{"id":79385,"date":"2020-07-03T09:30:21","date_gmt":"2020-07-03T13:30:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/?p=79385"},"modified":"2025-12-01T20:21:50","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T01:21:50","slug":"today-in-hockey-history-red-wings-steve-yzerman-retires","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2020\/07\/03\/today-in-hockey-history-red-wings-steve-yzerman-retires\/","title":{"rendered":"Today in Hockey History: Detroit Red Wings Steve Yzerman Retires"},"content":{"rendered":"

During the NHL\u2019s hiatus, we at Last Word on Hockey are going to look back at each date\u2019s historical significance to the game. We\u2019ll remember the moments that shaped the sport of hockey that happened on this day. Here\u2019s our look at this date in hockey history for July 3rd, featuring Steve Yzerman<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Today in Hockey History<\/h2>\n

Steve Yzerman Retires<\/h3>\n

2006: The Detroit Red Wings<\/a> great calls it a career after 22 seasons in the NHL. Yzerman played his whole career with the club and retires with 1,755 points (692 goals, 1,063 assists). He scored a lot earlier in his career, but became better on the defensive end later on.<\/p>\n

Yzerman helps the Wings end their 42-year drought with a Stanley Cup in 1997. He’s also a part of two other champions in 1998 and 2002. The Cranbrook, British Columbia native helps build a perennial contender in the Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a> as their general manager. He comes home to become general manager of the Red Wings in 2019.<\/p>\n

Other Notable Events<\/h3>\n

1972:<\/strong> Boston Bruins<\/a> defenceman Ted Green<\/a><\/strong> signs with the New England Whalers<\/a> of the WHA. He becomes the team’s first captain.<\/p>\n

1991: Stan Smyl<\/a><\/strong> of the Vancouver Canucks<\/a> announces his retirement. He was the team’s all-time leader in games (896), goals (262), assists (411) and total points (673). Smyl becomes an assistant coach with the club.<\/p>\n

1997:<\/strong> Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> general manager Bob Pulford<\/a><\/strong> announces his retirement after 20 years. Bob Murray<\/a><\/strong> takes over for Pulford in the role.<\/p>\n

1998:<\/strong> The Dallas Stars<\/a> sign free agent forward Brett Hull<\/a><\/strong>. He may not light up the scoreboard like he used to, but he scored 32 in his first season in Texas. Hull adds eight more in the playoffs, including the Cup-clinching goal.<\/p>\n

Chicago adds free agents Doug Gilmour<\/a><\/strong> and Mark Janssens<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

2001:<\/strong> The Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a> sign free agent forward Alexander Mogilny<\/a><\/strong> and goalie Mikael Tellqvist<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

2003:<\/strong> The Colorado Avalanche<\/a> land a pair of Hall of Famers in Teemu Selanne<\/a><\/strong> and Paul Kariya<\/a><\/strong>. Both sign one-year deals and helps the Avalanche win the Northwest Division title. However, Colorado is eliminated in the second round and both don’t return after the lockout.<\/p>\n

Detroit announces the signing of free agent defenceman and Dallas captain Derian Hatcher<\/a>.<\/strong> The Stars name Mike Modano<\/a><\/strong> as the new team captain.<\/p>\n

2006:<\/strong> The Anaheim Ducks<\/a> pick up Chris Pronger<\/a><\/strong> in a deal with the Edmonton Oilers<\/a>. Edmonton gets Joffrey Lupul<\/a><\/strong> and Ladislav Smid<\/a><\/strong> in return. Pronger is a key part of the Ducks winning the 2007 Stanley Cup.<\/p>\n

Happy Birthday to You<\/h3>\n

1903: Ace Bailey<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

1912: Cully Dahlstrom<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

1953: Dave Lewis<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

1960: Hakan Loob<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

1966: Jarmo Kekalainen<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

1968: Teppo Numminen<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

1970: Teemu Selanne<\/strong><\/p>\n

1973: Adrian Aucoin<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

1976: Wade Belak<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

1990: Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson; Monique Lamoureux-Kolls; Anders Lee<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n