Yzerman: A Legend in his Time

There are many great athletes, but only a handful become legends. Steve Yzerman is one of those people, and Detroit fans are lucky to have him. Twenty three seasons later, he still is giving it all and has the records to prove it: Three Stanley cups, 600+ career goals, 9 time NHL All-Star, Selke Trophy for best defensive Forward in 2000, Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy Winner, Conn Smythe Award for MVP in the 98 Stanley Cup playoffs, and Lester B. Pearson Award in 1989. It's an impressive resume, that not even the most optimistic fan could have predicted back in dreary 1983.

When he started his professional career, the Wings were the laughing stock of the NHL. They were even mocked by their own fans as the "Dead Things." The skinny eighteen year old kid from the across river was soon their best player scoring 39 goals and 87 points in his first season. At age 21, he became their captain. From there the Wings only got better.

It took a long time, but finally in 1997 Yzerman hoisted the Stanley Cup for the first time cementing his place in Detroit history. It was a magical moment and we were lucky to have a repeat in 1998. Things got a little bit dark for the Red Wings in the next few seasons, but Yzerman brought the cup home once again in 2002.

Playing for a Detroit team is no walk in the park. It's the land of the most cynical rabid sports fanatics who have sworn off and embraced their teams so many times, that it becomes a religion. Even as I write this, some are debating on whether the Wings should force Yzerman to retire, due to their recent playoff exit. That's how gratitude works in this town. People feel like their athletes owe them. All hell breaks loose when expectations aren't met.

Yzerman knew how it works. If it affected him, he never let it known. Detroit was his home, his people, and he represented us well. Gretzky may have scored more goals, but Yzerman inspired a generation with his spirit.

I admit that it is hard watching Steve age. Some nights he is on top of his game, but some days you can see his body failing him. When he does retire, it will be a sad day in Detroit and a sad day for Hockey. I may not be as sports crazy as some guys, but I will be shedding some tears.

Tags:
* entertainment * pop culture * sports * Detroit * Red Wings * Yzerman * hockey * NHL * playoffs
* Stanley Cup * Conn Smythe Trophy * Selke Trophy * athlete * captain * Masterton Memorial Trophy
* retirement