Ten of Our Favorite Detroit Red Wings Nicknames

Nov 16, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Montreal Canadiens goalie Dustin Tokarski (35) makes the save on Detroit Red Wings left wing Tomas Tatar (21) in the third period at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

#8: Pat Verbeek- Little Ball of Hate

The  nickname was given to him by Ray Ferraro. (Ferraro’s nickname was Big Ball of Hate) while playing for the New York Rangers and the name stuck. While he was with the Red Wings in 1999-00 and 2000-01 seasons, he had 37 goals and 41 assists. Verbeek was a scrappy forward who absolutely irritated the opposing players. He quickly became a fan of Red Wings Nation with his willingness to go into the corner for pucks and never back away from physical play.

#7 Tomas Holmstrom- Demolition Man

Many know Holmstrom as “Homer.” However, the Swedes called him Demolition Man. He was known for screening the goalie and perfecting the art of redirecting goals while being a deterrent at the front of the net . Holmstrom first played for the Red Wings in the 1996-1997 season and ended his Red Wings career the winner of four Stanley Cups.

Holmstrom was like a human piñata in front of the net–taking abuse from goaltenders and defensemen alike. This never deterred him as his primary goal was to antagonize and provide scoring opportunities with his uncanny ability to screen. Holmstrom was the best at his craft, and there will probably never be another like him.

He retired after the 2011-2012 season. In 1026 games, Holmstrom scored 243 goals and had 287 assists over the course of his NHL career.

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