I still have this button some 41 years later
Alex Delvechio's #10 is retired
On June 14 1970, Thunder Bay was invaded by Detroit Red Wings,and the NHL. They were here to honor Fort William native, the Captain of the Red Wings, Alex Delvechio. "Mr Hockey" Gordie Howe,Sid Abel,Gary Bergman,Ned Harkness,Lefty Wilson,Doug Barkley were some of those attending the big day. Several NHL teams sent reps or sent telegrams, as did the Premier of Ontario and the Prime Minister. A parade took place Sunday afternoon,you were able to go right up to the cars as they slowly passed by along the route. As a kid turning 11,it was an incredible thrill to walk up and shake hands with Mr Hockey! I got his autograph for my neighbor who loved the Red Wings. Gordie had his hand in a cast but still signed and shook my hand. Really awesome!
Delvechio played his first NHL game with Detroit in 1950-51, his only that season. He became a regular in the 1951-52 season through the 1973-74 season playing only 11 games that season. Alex played on the famed "Production Line" with Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay,taking over from Sid Abel. Delvechio was the Red Wings Captain for 12 years,the second longest,he played in 13 NHL All-Star games,1489 (Regular Season) games playing his entire career in Detroit. Scoring 404 goals,747 assists for 1151 career points. He was a three time Stanley Cup winner in 1952,54 & 55, three time winner of the Lady Byng award,and inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1977. After retiring from playing,he twice served as coach of the wings,then GM before leaving hockey in 1977.
