Darren McCarty Talks Red Wings Alumni Games, Comedy, and the 28-Year Anniversary of March 26, 1997

Darren McCarty Talks Red Wings Alumni Games, Comedy, and the 28-Year Anniversary of March 26, 1997

Hockey fans, get ready for an action-packed weekend with none other than Red Wings legend Darren McCarty. The four-time Stanley Cup champion caught up with Meltdown to talk about upcoming Red Wings alumni games, his slapstick comedy tour, and the lasting impact of the infamous March 26, 1997, rivalry game against the Colorado Avalanche.

The Red Wings alumni are set for two big matchups this weekend, kicking off with a game against the Montreal Canadiens alumni on Saturday afternoon in Fraser. While McCarty won’t be lacing up for that game due to business commitments, he’ll be hitting the ice for a cause close to his heart.

“Saturday night, I’ll be at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s for our annual game benefitting United Cerebral Palsy,” McCarty said. “It’s one of my favorite games of the year. I promise you—I’ll hit the net this time.”

Fans attending the game can expect to see McCarty showing off his new Lucas Raymond-inspired shot, which he claims took a few tries to perfect. “Everything was high and wide at first, but I’ll dial it in,” he joked.

After hitting the ice, McCarty will switch gears on Sunday night when his slapstick comedy tour makes a stop at Diamondback Saloon in Belleville. “I don’t get to do my comedy tour locally very often, so this one is special,” he said. “It’s a great venue, and with the 28-year anniversary of March 26, 1997, coming up, there’s no better time to share some stories.”

McCarty encouraged fans to come out for a night of laughs and a bit of pre-St. Patrick’s Day celebration. “Come pre-game with D-Mac! It won’t be green beer, but we’ll have a great time,” he added.

Speaking of that fateful night 28 years ago, McCarty reflected on the impact of the infamous brawl with Claude Lemieux and how it changed the trajectory of the Red Wings franchise.

“That fight wasn’t just about revenge. It was about proving we could beat Colorado,” McCarty explained. “That win gave us the momentum to go all the way. We blew up the Death Star.”

To mark the anniversary, McCarty is hosting a private event on March 26 at the Irish Viking, connected to the House of Shamrocks. “I want to capture the memories and stories of that night from the fans’ perspective,” he said. “Where were you when it happened? How did it impact you? We’re going to record those stories because, as Meltdown always says, ‘Get it on tape!’”

Later that evening, Vice TV will premiere a new episode of The Grudge, revisiting the heated rivalry between the Red Wings and the Avalanche. “This one dives deep into the behind-the-scenes stuff fans haven’t seen before,” McCarty teased. “It’s bigger than just one fight—it’s about what that moment meant to our team and the city of Detroit.”

From skating with the Red Wings alumni to delivering punchlines at Diamondback Saloon, McCarty is making sure fans have plenty to look forward to. Whether you’re hitting up the alumni game, catching his comedy show, or tuning into The Grudge on Vice TV, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate one of Detroit’s most beloved hockey legends.

Get ready for a weekend filled with hockey, humor, and history!

Thanks, D-Mac!