Rick DiPietro takes sports radio gig, not closing door on return to pro hockey

As professional hockey players across North American get ready for training camps, former NHL goaltender Rick DiPietro is taking to the airwaves as an evening co-host on ESPN Radio New York. While he's enjoying the radio gig, DiPietro hasn't closed the door on his hockey career quite yet. 

"If the opportunity arises, it's something I might think about," DiPietro said about a possible return, as per Newsday. "But it's been a struggle for the last couple of years trying to figure that out because everything's falling apart. I do not want to play if I can't perform at the level that I think is acceptable.

"Everything's kind of in flux right now. Mind says yes, body says no."

For now, DiPietro's received some encouraging feedback about his work on the radio, as evidenced by the first tweet from his Twitter account, which features a pretty amazing handle/avatar, but also a hashtag game that could use some work.

DiPietro continued:

What's most touching to me is the response I've gotten on Twitter. This is kind of a weird part of my life here, where I'm trying to make a decision about where I go, and part of me was nervous coming on the radio that I was going to get killed from everyone. It's been the complete opposite. It's been love and well wishes.

I get Rangers fans who are like, 'I hated you when you played for the Islanders. But I have to be honest, I love listening to you on the radio.' That's really what I wanted at the end of the day.

The 32-year-old, drafted first overall by the New York Islanders in 2000, appeared in 318 career games, recording 130 wins and a .902 save percentage. 

DiPietro last played as a member of the AHL's Charlotte Checkers on a pro tryout offer, posting a 0-4-0 record with a .846 save percentage and 5.18 goals-against average.

So ... hopefully the radio thing sticks.