Retired Numbers in Hockeytown: When Jerseys Go to the Great Rink in the Sky
So you're a die-hard Detroit Red Wings fan, eh? You bleed red (and maybe a little white occasionally after a nail-biter), you know the glory days of the Stanley Cup runs by heart, and you can name all the lines from the "Slap Shot" sequels in your sleep. But there's one thing ticking around in your brain like a Zamboni on overtime duty: what numbers are retired by the Red Wings?
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Well, buckle up, sugar, because we're about to take a trip to the rafters of the Joe Louis Arena (or Little Caesars Arena, for you youngsters) and explore the jerseys that have been hoisted to the heavenly heights of hockey immortality.
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| What Numbers Are Retired By The Detroit Red Wings |
The Jersey Gods of Hockeytown: A Who's Who (Who Wore What)
These aren't just any numbers, folks. These are the numbers that donned the backs of legends, the guys who made the crowd roar and the opposing team whimper. We're talking about:
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- #1 - Terry Sawchuk: The goalie so legendary he redefined facial protection in the league. Nicknamed "Sawch," this fella stopped pucks like a brick wall...with the occasional missing tooth.
- #4 - Red Kelly: This four-time Stanley Cup winner could play both defense and forward – basically a hockey Swiss army knife.
- #5 - Nicklas Lidstrom: Lidstrom wasn't just a defenseman, he was a magician with a stick. Seven Norris Trophies (awarded to the league's best defenseman) say it all, folks.
- #7 - Ted Lindsay: "Terrible Ted" Lindsay wasn't so terrible. An offensive powerhouse and a leader who helped form the legendary "Production Line."
- #9 - Gordie Howe: Mr. Hockey himself. This legend played for an insane 25 seasons with the Wings, racking up records that would make your head spin.
- #10 - Alex Delvecchio: A gifted scorer and a pillar of the Red Wings for over two decades. Delvecchio was even nicknamed "Mr. Inside" for his net-front prowess.
- #12 - Sid Abel: A four-time Stanley Cup winner with the Wings, Sid Abel was a defenseman known for his toughness and leadership.
Those Other Guys (Who Wore #6...Maybe)
There's a bit of a wrinkle with #6. It was worn by the legendary Larry Aurie in the team's early days, but the current ownership doesn't consider it officially retired. So, it's kind of in a jersey limbo. Maybe someday it'll get its own ceremony, but for now, it's the ghost of retired numbers past.
FAQ: Your Guide to Red Wings Retired Number Trivia
- How to tell if a number is retired? Just look up at the rafters, buddy! If it's hanging there, it's retired.
- How many numbers are retired by the Red Wings? There are currently seven – 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, and maybe (just maybe) 12.
- Can I buy a jersey with a retired number? Yep! The retired numbers are still available for purchase, but you might feel a bit odd wearing a legend's sweater while rocking a beer belly.
- Will they retire more numbers? You bet! The Red Wings have a rich history, and there are sure to be future stars worthy of the honor.
- Is there a quiz on retired Red Wings numbers? Not yet, but after reading this awesome post, you'd probably ace it!
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