Eric Duhatschek Retires

[Johnny Makarov]

He was the reason why I made my parents get a Herald subscription instead of the Sun. Eric D is better than daily Sunshine Girls!

[Nammer403]

I enjoyed his work.
Happy retirement!

[iggyloob12]

One of the best. I remember looking forward to Eric's columns back in his Herald days and have been a regular reader at every stop since. Good luck in retirement! (Not to take the focus off Eric, but there's not much reason to click on the Athletic these days for Flames fans. Not even a dedicated beat reporter.)

[McG]

I’m a big fan! Congratulations on retirement to him!

It’s hard to believe, but back in the day, Eric d and Jim Matheson both wrote excellent articles, each with their own style, and both were able to present hockey in their respective markets and league wide in a very respectful tone.

Obviously not the case now. Matheson now exclusively fellates the mouth breathers, while Eric d maintained his integrity over the years as he refined his technique to cover the sport and not just the flames.

Even when I disagreed with Eric d, his compelling style and arguments always made me question if I was actually not correct…and I should adjust my viewpoint. He’s that kind of writer.

Best of luck in retirement and happy trails!

[TheIronMaiden]

If one of the 960 guys reads this thread please forward it to Eric, he deserves to know how much he is respected.

Hell, posting here might just be a good way to keep busy after retirement.

[Tacoman]

The GOAT and it's not even close. I'll miss his articles. Accurate, inciteful and witty.

[Locke]

This sucks.

He was easily one of the best and most unbiased guys out there.

I had no idea English was his second language and that he was a good German man!

Can I make one request? Please spell out his full name in the thread title. I think he deserves it. He's certainly earned it.

Good luck in your retirement Eric!

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Eric Vail

Does he still live in Calgary?

Someone in leadership in Calgary Puck should arrange a night where we tribute him. He has been huge for every Flames fan.

It wouldn't have to be a big deal, pick a date/time and we go to a pub and have a drink with him. Someone could make a toast and then we just hang out. It would be a cool event and Eric would be very worthy of the tribute.

I like this idea.

[hjerk]

Eric Duhatschek is a stellar writer, the main reason that I initially subscribed to the Athletic and later gifted my Dad a sub as well. He sets the standard for all other sports writers, there is none better than Eric. He will be missed but the retirement is well earned!

[CsInMyBlood]

As everyone else has stated Duha was the best.

I'd love to be able to know how many of his articles I've read, he definitely gave me more Flames content than anyone else. Such a great writer.

Complete professional, we just lost a good one!

Enjoy the retirement, you deserve it!

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Definitely is the wrong Eric to go.

[Calgary4LIfe]

There was simply none better than Duhatschek. He is the gold standard of sports journalism - heck, probably journalism, period. Fair, honest, no click-baity tricks, damn good at writing and damn good at speaking as well. It is a sad day seeing that he is retiring, but I am happy for him. I grew up reading his articles all the time.



If I had a wish, it would be for him to teach journalism. I hope he enjoys his retirement, and I hope he realizes just how much he will be missed. I wish him the best of luck. Truly deserving of nothing but the best in his post professional journey he is about to undertake.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by transplant99

Simply the best.....full stop.

He's a guy I have been in correspondence with on a couple different things over the years and such a consummate pro about it all.

Enjoy the golden years Eric, you have most certainly earned it.

Also....just a great music critic/fan who turned me on to a few different groups back in the day.

Really? That's really cool, I never knew that.

[SuperMatt18]

As a kid growing up in Calgary, and then becoming a big Flames fan into my adult life, Eric D was always the best. I remember always being excited for those times when he'd be on hotstove lounge too on CBC, because you might get some Flames talk and rumours then.

The class of Calgary sports journalism and he will be missed.

Best wishes in retirement Eric!

[Junglist]

One of the best in the business.
Pure class.
Enjoy retirement!

[Press Level]

Been reading him my whole life. The Calgary Herald, The Hockey News, The Globe and now the Athletic. An amazing career! If anyone has earned their retirement, it Eric D. I wish him all the best.

[dustygoon]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

If one of the 960 guys reads this thread please forward it to Eric, he deserves to know how much he is respected.

Hell, posting here might just be a good way to keep busy after retirement.

Love that man. I've had a couple interactions over email through the years. He is aware of this site, and i got the impression he lurks.

So Eric....if you are reading this....

[Matty81]

For me, the thoughtful intelligent style he brought to his work was a privilege to read, always felt so lucky that he was a Calgary guy. Great work Eric, for sure one of the best ever in my books.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by dustygoon

Love that man. I've had a couple interactions over email through the years. He is aware of this site, and i got the impression he lurks.

So Eric....if you are reading this....

Prost!

[Number 39]

He and I both arrived in Calgary around the same time and I grew up reading his columns. I don’t always share his opinions but he always presented his case in a thoughtful, intelligent manner that made you think. His contributions will be missed.