Last night, former Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, I was not able to watch the live stream online due to some stupid group meetings and right now I can’t seem to get his induction speech to play all the way through on WingsTV. It goes through about four and a half minutes of introduction/video and then Yzerman says about two sentences worth before it cuts off. If I am ever able to actually view the speech, I will be sure to post snippets of what he said here.

Bob Wojnowski of the Detroit News did a brief two minute video interview with Steve Yzerman yesterday. You can view the clip here. Below are some of the remarks he made in the interview.

I don’t really have a particular allegiance to either school [U of M and MSU] so I’m pretty free to jump on whatever bandwagon is hot at the time. …

I’m starting to get comfortable in a suit. I don’t make a lot of decisions. I’m certainly welcome to give my input…I enjoy being part of the process and participating in all of the conversations and discussions on all aspects of the team and really learning a lot in the process. …

In my opinion, it was more than my time to retire.

The Detroit News also had a video montage with interview audio excerpts from the different inductees, which you can check out here. Wings owner Mike Ilitch had a few things to say about Yzerman:

Jimmy D and I knew he was going to be good, but we had no idea he’d be a Hall of Famer and win three Cups for us. He’s been the face of our team for 20-something years. It’s a big thrill for me to see him recognized. He loves this city. The fans adore him and he knows that and he adores them. It’s a big love affair.

Don Shane, the sports anchor for Channel 7, interviewed Yzerman at Max S. Fisher hall and here are a couple snippets of what he had to say:

I always take notice of the Michigan athletes and you kind of quietly root for them and almost adopt them as your own whether it be team or an individual athlete.

When national pride is on the line, it really was an emotional victory. I really cherish that [winning the Olympic gold medal in 2002]. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me.

The Detroit Free Press had a few quotes from Yzerman about being inducted into the MSHOF as well as making the transition from player to management.

“What really strikes me is that Michigan continues to produce great athletes year after year in all facets of sports,” he said. “You start to read up on some of these athletes and you realize how many tremendous athletes there are out there.”

The former Red Wings captain is now an assistant general manager who works closely with Holland. He said he was surprised how much he still enjoys being around the game.

“I really enjoy being in hockey. I’ve found it a pleasant surprise, whether it be an NHL game, which I watch very closely, college games, or the occasional junior game.”

He said he is getting a chance to learn a lot without being in the spotlight “or having to make the final decision. It’s been a great transition.”

Even when the Wings lose a tough game, as they did Sunday to burgeoning rival Anaheim, it’s much easier to lose now than it was as a player, he said. That is, until the playoffs.

“Then it is nerve-racking,” he said. “Sudden death. Lose and go home? That’s tough. But in the regular season? It’s easier. I like watching and looking for specific things.”

On a frigid Michigan winter evening, Yzerman stopped to sign autographs for the fans waiting outside along the red carpet (and without a coat!).

“This is a great evening, and it has a special Michigan touch,” the longtime Red Wings captain said before Monday’s ceremony at the Max Fisher Music Center. “There’s a red carpet on a zero-degree night.”

Yzerman was one of 11 inductees, and said that it was a perfect complement to his recent induction into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame.

“These are two places with special meaning to me – Ottawa is my hometown, and Michigan is now my home,” said Yzerman, who retired in 2006 after a 22-season career. “I came here in 1983, and I’ve never left.”

Yzerman is now a member of the Red Wings’ front office, and he says he’s been too busy to think about his playing days.

“I have some memorabilia, but I never look at it,” he said. “I’ve had the perfect transition into a new career. To my surprise, I even discovered that I like to go to hockey games.”

Yzerman also drew a crowd inside the Max Fisher Center.

U-M alums Rice and Howard attracted crowds during the reception, but Yzerman drew a throng. Everywhere he was stopped and asked to sign something or to pose for pictures.

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland wasn’t surprised. “He’s one of the two greatest Red Wings ever,” said Holland, who was there to watch Yzerman get inducted, of Yzerman and Gordie Howe. “Steve’s legacy is twofold: his offensive prowess and his commitment to winning. He went from a great offensive player to a great two-way player. He was about team and sacrifice.”

And if you missed the Detroit News column published yesterday, be sure to check it out.

He said he has no plans to leave the only NHL team he has known, in the city that has become home. There’s no lessening of his loyalty to the Wings, just a growing itch.

“At some point, I definitely want to do more,” Yzerman said. “But I’d be very, very careful about going somewhere else. I don’t want to say ‘no,’ I definitely wouldn’t do that (or) I’m here forever, because I can’t say that for certain.

