The final buzzer has echoed through the halls of Joe Louis Arena; and now many hockey fans are left wondering – How does one say goodbye to a building that has always been there like a beloved friend?
That is the sentiment around Detroit as the city, and the people, continue to revitalize the area. Thus, ushering in change.
A change that now includes the Detroit Red Wings season ending in early April – with it has ended the era of Joe Louis Arena.
The Joe, as the big gray building along the Detroit River has been come to be known, has played host to its final hockey game. The longtime home of the Detroit Red Wings was not the first home of the Original Six club, but it was home of the rebirth of the team that had once seen the likes of hockey legends Ted Lindsay and the late Gordie Howe.
There are thousands of Farewell to The Joe pieces you can read that highlight the history of the building. A building that some have referred to as a dump. While The Joe may not of had the bells and whistles that the new Little Caesars Arena will have, nor did it the of best amenities in the eyes of many. Small seats. No leg room. A retrofitted press box. Bathroom lines that feel like they go on for days.
What Joe Louis Arena did have was more than just the Detroit Red Wings. It held within its walls the hopes and dreams of Detroiters and those across the State of Michigan (and those just across nearby boarders).
And it was ours.
It was our dump. It was our giant gray eyesore on the river. Our stick smelly old barn. It held the wonder of every child that walked into the building and encased the memories of the past.
Now to the Joe has become part of the past.
As the era of Joe Louis Arena ends the new chapter begins.
A new generation of fans that are school age did not see the Russian Five, the Stanley Cup wins nor see Steve Yzerman hoist the cup and end the drought. Some saw and remember when Nicklas Lidstrom lead the city to a championship, some don’t even remember him as captain.
Those of my generation grew up with the Joe. We were born around the time the Olympia closed (give or take some years) and grew up watching Stevie Y, the Russian Five, the Grind Line, and got to witness four Stanley Cups and a night known as the Fight Night at the Joe.
The Joe became much more than a building, it became a second home.
Many that grew up around Detroit played youth hockey at the Joe. Others went on to play College Hockey there and take part in the Great Lakes Invitational or the Duel in the D.
A few even have gone on to don the Winged Wheel at the Joe.
To a generation, a favorite book of our childhood has closed. The building that so many walked into with wide eyes and wonder will no longer be.
The playoff streak has ended.
The Joe has hosted its last hockey game.
Sticks were raised in salute to the fans, the players, and the staff that all made Joe Louis Arena the Joe.
Through times of misfortune and those of great celebration you were there Joe.
The wide eyes of wonder will always remain. The images of your rafters proudly displaying the banners, the videos of the brawls, the goals, the save, and your farewell will fascinate the generations that never entered your walls.
Just as the Olympia still holds a place in the heart of those who never entered her, you too will always be a part of Detroit even after you are gone.
So, how do you say goodbye to a friend?
You don’t. You tell them “Thanks” and never let go of the memories.