By AJ Petronzi
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If the NHL kept stats for most cross-checks received, most slashes received from a goalie or most goals "awarded" the next morning, Tomas Holmstrom would likely be the holder of all three. And with Wayne Gretzky style leads, to boot.
The NHL rumor wagon is that Holmstrom will announce his retirement on Saturday or Sunday, depending on when the CBA is ratified.
Holmstrom finishes his career a legend in Detroit Red Wings history. Having played in 1,026 games, all with Detroit, he finds himself one of only six players to play over 1,000 games wearing the Winged Wheel. That list of players includes Gordy Howe, Alex Delvecchio, Steve Yzerman, Nicklas Lidstrom and Kris Draper.
Holmstrom's career is considered league-wide to have been possibly the hardest 1,000 games ever played because he relentlessly took beatings from other teams defenseman and goaltenders (not to mention the 100MPH pucks getting shot at him from his own teammates).
An unlikely NHL player, Holmstrom reported to the Red Wings in 1996 as an alternate, but his lack of skills meant he wasn't likely to make the team. However, Red Wing's coach Scotty Bowman fell in love with Holmstrom's relentless work ethic and willingness to do whatever it took to get ice time. Holmstrom made a career out of that mentality, filling a role player spot for 16 seasons while most role players only last two or three.
Holmstrom was also a force in the locker room. When recently asked what the locker room will be like without Holmstrom, Red Wings forward Daniel Cleary stated, "Dull and boring." Despite having twice the bruises, twice the padding and missing ligaments in one of his knees, Holmstrom was rarely seen on the ice or in the locker room without a smile.
Homstrom's retirement might also save the NHL money. After all, without Holmstrom crowding the front of the net, Toronto could probably lay off half the staff in the war room.
The NHL rumor wagon is that Holmstrom will announce his retirement on Saturday or Sunday, depending on when the CBA is ratified.
Holmstrom finishes his career a legend in Detroit Red Wings history. Having played in 1,026 games, all with Detroit, he finds himself one of only six players to play over 1,000 games wearing the Winged Wheel. That list of players includes Gordy Howe, Alex Delvecchio, Steve Yzerman, Nicklas Lidstrom and Kris Draper.
Holmstrom's career is considered league-wide to have been possibly the hardest 1,000 games ever played because he relentlessly took beatings from other teams defenseman and goaltenders (not to mention the 100MPH pucks getting shot at him from his own teammates).
An unlikely NHL player, Holmstrom reported to the Red Wings in 1996 as an alternate, but his lack of skills meant he wasn't likely to make the team. However, Red Wing's coach Scotty Bowman fell in love with Holmstrom's relentless work ethic and willingness to do whatever it took to get ice time. Holmstrom made a career out of that mentality, filling a role player spot for 16 seasons while most role players only last two or three.
Holmstrom was also a force in the locker room. When recently asked what the locker room will be like without Holmstrom, Red Wings forward Daniel Cleary stated, "Dull and boring." Despite having twice the bruises, twice the padding and missing ligaments in one of his knees, Holmstrom was rarely seen on the ice or in the locker room without a smile.
Homstrom's retirement might also save the NHL money. After all, without Holmstrom crowding the front of the net, Toronto could probably lay off half the staff in the war room.
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