Stephen Gregory Yzerman is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player currently serving as executive vice president and general manager of the Detroit Red Wings, with whom he spent all 22 seasons of his NHL playing career. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, he is a Detroit sports icon and a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. After his retirement as a player, he served in the front office of the Red Wings, and then as general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, while also being executive director for Team Canada in two Olympics.
Yzerman in 2012
With the Stanley Cup present (l), U.S. President George W. Bush receives a commemorative jersey and mini-Cup from 2002 Stanley Cup Champion Steve Yzerman.
Yzerman with the Red Wings during his final NHL season.
Yzerman (centre foreground) during the 2002 Winter Olympics
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference, and are one of the Original Six teams of the league. Founded in 1926, the team was known as the Detroit Cougars until 1930. For the next two seasons, the team was named the Detroit Falcons, before changing their name to the Red Wings in 1932.
Making his NHL debut in 1946, Gordie Howe played alongside Sid Abel and Ted Lindsay from 1947 to 1951, forming the Production Line.
Team photo of the 1952 Detroit Red Wings
On December 27, 1979, the Red Wings played their first game at Joe Louis Arena, moving from the Detroit Olympia.
Named team captain in 1986, Steve Yzerman captained the Red Wings until his retirement in 2006.
