The Detroit Red Wings announced a press confrence earlier today, many speculated that it  would bring the news about Steve Yzerman's decision and that it did. I thought about what I would write; a short piece, a biography that could make Barnes & Noble shelves collapse under the weight?  I finally decided I would write about this, about why "The Captain" Steve Yzerman is important to Detroit, and who was there at Joe Louis Arena in the audience of gathered friends and then who might wear the "C" for the fabled Detroit Red Wings; alot of the franchise legend centers around Steve Yzerman.

    Detroit, Michigan 1986 Steve Yzerman is made the youngest captain in Detroit Red Wings history, the team is made of older players who made Steve captain because they noticed what he was going to be, a leader who commands the attention of his peers and that he would lead the team to a Stanley Cup.  The vision of this 1986 team was incredible, after 20 years Steve Yzerman in the NHL is the one man to have worn the "C", the longest.  Steve Yzerman made this team the Red Wings skate better, score more consistently, and all fans know this about Steve Yzerman, his face off percentage proves he loved game, he would always be ready for drop of the puck.  And in his career this can be said; "Steve Yzerman never dropped the puck'", when it came time for a big speech in the locker room to get his team to play better, he scored momentum shifting and game winning goals, and as the Captain he always knew what to say.  Number 19 on the ice, fans young and old at "the Joe", always felt inspired when 19 could be seen.  Now, Detroit, Michigan, July 3, 2006; Steve Yzerman has ended his on ice time with the team.  This will bring a time in Toronto, Ontario, at the Hockey Hall of Fame to be inducted, with his good friends Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, but how do you enshrine greatness?  Is it the number hanging from the rafters at Joe Louis Arena? Is it talking about "the Captain" in restaurants, bars and barber shops up and down Michigan?  It is all of the above, it is how Detroit and all the people in the community of Michigan will treat him.  Steve Yzerman is important and call this state the most Canadian without the health care in the USA, because of Steve Yzerman.  Everyone from the upper peninsula to border lines with Ohio and Indiana, will say, "Steve Yzerman is, our Captain."

    After the Captain?  Who is the next player to lead the Red Wings?  two names Kris Draper and Nicklas Lidstrom.  Nick is a favorite among alot of people and the players regard him with the same respect as Steve Yzerman.  Kris Draper is a leader who could very well be an alternate.  If the team decides to look at the future again Henrik Zetterberg could be the next captain. 

    At the press confrence Steve Yzerman's, family were there, his friends, which include Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay.  The eras of hockey were present and accounted for.  I choose to conclude with this, Hockey in Detroit will be solid after this confrence today because of players like Steve Yzerman, Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay are at the Joe to encourage, listen and help keep Red Wings hockey strong, passion among the fans is not pressure, Red Wings fans like to cheer and enjoy the game, it is time to be louder, to clap more and be positive about the Red Wings, who ever the captain is. Hockeytown, USA is ready  for NHL 2006-07. 

    Steve Yzerman enjoyed your career and greatness wearing the "Winged Wheel", enjoy your retirement, and you are  the Captian of Detroit Sports.