The Rise, Fall and Redemption of an NHL All Star
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- čas přidán 28. 11. 2022
- It's been said that Tom McCarthy's roller coaster life is worthy of a Hollywood movie.
In the first chapter of his life, Tom McCarthy was a young hockey legend, best known for being drafted ahead of Wayne Gretzky. Soon he’d be a 40-goal scorer, an NHL All Star and would twice play in the Stanley Cup finals.
But In the second life chapter of his life, the NHL star would trade his hockey uniform for an orange jumpsuit in maximum security US federal prison
At rock bottom, he cried out, “I had my chance … my life is over.”
But was it?
What would Tom McCarthy’s third and final life chapter bring? Did he possess the inner resolve to reclaim his pride, self-respect and value as a man?
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Knew Tom for last year's of his life. Great guy. Loved the game.
He coached me when I was a kid with the Toronto Jr Canadiens. Great guy, RIP Coach Tom!
RIP Tom. He faced his problems and turned it around in the end. An inspiration for not quitting on yourself, no matter the odds.
Well said
He didn't turn anything around. He served his own selfish interest to play hockey in prison. It wasn't about the "minorities " in prison. It wasn't about anything but HIM his whole life.
He was a weak, CRIMINAL.
He helped cartels, gangs, and TERRORISM by being a weak-minded, NO ETHICS OR HONOR scumbag drug mule.
He disgraced HIS country, and betrayed ours.
May he rot in hell as the BRAINLESS NARCO DONKEY he was.
I dont know much about hockey all the way over here in Kenya, but I know people which is why i like this channel so much.
These men's stories go far befond just spotts and you show that well.
I was very pleased to see the nice things said right at the end of the video.
He's not defined by his crimes but by the impact he made on thr people around him
Sports*
Wow! Kenya! amazing. Thanks so much for your awesome comment.
I knew Tom back in public school in Cooksville, Ont before it was named Mississauga, Ontario. I was very fortunate as a young boy to have played hockey with Tom. He was quite tall & an excellent player. When Tom had the puck it was like ok, now what's he going to do. We weren't friends but we knew each other through hockey. Played on the outdoor rinks & in the arenas. Great story & great memories 👏
Never knew it was called cooksvill
Prove it grandpa
Beautiful video, PHA. For me it brings home the humanity within us all.
Thanks, Desert ... Tom's insights and humanity after falling were a great inspiration.
Outstanding story. In the end he seemed at peace with himself. God Bless his family and friends, along with those he shared his shorten life with.
That he did hard time for trafficking marijuana,driving a truck from California to Minnesota, shakes your head abit knowing today marijuana is so legally prevalent. But then again if it wasn't marijuana,today he would of been mixed up with opioids. A screenwriter should of already penned a similar story about a ton of Canadian guys/families who have lived his story. Throw in the mention of the horrific Humboldt Broncos bus crash and the right director and actor , it would be the yin and yang to Slap Shot.
Great praise and thanks from a Bruins fan from good old Germany for this respectful and loving homage! R.I.P. Tom McCarthy.
" ACCEPTANCE " ! Amazing and phenomenal response. One thing that we all could either learn, and always learn to have more of
Great video. The time period Tom played in, was during the height of my hockey fandom. I remember watching his North Star teams in the Cup Finals. Rest in peace.
Glen Sonmor helped a lot of people through his involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous. When I moved to the Twin Cities in 2005, I had no idea that Glen was instrumental in starting the "Thunderbird" AA Group. It was a privilege to sit in meeting with him, and the other members of that group. I still attend that meeting, and owe a great debt of gratitude to those who have passed. Thank you Glen. My sincere condolences to the McCarthy Family!
Glen positively impacted many players: Butters, Goldy, Jack Carlson, etc. thanks!
Wow, the ‘79 Draft Class was stacked, and sometimes, there’s always a ‘what if’ in these kinds of stories, but sometimes, when you feel like you hit your lowest point and think you can’t redeem yourself, there’s always a chance, even a small chance for redemption, and I’m happy for Tom that he found himself again in prison before he ultimately passed away. This was a great video.
Thanks, Bud ... as always great insights and I enjoyed reading your comment.
