The owner of the Bruins wisely cautioned him that, for someone not bred to wealth, it would ruin his life. After signing his contract with the Blazers, Sanderson covered a month-long excursion to Hawaii for seven people on his American Express gold card a bill of close to $47,000. The player Bruins fans called Turk was young, brash, outspoken with movie-star looks and tuned into the In 1965 Turk led his team to the Memorial Cup, symbol of junior hockey supremacy in Canada and in 1967 he was the recipient of the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the OHLs leading scorer.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thehockeywriters_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',823,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thehockeywriters_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Instinctively, Derek always understood the value of the big stage. In 1966, the Boston Bruins management, in the middle of a cellar-dwelling season, decided to arrange a game in the Boston Garden between the Sanderson-led Niagara Falls Flyers and the Bobby Orr-led Oshawa Generals to showcase their up and coming talent. Contents copyright 2016 Orbit Enterprises, Inc. I said, 'Well, what are you gonna do?'. Sandersons signature play was the sweep check, a wildly successful defensive dodge that created turnovers and reduced the number of body blows he absorbed in a game. Along the way, he studied to become a financial advisor. One of the good stories is Esposito in the [hospital] bed and I wasn't a part of that. - Details", "Sanderson, Karen / parents Carol (nee Gillespie) & Pte. Other Links. The guys said, 'Oh, what are you doing?' WebNarrated by Boston native, Primetime Emmy Award-nominee and star of Mad Men John Slattery, Center of Attention follows Sandersons journey from humble beginnings, to What do you remember from the goal itself? When you come to a game and you think you are prepared but you are not unless someone gives you something specific like, This is what we are going to do tonight. . Ron MacLean excited for 4th season of Rogers Hometown Hockey, Tim and Sid's Rogers Hometown Hockey Preview, When submitting content, please abide by our, {* backButton *} To see your localized preferences, please enable geolocation services in your browser settings. Then they put the third-man-in rule in. I recently interviewed Derek Sanderson, the NHL hockey player, in Toronto during a dinner sponsored by Healthy Minds Canada. That perfect pass, zipped from behind the goal line that set Orr up, was from Derek Sanderson. The only chance they got is if it ends quickly so let's get them in a couple of minutes.' Sanderson along with the Bruins captured consecutive East Division titles in the (197071 and 197172) seasons, and won the Stanley Cup in 197172 against the New York Rangers, its second in three seasons. The guys, we always get together. Born and raised in Niagara Falls, Ontario, he played his junior hockey for the N.F. Then, while in a drunken stupor, he nearly froze to death sleeping in the snow. He paid for his care in detox centers only to see him walk away from them multiple times. Just shut up. The pain in his hips grew so intense, he began to take barbiturates as a sleep aid. Negative publicity over some of the club's less than reputable patrons led to problems and eventually Sanderson had to get out of what went from a "goldmine" to a money-losing venture.[17]. I grew up watching "The Turk" play hockey in He spent 10 years with New England Sports Network and WSBK-TV with play-by-play announcer Fred Cusick. But I wore a tuxedo that night - St. Louis, they're not gonna beat us, so I wore a tuxedo to the Garden. Get us past the opening and I can double you back and make it a defensive battle and eventually you're gonna win because we were that much better. I was always a fan of Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, and Derek Sanderson. Eric Russo. WebBorn and raised in Niagara Falls, Ontario, he played his junior hockey for the N.F. A great hockey town. I've watched them for a long time and Marchand is my favorite. Derek Michael Sanderson (born June 16, 1946), nicknamed "Turk", is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre and two-time Stanley Cup champion who helped transform the culture of the professional athlete in the 1970s era. Flyers. When youre a defenseman you are not going to go behind the net but he reached in and that was all I needed.. The game is meant to be played with 16 guys - 10 forwards, three lines and an extra; two D pairs and an extra. [15] He received $600,000 in cash as part of the agreement, an offer that the Bruins declined to match. Through the 2021-22 campaign, his 24 short-handed tallies in the regular season ranked third behind Brad Marchand and Rick Middleton in club history. It was over pretty quickly and Bobby took a chance along the wall, said Sanderson. [Vancouver Canucks forward] Bobby Lalonde was 5-foot-4. Video: 1970: Bobby Orr's iconic OT goal wins Cup for Bruins. It was a mountain of money at that time. "Bobby and I talked for a while, and then when I went to leave I walked straight into the wall. He took his first drink at 7 when an uncle gave him a beer at Christmas. Fortunately, hes hasnt lost his sense of humour. Would you like to create an account so you can see these Favourites on your other devices too? For Sanderson, the tough hockey player and