Story of the past: Alex Delvecchio wants to turn around Detroit Red Wings team

In today's throwback from The Hockey News (THN) Archive, we revisit a turbulent period in Detroit Red Wings history when Alex Delvecchio transitioned from the ice to the bench.

Alex Delvecchio, a Hall of Famer who scored 1,281 points in over 1,500 games and won three Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings, stepped into the dual role of general manager and head coach during the mid-1970s. In January 1976, Alex Delvecchio took the reins himself after dismissing Doug Barkley as head coach after disappointing performances. He emphasized the need to stabilize the team and push for a playoff berth, declaring his intent to coach for the remainder of the season.

Doug Barkley, a former teammate of Alex Delvecchio, expressed his disappointment, noting that he was given less than 30 games to turn the team around. Despite some signs of improvement, the Red Wings' inconsistency led to his departure, and Alex Delvecchio's coaching tenure continued amid high expectations.

However, Alex Delvecchio's time behind the bench would not last long. He eventually resigned 44 games into the 1976-77 season, marking the end of a challenging period in Detroit Red Wings history characterized by frequent coaching changes and struggles to regain their former glory.

Source: The Hockey News
From the Archive: Delvecchio Aims to Turn Wings Around