Detroit Red Wings

Guide Note

The Detroit Red Wings play in the Central Division of the NHL's Western Conference. For a listing of teams and their divisions, see NHL Teams.

Fast Facts

1. Inaugural season: 1926
2. Finals appearances: 22
3. Stanley Cups: 11 (last in 2008)
4. 2008 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS
5. Home: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit

The team was originally founded in 1925 and played their first season in 1926 as the Detroit Cougars. In 1927 the team moved to Olympia Arena, where they played under coach Jack Adams over the next 20 years.

The team underwent two name changes in the early 1930s, first to the Detroit Falcons in 1930 then to the Detroit Red Wings in 1932. In 1936, the Wings won their first Stanley Cup Championship in the history of the franchise.

In 1946 Hall of Fame player Gordie Howe joined the Red Wings, to play alongside fellow legends Sid Abel and Ted Lindsay in what was called "The Production Line." This crew led the team to four championships over six seasons, starting in 1949.

In 1984, a 21 year old Steve Yzerman was named captain of the Wings. He led the team to their first Championship in 42 years by winning the Cup in 1997. The Wings would repeat as champions under Yzerman in 1998 and 2002.

Follwoing the 2006 season, Yzerman announced his retirement and a few months later defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom was named team captain. In 2008, he became the first European born player ever to lead a team as captain to the Stanley Cup.

It has been a tradition in Detroit, or Hockeytown as fans call it, to throw a raw octopus on the ice following a good play or game. The tradition began back in 1952, with the octopus representing the eight wins required to take the championship at the time.

In 2008, the NHL announced that the Wings would be fined $10,000 if an octopus is swung around by ice manager Al Sobotka.