ultimate playboy, it must have taken an immense change of heart for him to get down on his knees and say, God help me, I cannot live this way any longer.. The drugs, including prednisone and cocaine, helped his hips but hurt his future. I cant stay awake long enough to spend that much money.. When he reached that was it. WebDerek Michael Sanderson (born June 16, 1946), nicknamed "Turk", is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre and two-time Stanley Cup champion who helped transform the culture of the professional athlete in the 1970s era. He sobered up, got married and had two sons. [20] His second autobiography, Crossing the Line: The Outrageous Story of a Hockey Original, written with Kevin Shea, was released in October 2012. It's kind of like in the NFL, you're waiting for a penalty flag, 'Is everything OK?' [22] In September 2013, Sanderson received the Hockey Legacy Award from The Sports Museum at TD Garden.[23]. A day earlier, the shaggy-haired Boston Bruins star of the late 60s and early 70s signed the richest contract in sports history a $2.65-million deal with the Philadelphia Blazers of the WHA (surpassing Pel on the highest-paid athlete list). [4] At season's end, Sanderson was awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy as the Rookie of the Year, an honor that his teammate Orr had claimed the previous year. The snooty treatment embarrassed Derek Sanderson, who had grown up poor. He also had 98 penalty minutes, establishing himself as something of a "tough guy" in the league. Derek Sanderson last played in 1978. His popularity reached heartthrob and rock star status from the moment he arrived on the scene in 1966. WebDerek Sanderson vs. Tim Horton, October 26, 1968 - Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs. [13] It also turned out to be the signature moment for both players in their careers. Eddie and I got a lot of kudos for being penalty killersthey were tremendously talented people, they just never get enough credit. That was Handsome Johnny Bower in goal minus the mask though he started wearing one Sanderson turned to therapy for a fruitless solution that included taking Valium. Phil said, 'What a shame, I'm stuck here.' What goes through my mind is that Bobby scored the goal a good second before Noel Picard lifted his feet up. Did you know the pass to Orr was going to work out? His third autobiography came out in October, and it's the first that tells the entire story. WebWhy is Derek Sanderson called Turk? Turk became a fan favorite and to many the most exciting player on the ice; with him on the ice you never knew what would happen next. Sindens hunch created a few grumblings on the bench but proved to be the right move. While the doctor took him off the Valium, Sanderson still needed something to calm his nerves before a flight. Doctors informed Orr that his former teammate was an alcoholic and drug addict. WebFormer NHL player Derek Sanderson poses in Toronto on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012. He I knew his loving parents, who tried to instill the right virtues in their son. I was really happy that it was as close as it was. WebDEREK SANDERSON DOCUMENTARY TO DEBUT ON NBC SPORTS ON JUNE 8TH. Sanderson continues, "My ego simply wouldnt let me. WebBest Answer Copy I believe because he looked like the macho male model who always got the girl and who portrayed a charactor called "The Turk" from the old Camels Cigarettes You knew exactly what he was capable of and he always did it. He was in traction. This takes you through the rollercoaster ride that's been my life." I never thought of what to say in those moments. The rise, fall, and redemption of a Stanley Cup-winning former Boston Bruins player is set to receive the big-screen treatment. He returned to the dealership, made sure the salesman didnt earn a commission and drove the Rolls-Royce right off the lot. The two-time Stanley Cup champion set up the epic overtime goal scored by Boston Bruins teammate Bobby Orr that clinched the 1970 Stanley Cup Finals, widely considered to be the greatest goal in National Hockey League history. What do you remember from the clinching game? It's a little more difficult with shorter people. In case you had an injury or a bad game. Steroids were prescribed to alleviate the problem, but when they dried out his hip sockets, it only grew worse in nature. Fame and fortune had come his way. WebHe was terrified of flying so the Bruins sent him to a psychiatrist who made two disastrous errors. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an commission. Today, Sanderson, 66, is clean and sober. He was a notorious partier, living in a constant haze of booze, drugs and women. Don't miss out - sign up for our newsletters! six games into the season laid him up indefinitely. I enjoyed it," he adds. While there, his clients often asked him, with a bit of concern in their voices, if he picked the stocks. So I asked Sanderson what finally saved his life. "Bobby will never turn his back on a friend. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Sanderson scored 16 points in 16 games with the club before he was sent to the minors because of disciplinary reasons. When no takers stepped forward before the next season, he retired from the game.[18]. Turk always came to play, night after night. Tweet Flyers. That's goodthere was nobody behind him but St. Louis Blues players. What are the duties of a sanitary prefect in a school? Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. We needed them and they appreciated us. Remember in our day, there was only one coach. Phil was on my right and he goes, 'I can't believe that.' He wore blue jeans and a matching jean jacket over an old sweater, with cowboy boots. Sanderson asked the Bruins for an $80,000 contract. Especially for one nicknamed The Turk.. This Christmas, Sanderson is a happily married man with two children. I just wanted to play hockey." They did a study on the top 10 sports pictures of the century and that picture won it. In 2005 he went to work in the professional athletes department of Howland Capital, a private investment firm in Boston. During his career, Sanderson made several bad business investments and lost millions of dollars in the process. He was just making sure the fans would remember the name Derek Sanderson as much as they remembered Orr's. He returned to the Bruins, but was traded to the Rangers in 1974. Club officials would only say the pact is from "5 to 15 years". Perhaps, if you purchased it, youd be sitting in the back.. The referees were obliged to cancel the game. We were really deep. [3], Sanderson played junior hockey in his hometown with the Niagara Falls Flyers of the Ontario Hockey Association. Asked to name a moment that stands out as the craziest, Sanderson says softly, "They were all crazy. Ed Burns, best known for The Brothers McMullen, Saving Private Ryan and guest spots on Entourage, offered up All I do is make sure they're treated properly and educated about what they own." It's a 50-50 chance you'll get it, right? Derek Sanderson co-authored his first autobiography when he was 24. We had great fans, the same type of fans today. I was pumped. Cosmopolitan magazine named him one of America's 10 sexiest men. Those early years in Boston were the apex of his life. But Sandersons story didnt end in financial tragedy. Rhonda Sanderson's detailed questions about their son's death led to an investigation by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. He blew out his knee, was getting operated on. Wasn't somebody a little upset that you were starting overtime instead of him? They'd just shake you off. Movie Insider is a registered service mark of The Movie Insider LLC. My thanks to it for arranging this interview. He co-founded a sports wealth management group in 1990. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. I'm glad he didn't miss the pass. [2] In his early youth, Sanderson took to hockey, skating countless hours on a scaled-down version of an NHL rink, which his father built and maintained while his mother served hot chocolate during breaks in the action. He first prescribed Valium. Despite playing with a Hall-of Fame lineup in Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, Gerry Cheevers and Ed Westfall. "I didn't want to leave Boston. 'Crossing the Line: The Outrageous Story of a Hockey Original is co-written by Kevin Shea, a hockey archeologist and award winning author of 17 hockey books. He didn't say Pie for Johnny McKenzie, he'd say Johnhe was the best - the best. The Rolls-Royce dealer, wearing a three-piece suit, sniffed at his presence, folded up the newspaper he was reading and got up from his desk. They decided that attractive airline attendants should have free drinks after landing in Boston. He was demoted to the Boston Braves of the American Hockey League for three games then traded to the rival New York Rangers. By that time, Sanderson had developed vascular necrosis. BostonBruins.com is the official website of the Boston Bruins. Derek Sanderson Jeter of the new york yankees is named for the turk. Sanderson had only one request: He didn't want the Bruins lawyer to be in the room. Forty seconds into the extra period, Sanderson controlled the puck behind the Blues goal line, at which point defenseman Bobby Orr broke in from near the blue line. "I thought everybody lived like I did. [11] Named by Cosmopolitan as one of the sexiest men in America, he was the subject of gossip columns, a frequent guest on television talk shows.[12]. It wouldnt have mattered to me if they did.. This then lead to free sex, a lifestyle as close to heaven as a young, good-looking hockey star from small town Niagara Falls could ever imagine. WebPlot: What's the story about? campaign very well. But due to alcohol and drug addiction, Sandersons career and life cratered and, by his own account, he was left penniless and sleeping on park benches. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. In late 1978, Bobby Orr found his ex-teammate to be in dire straits in Chicago and checked him into a local hospital. Photo: Hockey Players Relaxing in Dressing Room, By Bettmann. Receive the latest news and breaking updates, straight from our newsroom to your inbox. [10], He also received publicity for his numerous female companions and lavish ways, which included a Rolls-Royce car and circular bed. Those fans were comedians. That made no sense to me," he says. Ah yes, and Jack Edwards, you are no Fred Cusick when it comes to play by play. In 1980, through the good graces of Orr, he checked into rehab in Ste. I got blamed for it, but I never did it. Sir, this is a long-wheelbase Silver Shadow limousine, the dealer snorted. 