Michael Rosenberg of the Detroit Free Press erports the news that any Detroit hockey fan has been fearing for years – Steve Yzerman, the Red Wings captain and 23 year veteran of the NHL will likely announce his retirement. Of the Captain, Rosenberg says this:

Yzerman can leave knowing that he gave all he had, which was way more than the rest of us. Gordie Howe is Mr. Hockey, but Steve Yzerman is Mr. Red Wing. He is synonymous with the franchise, maybe the most respected star athlete in Detroit history.

FYI: This mural really was painted on the side of the Cadillac building downtown, it has since been at least partially painted over

This year’s playoff upest, at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers is a decidedly dissapointing end to such an illustrious career – but considering that he almost retired midway through the season, we should be at the very least, happy that he is walking away with all of his faculties. Indeed, this was almost not the case: Two years ago in the playoffs, he was struck in the face by a puck – an injury that broke his orbital and threatened his eyesight. But he fought back from that like he fought back through the knee injuries, and back problems, and whatever other maladies he suffered during his tenure in the NHL – his absence on the ice will surely be felt.

Steve Yzerman was the heart & soul of the Red Wings franchise for 23 years – the absolute epitome of class in an age of athletes entirely devoid of such virtue.

Thanks for the memories.