Abel to Yzerman
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Detroit’s Gift To Hockey: 19 To The Masses
by IwoCPO on 11/09/09 at 03:30 PM ET
Comments (53)
Steve Yzerman has been the sole property of Hockeytown for twenty six years now. Oh, we’ve loaned him out a few times, let him head to Canada now and again. We even almost gave him away, allegedly, to Ottawa. And just like the thought of almost NOT drafting him in ‘83 makes you want to suck your thumb and hum along to some Dr. Hook tunes? The sick thought that he was almost dealt turns you all sickly and pale.
But, luck intervened and the Islanders took Pat Lafontaine. Then you, the 19--or the 19 before you--stepped in and made a statement.
When Scotty Bowman, allegedly, was on the verge of dealing The Captain out of Detroit you stormed the Joe. You rose as one, directed your venom at the stumpy bald guy behind the bench, screamed Yzerman’s name on a warm opening night and made it clear that if he was leaving? Well, screw it, so were you.
And so he stayed. For thirteen more years.
And three more Cups.
There are players who’ve been voted in who probably felt it was owed to them. There are “captains” who stayed too long, wore out their welcome in at least three different cities, loved the attention, begged for it, thrived on it, then missed it so much created ways to keep their name out there....like inventing a “leadership award” and finding a hygiene product to sponsor it. There are others who’s spectacular play earned their admission to the Hall, but their lack of character made you cringe to consider their place among the greats like Howe and Beliveau.
Steve Yzerman? He’s never felt like hockey owed him jack squat. And his character is spotless. He is the icon of our age. A hero in a time when defining one is nearly impossible.
So we’re gonna go ahead and break the glass tonite. We’re gonna smash it open and take him out. We present our Captain to you because he’s always been bigger than just one town. We’ve all known how lucky we’ve been and we’ve been stingy. Frankly, if it was just about us, we’d keep him to ourselves. But, it’s not and we know that. We owe it to Steve Yzerman, against his wishes probably, to let him wear the C for an entire sport, not just the red and white.
He’ll have four minutes tonite. Four minutes? Yep, as I believe I heard, that’s all the inductees get. Tell me, is there a formal time limit for baseball, football, basketball? I didn’t think so. Yet, we’re going to limit Yzerman. We’re going to limit Brett Hull. Uh huh. Good luck with that Gary. Ass.
Did you grow up with Steve Yzerman? I did. Him and two others. Yzerman and Alan Trammell were the two I looked up to as examples of how to play, if not live. And then there was Kirk Gibson. He was the devil on the other shoulder.
But it was Yzerman of the three who really rallied us all. It was Yzerman who willed us our first, then our second and our third. Oh, I know. They were 8, 9 and 10. But it had been 42 years, man. All we knew were the whispers.
Remember the Free Press photshopped his tooth in? Whatever. He didn’t care. Bettman blathered about something, about Hockeytown and the drought. Whatever. Just give the Cup to Stevie. He did and my frigging God the place exploded. You were at the parade or you said you were and he held that shiny bitch aloft and held it there for hours, or so it seemed. The Cup in the middle of millions. And then next year he put in in Vladdie’s lap because he and 22 other guys said that’s where it belonged.
Four years later the legend was cemented with every shuddering rise from the ice. If you’re a Wing fan you look back at that playoff run and you hear stories of the kind of pain he was in and it brings tears to your eyes because you feel like he did it for you, individually. That’s the effect Yzerman had on Wing fans. You just felt like when he won, he willed it for you. And when the time came for credit and adulation, poof....gone.
But he’s ours no longer. Tonite he becomes hockey’s. And it’s a gift hockey had better be grateful for. Hockey had better stand on its feet tonite and understand that there can be only one. There has never been, and never will be, another Captain like Yzerman. No one has withstood the kind of pain he did, or led as well. Nobody. As Captain Norris said in a comment earlier today, the Hall had better be ready to be humbled.
