The Red Wings celebrated their final game at Joe Louis Arena "in style" yesterday, from "sunny walks on red carpets to one last victory to a ceremony featuring such storied past members" as Steve Yzerman , Nicklas Lidstrom and Scotty Bowman . Following the win over the Devils, fans "stood and cheered as players past and present took their seats on a red carpet" that spelled out “Joe” on the ice. One of the "most emotional moments came when Doug Brown wheeled out Vladimir Konstantinov , whose career ended after a limousine accident" in '97. The Red Wings will move into Little Caesars Arena next season "after 38 years at the Joe" ( DETROIT FREE PRESS, 4/10 ).
The event was "more than a farewell to a hockey rink." It was like "closing a door to your childhood, for both the players and fans." Red Wings LW Henrik Zetterberg said, "I've never had goosebumps this many times in a game" ( DETROIT FREE PRESS, 4/10 ). Loud, "boisterous fans tossed 31 octopuses on the ice during the game" ( USA TODAY, 4/10 ). The DETROIT NEWS goes with the header, " Red Wings Party Like It's 1997 At The Joe ."
Thanks for the memories, Joe. #Farewell2TheJoe pic.twitter.com/SikJyo60Lc
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) April 10, 2017
