Originally an Arizona Coyotes‘ 6th round pick in the 2007 draft (#153 overall) 5th year goaltender Scott Darling(33) took an unprecedented long journey to his first NHL game with Chicago Blackhawks, getting the 2-1 victory in the process.
The extra large 6’6″ 238 lbs. net minder was never signed after his selection from US junior hockey.
He advanced to play a couple of campaigns for University Of Maine Black Bears putting up decent stats but still found no takers.
Deciding to turn pro he signed his first contract with the now defunct Louisiana IceGators of the SPHL and continued in the league inking for his sophomore year with Mississippi Riverkings.
He received a couple of call-ups but didn’t fare too well, although he would get a one-year deal with Wheeling Nailers for the next season.
After a solid, short run in the ECHL, Milwaukee Admirals took a chance on the backstop for 2013/2014, where he put up outstanding numbers going 13-6 in 26 AHL games with a 2.00 GAA and .933 SV%.
The effort earned him his first NHL deal with the Blackhawks.
Coming off a strong training camp, he was reassigned to affiliate Rockford IceHogs.
In 2 contests he won both and 1.44 GAA and .948 SV%.
The close to Chicago native from Lemont, IL received a well-deserved nod to start between the pipes upon his first recall.
At just 25-years old, he has gone all the way from single A to the show.