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Globe and Mail
6 days ago
- Sport
- Globe and Mail
Alex Delvecchio quietly built a Hall of Fame career with the Detroit Red Wings
By the age of 23, Alex Delvecchio had placed his name on the Stanley Cup three times. He kept skating with the Detroit Red Wings until he was 41, but he never won another championship. For nearly a quarter-century, he quietly put together one of the greatest careers in National Hockey League history, though few outside Detroit paid much notice. The forward never won a scoring title, never was named a first-team all-star, never won a most-valuable-player award. Overshadowed by teammate Gordie Howe, it was barely noted upon Mr. Delvecchio's retirement as a player that he was the league's second-highest scorer of all time, trailing only his famous linemate. Mr. Delvecchio, who has died at 93, was a durable and consistent forward who made teammates better thanks to his unselfishness with the puck. Known for crisp passing and clever playmaking, the centre also had a deceptively hard and quick shot delivered with little flourish. A clean player on the ice and regarded as a gentleman off it, Mr. Delvecchio won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship three times. He also served as an unofficial ambassador of the sport, which led to him being awarded the Lester Patrick Trophy in 1974 for outstanding service to hockey in the United States. A left-handed shot, Mr. Delvecchio spent more than a decade playing alongside Mr. Howe on versions of the famed Production Line: with Ted Lindsay during the 1954 playoffs, as a left winger with Norm Ullman at centre, and as a centre with Frank Mahovlich on left wing. All five players have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. For his part, the good-natured centre who was known to enjoy cigars in the dressing room said the secret to his success was 'hustle and skate.' But his career suffered from the incompetence of Red Wings management. A dynasty was broken up by general manager Jack Adams with a series of ill-considered trades in the mid-1950s. Toward the end of Mr. Delvecchio's playing days, the club hired college hockey coach Ned Harkness before promoting him to general manager, an era remembered by fans as the 'Darkness with Harkness.' After his playing career Mr. Delvecchio assumed both coach and general manager titles, though he had no success reviving the club. Alexander Peter Delvecchio was born on Dec. 4, 1931, in Fort William, which is now part of Thunder Bay. He was the fourth of five children born to the former Anne Tapak, the daughter of Slovakian immigrants, and Francesco (Frank) Delvecchio, an American-born son of Italian immigrants who was an automobile mechanic at the time of Alex's birth and later became an engineer with the Canadian Pacific Railway. Alex's mother died of ovarian cancer in 1943, when he was just 11 years old. Having learned to skate on an older brother's hand-me-downs, he began playing organized hockey the following year. The youth signed with the Detroit organization after being scouted by Lou Passador. At 18, Mr. Delvecchio was the leading scorer for the junior Fort William Hurricane Rangers, also leading the league in penalty minutes with a scrappy style of play. At the end of the season, he was added to the roster of the rival Port Arthur Bearcats for an unsuccessful defence of their Memorial Cup title. At home, his father urged him to get a real job. 'He'd say, 'You can't eat pucks,'' Mr. Delvecchio told reporter Patrick Kennedy in 2021. 'But I was determined to show him that while you couldn't eat them, you could make a living playing with one.' Detroit assigned him to the junior-A Oshawa Generals, where he led the Ontario Hockey Association with 72 assists in just 54 games. He also scored 49 goals, finishing second in league scoring behind linemate Lou Jankowski. But despite his success, coach Larry Aurie told him he was no help to the club in the penalty box, a lesson later reinforced by Mr. Adams in Detroit. 'I was a hothead then, getting too many penalties for fighting and popping off to the referees,' Mr. Delvecchio once told The Hockey News. He made his NHL debut in the final game of the 1950-51 regular season, seeing limited action in a 5-0 shutout of the Montreal Canadiens in Detroit. It would be the first of Mr. Delvecchio's 1,550 NHL games, all with the Red Wings, during which he scored 456 goals and 825 assists. He scored another 35 goals with 69 assists in 121 playoff games. Though the stylish centre still had a season of junior eligibility, he was assigned to the minor professional Indianapolis Capitals. After just six games, during which he recorded nine points, he was called up to the parent Red Wings, a posting he would hold for 23 consecutive seasons. In his rookie season, he was put on Detroit's third line with Johnny Wilson and Metro Prystai, and the trio often had the duty of checking the other team's top scorers. The Red Wings went on to win the Stanley Cup in 1952 by winning eight consecutive playoff games, during which Mr. Delvecchio recorded three assists. It was his first championship of any kind in hockey. The Detroit centre got a single vote for the Calder Trophy for rookie of the year, which was won by Bernie (Boom Boom) Geoffrion of the Montreal Canadiens. Mr. Delvecchio's teammates had