Exploring Detroit Red Wings History, Records, Achievements, Iconic Players, and Roster

Detroit Red Wings History:

Established in 1926, the Detroit Red Wings history as one of the NHL’s original six teams boasts a rich and storied legacy spanning nearly a century. Founded by James E. Norris, the Red Wings have cemented themselves as a cornerstone of Detroit’s sports culture, captivating fans with their unwavering competitive spirit and remarkable achievements both on and off the ice.

James E. Norris, Founder of the Detroit Red Wings:

James E. Norris, the founder of the Detroit Red Wings, was a respected leader in Detroit’s business community. He played a crucial role in bringing NHL hockey to the city. His vision and leadership were key in making the Red Wings a strong and respected team in professional hockey, leaving a lasting impact on both the team’s legacy and Detroit’s sports culture.

James E. Norris, Founder of the Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings History

Detroit Red Wings First NHL Game:

The Detroit Red Wings’ first NHL game occurred on October 11, 1926, at Windsor Arena against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This historic debut marked the beginning of the Red Wings’ illustrious journey in professional hockey. Since then, the Red Wings have become synonymous with excellence and have competed at the highest level of the NHL for decades. This inaugural game set the stage for their storied history and ignited a passion among fans that continues to define Detroit’s sports culture today.

Detroit Red Wings First Captain:

Reg Noble:

Reg Noble, born on June 23, 1896, in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada, served as the inaugural captain of the Detroit Red Wings. He debuted in the NHL with the Toronto Arenas during the 1917-1918 season and went on to play 536 games in his career, scoring 181 goals and adding 118 assists. Noble’s leadership and scoring ability were crucial during the Red Wings’ early years, establishing a foundation of excellence within the team. His contributions left a lasting legacy in Detroit Red Wings history, shaping their competitive spirit and identity in professional hockey.

Reg Noble Detroit Red Wings First Captain

Detroit Red Wings First Match Roster:

In the early NHL games, the Detroit Red Wings were guided by captain Reg Noble. Carson Cooper and John Sorrell were prominent forwards, with Hap Holmes in goal. Defenders Buck Boucher, Harold “Mush” March, and Ebbie Goodfellow anchored the defense. Herbie Lewis, Ebbie Goodfellow, and Frank Frederickson were key contributors up front, supported by Larry Aurie and Duke Keats, who played integral roles in the Red Wings’ early hockey campaigns.

Iconic Players of the Detroit Red Wings:

Discover the iconic players who have left an indelible mark on Detroit Red Wings history, including Gordie Howe, Steve Yzerman, and Nicklas Lidstrom. Learn about their extraordinary achievements and enduring contributions that have solidified the Red Wings’ legacy as a powerhouse in NHL history.

Gordie Howe:

Born on March 31, 1928, in Floral, Saskatchewan, Canada, Gordie Howe is celebrated as one of hockey’s greatest players. Howe’s illustrious career spanned five decades, primarily with the Detroit Red Wings, where he revolutionized the winger position with his scoring ability and physical prowess. He scored a remarkable total of 801 goals during his NHL career. Howe’s tenure with the Red Wings included capturing four Stanley Cups (1950, 1952, 1954, 1955) and earning six Hart Trophies as the NHL’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Gordie Howe
Steve Yzerman

Steve Yzerman:

Born on May 9, 1965, in Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada, Steve Yzerman enjoyed a stellar 22-season NHL career exclusively with the Detroit Red Wings, where he remains one of the franchise’s most beloved captains. Yzerman played an impressive 1,514 regular-season games and scored 692 goals throughout his NHL tenure. His leadership and scoring prowess were instrumental in guiding the Red Wings to three Stanley Cup victories (1997, 1998, 2002), both as a player and later as the team’s esteemed general manager.

Nicklas Lidstrom:

Nicklas Lidstrom, born on April 28, 1970, in Krylbo, Sweden, was a pivotal defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings, celebrated for his exceptional intelligence, calm demeanor, and defensive mastery. Lidstrom played an impressive 1,564 regular-season games and scored 264 goals during his illustrious 20-season career with the Red Wings. He secured four Stanley Cups (1997, 1998, 2002, 2008) and earned seven Norris Trophies as the NHL’s premier defenseman. Lidstrom’s outstanding career culminated in his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015.

