Ever since I’ve been here in Dallas-Fort Worth, Marty Turco has been the goaltender for the Stars. I love goaltenders, because many are small guys like me. Any guy under 5′9″ that can play a sport professionally has my utmost respect. (I know Turco is listed as 5′11″, but he’s not close to 6 feet!).
He became the starter in the 2002-2003 season and has never looked back. When you talk to Marty, you hope for some emotion… some elation… some frustration… some bulletin board material, but it’s never there. Marty is a cool customer. He’s as cool as they come. I think that is what makes him one of the best goaltenders in the game. He doesn’t get too high, he doesn’t get too low. That is huge for someone in net.
We peppered him with tough questions when he signed that fat contract a few years ago and then played lousy in the playoffs again. He answered everything with a calm demeanor. We asked him about the Stars lack of success in the playoffs. Marty answered truthfully and calmly. We asked him about never winning as a pro at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. Did he get upset? Not Marty.
That’s why it was good to see him win at the Joe… finally. Stars fans are hoping he can do it again… when or if there is a Game Seven.
Dear Derek,
Well, it has been over a week now since the program, I am still getting lots of comments from it. I left a message on your cell phone before the program was over, complimenting you on the presetation, I hope you got it.
I need to put it in writing however. I am very grateful for the way you handled the whole story, but I particularly liked the way you treated my wife’s death. You did a great job there, I am very thankful. I miss her so much I don’t know how I will make it, but with God’s help I know I will. Again…thanks! Orville