He’s been ours for nearly three decades, hockey. Tonite we present him to you and the Hall becomes his keeper.
The legacy, though, stays with us.
Filed in: | Abel to Yzerman | Permalink
Comments
Give him 19 minutes tonight.
Posted by Animal Drew from A Nightmare on Helm Street on 11/09/09 at 03:46 PM ET
Well said Chief:
He is the icon of our age
.
I’ve read many articles about The Captain’s HHOF induction these past several days, and in most of them, he is very careful to deflect much of the credit for his success to his teammates and coaches, and to thank them for their help in his career. Always gracious, classy, and humble.
Tonight, the hockey world, including fans everywhere, get to say their thank yous for the privilege of watching the Icon of our age play 23 seasons of HHOF worthy hockey, all for the Wings. And, for the “19”; as Bill said,
You just felt like when he won, he willed it for [us].
An interesting note on three members of the 2002 Wings going inot the Hall tonight, from CBC.ca,
Three Wings join Montreal trios:
The 2001-02 Wings are one of only three Cup-winning teams to have at least three members inducted into the Hall of Fame in the same year.
They join the 1943-44 Montreal Canadiens, who had Toe Blake, Elmer Lach, Butch Bouchard, and Kenny Reardon inducted in 1966, and the 1925-26 Montreal Maroons, who saw Punch Broadbent, Nels Stewart, and Reg Noble enter in 1962.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 11/09/09 at 03:58 PM ET
Chief, I hacked into the HHOF’s main-frame and was able to glean the following from the master of ceremonies directory.
Brett Hull has a time limit of 4 minutes. The microphone at the podium has already been programmed to go dead at 3:59.99.
The HHOF is aware of The Captain’s class and humility and that he is a man of few words. The information packet that the HHOF sent him in advance of HOF induction weekend included a memo that inductees are expected to speak for a bare minimum of four minutes, yet are allowed to speak as long as they like.
My prediction: Stevie only speaks for 2:45 and Hull has a Mr. Microphone app for his iPhone and will continue to drone on with inappropriate storys for 26 minutes after the HHOF kills his mic.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Sunny SoCal on 11/09/09 at 03:58 PM ET
To my alltime favorite sports figure. One of the very few I would ever ask my kids to emulate. The only player I personally have ever bought a jersey for. After following the team for many years by 1983, I was giddy when he came to Detroit. Hell, I even had to take a sidetrip out of my way one year to see the birthplace of #19 in Cranbrook B.C. My wife thought I was nuts.
Tonight, I will raise a toast and have a glow in my eye watching the ceromonies.
Posted by Jeff from Loveland, CO on 11/09/09 at 03:58 PM ET
stories not storys.
Paul, KK really needs the ability for users to edit their posts.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Sunny SoCal on 11/09/09 at 04:00 PM ET
Great post, Iwo
Posted by HockeyTownTodd from upset when blogs don’t live up to my expectations on 11/09/09 at 04:00 PM ET
There has never been, and never will be, another lion-hearted warrior chieftain like Yzerman.
Fixed.
And amen to that, Chief.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 11/09/09 at 04:01 PM ET
Hull has a Mr. Microphone app for his iPhone and will continue to drone on with inappropriate storys for 26 minutes after the HHOF kills his mic.
Yeah, you say that like Hully can actually go five minutes without stuffing his mouth full of fries.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from Fortress Europe on 11/09/09 at 04:04 PM ET
I think I have something in my eye.
Posted by Nate A from Dark side of the moon on 11/09/09 at 04:05 PM ET
Possibly the 2nd best number 19 ever.
Posted by rwhater on 11/09/09 at 04:08 PM ET
Bravo. That sir, is why you are the Chief.
Hell of an article. Interesting day as I go about my usual routine. Having a hard time focusing. Just getting ready to sob like a little bitch while the Captain gets inducted. A 19-wide right hander is in order for The Captain. Bottoms up.