memorable nicknames. Mr. Howe was Mr. Hockey, Mr. Mahovlich was The Big M and Mr. Lindsay was Terrible Ted, but Alexander the Great – a moniker coined by newsreel announcers to describe Mr. Delvecchio – never caught on. He had been saddled since childhood with the unfortunate nickname Fats, which more than once led Mr. Adams to pick on a player who was far from overweight. The sobriquet had been bestowed by an uncle who thought his nephew had a round face. The Red Wings repeated as Stanley Cup champions in 1954 and 1955. The slick-skating, six-foot, 195-pound centre emerged as a top scorer in the 1955 playoffs with seven goals and eight assists in just 11 games. In Game 7 against the Canadiens that year, with the Cup on the line at the Olympia in Detroit, Mr. Delvecchio opened the scoring by grabbing a loose puck before launching a 15-foot backhanded shot over Jacques Plante's right goal pad. Then, with Montreal trailing 2-0 at the start of the third period and pressing in the Detroit end, Mr. Delvecchio intercepted a pass by Don Marshall before outpacing a pursuing Tom Johnson, who harassed him from behind with his stick, to drive the puck past a desperately diving Mr. Plante. Detroit went on to win the game by a 3-1 score, clinching the Cup. The consistent centre also proved to be durable, rarely missing games with injuries. One exception was a broken ankle suffered early in the 1956-57 season, which forced him to miss 22 games. Upon his return from the injured list, Mr. Delvecchio began a streak of 548 consecutive games played, which ended nearly eight years later when he suffered a hairline fracture to his jaw after being struck by a shot by former teammate Red Kelly. He only missed two games on that occasion. He was made captain in 1962, an honour he would carry for 12 seasons until retiring as a player. Mr. Delvecchio won the Lady Byng Trophy for ability, sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct in 1959, 1966 and 1969. On the first occasion, his general manager told reporters Andy Hebenton of the New York Rangers was more deserving. For the 1968-69 season, Mr. Delvecchio, 37, centred a line with Mr. Howe, 40, on right wing and Mr. Mahovlich, 31, on left wing. The veteran trio set league records for goals (118) and assists (264) by a forward line, both marks later surpassed. The late-career success, coming after the NHL expanded to 12 from six teams, earned Mr. Delvecchio a cover of Hockey Illustrated magazine. The headline read: 'Alex Delvecchio: Quiet, but Great.' Mr. Delvecchio played alongside Mr. Howe for 20 seasons. He assisted on 210 of Mr. Howe's 786 goals with the Red Wings, more than any other player. Over his career, Mr. Delvecchio skated in 13 all-star games. He also played in eight Stanley Cup finals, losing five. He only twice received league end-of-season honours, being named to the second all-star team in an era dominated by such centres as Jean Béliveau and Henri Richard of Montreal, Stan Mikita of Chicago, Dave Keon of Toronto and Phil Esposito of Boston. A month before his 42nd birthday, Mr. Delvecchio retired as a player to become Detroit's coach, the seventh man to hold the position in five years. When he got home that day, his wife said, 'You have joined the ulcer department.' Seven months later, he was named general manager, but his four years upstairs and behind the bench failed to revive a Red Wings franchise widely derided as the Dead Things. In 1977, Mr. Delvecchio was fired and replaced by Mr. Lindsay, his old linemate. The centre's No. 10 sweater was officially retired by the Red Wings in 1991. A bronze statue of Mr. Delvecchio by Omri Amrany stands on the concourse of Little Caesars Arena, the Red Wings current home, near statues honouring Mr. Howe and Mr. Lindsay. The statues were originally unveiled in Joe Louis Arena. Mr. Delvecchio was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1977, his first year of eligibility. He was named one of the NHL's 100 greatest players on the league's centenary in 2017. He was inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in his hometown in 1982 and into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1977, as part of a class including former U.S. president Gerald Ford, who was honoured for his football career with the University of Michigan Wolverines. Near the end of his playing days, Mr. Delvecchio launched an eponymous public-relations company and acquired a sign-making company which produced plaques, corporate gifts and other promotional materials. Mr. Delvecchio died on July 1 at his home in suburban Rochester Hills, Mich., about 40 kilometres north of Detroit. A cause of death was not announced. He leaves his second wife, Judy Munro, a painter. He also leaves five children, 10 grandchildren, four great grandchildren and a sister. He was predeceased by two brothers and a sister. Mr. Delvecchio was the last living member of the 1952 and 1954 Stanley Cup teams. Glenn Hall, who played two regular-season games in 1954-55 for Detroit, is now the lone surviving member of that championship team, though his name was not engraved on the Cup as he was only a spare during the playoffs. In 1974, the Detroit organization held a night in Mr. Delvecchio's honour at the Olympia, the arena that was his home for more than two decades. He received a note of congratulations from Pope Paul VI and a telegram from Mr. Ford, then U.S. president. Another telegram sent from his Thunder Bay hometown ran for 28 pages to include the names of hundreds of supporters. He received gifts, including a US$2,000 cheque from the NHL to donate to charity, as well as two pieces of luggage and a battery-operated portable television from the players. 'The best gift I could ask for on this day is a win,' Mr. Delvecchio told a reporter. Instead, the Red Wings lost 4-1 to the Los Angeles Kings. 'I'm glad it only went three periods,' he said after the game. 'We were getting worse.' Special to The Globe and Mail You can find more obituaries from The Globe and Mail here. To submit a memory about someone we have recently profiled on the Obituaries page, e-mail us at obit@
