Flames cult hero Lucic 'grateful' to play game he loves as he hits another milestone

CALGARY – They’re not booing Milan Lucic every time he touches the puck.

They’re “Looooching.”

It has been that way since he moved to southern Alberta three years ago.

It was a significant departure from the way he was being received in Edmonton his previous three seasons, as the bloom wore off on a man being paid $42 million over seven years to score while riding shotgun with Connor McDavid.

Having lost a step, and the ability to find the net as he once did as a former 30-goal scorer, a trade by the Oilers to Calgary for a similarly struggling James Neal resurrected Lucic’s career and love for the game.

While Neal has failed to gain traction since, Lucic was reinvigorated by a reduced role on a deeper team, taking pressure off and allowing him to focus on a bottom-six role more suited to where the 34-year-old winger is now at.

Using his 6-foot-3, 240-pound body as a fourth-line wrecking ball, Lucic has opened the season by bringing energy to his team and the Saddledome, where he has become a cult hero.

Collecting another milestone Thursday night by becoming just the 212th player in NHL history to play 1,100 games, the personable Vancouver native comes to the rink with a smile and appreciation for a game he hopes to play past this season when his contract expires.

“I just feel very grateful and fortunate,” said a nostalgic and reflective Lucic.

“I love the game, I love competing and being part of the group, and I’m grateful and happy every day I get to live the dream I had as a kid.

“I remember Mark Recchi telling me, ‘Play until they kick you out. If your body can still do it, keep doing it because whatever it is you do after hockey there’s nothing like being a player in the NHL.'

“That’s something that always stuck with me.”

Lucic has opened his 16th NHL season with a bang, spearheading a line with Kevin Rooney and Brett Ritchie that played a significant role in the team’s three opening wins over Colorado, Edmonton and Vegas. Their finest hour came against the Golden Knights when his line drew four straight penalties midway through, allowing the power play turn a two-goal deficit into a 3-2 win.

Efforts like those are not lost on a knowledgeable fan base that might otherwise look at a player making that much money as an anchor on the fourth line.

Not their “Looch.”

The delight Flames fans take in seeing Lucic lug the puck into the offensive zone, where he draws huge cheers with every finished check, has helped remind him it is indeed just a game.

“I remember Dean Lombardi said to me, when I was playing in L.A., ‘Don’t ever lose that little kid inside of you,’ and that’s something I’ve always lived by since he said it to me,” said a philosophical Lucic, one of the best interviews in the game.

“Honestly, playing hockey is something I’ve always wanted to do as a kid.

“It is still the only thing I want to do, and I think that’s why I’m grateful to be in this position to be playing in the NHL in a regular role.

“That’s something I wanted to work on this summer as well, just kind of the mental approach to it as well, being grateful and humble and looking forward to it and being happy.

“I think that’s why I took time away and went on trips and spent time with the family, because when you sit back and look at it all, and put it in perspective, you are lucky to live the life you do, and live the dream you do, and this is your reality. And it is awesome, so I just want to keep doing it as long as I can and keep making it a positive thing in my life.

“Going through the pandemic, I think we’ve all had some time to reflect and think about our livelihoods, and what it’s all about, and what certain things mean to you. And it’s made me more grateful for it.”

Lucic’s longevity is particularly remarkable given the style of game he plays.

With 85 NHL fights under his belt, Lucic is just the 77th player to play 1,100 games while posting at least 1,100 penalty minutes. A tough slog.

“I think the physical part of my game has always had to be a part of my game to be effective,” said Lucic, who had 30 goals and 32 assists for 62 points, and 121 penalty minutes in 2010-11 when his Bruins went on to win the Stanley Cup.

“Before, I was a top-six player who was expected to score and provide offensively. But now, with where I slide into the lineup, it’s more about being like one of those checking role players who comes with high energy and physicality and is being a leader and motivator in the room.

“That’s the focal point now.”

Wildly popular in the room and in the city, Lucic’s evolution will eventually translate into a front office or media job he will thrive in, given his passion and impressive knowledge of the game and its history.

But that’s for another day.

The gig now revolves around being a good teammate and dad who wants everyone around him to enjoy the ride.

“That little kid that was playing street hockey in the back alleys and on frozen ponds, playing for the love of the game, is still with me,” said Lucic, who knows that with the depth and experience his club has, this has the making of a special season.

“I try to bring my kids around (the rink) as much as I can, and make them a part of it. They’re old enough to know what’s going on now.

“I’ve won a Stanley Cup, and I won it as a 23-year-old. I wasn’t married and didn’t have a family, and I would love to win again and share that moment with my children, and that’s another motivating point for me.

“I feel like I’ve had a good start to the season so far. The legs and body are feeling well, and I’ve been able to contribute to the team, so I want to keep that going.”

For how long?

“You don’t really set a goal,” he smiled.

“The goal is just to live it day-by-day and play as long as I can.”