He was a drug smuggling, child poisoning, gang crime ENABLING, CARTEL/TERRORISM SUPPORTING betrayer of his home country and a scumbag PoS trespasser and coke mule in MY country.
He was worthless and may he rot in hell.
RIP Tom Thank You from a long time hockey fan.
Thanks.....bringing back memories 🙏🙏 RIP Tom...
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RIP Tom, really appreciated him during his time in Boston. Sad that he went so young but glad that he had turned it all around at the end.
Played pretty well in Boston ... surprised his career ended so suddenly.
@@ProHockeyAlumni Agreed. Always thought he could've given the Bruins a fighting chance vs the Oilers in the '88 SCF.
By the way, really enjoy your channel and nicely done with this particular video.
Part of me wonders if his heart aneurysm was due to the vaxx
People underestimate the toll that concussions take on a person's mental health.
You are correct!
Not once you've fallen 4 stories onto paved parking lot in roofing accident..multiple traumatic brain injuries.
Sad truth despite the fact the it should have been obvious. I think global warming and concussions in sports are the two biggest things we turn a blind eye to for the sake of fun.
@@jaydubaic21 stick to hockey . Plenty of other places to do your politics
@@jaydubaic21 global warming? Have you seen New York. They have like 70” of snow and like 30 deaths from it.
A family member I know is a REALLY good guy. Smart & talented too. Good article. I hope all Mr McCarthy well too. Tragic story of a great talent.
another great vid, but thank you for not making me cry with this video ,most of your vid are real tearjerkers
Thanks, Pelle (speaking of tear-jerkers). Always good to hear from you and thanks again.
Right!?! I'm moved each time I watch one of these. Sooo well done and touching.
I remember Tom when he was with the Stars. I was fortunate to see him play a couple times in person.
Another great video! Your storytelling and flow are excellent and you pick out the best stories. I never knew Tom McCarthy had gone through so much...wow. And can you imagine going from being chosen over a young Wayne Gretzky to sharing a cell in Leavenworth? Sometimes life is stranger than fiction.
Thanks, my man ... greatly appreciate your comment!
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Thank you for taking the time to make this content to tell his story. Gone but not forgotten!
I was with Tom in the dark years. A better person I have yet to meet. Thrombose RIP !
Well done great story. Great to see his last chapter was his best in life. Would be a good movie for sure.
As always Pro Hockey Alumni deliver a great video.
Thanks so much ... your support is greatly appreciated!
I was sorry to hear of the trouble Tom went through and his ultimate passing. I recall following the 1979-80 edition of the Minnesota North Stars as they had such a great core of young players which Tom was a major part of. Tom’s idea to start a hockey program while incarcerated not only helped him but in some other way his fellow inmates as well. I have nothing but respect and admiration for those who are willing to give back.May he RIP.
say no to heavy drugs
Thank you for another wonderful video from a player from the past. I always liked the Minnesota North Stars and was disippointed when they left town. Tom McCarthy was drafted by the North Stars and had a few good years despite injuries and addictions, but ended up with the Boston Bruins. I'm from Boston and don't remember him very well, but I'm happy to hear he turned his life around, especially since he went to prison. He stayed positive and used prison to coach inmates. He turned a nightmare, of going to prison, to learning that he can coach hockey. It's too bad his life was cut short, but it's the time used on earth and not the years that makes him a legend.
Quality post … thanks!
Great video, I grew up watching the North Stars and the Broten, Ciccarelli, McCarthy line was my favorite. Glad Tommy got his life straightened out! RIP Tommy
Thanks - great times in Minny!
Wow I didn’t think I was gonna get emotional over a hockey video.
Clearly a quality guy. Flawed, but committed to having a 'net positive' impact on the people around him. As a North Stars fan from 'back in the day', it's nice to have learned about Tom's legacy... thank you!
Great guy, great player. So sad that he past away. I meet, him first time 1980. In Stockholm. Then 81,in Minneapolis usa. GREAT team 1981, they play final stanley cup. They hade some hard games in. Semi, Calgary, that was a good series. Both Team was so good. Minnesota north stars. Rick. Wounder what Neal Broten doin now, and Steve Payne, and Brad Palmer. And Kevin Maxwell, Craig, and Al, and Gilles. Great people and i was there. AND LOU NANNE what a nice man.
thanks ... very interesting. Yes, that was a powerhouse Minny team.
