Scott Darling's amazing hockey comeback

Scott Darling's road to the NHL was not an easy one. Darling faced many trials and tribulations on his way to the big league. After he was drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the sixth round of the 2007 draft, Darling got into some bad habits. Darling suffered from social anxiety and began drinking to compensate while playing hockey at the University of Maine. He was able to be more social while he was drinking, but the result of the drinking was beginning to be apparent in his on ice performance. His drinking continued after he turned pro. While a member of the Las Vegas Ramblers (Coyotes affiliate) of the ECHL, the Las Vegas lifestyle took it's toll and Darling never appeared in a game for the club. He was cut shortly after. Realizing he had a problem, Darling gave up drinking. After bouncing aroung the SPHL, ECHL, CHL and AHL for some years, Darling finally got his opportunity in the NHL. The Blackhawks signed Darling to a one-year, two-way contract during the 2014 off-season. On October 26th, 2014, Darling made his NHL debut against the Ottawa Senators. The Illinois born Darling made 32 of 33 saves for his first career NHL victory. Since getting his shot with the Hawks', Darling has posted an impressive 3-1-0 record. At 6'6 he is a big body who can cover the entire net. The Blackhawks appear to favour the rookie and they are giving him even more opportunities as he is projected to start on Tuesday night against the New Jersey Devils. The comeback from obscurity to a big stage is something Darling knows all too well, and he is making the most of it.