Story: Steve Yzerman retired on this day in 2006
Yesterday marked a historic day for the Detroit Red Wings as former captain Steve Yzerman retired on this day back in 2006.
July 3rd isn't exactly known as a happy day for Detroit Red Wings enthusiasts as they bore witness to their beloved captain Steve Yzerman hang up his skates for the last time.
Yzerman was picked by the Detroit Red Wings fourth overall back in 1983. He debuted as an 18-year-old to be starter in the 1983-84 season. The legendary Yzerman scored 39 goals in his rookie season, including his first 11 seasons with at least 30 goals.
The Red Wings named Yzerman team captain heading into the 1986-87 season. At just 21 years old, he was the youngest captain in NHL history at the time. He wore the «C» on his sweater for the next 19 seasons, the longest captaincy in the league's history.
Yzerman captained three Stanley Cup-winning teams in 1997, 1998, and 2002. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1998, for being the most valuable player of the postseason, by scoring six goals and 24 points in 22 games.
Today, we pay homage to the great career and the impact Steve Yzerman had on the city of Detroit. His legend has now come full circle as he is now the general manager of his beloved team.
The only thing missing now for Yzerman is hoisting the Stanley Cup as general manager, but that feat only seems imminent at this point.
Source: The Hockey Writers
Today in Hockey History: July 3
POLL |
Did you love Steve Yzerman as a player? |
Yes | 118 | 96.7 % |
No | 4 | 3.3 % |
List of polls |
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