Latest news with #Delvecchio
USA Today
5 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Alex Delvecchio appreciation: Red Wings legend gave this kid a great start
Want to know a cool story about Alex Delvecchio? Well, let me take you back to the early 1970s in the Motor City. There was a kid gearing up for another summer playing baseball in the Police Athletic League (PAL), but the dude's glove was shredded, his bat was cracked and the spikes were about two sizes too small. And money was tight, with his single mom raising three kids. Delvecchio, though, came up with an idea: He told the kid to go to Olympic Sporting Goods and get whatever baseball equipment he needed. 'Tell them to put it on my account,' he declared. That kid was me. So, I took the city bus to the store on Livernois Avenue and left the place with all sorts of stuff – including a sweet Cesar Cedeno glove. Thanks, Alex. Delvecchio, the Detroit Red Wings legend and hockey Hall of Famer, died on July 1 at 93, prompting a flood of personal memories. He was a true hero to me. I grew up about 10 blocks from Olympia. When I was around 10, I wandered there routinely on Saturday mornings to watch the Red Wings practice, the access first granted by Art, a security guard who figured that I meant no harm. One thing sure led to another. They gave me skates, and I learned how to use them after Red Wings practices (Gary Bergman taught me how to skate backward). Of course, after expending all of that energy, the kid welcomed rides home. Thanks, Alex. Then there was that period when Delvecchio, for 12 years the team captain, was pressed into becoming the head coach and ultimately the GM. These were tough times for the Wings. But he tried. And during my high school years in the mid-1970s, he came up with another idea for me: He gave me an after-school 'job' as a gopher helping out Kathy Best, the public relations secretary. I'd run invoices over to concessions. Pick up the mail. Stuff press releases into envelopes. Pass out stats in the press box. And for this 'job' that was off the books, as they say, Alex paid me cash out of his pocket. Thanks, Alex. Trust me, it helped. Yet the more essential perk from that experience around the Red Wings at Olympia Stadium was that it exposed to me a whole new world and industry, which led to me pursuing a career in journalism. There were so many supportive people from that era. In addition to Kathy, players like Henry Boucha and Jimmy Rutherford were awesome to chat with. Marcel Dionne? He didn't speak much (if any) English during his rookie year, but he showed me how to pull an opponent's jersey over their head if I found myself in a fight. This is hilarious in retrospect because during his Hall of Fame career, Dionne wasn't fighting anybody! The trainer, Lefty Wilson, was also special. When I went through a phase of skipping school, flunking classes at Northwestern High and showing up to Olympia during school hours, Lefty made it an issue and demanded that I start bringing him my report cards. Needless to say, it helped get me back on track. Yet it all started with Alex, who they used to call 'Fats.' He won three Stanley Cup crowns with the Red Wings during the 1950s, earned 13 NHL All-Star appearances, centered the 'Production Line II' with Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay, making his mark as an awesome assist agent that set up the prolific goal scorers. Fittingly, he also won the Lady Byng Trophy three times for, well, classy conduct. And while it's not on his NHL resume, Alex was also the first person to let me take their car alone after I got my driver's license – something my momma was not signing up for. With Alex, working into the night as GM, it basically involved me driving to Burger Chef for hamburgers … and then maybe a joy ride. Thanks, Alex. We can all have the power to impact another person's life in some form or fashion. As I reflect on Alex, I am compelled to share some of these memories to illustrate just how much of a difference he made for me. Like my sophomore year at Michigan State (thanks, Earvin 'Magic' Johnson), when I decided to study abroad in a mass media program at the University of London. I put together scholarships, grants and a loan to handle the tuition, room-and-board and the travel. Yet the broke college student didn't have squat to pay for daily personal expenses, like, uh, fish and chips, splurging at the Hard Rock Cafe or hanging out at Ronnie Scott's jazz club. Well, Alex made that happen. He hired me to work for a month at his engraving business, Alex Delvecchio Enterprises, putting me on a project to help him (with his sleeves rolled up) make signage for the relatively new Renaissance Center. It allowed to me earn enough to handle the personal expenses in England. Thanks, Alex. When I had no one else to turn to in the clutch, he dished off another amazing assist. Forever grateful. RIP, Alex.
