The Detroit Red Wings honored Sergei Fedorov by retiring his No. 91 jersey during a pre-game ceremony before Monday’s game. The recognition was long-overdue for Federov, who established himself as one of the greatest players in franchise history.
Fedorov’s No. 91 became only the ninth jersey to be retired by the Original Six franchise. Detroit previously bestowed that honor on Nicklas Lidstrom, Steve Yzerman, Red Kelly, Ted Lindsay, Gordie Howe, Terry Sawchuk, Alex Delvecchio, and Sid Abel.
Fedorov made a memorable entrance by arriving on the ice in a Corvette. The moment carried special meaning, as the vehicle was the one he chose after defecting from Russia and joining the Red Wings.
The night also featured more symbolic significance with the Carolina Hurricanes as the visiting team. Fedorov captured his third and final Stanley Cup in 2002, when Detroit defeated Carolina in five games.
The Red Wings selected Fedorov 74th overall in the 1989 NHL Draft. He spent 13 seasons in Detroit and earned numerous individual and team honors. His accolades include the Hart Trophy and three Stanley Cup wins.
Fedorov played a key role in the Red Wings’ success. He was a versatile player that could play center and step in on defense when needed.
Fedorov retired from professional hockey in 2012. However, he returned briefly in 2014, appearing in two games for CSKA Moscow at the Spengler Cup. In 2015, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
The Red Wings ended the night with a 4-3 overtime win, closing a celebration that honored a franchise legend.
Former Red Wings General Manager Reacts to Sergei Fedorov’s Jersey Retirement
The Red Wings produced a tribute video honoring Sergei Fedorov’s jersey retirement. Detroit’s video featured several former teammates, former head coach Scotty Bowman, and former general manager Ken Holland.
Holland worked in Detroit throughout Fedorov’s tenure, first as a scout and later as general manager. He expressed his excitement for Fedorov and praised the six-time NHL All-Star’s incredible talent and lasting impact on the fanbase.
“I’m thrilled for [Fedorov]. He was so fun to watch,” Holland said during the Red Wings’ tribute video. “He was such a beautiful skater, he played a 200-foot game. Sergei’s one of the greatest Red Wings in history. And there was a real connection between him and this fanbase.”
Fedorov Pens Heartfelt Letter to Red Wings Organization and Fans
Before the ceremony, Fedorov wrote a letter to the Red Wings organization and its devoted fanbase.
Fedorov reflected fondly on his early days with the team and said Red Wings fans immediately made him feel welcome. He expressed his gratitude for the prestigious honor and for the city’s unwavering support.
Fedorov noted that their collective effort paid off when the team hoisted the Stanley Cup in 1997.
“That journey we went through, we couldn’t have done it without the fans coming to our games, good or bad, win or lose,” Fedorov wrote. “It’s always more exciting to play in front of 20, 000 fans every night at Joe Louis Arena.”
He added:
“I think for me, coming from the Soviet Union, it was a privilege, and that privilege gave me excitement that drove me through the process.”
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