The Ice Block post
July 3, 2006
by David Singer

No reason to write that he’s retiring from hockey, or calling it quits, because he’s certainly not. He’ll probably be a Red Wing for a long time to come, but his days as a player are over.

What’s amazing about Yzerman is after his 100-point seasons were done, his reputation as a player and leader grew more than ever before as he changed his style a bit and helped lead the Wings to three Cups. Fans in Pittsburgh take note: When he was given the “C” in 1986, his reputation probably wasn’t far off from what Sidney Crosby’s is today. How things change.

Below are links to some clips from his press conference announcing his retirement (along with blog posts and MSM articles). Even at a presser for him, about him, he still used the word “we” over and over, as he considered his retirement from the team’s perspective. Whether it be in the front office or somewhere behind the bench, Stevie Y isn’t going anywhere, and fans in Detroit should be grateful for that. Gordie Howe may be Mr. Hockey, but Yzerman has truly become Mr. Red Wing.