Posted by CaptNorris5 from Chicago via Detroit on 11/09/09 at 04:10 PM ET
Ottawa’s a city, not a province… Just puttin’ that out there…
Posted by topshko_niin from kenora, on on 11/09/09 at 04:10 PM ET
You’ve done it again Chief. Do you enjoy making grown men cry? Dammit
Posted by 42jeff from Minot, North Dakota on 11/09/09 at 04:13 PM ET
I believe is God, but Yzerman’s the Captain, and that means more.
I discovered hockey with NHL 93, suffered some crap with Cheveldae on goal, but the #19 was awesome. I started with the Wings (Detroit, actually) because of the colors, stayed because of the Captain.
I watched the 97 and 98 Cups at my aunt’s house, since she was tho only one on the familty with cable (yes, I made my mother take me there to watch the games). (oh, and one of first games was March, 26).
Then in 2002 I got cable, and was lucky to watch the entire Cupe run (man, that was the best empty-netter ever).
Now I’m in the blog, and in the last couple of days I’ve been translating Albom’s articles to pay a homage to Stevie. I strongly believe that Albom’s column on June 7th, 1997 is the best thing he’s ever put in words.
Steve Yzerman was the beginning of Detroit’s dynasty, and the beginning of my hockey fixation.
Thanks, Captain.
Posted by Guilherme from Brasil on 11/09/09 at 04:19 PM ET
CaptianDennis, I need editing too.
I believe Helm is God, but Yzerman’s the Captain, and that means more. (fixed)
And here’s Albom’s column I mentioned.
Posted by Guilherme from Brasil on 11/09/09 at 04:23 PM ET
Congratulations to Mr. Yzerman on a great career and a well-deserved honor. Classy, intelligent, talented and tough player. No fan of this great sport could ever seriously question his contributions to the Game, and his place among the elites. There’s no doubt he is the standard-setter for your organ-I-zation.
Enjoy the ceremonies, Detroit.
Posted by Blue Meanie from Pittsburgh on 11/09/09 at 04:23 PM ET
“Mr. Steve Yzerman spent his entire 22-year NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings, including an NHL-record 20 years as captain. He set single-season club records with 65 goals, 90 assists and 155 points in 1989 to earn the Lester B. Pearson Award and led the Red Wings to three Stanley Cup titles, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1998. Along with winning the Selke and Masterton Trophies, he also led Canada to the gold medal in the 2002 Winter Olympics. Mr. Yzerman’s career totaled 692 goals, 1,063 assists, 1,755 points, along with 185 points in the playoffs.’’
Amazing as all this is, it doesn’t even begin to tell what a great player and person The Captian is.
Congrats #19
Posted by YYZerman on 11/09/09 at 04:25 PM ET
NHL.com:
Which 2009 Hall of Fame inductee had the best playing career?
Brett Hull: 22.00 %
Brian Leetch: 6.84 %
Luc Robitaille: 7.36 %
Steve Yzerman: 63.80 %
Right? Ay, of course. Congratulations Mr. Yzerman.
Go celebrate 19.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also,Chief, I would like to thank you personally on this upcoming Veterans Day, for your service to the country. Thanx Alot.
Posted by Lindas1st from New England on 11/09/09 at 04:27 PM ET
Question for the 19, maybe Voox can help us out here.
With what are we toasting the Captain this evening? I’m having a hard time deciding what I’ll select at Binny’s on my way home…
Posted by CaptNorris5 from Chicago via Detroit on 11/09/09 at 04:28 PM ET
Topshko: fixed. Thanks.
Linda’s: you’re welcome and thanks for saying so.
All: Live Blog goes down at 1800.
Posted by IwoCPO from Washington, DC on 11/09/09 at 04:29 PM ET
From Helene’s interview with Stevie:
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you ever got?
A: When I was a kid, my dad used to tell me “just keep your mouth shut and go out and play hard.” That’s what I tried to do for the most part.
I wish more of today’s atheletes had received the same advice from their parents.
