125 replies to this topic

[Nev]

Smply the best screener to play- re-invented that position.

 

I love me some Homer as much as the next man, but I think Phil Esposito might disagree with your statement

 

 

And thus rides into retirement the last active member of the '97, '98, '02 and '08 teams. An era has ended.

 

Its a spooky, eery feeling.  Who knows when we'll see another Stanley Cup?

[Euro_Twins]

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?

 

probably in 2012/2013

[kook_10]

If you only had a nickname spelling controversy, you would still be a legend here on LGW, Tomas.  But you were oh so much more than that.  I thank you for the memories and wish you farewell.

[FireCaptain]

Oh, heavens..."The Murph and Homer Show". That would be so full of epic awesomeness that the league would have to pass a "pre-game parity" clause to keep other teams from being jealous.

The first time through I read this is as "pre-game PARTY" - very appropriate since it always seems like Murph is drunk.

[Hockeymom1960]

It's very scary to think that there is really no one that will play like him on this team.  It's also very very sad.  It will be interesting season w/o Homer and Lids and even into next season.  I'm worried.

 

Good luck Homer!  I'll miss you so much!

[Konnan511]

For a guy who can't skate and slowly unlearned English during his hockey with Detroit, he had one hell of a career.

[NeverForgetMac25]

It's amazing to think of the career he's had given the fact that had he not created his own style of play, he would've been out of the league well over a decade ago. Good on him for creating that style which is now a necessity on all NHL teams.

[Detroit # 1 Fan]

Gonna miss Homer, but it is time. Hopefully Dan O'Halloran will finally leave us alone now when it comes to goalie "interference".

[GoWings1905]

What a career. Just brilliant hand-eye coordination and played his role in front of the crease better than anyone. I can't believe his body held up well enough as long as it did to continue playing. Truly a warrior and a major piece to the Red Wings having four championships.

 

Thanks for the memories, Homer. Damn, I hate losing all of these guys that we have lately.

[wingsgirl001]

Wings games won't be the same without Homer's ass in the opposing team's net anymore

 

Thanks for everything, Tomas, you will be missed.

Edited by wingsgirl001, 07 January 2013 - 08:05 PM.

[The Axe]

Most cross checks in the back = espo. 2nd = homer.

[frankgrimes]

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.

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros]

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.

[esteef]

One of my all time favorite players!

 

esteef

[syntax]

Best screener in the league.  Best of luck, Homer.

[Hatethedrake!]

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.

[LeftWinger]

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 by LeftWinger, 08 January 2013 - 03:12 PM.

[Holmstrom96]

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?

[LeftWinger]

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...

[Kira]

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.