It's official: Mike Modano has signed a 1 year deal with the Detroit Redwings for a reported $1.25 million. The Livonia,
Mich. native is finally coming home after 20 years with the Minnesota Northstars/Dallas Stars. He got his start with Mike
Illitch's Little Ceasars youth hockey program and now it looks like he'll finish up with Illitch's Redwings. The circle of
hockey is complete.
Modano, the greatest American-born player of all-time, brings veteran leadership,
solid defense, and one of heck of a shot to the team. Slated to anchor a line with Dan Cleary and Jiri Hudler, this addition
gives the Wings 3 legitimate scoring lines. Fans of the Winged Wheel are giddy with anticipation.
The
only inconvenience in the whole affair is that Mike can no longer wear his signature #9. It would seem that some guy named
Gordie Howe had that number retired. He could have maybe put a 1 in front of it, but some other guy named Steve Yzerman owns
#19. So, Mr. Modano will don #90. It doesn't matter, the only number that means anything in Hockeytown the number of cups
won.
In a related post: Forbes Magazine has named Red Wing fans as the best in hockey. They also
ranked #3 in all of sports just behind Steelers fans and Red Sox fans. Other hockey teams making the list: Penguins #6, Canadians
#11, and Blackhawks #16. Neither the Kings nor the Ducks made the list. How shocking.
