No Stevie? Y?
Some troubling news from Fox Sports this morning...Apparently, Steve Yzerman has decided NOT to return to Detroit and don the Winged Wheel once more to play in the traditional alumni game.
"At this time, I don't plan on participating in the alumni game but hope to watch the Outdoor Classic on TV." --Steve Yzerman
If Yzerman were to come back - I can only imagine what the fan reaction would be like there at The Big House. It's extremely disapointing that "at this time", it doesn't appear to be happneing.
But, the Wings aren't going to let #19 off the hook so easily.
Make the jump to read more.
"I'm going to get Drapes to twist his arm and Cheli to twist his arm. Obviously, we want him to play. He's always said no in the past, but let's see how our arm-twisting does." --Ken HollandStevie is no push-over. It might take the combined efforts of Holland, Draper, Chelios, Osgood, and others to work him over.
We get it, Stevie - you're a business man now. And you don't want any distractions from the job you have right now just trying to make the play-offs in the East. But it just wouldn't be the same knowing that you're out there and not even showing up in Detroit in recognition of this event. Steve Yzerman still has amnesty in Detroit...but this is a big deal to me personally.
Maybe if we invite Fedorov to come back and give HIM the "C" that he always wanted...sure it's petty and it would never work...I'm just spitballing here people.
Your thoughts?
He's just keeping us all in suspense, the sly guy. 'Cause he knows that if he does not show up for practice that day Shanahan will personally kidnap him and forcibly make him skate at least one lap.
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Someone get him to agree to come if Lidstrom signs for another year. If Illitch really wanted to pull some strings, he'd get the people who make the schedule have TB at DET on 12/30 or 12/31, and then give TB a few days off. That way The Captain will be in town anyway...
I also hope Yzerman continues to say he will not play, or at least the media reports it. Can you imagine how bonkers Comerica Park will go when he steps out onto the ice??
I really wish that they would've waited until at least next season to make this announcement - its like getting asked what you want for your birthday next year, on your birthday.
But seriously, who the F are the Leafs going to ice that can remotely compare with the likes of Yzerman, Shanahan, McCarty? Not saying Toronto hasn't had great players, but the time when they were a powerhouse was so long ago compared to Detroit that it's simply unfair for Toronto fans to have to watch Yzerman absolutely dominate them once again.
He's doing this for the good of "the center of the hockey universe," as Dickbag McBurke would say.
@brendanksullivan I was thinking about this yesterday, should make it a pretty good game for Red Wings fans.
Everyone needs to relax. It would be awesome if he played and I would be heart broken if he didn't but it won't change how I feel about the guy. Let's show some class here people.
@marti783 I don't really think anyone's comment here has been lacking in class. I wouldn't go as far as to say it would change my opinion of him, but I certainly wouldn't feel good about it. I'm also sure it wouldn't be received well amongst our more mainstream fans and I can't say I wouldn't blame them. The only legimate reason I see for him not playing is it might be perceived as a conflict of interest, but even that is a real weak excuse. The fact of the matter is, his banner is hanging up in the rafters for a reason and IMO not making some appearance would be lacking in class.
@thebiglachovsky There were a couple of comments I had in mind when I wrote that but your response also justifies my comment. "Lacking in class"? Take a step back from the ledge, man. My problem was mostly with the implication that he's somehow giving the middle finger to the organization and the fans.
@marti783 You have to figure in the initial shock of this news in the tone of our comments. Were all processing the announcement and we all realize that this is not an easy decision for him to make, but right now, with the limited information and lack of explanation, it does kind of feel like a small slap in the face. But its Stevie Y, well handle it and get over it if he doesn't play, because no Wings fan can be mad at him. It just stings a little bit and that's what everyone here seems to be feeling. @thebiglachovsky
Told me last night he's gonna be too busy with other stuff that time of year to make the trip. Hopefully Draper et al can make it happen
Honestly I didn't mind when Stevie left for Tampa, but this stings a little. Really hope he reconsiders. It certainly wouldn't be the same without him.
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@thebiglachovsky That's exactly how I feel. GM of the Lightening or not he's The Captain. It's just an alumni game, it won't cause him to abandon his current team or cause disrespect and it does sting.
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@ChrissyKraceva I honestly believe that he will end up doing it, what with Drapes, Cheli, Ozzie, and Holland coaxing him. If Yzer-gate continues though, we should get together with the boys at WiiM and TPL and start a petition to show him how much the fans want him to play.
@thebiglachovsky I think that would be a good idea. I don't think he factored in all of the fans up here when he made this announcement. Yeah, its early and he has to focus on turning the season around for the bolts, but I doubt their fans would feel disappointed if he did play. They're all aware of where he came from and in whose arena his number is hanging in the rafters.
GM Steve Yzerman on why he won't play in Winter Classic alumni game: "Because I'm retired" and "I have a job."
Here's to hoping this changes... his mind... not his job.
@Josh Howard i hope he changes his job. when Holland retires the Son of Detroit needs to return and step into Holland's shoes.
@Instinctz Yzerman isn't going anywhere if the Lightning stay a reasonably successful franchise. Also.... newsflash.. Holland isn't retiring any time soon. He's not that old. Not saying Yzerman won't return, just don't look for it to happen next year or the year after. Let's be real on this one.
@Josh Howard oh i understand this and agree with you, but i cannot wait for the prodigal son to return.
