The South End article
January 11, 2007
by Bruce Mason
One by one, they entered Joe Louis Arena with eager anticipation. The same fans. The same ushers. The same vendors. All there again on this night.
But this time it was different. This time Steve Yzerman would not be fully equipped and walking out of the tunnel. This time he would not be skating. This time he would not be providing heroics. This time he would be saying goodbye, as his No. 19 would be raised to the rafters forever.
Images from his glory days were displayed on the Jumbotron screen hovering above the center ice stage. Pictures from draft day in 1983. The knee injury that nearly ended his career in 1988. The 500th goal versus Colorado. The 600th goal versus Edmonton. The Cup moments. So many exciting, and classic, moments.
When the ceremony began, former coaches and teammates were fittingly introduced by Yzerman’s life-long friend, Darren Pang. They reflected on a magnificent career, the array of milestones, Cups, awards, and all of the great memories provided by The Captain for the past 20 years.
