Bernie Nicholls and Johnny Cullen. Both are LCS Hockey heroes and the idols of millions. And both recently retired, but the terms weren't necessarily their own.

Nicholls was, for a better word, forced into retirement by San Jose Sharks GM Dean Lombardi after a game against the New York Rangers. The 37-year-old veteran had been reduced to being a fourth-line center for the Sharks this season, recording just two assists in 10 games. Lombardi said he wanted to see Nicholls leave the game "in a certain way, at a certain level."

Nicholls will hang up the skates after an impressive 18-year career in the league in which he finished as the 26th highest scorer in NHL history with 1,209 points in 1,127 games. The crafty centerman was one of only eight NHL players to score 70 goals in a season, with 70 and 150 points for the Los Angeles Kings in 1988-89.

Nicholls could have tried to sign on with another club, but he chose to remain with the Sharks as either a coach or at a job somewhere else in the front office.

Always the free spirit, Broadway Bernie (who once wore pink cowboy boots during his years in the fast-paced Hollywood lifestyle) seemed to be handling the situation well, even if he didn't get to retire on his own terms. His main concern now is figuring out what his role will be with the Sharks organization.

"I want a fancy title," he said.

Cullen, on the other hand, could care less about fancy titles now that he's retired. He's just happy to be alive.

Johnny Cullen by Meredith Martini

The man formerly known to wear lightning bolts on his pants and the idol of millions from ages eight to eighty, attempted a comeback with the Tampa Bay Lightning after battling cancer for an entire year. Cullen suffered through chemotherapy treatments and a bone marrow transplant before beating the disease. As soon as he was deemed cancer-free, Cullen began the long process of returning to the NHL.

"JC" was invited to training camp and made the opening-night roster. However, after just four scoreless games with the Bolts, Cullen was given a choice to either retire and take an assistant coaching position with the team, or accept a demotion to the Cleveland Lumberjacks of the IHL.

To many people's surprise, Cullen accepted the demotion and hoped to use the time in Cleveland to get himself back into game shape. A glimmer of hope arose when Cully recorded a seven-point game for the Jacks. But there were still some lingering effects from the cancer treatment, including a weakened conditioning level, and after coming down with bronchitis while in Cleveland, Cullen returned home to the Tampa area and decided enough was enough. He announced his retirement from the game and took the assistant coaching position with the team.

"I've been going crazy all week, deciding what to do," Cullen said. "I knew my shot to return was slim. It was a tough decision, but I'm comfortable with it."

Cullen retires after nine seasons in the NHL. Some of his best days in the league came as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He entered the league in Pittsburgh and played on the "Option Line" with fellow newcomers Kevin Stevens and Mark Recchi. The line was called the Option Line because all three players were in the option years of their contracts.

Cullen scored 92 points for the Pens in 1989-90 and 94 more in 65 games in 1990-91. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to celebrate a Stanley Cup victory with the Pens that year. Although being one of the most likeable fellows in the dressing room, Cullen was traded to the Hartford Whalers with Zarley Zalapski and Jeff Parker for Ron Francis, Ulf Samuelsson and Grant Jennings.

While Francis and the Penguins went on to win two championships in Pittsburgh, Cullen never got to celebrate a Stanley Cup as a player. He spent time in Hartford, Toronto, Pittsburgh again, and finally Tampa Bay.

Cullen ended his playing career with 550 points (187 goals) in 621 career games. But the legend of Johnny Cullen as a player spans more than just points and goals scored. Johnny Cullen will always be remembered as a player who gave his all every shift on the ice. He was a true team player - someone most guys in the league would love to have on their team.

But even more than that, Johnny Cullen was a hero. Not just to those of us here at the offices of LCS Hockey, but to anyone who has an obstacle to overcome in his or her life. Johnny Cullen defines hope, optimism, and courage. He has been a role model for many people afflicted with the terrible disease he overcame and for anyone who has had to face a difficult challenge. "If Johnny Cullen can do it, so can I."

And for that reason Johnny Cullen will always be a hero.

Congratulations to both Bernie Nicholls and John Cullen on their outstanding careers and we wish them good luck in their future endeavors.

[ issues | stats | nhl archive | home | nhl history | about us | search | comments ]