Nicklas Lidstrom

Detroit Red Wings Achievements:

The Detroit Red Wings have achieved remarkable success with 11 Stanley Cup victories, numerous Conference Championships (Clarence S. Campbell Bowl), and multiple Presidents’ Trophies, demonstrating their consistent dominance in Division Championships. Their roster boasts several NHL Hall of Famers, emphasizing the enduring impact and legacy of the Red Wings in professional hockey history.

Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup Championships: History and Key Players

The Detroit Red Wings, a prominent NHL franchise, have secured the Stanley Cup 11 times. Explore their legacy through key championship victories and the contributions of iconic players like Gordie Howe and Steve Yzerman, underscoring their enduring impact in professional hockey history.

1935–36 Stanley Cup Final: Detroit Red Wings vs Toronto Maple Leafs

Winner: Detroit Red Wings
Venue: Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto Outcome: Red Wings won 3-1
Key Player of the Season: Larry Aurie (forward)
Finals MVP: Marty Barry (forward)

1935–36 Stanley Cup Final Detroit Red Wings
1942–43 Stanley Cup Final: Detroit Red Wings

1942–43 Stanley Cup Final: Detroit Red Wings vs Boston Bruins

Winner: Detroit Red Wings
Venue: Boston Garden, Boston
Final Result: Red Wings won 4-0
Key Player of the Season: Sid Abel (center)
Finals MVP: Johnny Mowers (goaltender)

1949–50 Stanley Cup Final: Detroit Red Wings vs New York Rangers

Winner: Detroit Red Wings
Venue: Olympia Stadium, Detroit
Final Outcome: Red Wings won 4-3
Key Player of the Season: Gordie Howe (forward)
Finals MVP: Ted Lindsay (forward)

1949–50 Stanley Cup Final: Detroit Red Wing
1951–52 Stanley Cup Final: Detroit Red Wings

1951–52 Stanley Cup Final: Detroit Red Wings vs Montreal Canadiens

Winner: Detroit Red Wings
Venue: Olympia Stadium, Detroit
Final Result: Red Wings won 4-0
Key Player of the Season: Gordie Howe (forward)
Finals MVP: Terry Sawchuk (goaltender)

1953–54 Stanley Cup Final: Detroit Red Wings vs Montreal Canadiens

Winner: Detroit Red Wings
Venue: Olympia Stadium, Detroit
Final Outcome: Red Wings won 4-3
Key Player of the Season: Gordie Howe (forward)
Finals MVP: Alex Delvecchio (forward)

1953–54 Stanley Cup Final: Detroit Red Wings
1996–97 Stanley Cup Final: Detroit Red Wings

1996–97 Stanley Cup Final: Detroit Red Wings vs Philadelphia Flyers

Winner: Detroit Red Wings
Venue: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit
Final Outcome: Red Wings won 4-0
Key Player of the Season: Steve Yzerman (center)
Finals MVP: Mike Vernon (goaltender)

2001–02 Stanley Cup Final: Detroit Red Wings vs Carolina Hurricanes

Winner: Detroit Red Wings
Venue: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit
Final Outcome: Red Wings won 4-1
Key Player of the Season: Brendan Shanahan (forward)
Finals MVP: Nicklas Lidstrom (defenseman)

2001–02 Stanley Cup Final: Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings Hall of Famers

Discover the Detroit Red Wings players enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame, symbolizing their legacy and impact on the NHL:

  • Ted Lindsay – Inducted in 1966
  • Sid Abel – Inducted in 1969
  • Red Kelly – Inducted in 1969
  • Gordie Howe – Inducted in 1972
  • Alex Delvecchio – Inducted in 1977
  • Marcel Pronovost – Inducted in 1978
  • Norm Ullman – Inducted in 1982
  • Paul Coffey – Inducted in 2004
  • Brett Hull – Inducted in 2009
  • Luc Robitaille – Inducted in 2009
  • Chris Chelios – Inducted in 2013
  • Brendan Shanahan – Inducted in 2013
  • Dominik Hasek – Inducted in 2014
  • Sergei Fedorov – Inducted in 2015
  • Nicklas Lidstrom – Inducted in 2015
  • Gordie Howe (second induction) – Inducted in 2011 (as a builder)

Explore NHLICAST for an in-depth exploration of the Detroit Red Wings’ rich history, spanning from their inception to championship triumphs, the enduring contributions of legendary players, and insights into the current Detroit Red Wings roster.