3-3 at the end of the third? I believe because he looked like the macho male model who always Then on the spur of the moment took several women to Hawaii for a weekend jaunt. He cares that much about his players, he never called us by our nicknames. [16] By his estimate, he survived 10 hip surgeries, prostate cancer and two heart attacks. Web1967 Topps. "I needed an answer to what was going on. Phil said, 'Geez, where we going?' I tell you, every face-off when we were down or not playing well, they'd let you sleep for eight or nine or 10 minutes in Boston. Sanderson, the man who delivered the pass to Bobby Orr on the Stanley Cup-clinching goal in 1970, was not just an athlete, however. He had me pay attention to every face-off. Turk' as they called him, was known for being a top scorer in juniors with his hometown Niagara Fall Flyers, but he became known as a penalty killer and tough guy in the NHL. It changes you, he says of a young mans fortune. When you come to a game and you think you're prepared, you're not. He helps professional athletes invest their money as vice president of Baystate Wealth Management in Boston. With the contract offer in hand, he went to see Bruins owner Weston Adams, Sr. Adams asked why he was there when he had the proverbial offer he couldn't refuse. On Thursday, August 3, Derek Sanderson By the late 70s, Sanderson found himself on what he would call a three-year binge that took him to Rangers territory. It would have been a ho hum goal if Picard didn't trip him. The people were really good. Doctors diagnosed him with chronic ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that isnt helped by excessive alcohol consumption. Sanderson bounced from team to team, never being able to stay with a team for more than two full seasons. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Harry Sinden was a genius. Always one guy had a catchphrase. He would tell me, 'Once you are sober, we'll do things together and you'll always make money.' For those who missed out on tix to our sold-out performance on Sunday - We are expanding capacity to celebrate the B's in the Stanley Here's a recap of some of Sanderson's best memories. He was tough as nails. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. You could trust him. Of his time in New York, Sanderson talks of living under a bridge, eating out of dumpsters and panhandling. Former Bruin Derek Sanderson on his demons. Stay up to date with everything Boston. Money meant nothing to me. His substance abuse spiraled out of control. His only vice these days is playing too much golf. He was terrified of flying so the Bruins sent him to a psychiatrist who made two disastrous errors. Booze and drugs send Sandersons life Eventually, he would fly hammered and would have to be, in his words, "poured off the plane on the other end. That was the start of Derek Sanderson's drinking problem, something that teammate, Bobby Orr, spoke with him about on a few occasions. Brad Marchand is the player to me who is gritty and in your face and hes got a great pair of hands, said Sanderson. The player Bruins fans called Turk was young, brash, outspoken with movie-star looks and tuned into the cultural transformation taking place in Boston during the late 1960s. Who makes the plaid blue coat Jesse stone wears in Sea Change? Sandersons ridiculously opulent lifestyle was driven in part by watching his own father work for $26 a week sweeping floors, before becoming a machinist. His long-time teammate and friend, Bobby Orr, checked him into rehab. At the time, Sanderson was in denial. "[The money] just sped up the process," he says. So why is Sanderson alive today? Really, I hated Montreal. Which team did you hate the most to play against? I was just a fan when the guys did that one, when they brought Esposito out of the hospital room. You make the play and hope it works. Hes dedicated to making sure they do not lose the millions of dollars that fell through his hands. Probably the most famous goal in hockey history is the winning tally in the 1970 Bruins Stanley Cup final game. ", Orr was among those who helped him get sober and rebound from losing millions in bad investments. 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I had a lot of fun with the Rangers, but Montreal was the most difficult place to play in the first 10, 12 minutes. You're a centerman, if you win them allan average of 92 back in the daya lot of face-offs and you win every face-off back to your defenseman who then turns back a little bit and passes to his partner, you're gonna have the puck - my father used to tell me - a good seven, eight minutes more than the other team and that's a good thing. On a rainy afternoon in Philadelphia, a young man walked into a Rolls-Royce dealership, curious because hed never been close to such a pricey and prestigious car. If you are a Home delivery print subscriber, unlimited online access is, Katy Perry will be temporarily replaced by big-name star on 'American Idol', DEAR ABBY: Ex-girlfriend believes she wasn't cheating, LILLEY: Three years after Trudeau's gun ban, nothing has changed, Cats scratch Leafs fans, discourage them to buy road tickets, Megyn Kelly causes stir posing poolside in 'Make Women Female Again' MAGA-style hat, Photo by Michael Peake, Toronto Sun files, tap here to see other videos from our team. He's got complete stick controlwhen you're coming into forecheck somebody and they go left to right, no, go right at them and drop your stick. I didn't think I was special or different. If we got in