  Thnk2mch Member Username: Thnk2mch Post Number: 185 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 71.65.11.152 |
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs .dll/article?AID=/20060703/NEW S99/60703001 News bulletin Yzerman to retire today? Indications are strong; news conference at 1 p.m. today July 3, 2006 Email this Print this By HELENE ST. JAMES FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman most likely will announce his retirement this afternoon at 1 p.m. during a news conference at Joe Louis Arena. Team owner Mike Ilitch will attend, a strong indication that Yzerman’s decision is to hang up his skates rather than to return for a 23rd NHL season. Yzerman appeared ready to announce his decision May 1, the night the Wings lost to Edmonton in Game 6 of the first round of the playoffs. But three days later he appeared much more upbeat and clearly was wavering about what to do. Since that time, coaches, friends and teammates have said the same thing about Yzerman: His desire is to keep playing, but he has had severe doubts about his physical ability to put his body through another 82-game season. Yzerman turned 41 on May 9, but that in itself is hardly reason to step down – after all, teammate Chris Chelios, 44, has signed on for another season. But throughout much of his career Yzerman has been hampered by his right knee, and it got so bad he needed radical surgery on it in the summer of 2002. That caused him to miss the first 66 games of the following season, but Yzerman recovered and played 75 games the next season, 2003-04. It’s possible he might have retired after that season, had it not been for how it ended – with Yzerman leaving Game 5 of the second-round series against Calgary bloodied in the left-eye area after getting hit by an errant puck. “Steve wanted to leave on his own terms,” former teammate Gerard Gallant said. “He didn’t want to leave with those injuries.” Yzerman used the lockout season, 2004-05, to rest and recuperate, but still had a frustrating start to 2005-06. A groin injury nagged throughout the season, to the point he contemplated retiring in December, admitting it was something he thought about every day. He withdrew his name from consideration for the Canadian Olympic team, excluding the possibility of returning to help capture a second-straight gold medal. Instead he used the break to heal – and then came back a changed man. Yzerman was one of the Wings’ best players down the stretch and into the playoffs, until he suffered a torn oblique muscle in Game 3. He returned for Game 6 and set up a goal in what likely will stand as his last game. The Wings have a front-office job ready for Yzerman, as special assistant to general manager Ken Holland. Yzerman repeatedly has said he is not very interested in coaching, although he concedes it is the closest a player can come to retaining the exhilaration of playing. If Yzerman retires, elite defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom is the logical choice to take over the captaincy. “It would be an honor if that happens,” Lidstrom said recently. | ||
Gravitymachine Member Username: Gravitymachine Post Number: 1152 Registered: 05-2005 Posted From: 69.136.142.0 |
just rode by JLA, there were a whole slew of news vans there waiting to report on something | ||
Ray1936 Member Username: Ray1936 Post Number: 672 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 207.200.116.139 |
There comes a time for that for everyone. Steve was a player of the Gordie Howe caliber, and I suspect he'd make a fine coach or GM somewhere in the NHL. Whatever, thank you, Stevie. You were great. | ||
Chitaku Member Username: Chitaku Post Number: 532 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.43.107.72 |
I feared this day since I was a kid. Thank you Stevie Yzerman you Trammell and Barry were my boyhood idols. This town really owes you some sort of memorial. | ||
Pdtpuck Member Username: Pdtpuck Post Number: 93 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 12.171.21.70 |
Enjoy your retirement, Stevie! You definitely earned it! Thanks for all of the great memories. | ||
Genesyxx Member Username: Genesyxx Post Number: 536 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 71.159.22.7 |
Thank you Stevie Y! | ||
Thnk2mch Member Username: Thnk2mch Post Number: 186 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 71.65.11.152 |
It's official. Stevie retired. Thank you Stevie, and stay the class act you are. | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 3351 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.47.100.44 |
Classiest athlete I've ever encountered in this town. Kudos to Steve Yzerman for being the epitome of what a professional athlete should be. | ||
Pdtpuck Member Username: Pdtpuck Post Number: 94 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 12.171.21.70 |
PUT THE MURAL BACK UP.....FOREVER!!!  | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 1826 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 68.248.1.118 |
He needs to get memorialized, but it would be even better if he stays an active part of the organization. A new arena at the corner of Cass and Yzerman St. has a pretty cool ring to it. Or how 'bout "Yzerman rink at New Olympia Stadium," kind of like Duke's Coach K court at Cameron Indoor Stadium? Thanks for the memories Steve, you gave us something to believe in back in the 90s---Lowell, you need to find a way to foward this thread to the organization and Stevie Y. | ||
