The road To Hockey Town

[Tane 17]

Didn't know it was out. Picked it up today Just starting out......so far it seems like a pretty good read.

any one else come across it?

[Tane 17]

Already about halfway done the book. I'm going to HIGHLY recommend this book to Any Red Wing Fan. A lot of inside/behind the scenes stories. I'll throw down a little exerpt from it.

Back Story

Mike Ilitch's House Party After the 1987 season (Making the Final 4 1 year after finishing last in 86)

Jimmy D's Original 4 year contract was up after 1986, so, After finishing dead last, Illitch gave him a 2 year extensionwith a minimal raise. Jimmy D was tahnkful to even have that.... So, At the Party, Ilitch Hands out Cheques to every player for $13,500, matching The League Bonus that the NHL gives out for making the final 4.

"NHL owners just didn't do things like that in thise days. This was in an era before escalating salaries, so a $13,500 cheque was a lot of money. So imagine how that went over with the players who got the cheques-and with the rest of the players in the NHL when they heard about it.

I got an envelope as well. And I deeply, deeply appreciated it. I thanked Mike, slipped the envelope into my suit pocket. I felt it woulnd't be appropriate to open it just then, and then I'd have a look at it when I got home.

Curiosity got the better of me. I headed off to the bathroom at some point and I ripped open the envelope, expecting a nice cheque to thank me for my efforts. It was a Cheque all right, but with a note written on it for me. It was a new 3 year contract promise from Mike and the amount on the cheque was left blank-he had left instructions for me to fill it in. In other words, my "bonus" for my part in taking the team to the final four was a new contract and I could name my Price.

Mike was really, really delighted and very proud at what we had accomplished.

I know everybody around here already has a Boner for Ilitch, But stories like these give teeth to the statement that he's the greatest owner in sports. Jimmy D's book is a great read so far, and it's pretty cool getting into the inner workings of the Red wings From 1982 on.

Edited December 20, 2009 by Tane

[Tane 17]

Another Story I didn't know.

Between 86-87 and 87-88, Pocklington was Shopping around Grant Fuhr, and asked the Wings if they wanted him. Ilitch said Yes. Pocklington said that he'd sell him for 5 Million Dollars, But His Gm Sather, might be tough to convince, and that he woulnd't stand by and lose Fuhr without getting any players in return....Sure enough, Jimmy D had the Negotiations, but he Said Sather Just wanted too much in return.

the only untouchable on that team was Yzerman. Jimmy D didn't name the names that were brought up, but I'm wondering if that was because the names were Graves, Murphy and Klima.....who he traded anyways for Jimmy Carson.

Edited December 20, 2009 by Tane