a fight, the closest Bruin would fight the other guy. The team grew tired of the contrast between his lack of performance on the ice and his considerable energy off it. In the winter of 1979, Sanderson showed up in Chicago stoned. e track upcoming movies through all stages of film production. From our newsroom to your inbox at noon, the latest headlines, stories, opinion and photos from the Toronto Sun. [4] Sanderson also played two games in the CPHL with the Oklahoma City Blazers in 196566, recording one goal. Then to find yourself broke, alcoholic, drug addicted and sleeping under bridges? Once we got it in their end zone, they never got it out. Customize your Sportsnet lineup for the latest news from your favourite leagues and teams. The film's writer Doug Atchison last wrote Brian Banks and Akeelah and the Bee. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. WebDerek Michael Sanderson (born June 16, 1946), nicknamed "Turk", is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre and two-time Stanley Cup champion who set up the epic overtime goal scored by Boston Bruins teammate Bobby Orr that clinched the 1970 Stanley Cup Finals, widely considered to be the greatest goal in National Hockey League history. Derek Sanderson vs. Tim Horton, October 26, 1968 - Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Wow does this one go way back--Turk Sanderson versus Mr. Donut. Personal life, health, and sportscasting career, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, "Gillespie, Caroline Hall / Sanderson, Harold A., Pte. I thought that was a great moveCash wheeled him out of there. Later, he developed cirrhosis of the liver. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. I watched him, I think it was his first training camp. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks as well as all other proprietary materials depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective NHL teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. The Philadelphia Blazers of the new World Hockey Association signed Sanderson to a five-year, $2.65 million contract that made him the highest-paid pro athlete in the world at the time. WebTurk Becomes a Blazer by Frank Bertucci The Hockey Spectator August 1972 It was this city's biggest signing since 1776. The Blazers bought out his contract by the end of his first season. That something was a couple shots of Scotch, until a couple shots was no longer enough. I wanted to make sure they know what they own, why they own it and what they paid for it.. Back in the '80s, he dreamed of becoming of PGA club professional. The timing for a golf shot is the same as for a slap shot. The remainder of the money was to be spread over 10 years. According to a story in the Toronto Star by Ellie Tesher on March 21, 1982, the couple separated soon thereafter. But [head coach] Harry [Sinden] came to me at the end of the game and said, 'Listen, usually these things end pretty quickly. What time does normal church end on Sunday? [9] If the Frank J. Selke Trophy had been given to the top defensive forward during his Bruins stint -- the award made its debut in the 1977-78 season -- it's not unrealistic to think that Sanderson would have been the recipient more than once. . Despite his attack on the "franchise," Sanderson actually gained a lot of respect from fans and management for his style of play that game. Derek Sanderson was a big part of the Bruins, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Derek Sanderson was a big part of the Bruins Stanley Cup run in 1970, Bruins beat: Coaching decisions come into question after epic failure, Gallery: Bruins fall to Panthers in historic Stanley Cup playoff collapse, Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron showed class in defeat, Bruins historic season falls far short of the goal, Howie Carr: With Tucker Carlson gone, this time I'm really done with Fox News, Showdown at SatanCon: White nationalist group Patriot Front joins protest of Satanic gathering in Boston, NFL Notes: Bill Belichick continues to march to the beat of a different drummer, Patriots reportedly sign athletic QB, new tight end after NFL Draft, Boston mayor, council president: White supremacist groups are 'not welcome here', 2023 NFL Draft: All 12 Patriots draft picks with grades and analyses, New Bedford threatens MBTA with possible lawsuit over taking land for South Coast Rail project, 6 people shot at Lawrence house party, 18-year-old killed in Massachusetts' first mass shooting of the year, Ana Walshe case: Mysterious ransom note and confirmed Washington D.C. lover. ", "Falling Down: The greatest downfalls in Canadian sports history", "20 Questions: Ex-NHLer Derek Sanderson on running the town and sleeping on its benches", "Legends of Hockey -- NHL Player Search -- Player -- Derek Sanderson", "The Ever Elusive, Always Inscrutable And Still Incomparable Bobby Orr", "Boston Sports Museum's 12th annual 'The Tradition', "A movie about a Bruins legend is in the works", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Derek_Sanderson&oldid=1150859446, Oklahoma City Blazers (19651977) players, Canadian expatriate ice hockey players in the United States, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Retired as the NHL career leader in shorthanded goals (currently 11th all time), Selected to the OHA-Jr. First All-Star Team.

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