NBC Sports
a day ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Detroit Red Wings legend and Hockey Hall of Famer Alex Delvecchio dies at 93
DETROIT — Alex Delvecchio, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame who helped the Detroit Red Wings win the Stanley Cup three times in the 1950s, has died. He was 93. Delvecchio died at his home in Rochester, Michigan, according to a Red Wings spokesperson. A cause of death was not immediately available, though his family said in a statement released by the team that Delvecchio died peacefully Tuesday surrounded by loved ones. 'Alex was more than a hockey icon. He was a devoted husband, loving father, great grandfather, cherished friend and respected teammate to so many,' the family said. 'While the world knew him as an incredible hockey player with numerous accomplishments on the ice, we knew him as someone whose humility, strength, competitiveness, kindness and heart were even greater than his knew achievements.' Delvecchio spent his entire NHL career with the Red Wings from 1951-73, recording 1,325 points in 1,671 regular-season and playoff games. Playing alongside 'Mr. Hockey' Gordie Howe, he was part of championship teams in 1952, '54 and '55, won the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct three times and was a two-time All-Star. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977, Delvecchio decades later was named one of the 100 greatest players in league history. During the '70s he had multiple stints as Detroit's general manager, head coach or both. Delvecchio remains third in franchise history in games played behind Howe and Nicklas Lidstrom. His No. 10 hangs from the rafters as one of the storied organization's retired numbers. 'Few athletes in any sport ever have been as synonymous with one franchise as Alex Delvecchio was with the Detroit Red Wings,' NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. 'Delvecchio's work as the center on the famed 'Production Line' with wingers Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay was pivotal to the Wings' title runs in 1952, 1954 and 1955, and he served as team captain for 12 years. The National Hockey League mourns the passing of this true legend of the game.'
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Alex Delvecchio, Detroit Red Wings legend and 3-time Stanley Cup champion, dies at 93
The hockey community is in mourning following the passing of Detroit Red Wings legend Alex Delvecchio. A cornerstone of the franchise for over two decades, Delvecchio died peacefully on July 1, 2025, at the age of 93. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now His legacy as a loyal, gifted center and respected teammate leaves a lasting impact on the and beyond. Remembering Alex Delvecchio: The heart of Detroit Red Wings for 25 Seasons Alex Delvecchio's name is etched into NHL history as one of the most consistent and dedicated players to ever skate in the league. Playing his entire 25-season career with the Detroit Red Wings, Delvecchio appeared in 1,550 regular-season games, scoring 456 goals and adding 825 assists. Including playoffs, his total rises to 1,670 games, making him one of the few players to reach that milestone with a single team. A three-time Stanley Cup champion (1952, 1954, 1955), Delvecchio was a key figure on the famed 'Production Line' alongside Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay. His smart playmaking, elegant skating, and quiet leadership helped define an era of dominance for Detroit. Off the ice, he was admired for his humility and character—traits often cited by teammates, fans, and league officials alike. In a heartfelt statement, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman described him as 'an elegant skater, deft playmaker, and beloved teammate.' Meanwhile, Delvecchio's family remembered him not just as a hockey legend but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. The Detroit Red Wings organization confirmed his death in an official statement, saying he passed away surrounded by family. As tributes continue to flood social media, fans are remembering Delvecchio not only for his NHL accomplishments but also for the grace with which he represented the sport. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Also Read: Alex Delvecchio's legacy stands as a benchmark of excellence and loyalty in professional hockey. His career was a rare combination of skill, class, and longevity—a true one-team legend who left the game better than he found it. As the hockey world says goodbye, his memory continues to inspire generations of players and fans.
