Don Drysdale
Note: This letter was originally published on April 10th, 2017 but still remains open.
Dear Steve Yzerman (Captain),
On Sunday, you came back to Detroit to say one final goodbye to the place you called home for your entire playing career in the NHL, the Joe Louis Arena. Now, on behalf of Detroit Red Wings fans across the nation, I am asking you to come back home for good.
As you are aware, our Red Wings are in a state of emergency. For 25 consecutive seasons, we have watched our team compete in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. That historic streak is officially over. But to be honest, Mr. Yzerman, it’s not about just making the playoffs, it’s about competing for and WINNING Stanley Cups.
It’s time for you to come back home to Detroit to restore greatness in Hockeytown.
Last night, as you were wrapping up your Farewell to the Joe speech, Red Wings fans (your fans) in attendance chanted, “Come Home Stevie” over and over again. In case you forgot, check it out.
They are chanting Come Home Stevie #Farewell2TheJoe #steveyzerman @DetroitRedWings pic.twitter.com/AYtOELHWA1
— The Detroit News (@detroitnews) April 10, 2017
After you were drafted by Detroit in 1983, it was obvious that it was just a matter of time before you would lead the Red Wings to the promised land. You made that happen in 1997 by bringing a Stanely Cup home and then outdid yourself by bringing us two more Cups before you decided to hang up your skates.
When you became GM in Tampa Bay, it felt like a piece of us was taken away, almost like the feeling of losing a family member. Not surprisingly, you were named GM of the year in 2015 with the Lightning and we were happy for you. But we could not help to think, “What if?”
Mr. Yzerman, it’s time to answer that question. It is time for you to return to your old stomping grounds and to lead this great Detroit franchise back to the top of the mountain.
It’s time to come home.
Sincerely,
Detroit Red Wings fans
9 Comments