NBC Sports
02-07-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Detroit Red Wings legend and Hockey Hall of Famer Alex Delvecchio dies at 93
DETROIT — Alex Delvecchio, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame who helped the Detroit Red Wings win the Stanley Cup three times in the 1950s, has died. He was 93. Delvecchio died at his home in Rochester, Michigan, according to a Red Wings spokesperson. A cause of death was not immediately available, though his family said in a statement released by the team that Delvecchio died peacefully Tuesday surrounded by loved ones. 'Alex was more than a hockey icon. He was a devoted husband, loving father, great grandfather, cherished friend and respected teammate to so many,' the family said. 'While the world knew him as an incredible hockey player with numerous accomplishments on the ice, we knew him as someone whose humility, strength, competitiveness, kindness and heart were even greater than his knew achievements.' Delvecchio spent his entire NHL career with the Red Wings from 1951-73, recording 1,325 points in 1,671 regular-season and playoff games. Playing alongside 'Mr. Hockey' Gordie Howe, he was part of championship teams in 1952, '54 and '55, won the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct three times and was a two-time All-Star. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977, Delvecchio decades later was named one of the 100 greatest players in league history. During the '70s he had multiple stints as Detroit's general manager, head coach or both. Delvecchio remains third in franchise history in games played behind Howe and Nicklas Lidstrom. His No. 10 hangs from the rafters as one of the storied organization's retired numbers. 'Few athletes in any sport ever have been as synonymous with one franchise as Alex Delvecchio was with the Detroit Red Wings,' NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. 'Delvecchio's work as the center on the famed 'Production Line' with wingers Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay was pivotal to the Wings' title runs in 1952, 1954 and 1955, and he served as team captain for 12 years. The National Hockey League mourns the passing of this true legend of the game.'
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Alex Delvecchio, Detroit Red Wings legend and 3-time Stanley Cup champion, dies at 93
The hockey community is in mourning following the passing of Detroit Red Wings legend Alex Delvecchio. A cornerstone of the franchise for over two decades, Delvecchio died peacefully on July 1, 2025, at the age of 93. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now His legacy as a loyal, gifted center and respected teammate leaves a lasting impact on the and beyond. Remembering Alex Delvecchio: The heart of Detroit Red Wings for 25 Seasons Alex Delvecchio's name is etched into NHL history as one of the most consistent and dedicated players to ever skate in the league. Playing his entire 25-season career with the Detroit Red Wings, Delvecchio appeared in 1,550 regular-season games, scoring 456 goals and adding 825 assists. Including playoffs, his total rises to 1,670 games, making him one of the few players to reach that milestone with a single team. A three-time Stanley Cup champion (1952, 1954, 1955), Delvecchio was a key figure on the famed 'Production Line' alongside Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay. His smart playmaking, elegant skating, and quiet leadership helped define an era of dominance for Detroit. Off the ice, he was admired for his humility and character—traits often cited by teammates, fans, and league officials alike. In a heartfelt statement, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman described him as 'an elegant skater, deft playmaker, and beloved teammate.' Meanwhile, Delvecchio's family remembered him not just as a hockey legend but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. The Detroit Red Wings organization confirmed his death in an official statement, saying he passed away surrounded by family. As tributes continue to flood social media, fans are remembering Delvecchio not only for his NHL accomplishments but also for the grace with which he represented the sport. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Also Read: Alex Delvecchio's legacy stands as a benchmark of excellence and loyalty in professional hockey. His career was a rare combination of skill, class, and longevity—a true one-team legend who left the game better than he found it. As the hockey world says goodbye, his memory continues to inspire generations of players and fans.
