It’s been a long time coming for the Captain of Hockeytown, USA. Number 19, alongside former Wings Luc Robitaille and Brett Hull are heading home to the National Hockey Hall of Fame as part of the 2009 class.
Yzerman, who is busy putting together the Canadian team for the 2010 olympics in Vancouver, will also be joined in the 2009 class by former Ranger defenseman Brian Leetch. Robitaille, Hull, and Yzerman were part of the 2002 Stanley Cup championship team that beat the Carolina Hurricanes in five games.
Brett Hull accumulated 76 points in 2002 and played in the pinwheel from 2001-2003 and will now join his father Bobby in the hall of fame.
"“It’s a great honor, it’s really unfathomable,” Hull told The Dallas Morning News ahead of the official announcement. “I mean, when you’re a kid, you dream about someday playing in the NHL or someday winning the Stanley Cup, but you just don’t think about this, so it’s hard to prepare yourself.”"
Robitaille tallied 81 points in his two seasons with the Red Wings, scoring his only Stanley Cup. Most of his career was spent with Los Angeles. 14 of his 19 seasons in the NHL where with the Kings. He is the all-time leading goal scorer from the left wing position.
“For a player it’s a heck of an honor. As a kid I didn’t set out to be in the Hall of Fame. I just wanted to play.”
Red Wings fans became accustomed to seeing number 19 playing on the ice at Joe Louis Arena. The center played for 22 seasons, tallying 1,775 points. The sixth most in NHL history. Yzerman donned the ‘C’ on his jersey for twenty years, winning three Stanley Cups and a Gold Medal in the 2002 Olympics.
"“I’m very grateful for the honor. This is a tremendous class, a special group to go in with them, as well as Lou Lamoriello.”"
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Off-Season Notes:
–Ken Holland made it clear yesterday that 47 year old Chris Chelios will not be with the team in 2009. It will be interesting to see what happens to the ageless wonder. He has made it clear that he wants to play whether with the Red Wings or with another team in the upcoming season. Chelios, who played a decade in Detroit, could also be asked to pay a major part of the front office management, according to GM Ken Holland.
"“I told him to spend the summer (seeking an opportunity) and if things don’t work out we can talk down the road.”"
Holland also noted that Chelios isnt coming back because of his lack in ability, He believes that Chelios could still help out yet another NHL team.
“He wants to play again. I really think he can help somebody, playing 10-15 minutes, playing in the 5-6 (defense spot), killing penalties, as a mentor and a role model to younger players. That was part of his legacy in Detroit.”
–Canadian hockey executive director Steve Yzerman has picked Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock to coach the 2010 Canadian team in the Vancouver Olympics. Babcock was the overwhelming favorite for the post, and will be joined by current rival Blue Jacket Coach Ken Hitchcock on the bench. Claude Julien (Boston Bruins), Lindy Ruff (Buffalo Sabres), Barry Trotz (Nashville Predators) and Randy Carlyle (Ducks) will join Babcock’s squad as well. Team Canada could be the heavy favorite going into the Olympics.
Red Wing Goaltender Chris Osgood has never gotten the opportunity to play for Team Canada in the Olympics, but he would love the chance in 2010. Others such as Marc-Andre Fluery, Martin Brodeur, Cam Ward, and Roberto Luongo will fight for the three positions. Ozzy believes though that he would get the job done as the number one goalie.
"“Could I do it? Oh, for sure I could do it. I could play there. I think I have the mental makeup and I think I’m skilled enough to play there. But whether or not that happens, I have no idea. I’d have to have a better regular season in the first half than I obviously did this year. …“If I’m there or not, it’s great just to be mentioned and to be considered.”"