The biggest heart in sports. That man worked so hard, and battled through so much. I still get sad when I realize he's not on the ice anymore. Never have I had such an attachment to an athlete. He's a hero in this town.
Steve Yzerman, rebuilt Detroit hockey. I, went to over 100 games and was always amazed at his skills and leadership. He was, and is my hero of all time. I met him at of all things a gas station. I was just pulling up and he was getting the nozzle in his tank, it was after a Rangers game. Steve, had a mean look on his face but said we lost at home!! I was afraid to talk to him but uttered.. your the best I have ever seen... he said " we lost to the Rangers, but on Saturday we will win against St. Louis". They did, he was all beaten up but took the time to talk a little with me!! Best moment ever had.
Simply the greatest captain to ever play in the league. I have never seen another player with so much heart. Yzerman is a legend and will forever be missed on the ice. I just wish he could become the gm of Detroit. Having him back in Detroit would definitely give the wings the edge in the cup.
I miss "The Captain." Such a class act on and off the ice. Man played through so many injuries its unreal to think how many points he would have had if he was healthy.
Or if he would’ve just focused on offense. It’s well known that when Scottie Bowman came to Detroit in 93, he turned Stevie into a two-way player. He had him on the PK, blocking shots and shutting down top offensive opponents. He sacrificed points in order to win. Younger fans don’t have the appreciation for defensive forwards and stay at home defensemen, but those guys are necessary to winning cups.
This is what being a captain in the NHL is all about. For those who wonder why people say Cindy Crosby isn't classy, or doesn't deserve the spotlight he receives THIS is why. You have epic players in the NHL both now and in the past. This guy, Steve Yzerman is what every player should want to aspire too. This video could go on forever, and that is why Stevie Y is EPIC and not just great.
There will never be a classier, more emphatic player to ever grace the ice. His amazing leadership and poise in the thick of even the toughest games brought about the best in allies and opponents alike. The city of Detroit was just a little bit darker the day Stevie retired. We will never forget the career of the one and only number 19. You will live on in our hearts forever.
I think what made Yzerman so loved by Detroit fans was not just his leadership and skill on the ice, but he was so humble off the ice as well. He also always took the time to talk to every player during the handshakes at the end of every playoff series. He is the true definition of a Leader and role model. Most of all....he was respected by all.
Probably one of the most deserving people ever in sports for his successes. Yzerman's not only a fantastic player but a class act. He cares so much for the game, the team, and the fans.
Stevie Y, you sir are the best hockey player, role model, captain, hero, etc... EVER!! while detroit was crumbling to pieces for years, you managed to bring us hope, and when you left, the wings were the best sports franchise on the planet earth. nobody has ever sacrificed their body like steve did, and nobody has ever led by example the way he did. there will NEVER be another like Steve Yzerman in ANY sport sadly....
I miss Stevie sooooo much. He is the greatest captain in NHL history without a doubt. His name is and will always be synomonous with determination, perseverance and dedication to winning.
Hands down one of the best captains to ever play the game. From what I hear, a lot of the players, coaches, and staff agree. Stevie is proof that you don't need to be a superstar to leave a great mark on the game. He's one of the better playmakers around, a very enduring player, a great boost to player morale, and perhaps one of the bigger contributions to shaping one of the greater dynasties of our time in the NHL.
There's one thing I'm very greatful for when it comes to the Red Wings. Our Captains have always been class acts and heros in that sweater. There is such an enormous empty feeling knowing that Stevie, Shanny, Chelios, Maltby, Larionov, Mccarty, and soon to be Drapes and Lidstrom are all gone. I've never known a team to have players stick together for so long. The Red Wings are a family man, and they mean a lot to the fans here in Michigan. We love them win or lose.
"Stevie Y shouldn't be looked at from a statistical stand point. He was a leader on and off the ice and that is how he is going to be remembered. Congrats '08 Red Wings on the Stanley Cup victory. Let's go Pens!" That's an awesome thing to hear from a Pens fan... As a Detroit fan, I feel the same way about Joe Sakic. He's one of the greatest players and captains that we'll ever have the privelege of watching. Even being one of our biggest rivals, I'll always have respect for Joe...
And the Hockey Gods said "Let there be a Captain" and in 1986 they gave us one! To become what so few thought he could be, to be remembered with legends of the past and to stand with the champions of the present. He was young, wise, redeemed and legendary. The longest standing Captaincy in NHL history, 6th in all time scoring, Conn Smythe, Masterson, Selke and Lord Stanley's Cup are all his. Thank you Steve!