CBC
02-07-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Alex Delvecchio, NHL Hall of Famer with Red Wings, dead at 93
Alex Delvecchio, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame who helped the Detroit Red Wings win the Stanley Cup three times in the 1950s, has died. He was 93. Delvecchio died at his home in Rochester, Mich., according to a Red Wings spokesperson. A cause of death was not immediately available, though his family said in a statement released by the team that Delvecchio died peacefully Tuesday surrounded by loved ones. "Alex was more than a hockey icon. He was a devoted husband, loving father, great grandfather, cherished friend and respected teammate to so many," the family said. "While the world knew him as an incredible hockey player with numerous accomplishments on the ice, we knew him as someone whose humility, strength, competitiveness, kindness and heart were even greater than his professional achievements." Delvecchio spent his entire NHL career with the Red Wings from 1951-73, recording 1,325 points in 1,671 regular-season and playoff games. Playing alongside Gordie Howe, he was part of three championship teams between 1952 and 1955, won the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct three times, and was a two-time all-star. Delvecchio remains third in franchise history in games played behind Howe and Nicklas Lidstrom. His No. 10 hangs from the rafters as one of the storied organization's retired numbers and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1977. "Few athletes in any sport ever have been as synonymous with one franchise as Alex Delvecchio was with the Detroit Red Wings," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "Delvecchio's work as the centre on the famed 'Production Line' with wingers Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay was pivotal to the Wings' title runs in 1952, 1954 and 1955, and he served as team captain for 12 years. The National Hockey League mourns the passing of this true legend of the game." Lindsay died in 2019, three years after the death of Howe. After his playing career, Delvecchio spent time as both Red Wings coach and general manager between 1973 and 1977.
New York Times
02-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Alex Delvecchio, Detroit Red Wings legend, dies at age 93
Alex Delvecchio, one of the most notable players in Detroit Red Wings history and a three-time Stanley Cup champion, has died at age 93, the team announced on Tuesday. Delvecchio, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, was a longtime linemate of Gordie Howe, a 12-year Red Wings team captain and — after his retirement as a player in 1973 — a Red Wings coach and general manager. Advertisement A three-time winner of the Lady Byng Trophy, Delvecchio played in 13 NHL All-Star Games and totaled 456 goals and 825 assists in 1,550 regular-season games. He spent his entire NHL career (24 seasons) with the Red Wings, most notably as the center of the 'Production Line' between Howe and Ted Lindsay. That trio helped Detroit win the Stanley Cup in 1952 (Delvecchio's rookie season), 1954 and 1955. 'Few athletes in any sport ever have been as synonymous with one franchise as Alex Delvecchio was with the Detroit Red Wings,' NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. Delvecchio still ranks third all-time in games played for the Red Wings. '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,' the Delvecchio family said in a statement released by the Red Wings. 'While the world knew him as an incredible hockey player with numerous accomplishments on the ice, we knew him as someone whose humility, strength, competitiveness, kindness, and heart were even greater than his professional achievements. For decades, your love and support meant everything to Alex and to all of us. We are deeply grateful and thankful to everyone.' Delvecchio, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977, had his No. 10 retired by the Red Wings in 1991. Red Wings governor and CEO Chris Ilitch said in a statement: 'The Detroit Red Wings organization is deeply saddened by the passing of Alex Delvecchio — a true Red Wings great whose contributions to our team, our city, and the game of hockey will never be forgotten. Alex embodied what it means to be a Red Wing: loyalty, humility, and excellence on and off the ice. For over two decades, including 12 as captain of the Red Wings, Alex earned the reputation as one of the best two-way forwards in NHL history. Advertisement 'Following his Hall of Fame career, he continued to represent the Red Wings with class and distinction as both an executive and ambassador. Our thoughts are with the Delvecchio family and all those who were fortunate enough to know and admire Alex. His legacy will forever be remembered as part of Red Wings history and Hockeytown.'
