Guest The Axe Report post Posted January 8, 2013 Most cross checks in the back = espo. 2nd = homer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
frankgrimes 1,836 Report post Posted January 8, 2013 I love me some Homer as much as the next man, but I think Phil Esposito might disagree with your statement Its a spooky, eery feeling. Who knows when we'll see another Stanley Cup? Might take some time and as some GMs are calling it rebuild/tool thanks to the stupid salary cap. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bring Back The Bruise Bros 1,029 Report post Posted January 8, 2013 Wow. Caps off a horrible day for me. The end of a great era has come. Homer was an absolute warrior for us. Did whatever it took to win. Took the most abuse I've ever seen a hockey player take, and he always came back for more. An integral part of our team for the last ~15 years, Homer will be dearly missed. One of my favorite Detroit Red Wings ever. Enjoy retirement, champ. 2 Hockeymom1960 and Nev reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
esteef 2,679 Report post Posted January 8, 2013 One of my all time favorite players! esteef 1 Hockeymom1960 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
syntax 359 Report post Posted January 8, 2013 Best screener in the league. Best of luck, Homer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Hatethedrake! Report post Posted January 8, 2013 I echo many of the sentiments already mentioned here. Homer was one of my favourites because of the sheer heart and determination the guy brought to the rink each night. He literally gave it his all and we all knew and appreciated that. For a guy who could barely skate, he sure made a nice career for himself. He was so great at screening the goalie. Many goals were scored because of him blocking the goalie's view and paying a price for it. Yet in most of these goals, his name did not show up on the scoresheet. Holmstrom represented that so called intangible that you just cannot measure in a player with a statistic. I recall how he made his mark during the 98 playoffs and found himself playing on Stevie's line. He was a winner pure and simple. His teammates loved him and so did us Wings fans. He will never be forgotten and can be very proud of his successful career. I will miss his swenglish interviews but most of all I will miss the guy's heart. Homer, you were a joy to watch and I thank you for paying the price, bleeding and taking all those whacks and playing an integral part in the Red Wings winning 4 Stanley Cups. One of my lasting memories during this period is a Lidstrom bomb from the point with Homer screening the goalie and the Wings scoring a big goal. It seemed to happen so many times. As much as I miss #5, I will miss #96 just as much. He is a perfect example of how heart can succeed. Enjoy your retirement Homer. You deserve it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LeftWinger 4,949 Report post Posted January 8, 2013 (edited) For a guy who can't skate and slowly unlearned English during his hockey with Detroit, he had one hell of a career. Yep, over 1000 games in a Detroit uni...has anyone mentioned jersey retirement yet? Gonna miss Homer, but it is time. Hopefully Dan O'Halloran will finally leave us alone now when it comes to goalie "interference". Danny boy is gonna MC his retirement party! It only makes sense! Edited January 8, 2013 by LeftWinger Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Holmstrom96 347 Report post Posted January 8, 2013 Homer was my favorite, but this retirement is the right time. He's had a great career. Thanks Homer! I'm a HUGE homer fun, but HELL NO to jersey retirement. He just simply wasn't that good. Just because a player is beloved, doesn't mean we retire his number. Save that for the Yzerman's, Lidstrom's, and Howe's. The players that were legendary. Hero's will be remembered, but legends get number retirement (or they never die, but...) Yep, over 1000 games in a Detroit uni...has anyone mentioned jersey retirement yet? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LeftWinger 4,949 Report post Posted January 8, 2013 Homer was my favorite, but this retirement is the right time. He's had a great career.Thanks Homer! I'm a HUGE homer fun, but HELL NO to jersey retirement. He just simply wasn't that good. Just because a player is beloved, doesn't mean we retire his number. Save that for the Yzerman's, Lidstrom's, and Howe's. The players that were legendary. Hero's will be remembered, but legends get number retirement (or they never die, but...) Well lets look at a few things: #6 on the team in games played with 1026 #3 on the team in Powerplay goals with 122 #5 on the team in GWG with 39 Less than 100 points away from being in the top 10 in all time points for the Wings. There is no questioning his importance to this team over his career. It's not like anyone is ever gonna wear #96 again, but I think the argument holds some water...but then again, I believe Osgood's #30 should go up there too...and a strong argument for Fedorov. But that is it. I am not looking to throw all #'s from the dynasty up there... 