Induction of Red Wings into Hall of Fame sparks Yzermania

November 10, 1:38 PMDetroit Red Wings ExaminerMike Mouat

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Hockey Hall of Fame inductees, from left, Brett Hull, Lou Lamoriello, Brian Leetch, Luc Robitaille and Steve Yzerman show off their rings after being presented with them in a ceremony at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto on Monday, Nov. 9, 2009. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Frank Gunn)

Steve Yzerman spoke of worshipping his hockey heroes as a kid, and plastering his bedroom walls with their posters in his Hall of Fame induction speech. He could have been describing the bedrooms of thousands of kids growing up in the Detroit area, and around the globe who worshipped him as a hockey player growing up.

And by the number of fans who still wear Yzerman sweaters to Joe Louis Arena regularly many still worship the greatest captain in hockey history.

Yzerman, along with  former Red Wings Luc Robitaille and Brett Hull were inducted in to the Hockey Hall of Fame last night, as were Brian Leetch and Lou Lamiorello.

Yzerman was belessed with an abundance of offensive skills which thrilled Red Wings fans from the very first day he became a member of the organization. But it was his perseverance and sacrifice that endeared him to everyone. The list of highlights are too long to list, and every Red Wings fan has a favourite goal or play, but for me my favorite Yzerman memories are moments as opposed to plays. Raising the Stanley Cup in 1997 and the sheer joy and exuberance on his face will remain with me forever. His perseverance through incredible knee pain as he led Team Canada in spirit to the 2002 Olympic Gold Medal for me is the ultimate example of willing to sacrifice anything and everything for what you want and believe in.

Here are links to just a few of the MANY articles written on Yzerman, as well as Robitaille and Hull, as well as a slide show from the induction ceremony.

Yzerman's entire induction speech (Detroit Free Press)
Red Wings legend Steve Yzerman goes to the Hall of Fame (Detroit Free Press)
Memories of Wings' 2002 Cup team dominate Hall of Fame (Detroit News - Chris McCoskey)
Former Red Wing Steve Yzerman pays tribute to his hockey idol, family during Hall induction (mlive - Ansar Khan).
Hard work wins over pedigree (Toronto Sun - Ken Fidlin)
Red Wings top class of '09 - (Canwest Media - Peter James)
Toronto welcomes NHL's finest - (Toronto Sports Examiner - Edwin Hawkeswood)
Celebrating the Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2009 - (Puck Daddy)