On Thursday, August 3, Derek Sanderson became the world's highest-paid professional athlete when he signed a $2,625,000 contract with the Philadelphia Blazers. I used to watch the Big Bad Bruins on my grandparents television set in Hyannis growing up, Sherman said. Derek Sanderson was living the life of a sports playboy until he hit rock bottom- but he came back ready to make a difference in other athletes' lives. There was 20-something guys and everybody liked everybody. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. Turk - IMDb That was it. When he was fit to return weeks later, club management insisted that he remain inactive. That's goodthere was nobody behind him but St. Louis Blues players. Derek The Turk Sanderson, One of the Great Characters in Sports, Talks Openly about His Glory Days with Stanley Cup Winning Bruins, Life as a Bachelor in the Swinging Sixties and Seventies, His 13 Trips to Rehab, and Life in General. His new deal, which the Bruins would not match, made him the highest-paid athlete in the world at that time. 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. "I was making more money than Bobby Orr. How close has the 1970 remained over the years? WebBut his remarkable and ultimately redemptive story may not be as familiar to hockey fans in other markets, which is a major reason why NBC Sports Group chose Sanderson as the Sanderson made a name for himself during his Bruins career, earning Rookie of the Year honors during the 1967-68 season and assisting Bobby Orrs Stanley Cup-winning goal in 1970. Video: 1970: Bobby Orr's iconic OT goal wins Cup for Bruins. The team grew tired of the contrast between his lack of performance on the ice and his considerable energy off it. Today, Sanderson, 66, is clean and sober. This made Turk groggy. He published another one at 26. His substance abuse spiraled out of control. On behalf of the City of Boston Sanderson has counselled tens of thousands of wayward children. The next issue of Your Midday Sun will soon be in your inbox. When you don't have an ending, you can't write a book. 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). by Sanderson scored 16 points in 16 games with the club before he was sent to the minors because of disciplinary reasons. The cold and rain made the night miserable, but I knew I just needed a place where I could close my eyes and drift away from my problems for a few hours. (The Blazers also gave his father a five-year, $250,000 deal as a scout.) Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. There was a few good guys, smaller people. If we got in a fight, the closest Bruin would fight the other guy. Teddy Green said to me, 'What are you gonna do if we lose this?' My dad made me do that when I was a kid, when I was young, playing bantam, 11-12 years old. Everybody likes to say it was a foregone conclusion. This season, home is where the hockey is. I had a lot of fun with the Rangers, but Montreal was the most difficult place to play in the first 10, 12 minutes. Derek "Turk" Sanderson is a talented but troubled member of the Stanley Cup-winning Bruins in the 1970s. I didnt understand it.. I didn't think a team could come out that hard every time. Did you know the pass to Orr was going to work out? This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In Montreal, wow. the old Camels Cigarettes TV and print comercials when Sanderson He returned to the Bruins, but was traded to the Rangers in 1974. How hard was your famous sweep check and could it be taught today? The rise, fall, and redemption of a Stanley Cup-winning former Boston Bruins player is set to receive the big-screen treatment. WebWhy is Derek Sanderson called Turk? But Harry Sinden, there was nothing he did not think of. It's a little more difficult with shorter people. I also remember the ad He cares that much about his players, he never called us by our nicknames. 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. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The referees were obliged to cancel the game. Derek Sanderson Tweet The Calder trophy wasnt the crowning jewel in Sandersons trophy room though. After hitting bottom in the late 1970s, he managed to pull himself up. That something was a couple shots of Scotch, until a couple shots was no longer enough. 