He Thanks 'Dr. Hook' For a Great Day

Any red-blooded American or Canadian hockey fan knows the movie “Slap Shot.” Released in 1977, is the best hockey movie ever made (there's not even a close second), and you could make a pretty good argument that it’s the best sports movie ever made, period. Depending on the day you ask me, I’d go with “Slap Shot” or “Bull Durham” in the top slot.

I’ve watched the film countless times since I was in high school. It never gets old. Sure, the clothes are dated (some of them very dated), but, for the most part, “Slap Shot” stands the test of time.

The movie spawned an entire language that its aficionados use to this day. If you ask me to get you a soda, “but none of that stinkin’ root beer,” I know exactly what you’re talking about. If you’re mention to a “Slap Shot” fan that you’re visiting Florida, odds are he’ll ask you if you’re staying at the Palm Isle.

“Slap Shot” fans know what “puttin’ on the foil” means, that if Dickie Dunn wrote it, it must be true, and, of course, the bedroom exploits of one Suzanne Hanrahan.

And, undoubtedly, they know of Tim “Dr. Hook” McCracken, the dastardly captain of the Syracuse Bulldogs.

My brother, Dave, organized an unbelievable event, Skating for Hope, which was held last weekend to raise money for Hope Lodge in Worcester. One special guest was Massachusetts native Paul D’Amato, the actor who played Dr. Hook in the film.

I’m not a star-struck kind of guy. Sandra Bullock, Bono, the Pope, or the Dalai Lama could be sitting at the table next to me at the Central House, and I’d leave them alone unless I needed to borrow some ketchup. I generally don’t get the whole “meet a famous person for two seconds and have your picture taken with him or her” thing.

But Dr. Hook? I was in. I couldn’t wait to meet the guy. And he didn’t disappoint.

First, some background. Last year, Dave was hoping the famed “Hanson Brothers” from “Slap Shot” would make an appearance. He contacted them, and they basically sent a list of expenses that would have to be met for them to grace us with their presence.

Paul D’Amato was a little less high-maintenance. He walked in with a water bottle and a duffle bag. I hadn’t seen him since “Slap Shot,” but immediately recognized him.

He said he brought some pictures that he would sign for anyone who wanted them, and all money from those would go right to Hope Lodge. He said he’d take pictures with anyone who wanted them. He brought a Syracuse Chiefs Tim McCracken jersey to donate for auction. We were hoping he’d be there an hour, and he said he’d stay for as long as people wanted him around.

He could not have been a nicer guy. He talked about his life growing up in the area. He answered questions about “Slap Shot” I’m sure he had been asked a million times before, but discussed them like it was the first time anyone had brought them up. He’s worked at the same sporting goods store for decades, still acts on stage in New York, and has had parts on screen, as well.

I asked him if, when he was making the movie, he had any idea he’d still be answering questions about it nearly four decades later. He said he knew it was a good movie, but never imagined its lasting impact.

We talked about why it was still so popular, and agreed it was mostly because of a terrific script and so many memorable characters, each with their own “moments” in the film.

Johnny Upton at the fashion show. The Sparkle Twins. Denis Lemieux’s opening interview (“Two minutes, by yourself, and you feel shame, you know. And then you get free.”). Ogie Oglethorpe’s being released from prison to play in the championship. The locker room rant from Joe McGrath (no relation). And, not to be forgotten, Dr. Hook.

I rattled these off without even mentioning the Hansons or Paul Newman as Reg Dunlop. 

We were hoping Paul would stay until 1:00. He did, but not the 1:00 we were expecting. He stayed until 1:00 a.m., a full 13 hours of the event. He skated, signed, and posed for pictures with anyone who asked. Some so-called “A-list” celebrities could learn a thing or two from the man best known as “Dr. Hook.”

Paul Newman said that “Slap Shot” was the most fun he ever had making a movie. Even now, as we cross our fingers that the NHL season will start on time, the movie endures, on screen and off.

Thanks for a great day, Dr. Hook.

Old Time Hockey.