“Steve Yzerman, Come Get the Stanley Cup!”

Dear Stevie Y:

I will so, so miss seeing you on the ice. I’m very sorry I missed most of your last season with the Wings. Thanks for the great hockey, the quiet and modest attitude, the tenacity on the ice, the 22 seasons you gave to Detroit hockey. Thanks for the three Stanley Cups you gave to Detroit. I will always remember Gary Bettman telling you to come and get your much deserved, much worked for Stanley Cup in 1997 after years of frustration and heartbreak. I will always remember your repeat in 1998, and your determination in 2002 through what must’ve been terrible pain (and big dosages of pain killers). I will also remember your gold medal at the 2002 Olympics–that picture of you and Shanny with the gold and Hull and Chelios with the silver is a classic. I don’t know how I’ll do it, but I will see your jersey retired in October. I’m also very glad to hear that you’ll be staying with the Wings in some capacity–after all, without you, it just wouldn’t be the same. It won’t be on the ice, but at least we all know you’ll be there, in the background.

If I’m lucky enough to see the Wings play the Caps next year (in Washington, D.C., please, NHL!), I’ll wear my Stevie jersey with pride.

I am so, so naming my son after you!

Love,

WordNerd

P.S. I know you’re all wondering how my weekend in New York City went (I think I forgot to mention that in my last post). Update to come tomorrow or Thursday. Or Friday. Or the weekend. But definitely before next Monday. For now, though, we must celebrate the awesomeness that is Steve Yzerman and his career with the Wings.