Blessyouboys Member Username: Blessyouboys Post Number: 489 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 69.209.129.144 |
As I was born the same year Stevie was drafted, the Wings will never be the same. An old girlfriend once asked me if I could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be. I replied Steve Yzerman. She said Ghandi. Whore. (Message edited by blessyouboys on July 03, 2006) | ||
Czar Member Username: Czar Post Number: 3142 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 72.49.172.67 |
He's making the right decision. Too bad his teammates played like a bunch of chumps behind him in his last playoff run. | ||
7milekid Member Username: 7milekid Post Number: 124 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 68.61.161.193 |
Greatest captain in history | ||
Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313 Post Number: 116 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 12.45.2.184 |
Forget the mural, Lets name the new arena Yzerman Arena. 313 | ||
Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313 Post Number: 117 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 12.45.2.184 |
Couldn't have said it better smogboy. Detroit is a lot better with Steve.313 | ||
Ghetto_butterfly Member Username: Ghetto_butterfly Post Number: 617 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 68.60.139.186 |
Please - to the Powers that Be, whoever it is, put the Yzerman mural back on instead of the Solstice. He is one of the true Detroit landmarks. Thanks Stevie. | ||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1280 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 63.157.69.201 |
 taken by user: unknown host at fark.com | ||
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026 Post Number: 970 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 71.10.61.12 |
Bring back the mural, or better yet change the Dolphins to Stevie Y during the renovation of the Broderick Tower for all Tiger fans to see from Comerica Park Thanks, Steve. You will always be "The Captain" no matter who wears the C on their jersey. No Red Wing will ever wear #19 again. Thanks for the memories, thanks for staying committed to Detroit, and thanks for always remaining humble and a class act. | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 3364 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.47.100.44 |
Thta's one of the things we'll probably always remember is this man's humility. He never once blamed his lack of victories on injuries or diminishing skills over the years, he never complained once about his contract negotiations, he never said a bad word about the fans and was always humbled by just having the opportunity to play a game. Talk about class!!! I'm sure there are others out there that remembers watching him as a young shy man scoring a ton of goals grow up and mature to be the man who would win through changing his game for the benefit of the team. He eventually evolved into the man that would carry the Cup proudly above his head and for the city that craved its champion for so long. An era has passed here in Detroit. I'm thankful for having had a seat, whether it was at Joe Louis Arena or in front of a TV set to watch Steve Yzerman all of these years. He has been a joy to watch and a person to admire. | ||
Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313 Post Number: 118 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 12.45.2.184 |
We should clone. I like the Broaderick Tower idea. He was one of the best Capatins of any team of any sport. He is a great man and a born leader. I want to thank him for his commitment to his family, sports and the City of Detroit. 313 | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 1829 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 68.248.1.118 |
Exactly smogboy, incredible humility. | ||
Jerome81 Member Username: Jerome81 Post Number: 1032 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 64.142.86.133 |
Stevie joined the wings when I was 2 years old. To me, the Red Wings and Steve Yzerman are one and the same. I have known nothing but. We were all surprised at how well he played at the end of the season, Stevie included. You could tell in that game 6 that he was leaving everything he had on that ice in Edmonton. More heart out there than anyone. It was a shame to see him on the bench for his final game, but it is what it is. I'm glad he at least considered returning. Selfishly we all wanted him back. But the time has come, and I think everyone who follows hockey most certainly respects it. I found myself a bit choked up watching him up there, seeing the old photos, and thinking about everything over the years. Steve will always have a place in my heart and a place in the heart of the City of Detroit. Its hard to see someone like that call it done. Agreed he should be memorialized. It should be something grand that all can be proud of, including Steve. Thank you. You showed more heart and class than most any other athlete, in any sport, at any level. You have always been an inspiration and will continue to be. Thank you for all those years and for shaping the kind of person I have grown to become. We'll miss you, Steve. | ||
Nellonfury Member Username: Nellonfury Post Number: 166 Registered: 03-2005 Posted From: 68.43.156.135 |
Thanks for the momeries Steve!!!! | ||
Gumby Member Username: Gumby Post Number: 1315 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.60.143.186 |
