Veteran forward David Hukalo has announced his retirement. He played six years and 335 games with the Komets. Because he's not a great scorer, he was usually underappreciated by everyone but his teammates, who say he's the smartest player they've ever played with. Three times he was named the league's top defensive forward. If there's one opponent you had to shut down to win a game or a series, there's no doubt who was getting the assignment.
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One of my favorite players, he will be truely missed. Good Luck Huks!
Best wishes for David on his life outside of hockey...
Hukalo had to have had the most hard luck of any player in all of AA hockey! I have never seen a guy stick handle around so many players just to have his shot ping off the crossbar or post or see the opposing goalie make a miraculous save... A master pickpocket and pass stealer, you really had to be precise coming out of your zone when Huk was on the ice... And what surprised me the most was how much he got under the other team's skin... He was a hated rival. I will be truthfull and say that I was not a fan of the trade that sent Kotyluk to K-zoo for Hukalo; but will say that I was dead wrong and the K's have been a much better team with Hukalo in the lineup. A big fan of Hukalo's, I was....
An unfortunate casualty from moving to a lower vet limit league... He has some time to heal all his aches and pains. Again good luck David!
He always played a complete shift. He played hurt. He took on the responsibility of shadowing the opponents highest scorers. Still, with all of that, it always amazed me how he seemed to have the knack for getting so many big goals also.
Hukalo was the consumate role player. Every team needs them, every team looks for them.
The biggest argument against a reduced veteran limit is the Hukalo retirement. The Game of Hockey isn't any better for this. I submit the game is much worse off. I wonder how many other players are considering their retirement because they were skilled enough to have played too many games.
His awards, both team and personal, are proof of his dedication.
I, too, completely changed my mind about Huk. I was not impressed with him in the beginning. (I was never was fond of Kotyluk either.) By Huk's second season with the K's though, there was no doubt who got the better end of that deal! Huk was a mad man out there and every opponent feared and respected him. He stole more pucks away from guys and took more shots to the body than the number of goal posts he hit! I can truly say I will miss Huk. I wish him only the best. And tell him if he wants to be a truck driver, look me up; I'll get him a job!
David Hukalo was perhaps one of the best overall players that I have had the pleasure of watching over the past 24 years. Granted he was not a 40-50 goal scorer, but played awesome defense, and boy was he a pain to anyone matched up against him! And he played with heart and intensity...leaving it all on the ice. Getting Hukalo for Kotyluk was one of the best transactions that David Franke has pulled off.
Best of luck to David and his family in the future, and thanks for some totally awesome memories!
Teresa215, if Huk does'nt want the driver job...I'm looking for a job....do I need a CDL?
Alan, I agree with you on how the reduced vet limit (although we don't know yet what the number will be?) affects the game. I favor more vets also.
I'm not sure though that the vet limit has affected Huck's decision to retire. He has been talking about it longer then the IHL-CHL arrangement has been a consideration. I think his injuries are playing a much bigger part in his decision.
Could we say Huck is a forward (the position) version of Cary Lucyk?
Great hockey player/a true asset to the organization/ the definition of a Komet.
I remember that series vs Muskegon that he shut down bouchard. MVP
Huk was in my top three all time favorite Komet players (I have only been a hardcore fan since 2003; so I never got to see many of the other guys who are usually in fans' all-time favorite player lists). He, for sure, was the BEST trade we've had in this past decade (Kotyluk -> Kzoo for Huk). A great player, a great personality, and just a great dude. I'll miss ya Huk.
WOW--will really, really miss this guy--loved to see him smile!He is always so serious then makes an irritating play and is all grins--great player!
Huk was one of my favorite players of all time.. He gave it his all every shift and had the heart of a champion, plus he wore my favorite number which was also worn by my favorite player of all time, Lee "Harley" Davidson!!!
i'll miss Huk, good luck
Good luck Huk, Will really miss you and your family.Hope every thing goes yourway
Yeah, Bob, you'll need a CDL. Contact me at through Blake if you want.
I am sad to see Huk leaving the Komets. Change is hard for everyone involved. Good luck Huk to you and your family. You will definitely be missed.