So long, Stevie?
I just overheard on the local news that Steve Yzerman is expected to announce his retirement from professional hockey at a press conference today at 1 pm at Joe Louis Arena.
Yzerman, who came to Detroit in 1983, has become an icon both in Metro Detroit and the NHL, morphing from a young rookie – drafted fourth overall by the Wings – into a bonified hockey superstar. To date, Yzerman has amassed 692 goals in 1,514 regular season games and led the Red Wings to three Stanley Cup championships.
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At 41, Yzerman has struggled with injuries over the last few seasons, but was still the second-best player during this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs, something that led many to speculate that the 10-time All-Star might stick around for one or two more seasons.
Other rumors about Yzerman retiring from the game and becoming part of the management team or coaching staff have also been floating around.
I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
Hockey won’t be the same without him, and no doubt he will be missed. This was something we all knew was coming eventually, and all we can do is thank the Captain for all of the great years he spent with us. Thanks for the memories, the Stanley Cups, and the legacy.
I agree wholeheartedly, RIPI$MONEY!
For so long Steve Yzerman has defined everything that is good about professional sports. Yzerman was a real role model in a profession where few truly exist. He lifted the weight of a city on his back and carried it to three Stanley Cup championships. Stevie Yzerman will be missed.