I think the Lester Pearson Award has got to be one of his most meaningful awards. It is the regular season MVP/best player, as voted by the players, not the media. So his peers said he had a better season that Gretzky or Lemieux. Damn impressive.
Posted by CaptainDennisPolonich from Sunny SoCal on 11/09/09 at 04:29 PM ET
I said my goodbye to Stevie on January 2nd 2007. Twelve-freaking-hundred dollars for 2 tickets & it was worth every damned penny.
I can’t say anyting about Stevie that we all haven’t read or thought a million times. His swift acceptance to the HHOF is only fitting given the career and individual who will hang from the rafters with the “C”.
Watching the Jersey Retirement on NHL network last night was one hell of a stroll down memory lane......
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 11/09/09 at 04:34 PM ET
After losing two games in the first round of the playoffs that year (2002) to the Canucks, Holland said the flight to Vancouver for Game 3 was the longest five-hour flight of his life. Draper remembers something else.
From Craig Custance, the Sporting News:
Yzerman is being inducted to the Hall on Monday because he has 692 career goals and 1,755 points. And three Stanley Cups.
He’s also in because he’ll go down as one of the best leaders to ever wear the “C.”
When Detroit lost two games to Vancouver, Draper said Yzerman seized control of the team.
“I’ll never forget it. Stevie Y grabbing guys in the dressing room – we had a players-only meeting,” Draper said. “He basically talked to us and came out and said, ‘We’re going to find a way to win this series and go on from there.’
“You know what? We believed him. We believed in that. The rest was history.”
Then there is this Stevie “Y” gem, from the CBC’s Elliotte Friedman, via George,
Best quote I ever heard about Steve Yzerman came from Jason Williams. I asked Williams how things had changed in the Red Wings room after the captain’s retirement. He said, “It’s a lot less sarcastic around here when I make a mistake.”
Not targeting Willy, well, because he is LTIR, but maybe the current edition Wings could use a little more “sarcasm”.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 11/09/09 at 04:35 PM ET
Truly, a wonderful day for Detroit sports fans. It doesn’t seem possible 26 years have gone bye.
I have many great memories of Steve. Oddly one that always comes to mind is the night he scored his 50th goal of the season against the Sabres and then later crashed into the net and destroyed his knee. I woke up the next day hoping it was a bad dream.
Should be a great night, but is really kind of sad that the ceremony is held at such a smll room. It would be great to hold it oh say...Maple Leaf Gardens ,so that a huge throng of Wings fans could be there to celebrate. Sort of like the baseball ceremony in Cooperstown.
Posted by Down River Dan on 11/09/09 at 04:36 PM ET
^^ damn poor editing here, sorry ^^
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 11/09/09 at 04:37 PM ET
One year, my pops and I were visiting the US Hockey Hall of Fame in the late 70’s and he bought me my first bit of Red Wings merchandise. A simple triangular pennant. I was hooked on this team from that moment.
Growing up in the late 70’s and starting my short lived hockey career in the early 80’s I was lucky enough to catch the tail end of the “Dead Things” era.
While all my teammates were going on about this Gretzky guy, I being a proper Michigan boy knew where my allegiances lay. Then, a fateful day in 1983 a new Red Wings era was born. A few years went by before the silver measure of true champions found it’s way home to Joe Lewis Arena. Some teams had it on loan for a couple of years but it eventually found it’s way to it’s rightful home.
I say I was lucky to see the “Dead Things” because I’ve seen heartache of playoff exits and years of not even making the playoffs. Along with that I saw a team that worked it’s way to glory. The constant throughout that rise to glory was one man. A man who lifted not only his team but an entire city up with his broken knees. Steve Yzerman. The Captain.
Posted by WingsFanInBeanLand from Earth. on 11/09/09 at 04:55 PM ET
There has never been, and never will be, another Captain like Yzerman.
I am grateful for all the wonderful years Steve Yzerman has given to each and every one of us that is a Detroit Red Wing’s fan.
He is The Captain.
Lets Go Red Wings!!!!!