New York Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Alex Delvecchio, Red Wings icon and Hockey Hall of Famer, dead at 93
Hockey Hall of Famer and Red Wings great Alex Delvecchio died Tuesday, the team announced. He was 93 years old. Delvecchio was a three-time Stanley Cup champion and spent 24 years in the NHL as one of the game's best centers while playing alongside another NHL legend, Gordie Howe. Advertisement 3 Red Wings' Alex Delvecchio (10) in action vs. the Buffalo Sabres. Sports Illustrated via Getty Ima 'Alex was more than a Hockey icon, he was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, cherished friend, and respected teammate to so many,' the Delvecchio family said in a statement. 'While the world knew him as an incredible hockey player with numerous accomplishments on the ice, we knew him as someone whose humility, strength, competitiveness, kindness and heart were even greater than his professional achievements. 'For decades, your love and support meant everything to Alex and to all of us. We are deeply grateful and thankful to everyone.' Advertisement Outside of Howe, no player in Red Wings history may encompass playing for Detroit more than Delvecchio. Delvecchio played the second-most seasons with the franchise, spending 12 as team captain — an honor only Steve Yzerman had held for longer. Over the course of his NHL career, Delvecchio recorded 456 goals and 825 assists for 1,281 points in 1,550 games. 3 Alex Delvecchio of the Red Wings circa 1980. Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Advertisement 'When you think of the Red Wings, you think of Howe,' Bruins legend Phil Esposito told Sport magazine in 1971. 'But Alex is the most underrated player in the game today — underrated by everyone but the players.' Delvecchio became a mainstay on the Red Wings roster by the 1951-52 season, recording 37 points (15 goals, 22 assists) during his rookie campaign as the Red Wings went on to win the Stanley Cup. He would go on to become a key piece of the 'Production Line' between Howe and Ted Lindsay, winning another two cups in 1954 and '55. 3 Hall of Famer Alex Delvecchio of the Red Wings waves to fans during the ceremony before a NHL game at Joe Louis Arena on Oct. 16, 2008 in Detroit. Getty Images Advertisement After retiring 11 games into the 1973-74 season, Delvecchio would go on to coach and serve as general manager of the franchise at various points through the 1976-77 season. 'Alex was a cherished part of the Red Wings family, and I'm grateful for the years my husband Mike and I shared with him, as well as the remarkable legacy he leaves behind—both in the rafters of the arena and in the hearts of Red Wings fans everywhere. My heartfelt condolences go out to the Delvecchio family during this time of loss,' Red Wings co-owner Marian Ilitch said in a statement. Delvecchio was named to the NHL's 100 greatest players list during its centennial season and a statue was erected of the Fort William, Ontario native outside Joe Louis Arena in 2008.
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Detroit Red Wings legend and Hockey Hall of Famer Alex Delvecchio dies at 93
DETROIT (AP) — Alex Delvecchio, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame who helped the Detroit Red Wings win the Stanley Cup three times in the 1950s, has died. He was 93. Delvecchio died at his home in Rochester, Michigan, according to a Red Wings spokesperson. A cause of death was not immediately available, though his family said in a statement released by the team that Delvecchio died peacefully Tuesday surrounded by loved ones. 'Alex was more than a hockey icon. He was a devoted husband, loving father, great grandfather, cherished friend and respected teammate to so many,' the family said. 'While the world knew him as an incredible hockey player with numerous accomplishments on the ice, we knew him as someone whose humility, strength, competitiveness, kindness and heart were even greater than his knew achievements.' Delvecchio spent his entire NHL career with the Red Wings from 1951-73, recording 1,325 points in 1,671 regular-season and playoff games. Playing alongside 'Mr. Hockey' Gordie Howe, he was part of championship teams in 1952, '54 and '55, won the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct three times and was a two-time All-Star. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977, Delvecchio decades later was named one of the 100 greatest players in league history. During the '70s he had multiple stints as Detroit's general manager, head coach or both. Delvecchio remains third in franchise history in games played behind Howe and Nicklas Lidstrom. His No. 10 hangs from the rafters as one of the storied organization's retired numbers. ___ AP NHL:
