PENSACOLA, FLA – Forward and fan favorite David Segal is hanging up his skates, and his gloves too for that matter.
Plagued by a number of injuries, the most recent being a shoulder, the enforcer from Vancouver reluctantly announced his retirement on March 29.
“I couldn’t be more excited to see what life has in store,” Segal told Pro Hockey News in an exclusive interview. “I look forward to having my weekends back with my wife, listening to my daughter sing, watching my son play lacrosse and golf, and the occasional fishing trip.”
This season for the Ice Flyers, Segal posted 5 goals with 4 assists and 247 PIMs. Spending most of his career with the Knoxville Ice Bears, Segal had several prolific scoring seasons in addition to being the guy who spent a lot of time in the box. In his first season with Knoxville in 2009, David spent 299 minutes in hockey lockup. By contrast he tallied 21 goals with 14 assists in the 2011 season for a +21 rating, while still finding time to rack up 198 PIMs. In his 9 year pro career, he amassed over 2000 penalty minutes, most of which were with the Ice Bears.
“Segal has been one of the best teammates and (above all) friends I have had the pleasure of playing alongside of,” said Cody Dion. “He’s the type of guy that would not only give you the shirt off his back, but he would also give you the keys to his car and a room in his house if you needed it. He has made my hockey career – and I’m sure countless other players’ careers – more enjoyable. Having said that, he sure wasn’t much fun to play against.”
“I remember the first time that he asked me to fight, and he was so polite about it,” said Harry Mahesh. “It caught me off guard. I knew we would fight someday, and I wanted to. I’m glad I got the chance a couple of times.”
A fan posting on SPHL Forums in February described the heart of the pitbull on skates, whose jersey recently sold for $1000 at an Ice Flyers jersey auction. “Do I curse Segal every time we play Pensacola? Absolutely!” he stated. “Is he a good guy off the ice? You better believe he is. He gave my autistic grandson a hockey stick last night. Then he went further and had it cut down to fit his little hands. All teams need a leader like Segal; a force to be reckoned with on the ice but a kindhearted man off the ice. Thank you David Segal; you made my grandson one happy little spud.”
So popular was Segal that fans even started a Facebook page for him called “Team Flock of Segals.” The following is a tribute video posted on the site in his honor:
Measuring in at a modest 5’10” and 170 pounds, Segal has been one of the most overtly aggressive minor league hockey players in recent years. Aside from throwing down the gloves, David is well known for full speed body checks, agitating opponents with his stick during faceoffs, and a lot of grappling and shoving.
“Hockey is a physical sport,” Segal said. “Growing up watching hockey I was always fascinated with the big open-ice hits and obviously the fights. I was raised with the attitude that if you’re going to do something, you give it your all. So once I was old enough to body check I gave it everything I had. I’m not a big guy, so I’ve always had to play bigger than I am.”
When asked about some of his favorite memories, the first he recalls is of his first pro camp in Knoxville. “I got in 3 fights in the first exhibition game and was thrown out,” David said. “I thought for sure they were going to cut me that night. I don’t know why, but coach Jim Birmingham took a shot on me and kept me around. So thanks for that Bermy!”
“I’ll never forget Kevin Swider taking everyone’s money playing cards in the back of the bus,” Segal continued. “Also Franky Furdero and his running jump starts on the bus, Brad (The Plow) Palowski and his bus antics, and the manhunt Cody Dion and I set up for our lost teammate John (the Big Fella) McLean.”
Segal regrets the fact that he never won a cup, but puts it in perspective with all that hockey has given him. “Everyone plays to win and I always wanted to win a championship,” he said. “But hockey has given me friendships that will last a lifetime. If it weren’t for hockey I would have never met my wife Heather and my two kids Lexi and Logan. They have been my number one supporters and fans. I love you guys!”
Segal went on to thank people that have been significant in his career. “To Bayne Koen, Ken Pearson, Jim Birmingham, Mike Craigen, Trevor (Kraz) Karasiewicz, and Rod Aldolff – thanks for all you did as my coaches. I have a ton of respect for all of you as I know the time and dedication it takes to be in your position. Thank you to the Knoxville Ice Bears for 7 great seasons. To Greg Harris, Rod Aldolff, and the rest of the Pensacola Ice Flyers organization, thank you for letting me be a part of one of the classiest organizations I had the opportunity to play for. Mom and Dad; thank you for 5am practices, 10 hour drives through snow storms, and spending your summers in freezing cold arenas! Thank you for your unconditional love and support.”
“To every single fan of the game of hockey; thank you. It’s you that keeps the leagues going and makes hockey so exciting to play. Whether you’re cheering for your favorite player when they score or giving the opposing player an earful in the penalty box, you guys truly make it fun.”
So did you, David.
Video courtesy of Ice Bears Nation
Special thanks to SPHL Forums
Photos by Vanessa Johnson, Heather Segal, and Harry Mahesh
Follow the author on Twitter @RonnaReporter
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