Posted by Kate from Pa. on 11/09/09 at 04:57 PM ET
The constant throughout that rise to glory was one man. A man who lifted not only his team but an entire city up with his broken knees. Steve Yzerman. The Captain.
Well said WFIBL, but, IMO, there are two constants: The Immortal lion-hearted warrior Captain -and- Mr. I (2003 HHOF).
There may have never been two men more determined to win, at any cost. Both of which ooze humility and grace.
Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 11/09/09 at 05:01 PM ET
Apparently tsn.ca and possibly nhl.com are webcasting the ceremony, anyone know any more info on it? I’ve looked around both sites and can’t seem to find it.
Posted by stayouttamalibu from Temporarily in Tempe, AZ on 11/09/09 at 05:06 PM ET
Apparently tsn.ca and possibly nhl.com are webcasting the ceremony, anyone know any more info on it? I’ve looked around both sites and can’t seem to find it.
The NHL network is carrying the TSN coverage in the States.
Posted by Down River Dan on 11/09/09 at 05:17 PM ET
The NHL network is carrying the TSN coverage in the States.
Posted by Down River Dan on 11/09/09 at 05:17 PM ET
Right, but I don’t get the NHL network so I was looking for the apparent webcasts.
http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2009/11/tsn_nhl_network_to_air_and_web.html
Posted by stayouttamalibu from Temporarily in Tempe, AZ on 11/09/09 at 05:20 PM ET
Yzerman and Alan Trammell were the two I looked up to as examples of how to play, if not live. And then there was Kirk Gibson. He was the devil on the other shoulder.
Consider yourself lucky. I have Stevie on one shoulder dressed in white, and on the other I’ve got Zach Miner changing a tampon.
Posted by Triple Deke Tyler from Lansing on 11/09/09 at 05:21 PM ET
A: When I was a kid, my dad used to tell me “just keep your mouth shut and go out and play hard.” That’s what I tried to do for the most part.
This is the attitude, channeled through Stevie, that help bring my allegiance to the Wings in the early 90’s, despite growing up in NJ, land of Devils/Flyers/Rangers whiners. That, and NHL ‘93 for Sega.
Great post, chief. It brings a tear to my eye. A bloody mother*!#$ing tear.
Posted by MarkK from Maryland on 11/09/09 at 05:21 PM ET
Right, but I don’t get the NHL network so I was looking for the apparent webcasts.
I don’t get NHL network either. Sadly, the first thing I’m going to see from this induction will probably be like an 8 second Sportscenter clip of Hull telling a story about how Ed Belfour never remembered to flush.
Posted by Triple Deke Tyler from Lansing on 11/09/09 at 05:59 PM ET
Wow, that is a great post. I can’t imagine life without The Captain at the helm all these years. It will be a dark day if he leaves the Wings, and the city, for a job with another team. I know he deserves to do whatever he wants, but it would leave a black hole that will never be filled.
Posted by Z4Captain from Detroit, MI on 11/09/09 at 06:17 PM ET
Best quote I ever heard about Steve Yzerman came from Jason Williams. I asked Williams how things had changed in the Red Wings room after the captain’s retirement. He said, “It’s a lot less sarcastic around here when I make a mistake.”
Not targeting Willy, well, because he is LTIR, but maybe the current edition Wings could use a little more “sarcasm”.
Jeff, You may have hit the nail on the head with that one.
Great post Chief.....thank you.
Posted by Surfer Ken from San Clemente on 11/09/09 at 06:21 PM ET
Wow.
Brilliant post.
Enough to make me join the 19.
Thanks, Chief.
Posted by Bill from GR on 11/09/09 at 06:35 PM ET
Simply an amazing post--Stevie Y. is my all-time favorite player not just in hockey but in ANY sport. A class act, a warrior, and a Detroit sports icon. Kudos.
Posted by TheNorm from Chicago, IL on 11/09/09 at 06:56 PM ET
Greatest team player in any sport. Period.Full stop.
