The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

Steve Yzerman is nothing but class.

A moment that will be remembered forever in hockey history, Steve Yzerman practically apologizes to the Anaheim Ducks for his jersey retirement ceremony and thanks them for their patience.

A fond memory of Steve Yzerman I have goes back 22 years to the late summer/early fall of 1984. The Canada Cup was taking place, and Canada was playing host to West Germany at the old Montreal forum and spanked them 7-2. I don't remember much of the game itself, but before it started, carrying only a piece of lined paper and a pen, I got the opportunity to get autographs from my NHL idols. "There's Stevie Yzerman!" said my pal Steve. It's a blur for the rest of it, but you just knew you were meeting someone truly special.

I can only imagine how much different the hockey world would be if the rumoured Yashin for Yzerman deal in the early 1990s happened and Stevie Y became a member of the Ottawa Senators. Probably it was just all rumour and nothing would have come of it, and although selfishly I would have loved this move, an Original Six franchise and the hockey world would have suffered.

There's not one hockey fan in the world who doesn't like Steve Yzerman. He played tough without being dirty, he played through pain to bring his team Stanley Cups, he racked up points and was still a superb penalty killer & shot blocker. He would pay the price, and the fans loved him for it.

We knew it was inevitable, but still, hearing that he was going to retire still left a sting. Seeing #19 get raised to the rafters tonight at Joe Louis arena is the ultimate honour the Red Wings could bestow. 22 pro seasons, all with the same club. Come to think of it, that was the least Detroit could do for Stevie Y.

He is truly the man.