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Detroit Red Wings legend Alex Delvecchio died on Tuesday, July 1, at 93 years old.
The Hockey Hall of Famer played all 24 of his NHL seasons (1950-74) with the Red Wings, playing in 1,550 games, winning three Stanley Cups and three Lady Byng Trophies during his career.
“Alex was more than a Hockey icon, he was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, cherished friend, and respected teammate to so many,” Delvecchio’s family said in a release after his death.
Delvecchio was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977, and the Red Wings retired his No. 10 jersey alongside Ted Lindsay’s No. 7 jersey in 1991.
Here’s what figures around the league said following his death:
The league’s reaction to Alex Delvecchio’s death
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman extended condolences to Delvecchio’s family and praised Delvecchio’s contributions to the Red Wings:
“Few athletes in any sport ever have been as synonymous with one franchise as Alex Delvecchio was with the Detroit Red Wings,” he wrote in a statement.
Red Wings owner Chris Illitch expressed the sadness of the organization upon hearing about Delvecchio:
“Alex embodied what it means to be a Red Wing: loyalty, humility, and excellence on and off the ice,” he wrote.
Ken Kal, the longtime Red Wings’ radio announcer, shared stories of Delvecchio on his X account, including one about what Delvecchio considered his best moment on the ice:
“Alex Delvecchio told me in an interview that his greatest hockey moment was winning the Cup in 1952. He said it was a great team. Terry Sawchuck didn’t allow a goal on home ice in 4 games. They swept Toronto then Montreal. IMO, that 52 team was the best in team history,” he wrote on X.
NHL Network shared a video tribute of Delvecchio on social media, highlighting Delvecchio’s career accomplishments and impact on the Red Wings’ franchise.
The NHL Alumni association also sent its condolences to the Delvecchio family and shared memories of Delvecchio via its X account.
You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com