Paul:  That clip is wonderful.  One of the main reasons the Wings are a model organization, in my opinion, is the fact that they recognize how valuable their tradition is—embrace it, and market it.  Gordie is, well, not only HHOF, but legendary among the legends.  The Organization would be wise to continue to cultivate and market this living legend to the fullest, while they can.

It is one thing to have a great team and some great seasons.  It is quite something extraordinary to have a legendary organization(10 Cups, most by a non-Canadian team) continuing to play hockey at the highest levels nearly every year—making 16 straight playoff appearances.

Rich - winning - tradition is what separates the Wings from every other franchise in the NHL, save Montreal and Toronto. And the Wings are coming quite close to eclipsing Toronto and their 13 cups (although last winning the Cup in 66-67).

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Hockey Netherworld on 01/31/08 at 10:40 AM ET

Oklahoma:

Remeber a few years ago when Brett Hull was with the Wings and they visited Chicago?

Bobby Hull popped into the visitors dressing room to say hello to his son and his teammates.  Some Blackhawk fans were very upset that this was happening in Chicago, in the VISITORS room, instead of Hull talking to the young Blackhawk players.  (Not upset with Hull, but with the Chicago organization.)

A mark of how far they have come toward respectability that they are promoting their own history as an asset.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 01/31/08 at 11:05 AM ET

Who was the older man in the Red Wings jacket accompanying Gordie Howe?

Posted by Colin from Ottawa, Ontario on 01/31/08 at 04:34 PM ET

I wish I knew Colin.  The man in the suit, earlier in the vid I believe is Eddie Mio.

Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 01/31/08 at 04:39 PM ET