Paying tribute to Steve Yzerman
Thursday, January 4, 2007 | 09:21 AM ET
There were two Steve Yzerman tributes on Tuesday. One was held on the ice at Joe Louis Arena. The other came 90 minutes earlier in a nearby building, as politicians and fans feted one of the greatest in the city’s history.
In both ceremonies, one thing was clear: How uncomfortable such a humble person was in such a spotlight. One of the best pieces of advice I received early in my career was: when someone pays you a compliment, you shake their hand firmly and give a sincere, “Thank you.” That was Yzerman’s way as well.
Yzerman recognized that this was one of those rare occasions where he couldn’t just give a handshake and a thank you. This called for something more than that, and he delivered. Not that he wasn’t nervous. The HNIC cameramen twice captured terrific shots of his hand shivering as he tried to drink some water.
It was particularly impressive that he singled out Scott Bowman for so much praise. While Jacques Demers took the first steps in developing Yzerman as a two-way player, it was Bowman who really cracked the whip. Although Bowman downplayed it when I interviewed him before the puck drop, there was a time when it didn’t look like things were going to work out between them. Bowman was unafraid to get on Yzerman in front of the team, and Yzerman was unafraid to snap right back at them.
It was incredible to see Bowman, as stoic as they get, fighting back tears during Yzerman’s tribute to him. That was the highlight for me.
===
Twice during Yzerman’s tenure, there were rumours that he was going to be traded. It’s well-known by now that Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch wanted Pat LaFontaine in 1983, visibly slumping in his seat when the Islanders took him one pick before Detroit would draft. Legendary New York general manager Bill Torrey admitted that one of the reasons he made that choice was for a potential trade years later.
That opportunity came in 1991. LaFontaine demanded a trade and Torrey’s first call was to then-Red Wings GM (now Ottawa coach) Bryan Murray. There were some discussions, but Murray asked Torrey if the trade could get done without Yzerman going in return. When Torrey said no, Murray ended the conversations.
In 1994, with Bowman now making the hockey decisions, the Red Wings were coming off the seven-game stunner to San Jose. The Senators wanted Yzerman and were willing to give up Alexei Yashin to do it. (Really, can you imagine Bowman and Yashin? What a sitcom.) Bowman kind of confirmed this the other night, but the team learned there was no way Yzerman could be traded during Detroit’s home opener after that season’s lockout.
Fans – realizing their captain might be dealt – provided such a show of love and support that Bowman and everyone else realized they couldn’t trade him. He was simply the most popular person in the organization, and no one else was close. That’s when any discussions died.
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Final tribute to Yzerman: According to several of those who played on the 2002 and 2006 Canadian Olympic Teams, Yzerman’s absence from the second group was one of the biggest reasons Canada lost.
“We were so nervous,” said one player. “Yzerman was so calm, so reassuring in 2002. We didn’t have him to take the pressure off us this time.”
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The only problem with Yzerman tribute night is that the game was awful. I still think the way the Celtics retired Larry Bird’s jersey is the best way to handle lengthy ceremonies. That night, Boston did not have a game.
The team just held a “Larry Bird Night.” Sell tickets, hold a ceremony, just don’t have players sitting around waiting to go. That way, when immortals like Yzerman and Bird retire – remember Mark Messier in New York? – you can have as long a ceremony as you want.
===
While the Canada-U.S. World Junior semifinal was riveting television, I still hate the shootout deciding a playoff game. It’s brutal. Remember when people gasped after Montreal took Carey Price fifth overall? No one’s wondering now.
By the way, is anyone else wondering how the Chicago Blackhawks will eventually screw up Jonathan Toews?
===
Mailbag: Two Haligonians – Andrew Mac and Bill – raised interesting points about the media’s role in Crosby’s guardedness. You both are right about some people in the media wanting good sound bites and then ripping those who make controversial statements. I think it’s a real shame, and it’s why I avoid ripping people who speak their minds. We can’t have it both ways.
Bill: I admit I read your post and didn’t know what you were talking about. Then, I re-read my writing and realized my poor grammar. The interview was not two-and-a-half hours. It was held two-and-a-half hours before practice – 9:30 a.m. for a noon skate. God knows I couldn’t conduct that long an interview. Come to think of it, I don’t think God could either.
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About the Author
Elliotte Friedman is the host of the CFL ON CBC. Prior to being named host in 2006, Friedman worked on the CFL on CBC broadcasts for the three seasons as a sideline reporter. A Toronto native, Friedman is well known for his additional work on Hockey Night in Canada, as well as his presence on the Torino 2006 Winter Games telecasts as a hockey reporter. Prior to joining the CBC, Friedman worked at The Score network and was widely regarded as one of the best reporters in the country. Friedman used his reporting skills to break stories and file feature reports for high profile events including six Stanley Cup Finals, four Grey Cup Championships, two World Series and one Olympic Games. He is also a regular on the nationally syndicated Prime Time Sports radio telecast, hosted by Bob McCown.
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Comments
Melissa
plymouth
Steve Yzerman is by far the best hockey player the NHL has ever seen! He was a loyal captain and player, he never asked for money, and he just had an overall love for the game. The NHL will never be the same without the good 'ol Stevie Y!