Thank you Yzerman for all the years of memories you have given us. Your name will always mean greatness in this town. Raise 19 to the rafters. | ||
Pdtpuck Member Username: Pdtpuck Post Number: 97 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 208.251.168.194 |
24 Yzerman posts to 38 for Ben Wallace....so far! something AINT RIGHT with that!!! nothing against Big Ben, but C'MON!!!! | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 3371 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.47.100.44 |
Pdtpuck- thta's because there can only be so much praise for one of the cornerstones in our sports community and there's still much more kvetching about another leaving to pursue money. A lot easier to scream it seems than to praise. | ||
Pdtpuck Member Username: Pdtpuck Post Number: 99 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 208.251.168.194 |
and how, smogboy!!! kinda the exact antithesis of Yzerman, eh? | ||
Paulmcall Member Username: Paulmcall Post Number: 765 Registered: 05-2004 Posted From: 68.40.119.216 |
He was a class act all the way. The guy played with some awful injuries but never complained when things were going bad. He changed his game for the good of the team and set an example for all athletes to follow. I'm glad he went out with his head held high. Too often you see guys hanging on long after their skills are completely gone. His dignity is intact and Red Wings fans will always love him. Stevie Y, you did good. | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 3372 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.47.100.44 |
I'm also thinking that at least Steve Yzerman went out with the ability to play still helps. How horrific would it have been for him to leave immediately after any one of those horrific injuries he's suffered over the years. The ones that come to mind were the crashing into the goal post vs. Buffalo (back in the day when there were metal posts holding down the nets- mercifully they changed the net pegs the next year) and the eye injury vs. Calgary. Stevie went out relatively intact, in good spirits and on his terms. I also look at some of the other luminaries and friends who were at the press conference yesterday and realize his impact. That press conference was thrown together pretty quickly and over a holiday weekend and it still pulled the likes of Scotty Bowman, Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay to come be a part of it. Kudos also go out to his team mates, Igor Larionov, Kris Draper & Larry Murphy for being there as well. But this is the kind of respect and admiration they have for this man. | ||
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026 Post Number: 975 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 24.231.189.137 |
Oh, Bowman was there??? I was looking for him... Im surprised he was abel to come in from New York. Nice tribute to the Captain | ||
Mr_onion Member Username: Mr_onion Post Number: 179 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 70.121.252.117 |
OLD NAME, JOE LOUIS ARENA,,,,NEW NAME "'' YZERMAN ARENA ,,, YEA THATS BETTER!!! | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 3375 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.47.100.44 |
Actually years ago, the arena where Stevie played as a kid was renamed Yzerman Arena. And quite frankly I'd rather not see the arena named after him... or at least anytime soon. Let's give him some time to relax, chill and be with his family for a bit. We've ALL had a chunk of this man for so many years now. | ||
Paulmcall Member Username: Paulmcall Post Number: 769 Registered: 05-2004 Posted From: 68.40.119.216 |
Sorry, but Joe Louis had more impact than Stevie could ever imagine throughout the country and the world. Stevie Y was a great hockey player but he never represented his race or country like Joe Louis did. Let's not carried away. | ||
Paulmcall Member Username: Paulmcall Post Number: 770 Registered: 05-2004 Posted From: 68.40.119.216 |
Sorry, but Joe Louis had more impact than Stevie could ever imagine throughout the country and the world. Stevie Y was a great hockey player but he never represented his race or country like Joe Louis did. Let's not get carried away. | ||
Mr_onion Member Username: Mr_onion Post Number: 180 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 70.121.252.117 |
carry his race?? what has that got anything to do with SPorts,,, Shhesh,, White actcha buddy | ||
Pdtpuck Member Username: Pdtpuck Post Number: 100 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 208.251.168.194 |
Sid Abel was there? I thought he was dead? | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 3384 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.47.100.44 |
Sid Abel will always be a part of the organization. If ever there was a spirit that would linger around a rink, he'd be the one. | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 3385 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 69.47.100.44 |
"carry his race?? what has that got anything to do with SPorts,,, Shhesh,, White actcha buddy" Uh, Mr_Onion... what Paulmcall was referring to was Joe Louis representing his race during a very turbulent & racially divided era in this country. I don't think he was referring to Steve Yzerman representing his race. | ||
Pdtpuck Member Username: Pdtpuck Post Number: 103 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 208.251.168.194 |
Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling...I know "der fuhrer" made it a race issue!!!! ironically, Max and Joe were very good friends up until Joe died. |