One of the greatest athletes of all time and THE greatest Captain of all time in all of sports. I wish there were still players like Steve. I miss seeing the red and white 19
I'm probably one of the few people that is somewhat happy that he is retiring. I would hate to see him get injured again. Way to go Steve - you make all the Yzermans proud. :)
Has to be one of the greatest players in the history of hockey. His quiet strength and amazing leadership has never been paralelled by any player to date. He didn't neccesarily have the sexiest numbers or the best puck-handling or skating speed, but he damn sure won Cups and led his team better thamn anyone. He is a legend in this city and will always be remembered as one of the few heroes of the NHL. Number 19 is Number 1!! GO WINGS!!!!
He showed those clips to show people how great Yzerman was. Never would he stay down or leave his team on the ice. He was with them the whole time. Best captain to even step on the ice.
My role models are those who stay out of the spotlight no matter how close to that light they are. As a player and now as a GM of my favourite team, he is the true definition of class and respect. He does his job, but never takes credit, and never asks for credit. Unlike many people in sports who like to stand out in times of triumph, all Stevie Y ever cared about was hoisting the cup with the people he cared the most about: his family and teammates.
Eine lebende Legende... Der am längsten amtierende Captain in der NHL Geschichte überhaupt; mein Idol und Lieblingsspieler überhaupt... Er hat die RedWings wieder dahin geführt wo sie hingehören... Einer der größten Spieler überhaupt in der Geschichte des Eishockeys überhaupt...
Steve Y is a legend....says the right thing but on the ice puts his words in action, he is THE CAPTAIN with class... just glad i saw him play way before he retired
I've been impressed by Steve Yzerman more times than I can count, but never more so than when Brenden Shanahan bowed for him when no-one was looking, or during his banner raising speech. You had me at hello Stevie Y.
"From out of the darkness, a light shall spring free. From out of the ashes, a hero shall rise. He shall not bring attention to himself, merely allow his actions to speak volumes for his character. A man not suprising in stature, nor stupendous is appearence. But you will know his name."
He wasn't the biggest, strongest, fastest, he didn't have all the scoring records. But he is the definition of a hockey hero. The greatest leader of our hockey generation.
STEVE YZERMAN WAS THE GREATEST HOCKEY PLAYER EVER!!!! HE KNEW HOW TO DEAK YOU OUT!!! NO ONE COULD STOP HIM!!!! HE WAS THE ONE TO BRING THE STANLEY CUP TO DETROIT 2 TIMES!!!!! HE WAS AND WILL BE AWESOME FOR YEARS!!!!
Of course they will retire # 19. The man is a living legend, the longest tenured captain in NHL history. He spent his entire NHL career in Detroit. He's been the captain since before I was born. The thought of not seeing him on the ice next season is a real depressing thought. Detroit will never be the same. We'll miss you Stevie.
Stevie Yzerman is my favorite player. He is such an inspiration, and all this amazing footage in this excellent video show's exactly why he was so inspirational.
Steve Yzerman is truly one of the best players to have ever played in the NHL, simply known as "The Captain" he helped turn around "The Deadwings" into the most dominate team
Hey rockrib.. you are not alone man.. I think we all cried. Hell I still get a little choked up when I see it to this day, OBTW I LOVED that moment with him and Mac at 4:21, when Mac asked who's next, and Stevie did a double take, and starts laughing..Thanks Stevie for everything, you will always be our Captain
No matter where he goes, no matter what colors he wears. His true colors will always be red and white. And he will always be a Red Wing. Good Luck Stevie! We love you!
I miss him. Say what you want, but I know that I speak for all Wings fans when I say that I wouldn't trade our one Stevie for 5 gretzkys, or 5 orrs, or 5 messiers. He will always be my Captain. And for what he has done for our city, we are forever indebted to him. He is Michigan's Great One.
One of my favorite moments of his career. Everyone knew Yzerman had a bad knee and Pronger was all about targeting it and going after his bad knee to end is season early. Oh the sweet, sweet irony.
I love 4:21 - 4:31. Those 10 seconds of footage are the epitome of what make the Detroit Red Wings the greatest sports franchise of our time. It's all about family and friends in that organization. That smile Yzerman cracks at McCarty. It makes me wonder what McCarty said that had Yzerman laughing like that.
You can argue Stevie's place in the annal's of hockey, but his service as captain of one team for longer than anyone else the the history of sports places him in a class all by himself.
I'm a Flyers fan and hate the Red Wings but I've always loved Stevie Y and he was one of my favorite players. He was a great and classy leader on and off the ice.
Stevie blowing it by Jon Casey in Double Overtime was my greatest memory. He defined character and leadership, and provided so many memories for the city of Detroit. He'll live in our hearts and memories forever! Let's Go Wings.
There was a Stevie Y video created in the late 80's I believe which had Yzerman footage to the Dire Staits song "walk of Life" The most amazing video clip I've seen on this guy. Someone needs to find it and get it on here. My copy, which was on Betamax, is long gone.
