Uncle Danny 155 Report post Posted April 25, 2008 His number (6) was retired in 1975, but was subsequently un-retired in 2000. Why was this decision made? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eva unit zero 271 Report post Posted April 25, 2008 Aurie's number was retired when he retired, and was unretired so that his nephew, Cummy Burton, could wear it. No other player has ever worn the number. Right now it shares a role with Vladimir Konstantinov and Jiri Fischer; players whose numbers are not hanging from the rafters, but are ALSO not available for player use. It was removed from 'official' retirement by the Ilitches because Aurie is not a member of the HHOF. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Uncle Danny 155 Report post Posted April 25, 2008 It was removed from 'official' retirement by the Ilitches because Aurie is not a member of the HHOF. Neither is Yzerman. I kid, I kid!!!!! Thanks for the explanation Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redwinger4747 6 Report post Posted April 25, 2008 Aurie's number was retired after he retired way back in the 1930's. At that time, there was a different standard for retiring numbers because the Wings hadn't yet had the true greats like Stevie and Gordie. Illitch refuses to officially retire it now, because Aurie is simply nowhere close to the same level as Howe, Yzerman, Lindsay, and the rest. He keeps it out of circulation to respect Aurie's family, but he understands that when you compare Aurie's accomplishments to Howe's, Yzerman's, Sawchuck's, and the rest, Aurie's number should not have been retired in the first place, especially considering that he's not even in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Thats all there is to it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redwinger4747 6 Report post Posted April 25, 2008 Aurie's number was retired when he retired, and was unretired so that his nephew, Cummy Burton, could wear it. No other player has ever worn the number. Right now it shares a role with Vladimir Konstantinov and Jiri Fischer; players whose numbers are not hanging from the rafters, but are ALSO not available for player use. It was removed from 'official' retirement by the Ilitches because Aurie is not a member of the HHOF. Fischer's number is available to anyone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cicada 4 Report post Posted April 25, 2008 Fischer's number is available to anyone. u sure? no one's worn #2 since Fischer Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Uncle Danny 155 Report post Posted April 25, 2008 u sure? no one's worn #2 since Fischer I think he may be right... Fischer still has a locker, and no one has worn the number since. This may not be an official proclamation, but I think, unofficially, #2 is off limits. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lfd250 1 Report post Posted April 25, 2008 Fisher doesn't have a locker anymore. Sawchuk is the only empty locker, and that is what howard uses when called up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Turkey 0 Report post Posted April 25, 2008 Doesn't Konstantinov still have a locker? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wings_Dynasty 267 Report post Posted April 25, 2008 I think he may be right... Fischer still has a locker, and no one has worn the number since. This may not be an official proclamation, but I think, unofficially, #2 is off limits. Ummm... I thought Fischer switched to 8 when Hatcher came here and stayed 8 when he left??? Am I wrong? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
betterREDthandead 58 Report post Posted April 25, 2008 Ummm... I thought Fischer switched to 8 when Hatcher came here and stayed 8 when he left??? Am I wrong? No, you're right except for the "stayed 8" part....he took #2 back, I believe. Otherwise #8 wouldn't have been available for Ellis. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pavyaz19 1 Report post Posted April 25, 2008 Aurie's number was retired when he retired, and was unretired so that his nephew, Cummy Burton, could wear it. I thought Cummy Burton was a porn star. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickey Redmond 15 Report post Posted April 25, 2008 I thought Cummy Burton was a porn star. lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pavyaz19 1 Report post Posted April 25, 2008 either way, with a name like that, he must have been really good at pulling his goalie. ok, im done. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Uncle Danny 155 Report post Posted April 25, 2008 either way, with a name like that, he must have been really good at pulling his goalie. ok, im done. What, no hip check, backcheck, shooting from the slot or faceoff jokes? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cicada 4 Report post Posted April 25, 2008 No, you're right except for the "stayed 8" part....he took #2 back, I believe. Otherwise #8 wouldn't have been available for Ellis. Fischer started off as #2, switched to #8 and then went back to #2 when Hatcher was bought out... he was wearing #2 when he had the seizure / heart attack Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
