The Detroit Red Wings are slated to pay tribute to one of their most iconic figures this season, the late Alex Delvecchio, by donning a No. 10 patch on their jerseys. Delvecchio, who passed away at the age of 93 this past July, will be commemorated on both home and away sweaters, as well as on helmets during Centennial jersey nights, which will include the season’s kickoff tomorrow against Montreal, as reported by WXYZ.
The revered center skated his entire 24-season NHL career with the Red Wings franchise, from 1950-51 till 1973-74, notching up points that land him at the third spot on the club’s all-time ranking in games played, goals and points, as stated by MLive. His impeccable sportsmanship and playing acumen earned him the Lady Byng Trophy thrice. Delvecchio's No. 10 jersey was hoisted to the rafters in 1991, post his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1977.
Aside from Delvecchio’s impressive on-ice contributions, he also had stints as a head coach and general manager for the Red Wings. In remembrance, today's players will showcase the No. 10 patch prominently on the right shoulder of their jerseys to mark the lasting legacy of the player who was once part of the famous Production Line with Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay, and captained the team for a dozen years.
Delvecchio’s place in hockey's pantheon is well secured; having been named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in 2017. "Few athletes in any sport ever have been as synonymous with one franchise as Alex Delvecchio was with the Detroit Red Wings," said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, a sentiment echoed in NHL's announcement. The homage to Delvecchio starts with the Red Wings' inaugural game of the season at Little Caesars Arena, setting a nostalgic undertone for what’s to come.
