excuse to get a Stanley Cup tattoo, and now I have a great one. Myself and the artist designed it.
Scott King is a RedEye special contributor. @ScottKingMedia
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