Detroit Red Wings show out at Marian Hossa’s Goodbye Game in Slovakia

Marian Hossa is not a name that the Detroit Red Wings faithful may not think of often, but some folks definitely remember the winger who shined on both ends of the ice. For myself, Hossa was one of my favorite players growing up, even before and beyond his time, donning the winged wheel uniform.

He may not have played a game in a Detroit Red Wings uniform or any NHL uniform since the 2016-17 season, but the Hall of Famer said his goodbyes to the game with one final game. The Marian Hossa Goodbye Game was the final installment of Hossa’s time lacing them up for a game.

In a really unique experience, a plethora of former and current NHL players showed out at Hossa’s game. For the Red Wings faithful, there were plenty of players that would be a welcome sight on the ice.

Some of the names alone bring back fond memories and are reminiscent of better times for the Red Wings organization. As Marian Hossa closed the curtains on his career, he was able to do it alongside a bunch of Red Wings who were there to support their former teammate.

Cast of former Detroit Red Wings shows out at Marian Hossa’s Goodbye Game.

It was a pretty darn star-studded lineup top to bottom, with an astounding 41 Stanley Cup rings being represented throughout the lineup for this game held in Slovakia. Here’s a graphic with all the players who were there for Hossa’s Goodbye Game.

https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1692541162450522433?s=20

Here’s a list of the former Red Wings players who attended, joining Marian Hossa as part of his Goodbye Game!

1. Daniel Alfredsson
2. Jiri Hudler
3. Tomas Holmstrom
4. Tomas Kopecky
5. Nicklas Lidstrom
6. Andres Lilja
7. Petr Mrazek
8. Tomas Tatar
9. Henrik Zetterberg

By my count, nine players at Hossa’s Goodbye Game spent time in a Red Wings uniform at one point or another during their playing career. (Plus Hossa himself, of course.)

Hossa may have only played in Detroit for one season, but it’s easy to see that he made an impact on some of the players he played with. He formed bonds, and it speaks to that connection amongst Red Wings players past and present.

His career took a turn and left him off the ice due to issues with his skin and reactions to the equipment that proved detrimental to his career, but Hossa suited up for one last hurrah. While he may not have a lengthy history in a Red Wings uniform, there were plenty of his Red Wings brothers who were there to support him.

On top of the star-studded lineup, Hossa buried a break-away shot for a goal in his Goodbye Game. Here’s the goal…

Hossa has already made the NHL Hall of Fame, already had his no. 81 retired by the Chicago Blackhawks, and has said his goodbyes to the NHL. But, after the way his career ended, this Goodbye Game was a fitting end, allowing him to “go out on his own terms,” as the tweet above suggested.

For Hossa, he was surrounded by some of his former teammates, opponents, and friends as he played in one final game before hanging ’em up. Whether he’s a fan-favorite for Red Wings fans or not, he certainly was supported by a large cast of Red Wings, as he called it a career.