My original thinking was: How could these newer fans not know? Why aren't they educating themselves on the history of our team? They know about the fight night... How could they not know about Vladdy?
Vladdy was a great defenseman known for an aggressive style not often associated with Russian players coming out of the Soviet programs. Not only an aggressor, Vladdy was a defensive force and had a touch for being on the ice at the right time. In 1996, Vladdy won the plus/minus award with a +60 rating on the season. Vladdy was the first player since Gretzky to hit a +60 rating (Wayne had +70 in 1987). No player since has tied or beaten Vladdy's plus/minus rating making him the only player in the to reach that number in the past 23 seasons. Although Vladdy never won a Norris trophy, He did receive a nomination. In what would be his final season, Vladdy was the runner up.
Many argue that Vladdy wasn't that great but Nicklas Lidstrom would beg to differ. In interviews, when questioned about who was the better player, Nick has said "At the time of the accident, I thought he was the better player of the two." Nick also said if the accident hadn't happened, "He would have had lots of years in this league with lots of success too." When the defenseman highly regarded as the best defenseman of our generation and perhaps all-time says that he believed that a player was better than him, you stand up and take notice. We will never know what Vladdy's career would have been like if the accident had never happened. Maybe Nick would still be an alternate captain and we would be celebrating another Norris Trophy win for our captain the Vladinator. A person could drive themselves crazy with the "what if"s.
The accident shook our fanbase and organization to it's core. One of our brightest stars dimmed by a series of unfortunate events. Seeing the players that were once celebrating a Stanley Cup win then camp out at a hospital to visit and check on their teammate was not how the summer was supposed to go. The accident still haunts many that remember the details oh so vividly. But as a testament to the resilience of the Detroit Red Wings, They used Vladdy as the thing to fight for. The reason for winning. When the team won the Stanley Cup in 1998, they recognized him as part of the team and had his name engraved on the Cup. When they one, Vladdy was brought the cup in his wheel chair and wheeled around the ice with the aid of his Russian five counterparts. To this day, Vladdy is still included in all major Red Wing celebrations. From cup wins to retirement ceremonies, Vladdy is still present. I personally will never forget the cheers and cheering as loud as I could during the Steve Yzerman retirement ceremony when Vladdy took to the ice. A moment like that sticks with someone.
If Steve Yzerman is the heart of our organization, Then Vladdy is the soul. The Wings still have a locker for Vladdy despite the cruel reality that he will never be capable of playing hockey again. When one of the biggest names in hockey, Brett Hull, came to Detroit he had spent the majority of his career wearing the number 16. Brett changed his number to 17 for his years with Detroit. Why? Because unofficially, Vladdy's number is retired. No player has, and I believe, ever will wear the number 16 with the Detroit Red Wings for the rest of this organization's future. Over 50 players have worn the Winged Wheel with the number 16 but only one will be remembered for it. Long after the accident, Vladdy still remains a huge part of this organization's drive. Respect and love are still shown to our fallen Wing. I'm not sure if I've been able to articulate how important Vladdy is or was but not a season goes by without remembering who he was and how special he is.
Jenn, terrific post about a beloved Red Wing. Thanks
ReplyDeleteGreat Post!!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDo you need the best hockey blanket? Hockey region providing quality blanket at a low price. Recently I bought one so you can also try this.
ReplyDelete