The crowd waits in anticipation. (Photo by author)
The sun was shining bright before the final game at the storied Joe Louis Arena (Riverside entrance). Hockey fans would climb these steps one final time as the Detroit Red Wings hosted the New Jersey Devils on Sunday, April 9, 2017. (Photo by author)Red Wings legend Darren McCarty speaks to the media prior to the game. “It’s a dump. But it’s our dump,” he said. (Photo by author)The scoreboard displayed zeroes before the game. Soon enough, the Wings made it 4-1 with some help from Riley Sheahan and Henrik Zetterberg. (Photo by author)“Farewell Season – The Joe” was displayed on each of the four corners of the ice surface before the game. (Photo by author)A press box view of the ice and lights before the game. (Photo by author)Each fan in attendance received a commemorative stick and a certificate. (Photo by author)The certificate, signed by Red Wings general manager Ken Holland and Detroit mayor Mike Duggan. Attendees of the first game at the Joe received a similar certificate, signed by then-GM Ted Lindsay and then-mayor Coleman Young. (Photo by author)Fans begin to fill the seats as the Zamboni readies the playing surface. (Photo by author)Former Red Wings greats Dino Ciccarelli, Larry Murphy, Joe Kocur, Darren McCarty, and Tomas Holmstrom get ready to join the Ice Crew and shovel the ice during a TV timeout. (Photo by author)Darren McCarty steps off the ice after assisting the Red Wings’ Ice Crew. (Photo by author)From left to right: Dino Ciccarelli (#22), Larry Murphy (#55), and Joe Kocur. (Photo by author)Red Wings’ alumni Larry Murphy (left) and Joe Kocur are welcomed by Full House star Dave Coulier (far left) after turning in their shovels. (Photo by author)Most of the hardware accumulated by the Detroit Red Wings were in attendance as well, accompanied by representatives from the Hockey Hall of Fame. Each was on display during the post-game Farewell Ceremony on the ice. (Photo by author)Above the entrance to the locker room is a reminder of the four Stanley Cup victories won during the Joe Louis Arena era. (Photo by author)Forward Justin Abdelkader speaks during a media scrum after the 4-1 win. (Photo by author)Riley Sheahan (right) breathes a sigh of relief as his season-long goal scoring drought ended with a two-goal performance. Goalie Jimmy Howard is elated for his teammate’s memorable night. (Photo by author)Defensemen Niklas Kronwall (left), Nick Jensen (#3), Ryan Sproul, and forward Matt Lorito (#22) walk toward the Zamboni entrance for the start of the Farewell Ceremony. (Photo by author)Young stars Anthony Mantha (#39) and Andreas Athanasiou make their way to the Zamboni entrance before the beginning of the ceremony. (Photo by author)Gathered together at the Zamboni entrance, the current roster of the Detroit Red Wings await their names to be called before joining the large group of alumni on the red carpeted ice. (Photo by author)Johan Franzen talks with fellow Swede Henrik Zetterberg prior to the ceremony. (Photo by author)A press box view of the players gathered around the “O.” Fox Sports play-by-play announcer Ken Daniels hosted the Farewell Ceremony. (Photo by author)The crowd waits in anticipation. (Photo by author)The greatest coach of all-time, Scotty Bowman, speaks during the presentation. (Photo by author)The arena glows of red and white after the ceremony concluded. Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” plays. (Photo by author)Red Wings of past and present raise their sticks to the fans. (Photo by author)And the fans raise their sticks in reply. (Photo by author)Glitter and confetti cover the ice after the ceremony ended with fireworks. (Photo by author)The fans begin their departure. (Photo by author)The Joe shines bright at the 10 o’clock hour. (Photo by author)Many fans are in no particular hurry to leave the arena for the final time. Selfies aplenty are taken as they want to document their visit with pictures. (Photo by author)Joe Louis from a distance. (Photo by author)
Kevin Sporka is the Senior Media Analyst and Detroit Red Wings beat writer at HOHM. He is also the author of the Fantasy Hockey Fridays, In Retrospect, Milestone Monday, and Legends By the Number segments.