Posted May 3, 2007 01:54 PM
Will Neelsen
I have lived in Detroit almost my entire life,and I have followed the Wings for as long as I can remember,And I only have a few things to say !. Thank You and God Bless Steve Yzerman,hes is half man ,half hockey God.Not only has he served as an inspiration as a hockey player for millions of young people, hes has also served as a reminder that greatness is not truly measured by a skill or ability, it is measured by how that skill defines you as a person,not only was he in my opinion the greatest hockey player to wear skates he is a great man,never was he filled with conceit but always humble,He understood that his words didnt score goals,or develop players he played with,it was his ability and drive as a leader.If you ever watched him play the game his presence was felt as well as seen,The things he could do on the ice were inspiring,whether you played the game or not.
There have been many great hockey players and all of them have my respect,But there was only one Steve Yzerman and there will NEVER be another like him,some say the Red Wings were built around him, I disagree the Detroit Red Wings were built with him, his ability his leadership and skill but most of all his desire to not only be a great hockey player but also to make everyone he played with as great as he is on and off the ice.And the fact that he was so humble made you truly belive in his desire and abilities,He understood the game was about the team not Steve Yzerman,He would rather pass the puck rather score a goal,But lets not kid ourselves ,He could score......God could he score
So I say to you Thank You Steve for the many years of truly wonderous and magical hockey and the life you have brought to hockeytown You will never be replaced looked over or not be thought when someone metions the greats of hockey,or when someone metions the greatness of a man all by itself, God Bless You and ......Lets Go Red Wings
Posted March 16, 2007 01:41 PM
Matt
Waterloo
Elliotte!
No comment on the Yzerman story...
I was more impressed with the fact that you read your own blog and respond to the bloggers who have made good (or bad…or different) comments. After just reading the Crozby blog I then moved on to the Yzerman blog and noticed your replies to Andrew Mac and Bill. I think that is great that you take the time and effort to make these responses.
Several times I have asked Scott Morrison to respond to a few points I have raised and he never does. Nor have I seen him respond to anyone else who raised any questions of him or his commentary.
I understand that you guys cannot respond to all the banter that gets posted, but it is nice to see it from time to time.
Well done!
Posted January 5, 2007 03:27 PM
Brian
manitoba
Hey Elliot: Excellent work on HNIC. There's no doubt, fans myself included, want overtime to settle the score on every game after the round robin portion of the tourney. the shootout is still better thatn a tie or some type of countback.
Posted January 5, 2007 12:44 PM
Elena
halifax
hi Elliotte,
I totally agree with you about the shootout - I was on the edge of my couch and biting my nails, but at the same time feeling slightly sick at the idea that Canada could be eliminated that way. It would have been such a heartbreak, not only for everyone watching, but the poor boys if they had lost it that way (as i'm sure it was for the US). The overtime was enough tension for me, and i would have been happy with another period of that to decide the game.
And the only silver lining for Toews being a Blackhawk is that i think he will someday make a fantastic linemate for Martin Havlat, who could certainly use the help.
Keep up the great blogging!
Posted January 4, 2007 08:38 PM
charlie margosian
The retirement of Steve Yzerman ends a long and brillant career for all hockey fans not just those in and around the Detroit area. The night was magic and then the game started shortly thereafter. As a long time hockey fan I could only reflect back to what was and was is now pertaining to our "new" NHL hockey we are all subject to these days. I cannot think Gary Bettman (who was in attendance) is proud of what we have now on the ice or maybe he is? I don't think he really understands how much change has occurred to the game "on the ice" under his supervision. I can only hope some insightful new Canadian influence/leadership takes over to restore what we all valued about the Canadian game of ice hockey during the seasons passed. I long to see again the Canadian style of play which many of our Detriot hockey fans have had for these past 20+ years with Yzerman leading the way. With his speed, shoting, passing, hard hitting and the occassional hockey "clear" fight! (i.e. Bob Probert received the second loudest cheer during retirement intro's). The "new" NHL is merely a non-fighting, non-hiting, and a power play parade of specility teams.
Posted January 4, 2007 04:59 PM
floyd
Calgary
There is no doubt that the USA does not appreciate, nor does it want the current way hockey is being played in the NHL. 99% of the paople who attend games could not tell you the difference between an offside and a face off. They want the physical stuff!!. That's the same reason they do not embrace soccer.
So here is the solution. A Canadian only League which would play olympic rules hockey on olympic size ice. An american only league which would be a roller derby style of hockey.
Why is the CFL such a good game? It's because we have our own identity, rules, field size etc.
Forget about Kansas City, Portland, and/or Boise Idaho!! Let's get good and proper hockey back into Canada where we love the game the way it is progressing!
Then - when we compete in the Olympic games we'll be ready.
Posted January 4, 2007 01:12 PM
The Bambino
Newfoundland
Stevie Y will be missed. No ceremony, no matter what the length, could tell fans just how much he was appreciated as an NHL'er. I met Steve while he was here in St. John's for the Canada Cup training camp in 1987. I was lucky enough to get in to the closed door practice with my father who was on his lunch break from the local penitentiary.
Yzerman saw us near the gate and extended his hand to my father, who was in uniform. He introduced himself and asked my father where he was working. Yzerman spoke with my father for around 10 minutes and informed him that his father had worked in a similar position. He then asked if he could have my father's badge from his hat. My father was in awe that this NHL superstar would ask for such a thing and Yzerman noticed, his response. "I will trade you, your son can have my stick in return." Needless to say, I had a smile on my face for a month and as to this day I will never forget what a gentleman he was. I was an Yzerman fan for life. Besides Mark Messier, the best leader the NHL has ever seen.
I still have the Titan and tell the story regularly when asked. He will be missed.
As for the world jr. shootout debacle. Terrible way to win, but they all count. Maybe when it's all over some changes will be made though. Sad way to make it to the gold medal game.
Posted January 4, 2007 11:18 AM