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. In 1980, through the good graces of Orr, he checked into rehab in Ste. Then on the spur of the moment took several women to Hawaii for a weekend jaunt. WebJudging by Bobby Orr's haircut that had to have been circa 1969--Turk Sanderson showed his class by pitching McKay's jersey into the crowd. But they're on top of you, they've got all the leverage. On Thursday, August 3, Derek Sanderson Derek Sanderson Booze and drugs send Sandersons life into a downward spiral but his superstar teammate Bobby Orr helps him get his life back together. When I was young playing bantam, 11 or 12 years old, my father had me pay attention to every faceoff, said Sanderson. Derek Sanderson Jeter of the new york yankees is named for the turk. Then to find yourself broke, alcoholic, drug addicted and sleeping under bridges? The Bruins organization, fans and former teammates rallied around a rehabbed Sanderson and NESN hired him as a color man on its hockey broadcasts For ten years he worked as a sidekick and color commentator for Fred Cusick, the Bruins play-by-play guy. I had a friend tell me once, 'Derek, hanging out with you is like being in a movie. His team worked with athletes and high-net-worth individuals, but he is not currently listed on the company's website. Sanderson also acts as financial advisor for athletes in Boston. Ed Burns, best known for The Brothers McMullen, Saving Private Ryan and guest spots on Entourage, offered up He grudgingly acceded to The Turks request to unlock the front door of a burgundy sedan so he could size up the front seat. Video: Sanderson Answers B's STH Questions. Center of Attention The Unreal Life of Derek Sanderson " It was a lot of fun, an exciting moment, a great time. I was anonymous for the first time in my life. The drugs, including prednisone and cocaine, helped his hips but hurt his future. They wheeled the bed out, the whole nine yards. He also had 98 penalty minutes, establishing himself as something of a "tough guy" in the league. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. In the pre-season, he was involved in a brawl at a local strip club that left him in a hospital, where tests showed an extremely high level of alcohol as well as evidence of cocaine, sleeping pills, Seconal and Valium in his system. They did a study on the top 10 sports pictures of the century and that picture won it. "I help athletes live within their means. Your existing password has not been changed. He convinced Sanderson to accept the role of God in his recovery. [22] In September 2013, Sanderson received the Hockey Legacy Award from The Sports Museum at TD Garden.[23]. 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. You knew exactly what he was capable of and he always did it. The image of Orr flying though the air after whipping the puck past St. Louis goalie Glenn Hall in indelibly etched in the minds of most hockey fans, Bruin supporter or not. Thats when he took four fingers for a flight to New York and eight for the trip to the West Coast! Sanderson continues, "My ego simply wouldnt let me. Turk I like that they go in and get involved. He has many to thank for banning alcohol and drugs from his life. Who owned bachelors three? Wise-Answer In the 1975-76 season, Sanderson scored his 32nd career short-handed goal to surpass Toronto Maple Leafs center Dave Keon as the all-time league leader. He drove a silver Rolls Royce, owned a nightclub, Bachelors Three, in New York and Boston in partnership with Joe Namath and could make quite an entrance with his full-length mink coat and a new blonde on his arm every night. 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. He was in traction. Those are the guys. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. We needed them and they appreciated us. Turk's Tale: From Hockey To Homeless - haventoronto That puck had to land flat, but he never held it, he just redirected it, really. According to a story in the Toronto Star by Ellie Tesher on March 21, 1982, the couple separated soon thereafter. He recalls a 1979 incident when he visited Orr. I watched him, I think it was his first training camp. Sanderson was a maestro in the faceoff circle and was, along with sidekick Eddie the Shadow Westfall, one of the NHLs premier penalty killers. "I have a wonderful wife and two great sons. Movie Insider is a registered service mark of The Movie Insider LLC. [21] His first autobiography, I've Got To Be Me, written with Stan Fischler, had been published in 1970. Before long, pucks were raining down and Captain Derek had to beat a hasty retreat to the dressing room to save his skin. Hes dedicated to making sure they do not lose the millions of dollars that fell through his hands. A look at the Turk behind-the-scenes crew and production team. There are 9,369 other movies coming out on the same date, including The Rosie Project, Bad Boys 4 and Praise This. He was terrified of flying so the Bruins sent him to a psychiatrist who made two disastrous errors. Derek Sanderson life story headed to big screen Derek "Turk" Sanderson: A Boston Bruins Legend You never do the same thing twice.' Fame and fortune had come his way. A movie about a Bruins legend is in the works - Boston.com Cosmopolitan magazine named him one of America's 10 sexiest men. I was just a fan when the guys did that one, when they brought Esposito out of the hospital room. Fortunately, hes hasnt lost his sense of humour. He laughs and says, I made Orr famous!. We didn't recognize that password reset code. 