Red Wings Are the Life of Detroit Party

It was a party many had waited most of a lifetime to attend.

Since 1955, Detroit had been through a riot that saw many residents flee to the suburbs, a downturn in the auto industry that threatened the local economy and the city being proclaimed the nation’s murder capital.

For the first time in recent memory, though, new homes are being built in the city, the auto industry has been enjoying robust growth and violent crime is down. And the Red Wings are again the Stanley Cup champions.

It was time to party.

The theme of Monday night’s party at Joe Louis Arena was “One more year.” That’s what the crowd chanted when it heard from Coach Scotty Bowman, who is contemplating retirement. That’s what the crowd chanted when it heard from Igor Larionov, an unrestricted free agent reportedly considering moving to Vancouver.

“One more year” is what the team and fans are hoping for the Stanley Cup.

But Monday’s party, attended by 10,000 season ticket-holders, was to celebrate what happened during the past season. And to erase the disappointments of 42 seasons past.

“You waited for this Cup so long and you deserve it,” Vladimir Konstantinov said.

The crowd clearly agreed.

It roared when Kris Draper, acquired off the waiver wire for $1 after Winnipeg released him, said he wanted to repay owner Mike Ilitch and handed him a $1 bill. It laughed when goalie Kevin Hodson, who played in only six games, told how he led the cheers from section 217.

The biggest cheers were for Steve Yzerman, who in completing his 14th season had been with the Wings for one-third of their Stanley Cup drought.

“I will always be proud to be a Detroit Red Wing, to live in Detroit,” Yzerman said.