“I fully understand the time commitment these general managers put in. To me, it’s very exciting. But I’m not sitting around and waiting to replace Ken Holland. I’m trying to help this organization any way I can. I also don’t want it perceived that I’m just kind of floating through life here, killing time. I’m very motivated to do well in this business. Things will evolve, and it’ll all work out fine.”

Steve Yzerman will also be inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame next year on February 11th. Tickets are a bit more expensive than the Ottawa induction. The induction will be held at the Max M. Fisher Music Center.

Tickets are $250 for a 5 p.m. reception with inductees, 6 p.m. dinner and the 7:30 p.m. induction ceremony; $150 for the dinner and ceremony only; or $35 for a balcony-level ticket to the ceremony.

The other inductees are Peter Karmanos, Frank Beckmann, Desmond Howard, Clarke Scholes, Norm Ullman, Ray Scott, Greg Barton, Glen Rice, Turkey Stearnes and Sammy Washington.

Tickets can be purchased at detroitsymphony.com or by calling (313) 576-1111. For more information, visit michigansportshof.org.

On January 11, Steve Yzerman will be inducted into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame.

Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame dinner and Steve Yzerman induction ceremony: Nepean native Steve Yzerman will be inducted into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame on Friday, Jan. 11. Tickets are $100 per person or $800 per eight-person table. The former Red Wings captain will be on hand for a special video tribute and for the ceremonial faceoff at the Senators’ home game against Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 12.

If you can afford the pricy cost for a dinner seat, visit CapitalTickets.ca.

Hockey Night in Canada has created a book compiling the best hockey players by number and including the runner up players as well. The top player at No. 19? Steve Yzerman.

But once upon a time a young Steve Yzerman wore a different famous number.

“When I was a little, little kid, I was number four for Bobby Orr,” he said.

But as he was growing up near Ottawa, long after Orr had retired, Yzerman added another favorite player to his list and, as a result, switched his allegiance to 19.

“I think I first wore it in Tier II in Nepean as a 15-year-old,” he says. “And the reason I chose it, is that is when Bryan Trottier first came into the league I followed he and Mike Bossy very closely and they became, after Bobby Orr, my two favourite players.

“I became a centreman about the same time Bryan came into the NHL and I just admired and liked the way he played. I was a big New York Islanders fan and always wanted to be like him. Back then, when I was a kid, the numbers only went up to 15. So it wasn’t until I went to Tier II, where there were higher numbers, that I could make the switch to 19 and I did. I was always 14 before that.”

Runner ups include Joe Sakic, Bryan Trottier, Larry Robinson, and Joe Thornton among others.

Steve Yzerman will be inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame next year with 10 other athletes.

Other inductees were Olympic kayaker Greg Barton, announcer Frank Beckmann, Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard, Carolina Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos, former Michigan basketball star Glen Rice, Olympic swimmer Clark Scholes, former Pistons player and coach Ray Scott, Negro League star Turkey Stearns, St. Cecilia’s Sam Washington and former Wing Norm Ullman. …

“I’m very proud to be a resident of the state of Michigan,” Yzerman said. “For whatever reason, Michigan continues to produce tremendous athletes. This is a pretty exclusive group and I’m proud to be a part of it.” …

Devellano revealed Tuesday the Red Wings organization had plans 10 years ago to give Yzerman a management role upon retirement.

“We never dreamed he would play 22 years — we thought probably 17 or 18,” Devellano said. “But he extended his career because he was such a competitor.”

In Yzerman’s first year in the front office, he’s been busy learning the tricks of the trade, from scouting to contract negotiations.

Getting the opportunity to learn about the business side of professional sports has been extremely rewarding, Yzerman said.

“I’ve enjoyed my role with the Red Wings, which is basically watching and observing,” Yzerman said. “I’m learning the inner workings, the behind-the-scenes work, and it’s very educational. All in all, it’s been a fantastic year and I think the Red Wings are in a great position for more success in the future.”

The Wings’ vice president Jimmy Devellano went with Yzerman to the Detroit Athletic Club where it was announced No. 19 would be in the MI Sports Hall of Fame’s 2007 class.

Yzerman was the last of 11 people announced for induction. The date for the dinner has not yet been determined, but it is slated for after the Super Bowl but before the start of spring training.

Yzerman thought it was fitting to be a part of the 2007 class, since Devellano was inducted last year.