1 Hockeymom1960 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kira 451 Report post Posted January 8, 2013 I will miss him. In the times that I ran into him at training camp, I never felt anything but comfortable being around him. You never felt like you were in the presence of a "celebrity" - more like a good friend and drinking compainon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ogreslayer 1,069 Report post Posted January 8, 2013 (edited) Well lets look at a few things:#6 on the team in games played with 1026 #3 on the team in Powerplay goals with 122 #5 on the team in GWG with 39 Less than 100 points away from being in the top 10 in all time points for the Wings. There is no questioning his importance to this team over his career. It's not like anyone is ever gonna wear #96 again, but I think the argument holds some water...but then again, I believe Osgood's #30 should go up there too...and a strong argument for Fedorov. But that is it. I am not looking to throw all #'s from the dynasty up there... I think it's pretty much a lock though that no inclusion in the HHoF means no number in the rafters where the Wings are concerned & Homer isn't getting into the HHoF. Edit: Well, not necessarily true. He can buy a ticket... Edited January 8, 2013 by ogreslayer Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown0001 7,652 Report post Posted January 9, 2013 ^^^ What he said. Homer was one of the best at what he did, but he isn't Hall worthy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest The Axe Report post Posted January 9, 2013 Holmstrom jersey retirement? Please. Thats a joke. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown0001 7,652 Report post Posted January 9, 2013 Holmstrom jersey retirement? Please. Thats a joke. I wouldn't say that. I would however, be surprised to see someone wear #96 any time soon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest The Axe Report post Posted January 9, 2013 <blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="Hockeytown0001" data-cid="2338731" data-time="1357713043"><p> <br /> I wouldn't say that. I would however, be surprised to see someone wear #96 any time soon. </p></blockquote> There you go. #96 wont be worn for a while. But retiring it is ridiculous. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown0001 7,652 Report post Posted January 9, 2013 It will probably be a Konstantinov-like situation - the number not being "officially" retired, and yet its an unwritten rule that nobody wears it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest The Axe Report post Posted January 9, 2013 <blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="Hockeytown0001" data-cid="2338740" data-time="1357714713"><p> It will probably be a Konstantinov-like situation - the number not being "officially" retired, and yet its an unwritten rule that nobody wears it. </p></blockquote> Maybe for a few years. Until someone who was born in '96 wants it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown0001 7,652 Report post Posted January 9, 2013 Thankfully, that won't be for a few years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shawzzy21 0 Report post Posted January 9, 2013 Thanks for the memories Holmer Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nev 1,085 Report post Posted January 9, 2013 Thankfully, that won't be for a few years. Hard as it is to comprehend, 1996 was 17 years ago!!! It only feels like yesterday.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Holmstrom96 347 Report post Posted January 9, 2013 <blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="Hockeytown0001" data-cid="2338731" data-time="1357713043"><p> <br /> I wouldn't say that. I would however, be surprised to see someone wear #96 any time soon. </p></blockquote> There you go. #96 wont be worn for a while. But retiring it is ridiculous. I agree. No one will wear it for a while, but it's not like it will be off-limits. Number retirement would be ridiculous. We love Homer, but he's just not that good at the things that get your number in the rafters. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rivalred 630 Report post Posted January 9, 2013 Sad to see him go... He was stronger on the puck in the corners and behind the net/Infont of the net than many of late.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
haroldsnepsts 4,826 Report post Posted January 9, 2013 Sad to see him go... He was stronger on the puck in the corners and behind the net/Infont of the net than many of late.... Agreed. It's time, but he will be missed. Homer gets most of the attention for what he does in front of the net, but the dirty work he did in the corners digging out the puck was just as important. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rivalred 630 Report post Posted January 9, 2013 <blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="haroldsnepsts" data-cid="2338862" data-time="1357757151"><p> <br /> Agreed. It's time, but he will be missed. Homer gets most of the attention for what he does in front of the net, but the dirty work he did in the corners digging out the puck was just as important. </p></blockquote> It will be interesting who will take over that role, insert Danny Boy... Closest thing... I would think if Nick stayed Homer would of... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown0001 7,652 Report post Posted January 10, 2013 One great last assist. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites