HIGHLIGHTS
- Alex Delvecchio died peacefully Tuesday at his Rochester, Michigan home at 93
- The Hall of Famer spent his entire 24-year career with Detroit, winning three Stanley Cups
- Read below for details on Delvecchio’s incredible legacy with the Red Wings
The hockey world lost a true legend Tuesday.
Alex Delvecchio, who spent every single one of his 24 NHL seasons in a Red Wings sweater, passed away peacefully at his Rochester, Michigan home. He was 93.
The Hall of Famer’s family released a touching statement through the team, calling him “more than a hockey icon” and praising his “humility, strength, competitiveness, kindness, and heart.”
Talk about loyalty. Delvecchio played 1,549 games for Detroit from 1951-73, racking up 456 goals and 825 assists for 1,281 points. That’s third all-time in franchise history behind only Gordie Howe and Nicklas Lidstrom.
The guy was money in the playoffs too. He helped Detroit capture Stanley Cups in 1952, ’54, and ’55, playing alongside Mr. Hockey himself.
What separated Delvecchio wasn’t just his skill; it was his class. He won the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship three times and barely dropped the gloves despite playing in an era when fighting was basically mandatory.
The 13-time All-Star served as team captain for a dozen seasons. After hanging up the skates, he stuck around as coach and GM because where else would he go? Detroit was home.
His No. 10 hangs in the rafters at Little Caesars Arena, keeping company with the greatest names in franchise history.
The Red Wings even changed their profile picture to honor him Tuesday.
Named one of the NHL’s 100 greatest players ever, Delvecchio represented everything right about the game. One team. One city. Total dedication.
He’s survived by his wife Judy, five children, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Rest easy, Fats. You earned it.