“I followed him into Detroit a year later,” said Yzerman, now a vice president with the Wings. “He came in ’82, I came in ’83. … To follow him in feels somewhat appropriate. He brought me to Detroit and looked after me when I was a young kid here. Kept a close eye on me and he’s always been a huge supporter of mine.”

Congrats to No. 19!

Office of the Governor (Jennifer Granholm)
January 13, 2007

Whereas, The Detroit Red Wing organization with the support of the National Hockey League and Olympia Entertainment, LLC have designated January 2, 2007, as a day to honor Steve Yzerman; and,

Whereas, Yzerman, who recently retired from the Detroit Red Wing Hockey Club, will be only the 6th Detroit Red Wing to have his number retired, after serving twenty years as Captain and playing his entire 23-year career in the city of Detroit; and,

Whereas, Yzerman’s retired jersey number will join Red Wing greats Gordie Howe, Alex Delvecchio, Ted Lindsay, Terry Sawchuk, and Sid Abel high above in the Joe Louis arena rafters; and,

Whereas, Yzerman has been an important representative of the city of Detroit and the State of Michigan throughout his career, and is known as a model professional athlete, father, and husband; and,

Whereas, Yzerman has brought honor and acclaim to the city of Detroit and his fellow Michigan citizens throughout his illustrious career; including three separate visits to The White House to be honored by sitting Presidents after the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in 1997, 1998, and 2002; and,

Whereas, Throughout his career Yzerman played 1,514 games, scored an impressive 692 goals, tallied 1,063 assists, and is the Red Wings’ all-time leader in assists, and ranks second all-time in goals and points; and

Now therefore be it resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim January 13, 2007, as Steve Yzerman Day in Michigan. Congratulations to Steve on an exemplary career with the Detroit Red Wings. You have made Detroit and the State of Michigan proud.

Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm honored Steve Yzerman by calling today “Steve Yzerman Day.”

The state did not honour Yzerman on Jan. 2 because it was the national day of mourning for former President Gerald Ford, who was raised in Michigan.

Granholm honoured Yzerman ”on behalf of young people everywhere who could never come to Joe Louis Arena and to those watching on TV for being an unbelievable role model,” during a brief presentation before Detroit played the Chicago Blackhawks.

…

On Jan. 2, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick dubbed the day ”Steve Yzerman Day” and presented Yzerman with a key to the city. Kilpatrick also said the intersection of Third and Atwater Streets, which meet at Joe Louis Arena, will be changed to ”Yzerman Drive.”

MLive.com article
January 3, 2007
by Ansar Khan

Players, coaches and fans have been lauding Steve Yzerman since the day he retired in July. On Tuesday, before the ceremony retiring Yzerman’s No. 19 jersey, local and state government officials honored the longtime captain of the Detroit Red Wings.

Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick presented Yzerman with the key to the city and announced that the intersection of Third and Atwater Streets, along Joe Louis Arena, will be renamed “Steve Yzerman Drive.” And Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm proclaimed Jan. 13 as “Steve Yzerman Day” throughout the state.

It prompted the low-key Yzerman to demonstrate his sharp but underrated wit.

“That’s kind of neat, but I kind of wish my name was Smith or Jones because 20 years from now, nobody will remember how to pronounce it,” Yzerman said of his street. “It took me 20 years to get everyone around here to pronounce it right.”

Yzerman, now a vice president for the team, also added: “I find it somewhat ironic I was presented with a key from the mayor’s office today because I don’t have a key to my office at Joe Louis Arena.”

Said teammate Kris Draper: “His one-liners are as good as any we’ve heard that have come through this locker room. That’s the one thing as players we’ve had the luxury of being around, how witty he is.”

Read the rest of this entry »

At a Monday luncheon held at Joe Louis Arena, five hockey greats were honored with the Lester Patrick award, which is given to those who have done outstanding service to the sport of hockey in the US.

The honorees…
1) Former Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman
2) Current University of Michigan head coach Red Berenson
3) Retired NHL and college coach Glen Sonmor
4) Former Red Wings defenseman and captain Reed Larson
5) Former Red Wings Hall of Famer Marcel Dionne

As usual, Yzerman deflected all compliments giving credit to his teammates and the organization with their recent success.

“My contribution to hockey in the United States is just playing the game,” Yzerman said Monday, during a ceremony at Joe Louis Arena. “I don’t think I did anything extraordinary other than playing the game. I know it benefited me to play in an area that supports the game with such great enthusiasm.”

