In sorrowful news, the Detroit Red Wings announced that longtime captain and Hall of Famer, Alex Delvecchio, has passed away at the age of 93.
As one of the most legendary players of his era, Delvecchio began his career from a modest upbringing. He originally joined the Red Wings organization in the 1950-51 NHL season after an impressive run with the OHL’s Oshawa Generals. He would never don another team’s uniform.
Becoming a focal point of the “Production Line” with Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay, Delvecchio helped the Red Wings to three Stanley Cup championships in 1952, 1954, and 1955. The 1955 campaign was the last time the Stanley Cup would be in Detroit until the 1996-97 NHL season.
Despite more than five decades having passed since his last game in the NHL, Delvecchio still shows up on many of the Red Wings’ all-time boards. He remains third in games played (1,550), third in goals (456), fourth in assists (825), and third in points (1,281). Before longtime captain Nicklas Lidstrom played his 1,551st game with Detroit during the 2011-12 campaign, Delvecchio had played the most games in NHL history for one team.
Retiring after the 1973-74 season, Delvecchio was quickly named to the NHL’s Hall of Fame in the 1977 class alongside Tim Horton. After concluding his playing career, he served for several years as the head coach and General Manager of Detroit before leaving hockey entirely in 1977. He was named one of the “100 Greatest NHL Players” in 2017.
It is with deep sorrow that we share of Delvecchio’s passing, and his invaluable contribution to one of the sport’s most iconic franchises. We at PHR offer our condolences to Delvecchio’s family and loved ones.
Hear! Hear!
I think he even had a mention in the “Strange Brew” movie. Rest in piece, brother.
RIP, one of the most underrated players of all time. Absolute legend.
Great player, great guy
Helluva hockey player and a legend. RIP Alex.
Seen him play many times at the old Olympia stadium. “Fats” is one of best old memories of that old barn. The Power Line of Alex, Gordie and Frank Mahovlich was one of the best in all hockey history!
There’s a Bobby Clarke interview in which he talks about being a Flyers rookie in 1969 lining up with Lew Morrison and Reggie Fleming against Alex Delvecchio, Frank Mahovlich and Gordie Howe–bit of a mismatch there.
Saddened as hell when I heard the news. Delvecchio was one of my favorites when I was a kid, smooth and classy. I still have the Topps hockey card of him where it says he didn’t learn how to skate until he was 12!
For a while he called on my employer representing K&ADE a signs, premiums, and promotions firm in Detroit. I am looking at one of his giveaways right now, a letter opener with his then business phone and fax.
Thanks Alex, for all the joy you brought to Detroit and its Redwings fans. God bless.