Another great story! Tom McCarthy was a tremendous hockey player for my home town Minnesota North Stars back in the early 1980's. Knowing more of his backstory makes me like him even more.
Thank you!
Nobody was as passionate for the Game of Hockey as this man. I watched him as a Coach in the NOJHL and there was never a night where he didn't play as hard as his team. Rest in Peace Tom. I hope they let you play up there.
I remember Tom’s time with the North Stars from when I was a little kid in the Minneapolis area. His family’s restaurant was less than a mile from our church, so we passed by it a lot. I hadn’t known about his post-career troubles until now, though. What a great redemption story! It’s a shame he was taken from us so young.
Thank you for your personal recollections straight from Minnesota. It was a great time to be a North Stars fan.
AMAZING DOCUMENTARY! THIS WAS ON MY BRUINS FEED BUT I'VE NEVER HEARD OF HIM BEFORE. THEN I SEEN THE COCAINE BEAR ON HIS JERSEY AND THEN I KNEW THIS WOULD BE INTERESTING. 😁GREAT JOB. RIP
Thanks for watching …. Go B’s! 💪
I always look forward to these videos, even though there is always an element of tragedy in them, particularly in terms of substance abuse. I grew up in Oshawa and I remember McCarthy's two fantastic years there. I had hoped he would have a longer more profound career. I didn't know about the time in prison and his untimely death in Mexico.
Hey Steven ... Thanks for your comment and insights!
Tommy boy you well be missed greatly truly a great man and always willing to take a second to talk to anybody especially the young guys looking for advice or to his players much love
A good old Espanola boy like AL Secord or well at least Tommy boys dad Red was from Espanola
Wait, what? Tom was my neighbour in Espanola and this is how I find out he passed away?? I always enjoyed talking to him and never heard anyone say a bad thing about him
You sure you’re not a baseball player?
Cause you knocked this one out of the park.
You’re made for this stuff don’t stop what you’re doing cause it’s an impressive angle that you’ve taken on giving others the hockey experience.
Like all good stories, it’s not all about one’s achievements. You tell as much of the persons life story that you can. Great job.
😀 ⚾️ awesome comment that made my day! Thanks very much!
This is only the third video I've watched on this channel, and it doesn't matter who the player is, it's always an honest look of both the amazing highs and lowest of lows. But you always finish a video with a positive word leaving the watcher with one question, What could've been. Subbed!!
Thanks … Glad to have you with us! 🙏
"very weary of riding buses in snowstorms" - I think any kid who grew up playing hockey in a rural area can understand that....by the time i got to age 18 playing minor hockey in southern alberta 3 of my team mates and 3 parents of team mates (parents being the ones who would drive us to out of town games) had been killed in horrible car accidents in blizzards on gravel roads.....there were times i just dreaded out of town games just the drives there and back were nightmares....and half the time the parent driving was boozed up too! Absolutely hated it.
Great video. Never heard of him before but he seems like a very good guy. The injuries and ailments including Ball's Palsy was mind boggling. Not a quitter 👍
you are right, Kerrsy ... he played through a lot
@@ProHockeyAlumni It seems in his limited ice time, he was an extraordinary performer. My degree was in Exercise Sciences, most of the pathologies point to a Calcium disorder that went undiagnosed. Both the fractures and irregular muscle contraction. Possibly his death was related as well. Regardless he really shone bright.
@@andykerr3803 Makes sense!!
Excellent video. Thank you again!!!
Glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate your kind words.
Rest in peace Tom McCarthy 🙏
Amazing how intoxication can destroy the smartest, the strongest and the most able..........
Sad. I was not aware of this...RIP...
A moving documentary. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
What a story.I give him lots of credit 4 turning his life around.Maybe someone could make a film about him and what transpired in his life...
I worked in Boston during college and he and a few Bruins use to drink at the bar super great guy -
Great Video!!!!!! So glad Tom found himself again,,. seemed like a real genuine person!!!
R.I.P. Tom McCarthy. ❤🏒♥ NHL All Star
I knew his oriental gym teacher who also was the best skate sharpener in all of the Toronto areas at the time. He told me the story of Tom. He also said that Tom was skilled, tough, and actually, a nice guy who was easily manipulated. I actually wanted to meet him but had a hard time tracking him down and now I heard of his passing. Rest in Peace Tom.