…

“My contribution to hockey in the United States was just playing the game,” he insisted Monday. “I don’t think I did anything extraordinary.”

It was an honor for the former captain to receive this award with former hockey players he grew up admiring.

“As a kid, I had a poster of Marcel Dionne up on a wall in my room,” Yzerman said. “For me, as a young boy, I was in awe of all these guys. Now we’re all kind of in the same group.”

Yzerman wasn’t the only one impressed with his fellow honorees. UM coach Berenson jokingly asked for Yzerman’s autograph.

Yzerman’s new job
As the new vice president, Yzerman has been learning and asking a lot of questions about the business behind the organization. And while his schedule is a lot more flexible (he’ll come to work between 8am and 2pm), he still stays busy and struggles with using the word retirement.

Meantime, he’s asking plenty of questions himself. Yzerman is learning on the job as an assistant to general manager Ken Holland, with whom he attends home games, as well as a recent trip to Dallas and St. Louis. He’s actively involved in scouting, sitting in on meetings and conference calls. He attended the Michigan-Michigan State game last weekend. Next month, he’ll head to Sweden for the world junior championships.

“Really, I’m trying to learn the business and learn some of the things I don’t know about,” Yzerman said. “I throw these ideas at Kenny all the time, and he listens and then he explains why some things are done or why they’re not done. It’s just not as easy as we all want it to be. That’s the one thing that I’ve found very interesting: Trying to get things done — it’s not that simple.”

Yzerman also explained that he tosses some ideas to GM Ken Holland on changes that could be made to improve the game and organization, but then learns that things aren’t so easy to change.

“I’ve enjoyed watching Kenny deal with different situations, whether it’s a contract negotiation or potential trades, just managing the team,” Yzerman said. “We all — players, fans, media — have ideas on what this team needs and what it should do. I throw these ideas at Kenny all the time and he listens and then he explains why some things are done and why they’re not done. It’s just not as easy as we all want it to be.”

Apparently, Yzerman no longer hangs out with his former teammates because he doesn’t believe he can act like a player anymore when he has new duties with his new job. These teammates still don’t recognize him as vice president and I bet it can be hard to go from teammate to belonging to different tiers of the organization.

Yzerman’s knee
While Yzerman doesn’t experience the serious daily aches and pains he had while playing in the NHL, his right knee still apparently bothers him. I know I have a hard time working out because it always flares up my knee and his is worse than mine…

His body, battered over the years by severe knee injuries, a neck problem that caused tendinitis in his shoulders, and multiple groin injuries, is doing much better, though the right knee, Yzerman said, is always going to be an issue. He tries to stay active, though he has discovered what every other lay person knows: It’s so much easier not to work out.

“It’s been a struggle at times,” he said. “You’ve got stuff going on and your routine isn’t a high priority and then by the end of the day, it’s like, ‘Oh, I’ll try again tomorrow.’ I’ve seen how that is easy to push onto the back burner.”

Paul Kukla’s Experience
Paul at Kukla’s Korner had the opportunity to attend the event as a member of the NHL media. He posted to his NHL.com blog with part one of his experiences. Look for part two to be uploaded on Wednesday or Thursday.

I found an open space near Reed Larson, clicked on my pocket pc and activated the recording device and pointed it towards him. My ears were listening to the conversation, but my eyes were focused on the entry to the media room. In walked Glen Sonmor, who was not as recognizable as the former NHL players and about a minute later, Steve Yzerman walked in. The media gathered around Steve as quickly as possible, leaving me with an opportunity to talk to Reed one on one. I found myself wearing my “fan” hat, chatting with him about the old Olympia, Reed told me it was the best ice he ever skated on. He mentioned the concrete under the ice was all one piece, not a crack in it at all, and he believes that was what made the ice so good.

I know that when I interviewed Jason Williams for about half an hour in November 2003, I did so in the hallway directly outside the doors to the locker room. It was hard to focus at times when I saw every single Red Wings player walk out including Yzerman. It took ever fiber in my being to not interrupt the interview and go over and introduce myself to Yzerman. Anyways, good luck to Paul in future assignments!

Windsor Star article
November 7, 2006
by Bob Duff

The oddity of the Lester Patrick Trophy was not lost on Steve Yzerman.

A Canadian hockey icon being recognized for outstanding service to hockey in the United States with an award named in honour of another Canadian hockey icon.

“There is some irony there,” the former Red Wings’ captain said as he accepted the trophy Monday during a luncheon at Joe Louis Arena.

Read the rest of this entry »