Detroit Red Wings 2023-24 Roster

Forwards

J.T. Compher

#37
Born: 4/8/1995
Birthplace: Northbrook, Illinois, USA
Height: 6.0″
Weight: 190 ib
Shoots: R

Andrew Copp

#18
Born: 7/8/1994
Birthplace: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Height: 6.1″
Weight: 203 ib
Shoots: L

Alex DeBrincat

#93
Born: 12/18/1997
Birthplace: Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA
Height: 5.8″
Weight: 180 ib
Shoots: R

Robby Fabbri

#14
Born: 1/22/1996
Birthplace: Mississauga, Ontario, CAN
Height: 6.1″
Weight: 185 ib
Shoots: L

Christian Fischer

#36
Born: 4/15/1997
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Height: 6.2″
Weight: 212 ib
Shoots: R

Patrick Kane

#88
Born: 11/19/1988
Birthplace: Buffalo, New York, USA
Height: 5.10″
Weight: 177 ib
Shoots: L

Klim Kostin

#24
Born: 5/5/1999
Birthplace: Penza, RUS
Height: 6.4″
Weight: 232 ib
Shoots: L

Dylan Larkin

#71
Born: 7/30/1996
Birthplace:Waterford, Michigan, USA
Height: 6.1″
Weight: 199 ib
Shoots: L

David Perron

#57
Born: 5/28/1988
Birthplace: Sherbrooke, Quebec, CAN
Height: 6.0″
Weight: 195 ib
Shoots: R

Michael Rasmussen

#27
Born: 4/17/1999
Birthplace: Surrey, British Columbia, CAN
Height: 6.6″
Weight: 220 ib
Shoots: L

Lucas Raymond

#23
Born: 3/28/2002
Birthplace: Gothenburg, SWE
Height: 5.11″
Weight: 188 ib
Shoots: R

Daniel Sprong

#17
Born: 3/17/1997
Birthplace: Amsterdam, NLD
Height: 6.0″
Weight: 195 ib
Shoots: R

Joe Veleno

#90
Born: 1/13/2000
Birthplace: Montréal, Quebec, CAN
Height: 6.1″
Weight: 210 ib
Shoots: L

Defensemen

Ben Chiarot

#8
Born: 5/9/1991
Birthplace: Hamilton, Ontario, CAN
Height: 6.3″
Weight: 224 ib
Shoots: L

Shayne Gostisbehere

#41
Born: 4/20/1993
Birthplace: Pembroke Pines, Florida, USA
Height: 5.11″
Weight: 183 ib
Shoots: L

Justin Holl

#3
Born: 1/30/1992
Birthplace: Tonka Bay, Minnesota, USA
Height: 6.4″
Weight: 194 ib
Shoots: R

Olli Maatta

#2
Born: 8/22/1994
Birthplace: Jyväskylä, FIN
Height: 6.2″
Weight: 207 ib
Shoots: L

Jeff Petry

#46
Born: 12/9/1987
Birthplace: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Height: 6.3″
Weight: 208 ib
Shoots: R

Moritz Seider

#53
Born: 4/6/2001
Birthplace: Zell, DEU
Height: 6.3″
Weight: 205 ib
Shoots: R

Jake Walman

#96
Born: 2/20/1996
Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, CAN
Height: 6.1″
Weight: 218 ib
Shoots: L

Goalies

Ville Husso

#35
Born: 2/6/1995
Birthplace: Helsinki, FIN
Height: 6.3″
Weight: 205 ib
Catches: L

Alex Lyon

#34
Born: 12/9/1992
Birthplace: Baudette, Minnesota, USA
Height: 6.1″
Weight: 196 ib
Catches: L

James Reimer

#47
Born: 3/15/1988
Birthplace: Morweena, Manitoba, CAN
Height: 6.2″
Weight: 200 ib
Catches: L