That's sad he is a great guy and a great hockey players. Every body make mistakes In life brush off your shoulders and do great. He taught alot people hockey he touched alot of lifes.
such an underated channel ,great work buddy, these vidoes are so well made.
grew up watching/playing hockey ,being swedish this is our national sport, but moved away to more of an interest in basketball for me.
thanks for these
Thank you 🙏 your kind words mean a lot
@@ProHockeyAlumni No worries i see your channel growing in the future, love these old stories i havent heard before
This is a nice presentation celebrating redemption, but there is a point or two that could use a bit of clarification. For instance, when you mention the draft, it's not clear that you are talking about the OMJHL draft in '77, as Gretzky wasn't drafted to the NHL (a lot of people don't know that). Lastly, McCarthy's highest single season NHL goal total was 39. These are just a couple minor points that would tidy things up a bit.
People have no idea sometimes as to what the real root cause is, and, more importantly, what affect that has at much later points in life. All the best to everyone. Love and love some more.
As a North Star fan, this was the guy who played little but scored all the time. We loved watching him play.
He definitely had a nose for the net when he was straight both in Minny.and Boston.
Damn ,you do an amazing job on these historic documentaries about the colourful people in our great game.❤
I was born in 66 and refereed in the omha and ohl ,in the 80’s and 90’s , so I find these life stories fascinating for the fact that I most probably watched a lot of these kids play when they were young players at some point in time.
Keep up the great work 🎉
Cheers 🍻
Thank you ... I'll bet you have some interesting stories to tell!
i was only a teammate for 6 weeks.. but he was a great guy to be around . when you knew you were not going to be a part of the team.. he was always around to give you good news. I left minny before the season started . but never knew he was a bad guy
excellent! thanks!
I was a big fan of those Minnesota North Star teams. McCarthy was so good but could never stay healthy. Good documentary. I didn't realize that he had died. I'm glad he was able to do many positive things following his time in prison.
I remember seeing Tom play for the Oshawa Generals in the late 70’s he was a very talented player
Oh man, so sad. Hockey players and pro athletes don't always have the best of lives. Family & friends are always so important. RIP, Tom McCarthy. You are loved and missed by family, friends, and hockey fans!
It’s sad that alcohol is so social acceptable and even promoted as a way to Unwind when in Fact it kills more than all illicit drugs combined
RIP you are a true warrior sleep easy in HEAVEN!!!!! MR. MCCARTHY
Nice video. Thx.
Awesome video. Thanks for these wonderful player profiles. I love learning about what happens to these guys after their careers are over. Fascinating storytelling. You do a terrific job with each video.
I appreciate that, Rich, and I am glad your shared your thoughts on this ... It means a lot!
Outstanding job , never knew whole story till now
Thanks, Trevor!
When Tom came to Boston he had an immediate positive impact on the team. But only a few years and then he was gone. He definitely had a goal scorers touch when he was at the top of his game.
Well done as usual. Thank you
Thanks again, Mort!
Tommy was a neighbor of mine when I was a teenager. He always had time to talk signing autographs and play a little street hockey with us. He was truly a great guy. His story just breaks my heart.
The humbolt Broncos bus accident was not in a blizzard. It was a inexperienced truck driver of only two weeks blowing thru a stop sign. That accident singlehandedly changed the CDL process in Canada.
I love so much your video theTime you take for the research and you let the viewer take there opinion it’s pro work keep it up please😉
I’ll keep going for you, my friend!
Great video
Thank you for sharing. As a hockey fan, I have heard about his name, but I didn’t know much about him. What a story!
Another fantatic video. Great job.
Thank you very much ... thanks for commenting!
Huge Minnesota hockey fan and as a high schooler in the 80s, I remember Tommy, we loved him as a player. To bad that he fell into drugs, but so happy he redeemed himself after spending time in prison. RIP Tommy McCarthy....
I gotta admit “Just for the Halibut” is a pretty good name.
yes, pretty creative indeed!
Thank you for your great work
Thanks for watching - and for commenting
Wow you do amazing job on these videos, I really learn about a player that I knew of, but didn't know his personal life.