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. The two Stanley Cup championships, 1970 and 1972 Unwilling to put up with the aggravation of lugging his golf clubs on vacations, he would purchase a new set, and give them to his caddie as a tip before leaving. "I thought everybody lived like I did. When he reached that was it. But I realized that I needed help. Along the way, he studied to become a financial advisor. Jean-Guy Talbot should never have come to me and when he came to me and poke checked me and flipped it over, the rest was up to Bobby. The old Garden was three tiersthe third balcony was hanging right over you. Do Eric benet and Lisa bonet have a child together? He first prescribed Valium. 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. It was gang tactics most of the time. I don't pick the stocks or manage their money. WebHe was terrified of flying so the Bruins sent him to a psychiatrist who made two disastrous errors. Bobby Orr, always a class act and possibly the greatest hockey player of all time, repeatedly tried to steer Sanderson away from his snowball slide to hell. "It kind of sums up my problem. WebDerek Sanderson, popularly called Turk, is a former professional ice hockey player. Its often forgotten that they started out from pretty average means, or worse. "I hated the smell, so I held my nose and swallowed it all. Sandersons defensive skills, two-way play and prowess in the faceoff circle and on the penalty kill makes for a favorable comparison to Bruins first-line center Patrice Bergeron. I'm glad he didn't miss the pass. That crowd was the best anywherewe kind of matured together. An error has occurred while trying to update your details. He first prescribed Valium. For him to get that goal, Bobby, I was so happy. Montreal. Flyers. The pain in his hips grew so intense, he began to take barbiturates as a sleep aid. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Bobby wasn't there, he wouldn't do something like that. "I was a little bit arrogant," he says, laughing at himself. All Rights Reserved. But Sandersons story didnt end in financial tragedy. Its not a white thing, a black thing, a Hispanic thing, he says. 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. The content within Cybergolf.com is copyright-protected by its publisher, Orbit Enterprises, Inc. No part of Cybergolf.com may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from Orbit Enterprises. [Chicago Blackhawks forward] Stan Mikita was good, [Montreal Canadiens forward] Jacques Lemaire was good, a great centerman. 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]. For comments, email info@docgiff.com or tweet @GiffordJonesMD. When you come to a game and you think you're prepared, you're not. He owned the record for eight seasons. Dallas Smith, Teddy Green, there was a few of them. I believe because he looked like the macho male model who always 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 wanted to protect athletes from themselves, he says. Sanderson now helps athletes avoid the road he took. But Sandersons demeanor on the ice and willingness to mix it up with opposing tough guys better resembles first-line left wing Brad Marchand. In the space of 12 years this all happened to Derek Turk Sanderson. What goes through my mind is that Bobby scored the goal a good second before Noel Picard lifted his feet up. What has Harry Sinden meant to the Bruins organization over the years? Those fans were comedians. "[The money] just sped up the process," he says. Former Bruin Derek Sanderson on his demons. Comparing players across generations can be skewed because modern NHL athletes are bigger, stronger, faster and better trained and equipped than the helmetless horde of the 1970s. Booze and drugs send Sandersons life This takes you through the rollercoaster ride that's been my life." And everybody knew if you were in a mood, if you had an attitude. He returned to the Bruins in the NHL and was traded to the New York Rangers, where he continued to live lavishly. Do you have a favorite off-ice story from the Big, Bad Bruins era? He told them about a shaggy-haired kid who was once the highest-paid athlete in the world. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. He would tell me, 'Once you are sober, we'll do things together and you'll always make money.' WebNow, it looks like his life story is one step closer to the big screen. The people were really good. I grew up watching "The Turk" play hockey in As captain of the Blazers, Derek felt a responsibility to explain the situation to the fans. A welcome email is on its way. Born and raised in Niagara Falls, Ontario, he played his junior hockey for the N.F. "Crossing the Lines: The Outrageous Story of a Hockey Original," chronicles the riches-to-rags journey of the former Boston Bruins center. Biographical information and career statistics from, This page was last edited on 20 April 2023, at 13:56. All I do is make sure they're treated properly and educated about what they own." Club officials would only say the pact is from "5 to 15 years". What is Derek Sanderson doing today? chroniclesdengen.com The Pittsburgh Penguins signed Sanderson as a free agent in 197778. This is a problem for anyone who has to travel for work. Next, select your favourite teams and leagues and well show you their latest news and scores in the My Favourites section of the home page. The guys said, 'Oh, what are you doing?' They decided that attractive airline attendants should have free drinks after landing in Boston. However, you may want to comfirm this Access articles from across Canada with one account. It's a 50-50 chance you'll get it, right? He was drinking more regularly by age 20. The next disaster occurred when Sanderson, along with Joe Namath, the football star, opened a bar in Boston, compounding his temptation. Eddie and I got a lot of kudos for being penalty killersthey were tremendously talented people, they just never get enough credit. He took his first drink at 7 when an uncle gave him a beer at Christmas. WebDEREK SANDERSON DOCUMENTARY TO DEBUT ON NBC SPORTS ON JUNE 8TH. Brad Marchand is a player that's gritty, he's in your face, he's got a great pair of hands. They were great. I said, 'I never thought of that. In 1977, Sandersons attorney informed him that hed lost everything. They always had talent. BostonBruins.com is the official website of the Boston Bruins. And he did. It was over pretty quickly and Bobby took a chance along the wall, said Sanderson. We had great fans. Derek "Turk" Sanderson is a talented but troubled member of the Stanley Cup-winning Bruins in the 1970s. WebSanderson asked the Bruins for an $80,000 contract. WebTurk Becomes a Blazer by Frank Bertucci The Hockey Spectator August 1972 It was this city's biggest signing since 1776. He paid for it all with his credit card. Winning that night was not Sandersons agenda; enticing Orr into a brawl was. They agreed to meet the What do you remember from the clinching game? He had me pay attention to every face-off. I couldn't picture it. Be sure to watch this NBC sports special. "With your personality you will rue the day you took this money," Adams warned him. 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. Especially for one nicknamed The Turk.. Here's a recap of some of Sanderson's best memories. Derek Sanderson last played in 1978. Adams, who was going to offer $75,000, said under the circumstances he could go up a little. The film's writer Doug Atchison last wrote Brian Banks and Akeelah and the Bee. Adams, who was going to offer $75,000, said under the circumstances he could go up a little. When youre a defenseman you are not going to go behind the net but he reached in and that was all I needed.. 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Booze, pills and the rise and fall of former NHLer Derek Sanderson But Harry came to me at the end of the game (regulation) and said, Listen, usually these things end quickly and the only chance theyve got is if it ends quickly., I sat beside Phil and he goes, I cant believe that. I said, What are you going to do? . I always thought, man, Marchand's talent and ability, he could do that easily. They had the Stanley Cup there and everything. [4] Sanderson also played two games in the CPHL with the Oklahoma City Blazers in 196566, recording one goal. Harry Sinden was a genius. Garnet, he was fast. You could trust him. Born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Sanderson was the son of Canadian Army Private Harold A. Sanderson, and Caroline Hall Gillespie of Dysart, Scotland. By that time, Sanderson had developed vascular necrosis. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Healthy Minds Canada supports research on mental health and mental illness. He spent 10 years with New England Sports Network and WSBK-TV with play-by-play announcer Fred Cusick. [15] He received $600,000 in cash as part of the agreement, an offer that the Bruins declined to match. By the late 70s, Sanderson found himself on what he would call a three-year binge that took him to Rangers territory. Back in the '80s, he dreamed of becoming of PGA club professional. The game-winning play was a give-and-go pass from Sanderson to Orr in the slot and Blues Hall of Fame goalie Glenn Hall never had a chance. And he's never ceased to amaze me since. He was tough as nails. [13] It also turned out to be the signature moment for both players in their careers. Sanderson fielded inquiries in a Q&A format. Turk: The Movie - Home - Facebook Sandersons teammates soon began calling him Turk. Sanderson, the man who delivered the pass to Bobby Orr on the Stanley Cup-clinching goal in 1970, was not just an athlete, however. Contents copyright 2016 Orbit Enterprises, Inc. His popularity reached heartthrob and rock In just a few years, hed gone from being the worlds best-paid athlete to a drunk sleeping on a park bench. He didn't say Pie for Johnny McKenzie, he'd say Johnhe was the best - the best. In his book, 'Crossing the Line: The Outrageous Story of a Hockey Original, Derek Sanderson, who played for five NHL teams throughout his career including the Bruins and the Blues shares his hockey highs and lows and moments that would eventually see him homeless and living on the street. Boston Bruins and BostonBruins.com are trademarks of Boston Professional Hockey Association, Inc. (BPHA). Which team did you hate the most to play against? Sanderson made a name for himself during his Bruins career, earning Rookie of the Year honors during the 1967-68 season and assisting Bobby Orrs Stanley Cup-winning goal in 1970. How can I be broke? Sanderson asked. What? He was just making sure the fans would remember the name Derek Sanderson as much as they remembered Orr's. After his broadcasting career, he went to work as a financial adviser to young hockey players who might experience the same dilemmas he did when the too much, too soon syndrome hit. Probably the most famous goal in hockey history is the winning tally in the 1970 Bruins Stanley Cup final game. But [head coach] Harry [Sinden] came to me at the end of the game and said, 'Listen, usually these things end pretty quickly. A great hockey town. His time with the Flyers saw him being named to the Second All-Star Team in 196566, to the First All-Star Team in 196667 and winning the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the top scorer in the OHA also in 196667. The remainder of the money was to be spread over 10 years. Sanderson looked back at the team and the times during a Zoom town hall meeting with Bruins season ticket holders on Tuesday afternoon. It would have been a ho hum goal if Picard didn't trip him. Derek Sanderson Birthday & Fun Facts | Kidadl I got blamed for it, but I never did it. Donny Awrey made a great play to keep it in or they would have broken out earlier. That was all I needed, just a little opening. Draft beer used to be a nickel.. Eventually, his off-ice lifestyle, playboy image, booze, women, and drugs became the Frankenstein monster that destroyed his hockey career. It was widely speculated that it had hoped to prod Sanderson to bolt the team and void his lucrative deal but his contract was bought out for $800,000 after the season.[16]. After being traded from the Bruins - with whom he won Stanley Cups in 1970 and 1972 - to the New York Rangers, he partnered with "Broadway" Joe Namath in a bar called "Bachelors III." Those were some of his milder quotes. While the doctor took him off the Valium, Sanderson still needed something to calm his nerves before a flight. By checking this box, I agree to the terms of service and privacy policy of Rogers Media. Combine a gritty style of play with quick hands and fast feet, throw in a swagger that sat well with his movie-star good looks, mix well with his fair share of nastiness and you have the young Derek Sanderson, better known by his friends and teammates as Turk. Ah yes, and Jack Edwards, you are no Fred Cusick when it comes to play by play. Come with a little grit and work hard. So I asked Sanderson what finally saved his life. Six years after becoming the highest paid athlete in the world, a broke Sanderson was stealing booze from package stores and sleeping on a New York City park bench. WebThe snooty treatment embarrassed Derek Sanderson, who had grown up poor. 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. Money was new and scary for him, he says. His only vice these days is playing too much golf. {* traditionalSignIn_signInButton *}, Comment and participate in our online community. Boston fans remember him fondly. His short pass found its way to Orr. I never really reacted right away. During his career, Sanderson made several bad business investments and lost millions of dollars in the process. '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.
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