Stephen Gregory (Steve) Yzerman

Stephen Gregory (Steve) Yzerman

Detroit Red Wings Player (1983 - 2006)

Steve Yzerman was born in Cranbrook, British Columbia but grew up in Nepean, Ontario starting his hockey career with his hometown Nepean Raiders Junior A Hockey team before moving on to the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League. He was drafted fourth overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1983 NHL draft and beginning one of the greatest hockey careers in Detroit Red Wing and NHL history. Yzerman’s career spanned 23 seasons, he was named Captain in 1986 and would hold that title for the next 19 seasons, the longest tenure in NHL history. Through his leadership and skilled play, the Red Wings went on to win three Stanley Cup Championships during Yzerman’s playing career, with an additional Stanley Cup as an administrator. His 23-year professional hockey career included many individual and team awards, including ten All-Star games, Conn Smythe Trophy, Selke Trophy among others. At the time of his retirement, Yzerman was ninth in goals (692), seventh in assists (1,063) and sixth in points (1,755).  In 2007, the Red Wings retired Yzerman's number 19 jersey.  Steve Yzerman was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009, and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.