I actually had the good fortune to interview Stevie about a month-and-a-half ago for a story largely unrelated to hockey (It was for a driving magazine).
Better yet, he called me on my cell and I missed the call, which led to a voice mail message that begins “Yeah Chris, it’s Steve Yzerman calling.” Needless to say, I’ve already played it countless times for family and friends.
When I finally got him on the phone (yeah, I have Stevie’s cell #), I managed to remain objective for the most part. At about the midway mark, though, I reverted to full-on Wings geek. I told him how happy I was when he won the first Cup, to which he said something like “me too”. I got about 15 minutes with him, and we talked about Team Canada, the improved Central Division, the Wings’ prospects (he’s pretty high on Kindl), the HHOF induction etc.
Journalism’s a pretty crappy profession these days, but every once in a while it can be a rewarding one.
Posted by Arthur2sheds from Toronto on 11/09/09 at 07:47 PM ET
There’s nothing I can add to this post, Chief, it’s pure gold. There will never be another Yzerman.
Oh, and rwhater, f**k you.
Posted by Chris in Hockey Hell from COLUMBIA, TENNESSEE on 11/09/09 at 10:47 PM ET
Perfectly said. Thank you,
Posted by Bean on 11/10/09 at 05:55 AM ET
Thank you for this post, Chief.
Thank you, Stevie Y for more than I can ever possible articulate.
Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 11/10/09 at 12:30 PM ET
according to Stevie, the trade thing was nothing but a rumor.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=504907#&navid=nhl-search
Bowman’s first season was more about evaluating, but he put his plan into place in his second season and Yzerman’s ability to adapt started to get called into question. He later heard his name mentioned in trade rumors.
“The most difficult part is when you’re not putting up a lot of numbers and there are questions about your ability,” Yzerman said. “You’re effective in one way, but it’s difficult when you’ve got to deal with or listen to, ‘He’s not an offensive player, he’s become expendable.’”
“I recognized I had very little control over the situation,” he added about the trade rumors. “We just went on and played.”
this is an excellent article, btw.
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 11/10/09 at 02:38 PM ET
Excellent piece Chief.
Yzerman is the reason I started watching hockey. Since his retirement though, I’ve made myself forget No 19. It was the only way to cope with the loss. The last couple of days have brought back every feeling I ever had, from the joy of THAT double OT rocket to the absolute hollow desolation of the end. We may see better players, but i doubt we will see a better leader, ot a better man.
Posted by irregularjohn from Scotland on 11/10/09 at 08:17 PM ET
Excellent piece Chief.
Yzerman is the reason I started watching hockey. Since his retirement though, I’ve made myself forget No 19. It was the only way to cope with the loss. The last couple of days have brought back every feeling I ever had, from the joy of THAT double OT rocket to the absolute hollow desolation of the end. We may see better players, but i doubt we will see a better leader, ot a better man.
Posted by irregularjohn from Scotland on 11/10/09 at 08:17 PM ET
=============================================
Great, great post. I feel the same way, I still have not watched his retirement ceremony. That OT goal, IMO, paved the way for winning the Cup(s). When that puck went in the net, it broke the bad spell that had followed the Wings for decades, and every Wings fan knew it. Finally we could hope to win it all.
Posted by Z4Captain from Detroit, MI on 11/11/09 at 12:50 AM ET
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Congratulations to the other captain 19 I respected. A well deserved honor and I can’t wait for Mr Joe Sakic to join him in three years.
Steve Yzerman was one hell of a warrior on the ice. It will be a very long time, if ever, the likes of him and Sakic will be seen again. Two of the best captains ever. In any sport. Period.
I remember during the peak of the rivalry during the playoffs. Both teams erupted into a battle royal in the middle of the ice. Then there were the 19s. Standing along the boards getting along famously while their boys beat the hell out of each other. Total class that we’ll never see again.
Cheers to Steve Yzerman!
Posted by AvsRock from My timeshare in insanity... on 11/09/09 at 03:42 PM ET