Thanks 🙏 very much!
In depth video, really enjoyed it.
Specifically the Canadian part.
Instant sub, have a good day.
Welcome … and thank you!
I have a Tom McCarthy stick, signed by the entire team from 1983
What a class act.
The title fits the story perfect.
Outstanding work in this, once again..
Thank you, very much for putting in the time and getting the stories told properly with the respect deserved.
So many players need this kind of recognition, and the accolades for coming full circle for the redemptions they individually acquired.
Cheers
Thank you 🙏 GM … as always, your support is greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
You bet! Thanks for watching.
Great video and podcast
I think of the path he took, I think he lived a complete life ups any downs. The thing I noticed was that he never ever quit. I wish I could say the same. No matter what situation he was in he adapted and overcame. You think that you want to be a star then you look at the injuries that occurred anyone of those would stop a average person. Good job life lived to the last drop
Ernie "Punch" Mclean could be a good tale to tell. Still hanging in. Legend in WHL.
great idea!
Don’t forget Paddy Ginnell,Bill Hunter and Scotty Munro just to name a few as well
@@Classicrocker6119 legends … just like you!
@@ProHockeyAlumni you’re very kind !😀
very good video. you show real life. you show real people. you could have focused on the negative aspects of Tom’s life but this video is uplifting. showing that even if you make mistakes or bad decisions, you can be a good person. great job.
Thanks 🙏 very much for your kind words and your support is appreciated
Been watching the game for 30 years. Religiously. Never heard of him until now.
Your chanel is amazing.
Thanks ... as always, your support is appreciated!
I miss these days
He was in level 1 Leavenworth camp, not the level 5 Leavenworth Penitentiary. But for weed it was ridiculous to get any time.
I knew him during high school in Oshawa. Many of the Generals went there. Even though he was a star player, he never acted like one. Several of his teammates did, but Tom was a good guy who treated everyone with respect and humility. I knew he was having issues even then. I just thought he would drop it all when he turned professional. He did associate with some shady guys though, who I could see were using him. I see it continued to follow him later in life…I’m saddened to know he passed away.
My old boss is still friends with him. I have heard his entire story. Bill couldn't stop going on about what a great coach he is. Glad it worked out for him.
You can't be a "good guy" when you help smuggle POISON that PERPETUATES drug addiction problems.
You can't be a "good guy" when you SUPPLY the scumbags that push highly addictive POISON on KIDS.
You can't be a "good guy" when, PURELY FOR GREED and some sort of effed up form of "THRILL" or "EXCITEMENT" you SUPPORT TERRORISM/CARTELS by smuggling this garbage into MY country (while disgracing Canada's overall decent image).
He was a criminal.
You are ALWAYS a criminal once you become one.
He was a STUPID and SELFISH little KAREN of a manchild in life - one that SOLD OUT TWO COUNTRIES to feed organized crime and fund terrorism all for his own amusement or HIS WEAKNESS at not being able to say no to those "friends," like a BISH.
May he rot in hell.
Sure you did
RIP Tom
Thanks for posting this. Really great story i never knew. Tom died way to young.
Gretzky and his dad learned to call their own shots,
Walter always knew what was best for Wayne and dictated
I partied with Tommy a few times!!! He liked going to the greyhound track
Glad he found himself again.
RIP Tom. You were a great person
Actually, I think the greater glory is never falling, at least when compared to falling and rising every time. It has to do with how one defines "glory".
But that might be tough to fit into a five second clip 😀
Great story, wow. Being a North Stars fan, those games and teams are embedded in this fan base forever. Like so many athletes in those days, substance abuse was prevalent and there was few safety nets. God Bless Tom and his family..
Good thoughts 💭 thank you!
Tom Barrasso benefited from the draft age rule just a lil' while later, as a result of McCarthy's push for the right to work. As many others did, I know....but TB immediately popped into my head.
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right ... even Ray Bourque.
@@ProHockeyAlumni
These segments are great. I'd suggest doing more, but.... I know these aren't easily knocked together. The quality consistenty shows & that doesn't happen overnight.
Thank you, regardless !!
🚬😎
@@craigfazekas3923 thanks 🙏 for understanding!