The "Magic Man" Pavel Datsyuk is off to the Hockey Hall Of Fame.
Congrats to the “Magic Man”, Pavel Datsyuk. He’ll be joining Shea Weber, Jeremy Roenick, and others as they go into the Hockey Hall Of Fame.
Hockeytown Was Lucky To Have Pavel Datsyuk
Hockeytown was lucky to be able to watch a player as slick as Datsyuk. During games, I would pause the TV and yell for my wife to come and watch what crazy move he had just pulled off. She couldn’t care less, but she always watched to amuse me. He was something special for sure.
Meeting Pavel Datysuk
I only got the chance to meet Pavel in person once, and I’ll never forget it. It was around 2010 or 11. Every year I would make a different Christmas card with a celebrity on it. I always sent one off the Nick Lidstrom. That year I asked him if he wouldn’t mind being on the card. Nick being Nick, of course, said yes. I went to a game at the Joe and met up with him in the locker room afterward. While Nick was off showering, I was introduced to Pavel by my friend, team photographer Dave Reginek. He was pleasant. There came this awkward silence, so jokingly I said to Datsyuk “You should check out my radio show. I’m on Monday through Friday from 3 pm to 7 pm.” He responded in perfect English “I don’t Speak English!” It was so funny! I guess that was a common refrain from him.
My friend, Ryan Barnes – who was drafted by the Wings in the second round in 1998 – roomed with Pavel after they were drafted. Ryan and I were talking about #13 on the bench a few weeks ago, to which Ryan pulled out this gem” Yeah, he was drafted four rounds after me!” LOL He told me that Pavel indeed didn’t speak much English at that point and would make a gesture with his hands as to mimick holding a game controller, which was his way of saying he wanted to play video games.
Dave Reginek
What a pair these guys were. Pavel and “Hank” were so much fun to watch in Hockeytown.
Congrats to a GREAT player on the induction into the Hockey Hall Of Fame. It was only a matter of time!
The Detroit Red Wings vs. New York Rangers Alumni Recap
It was another great game between the Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers alumni at the Big Boy Arena in Fraser. In the end, the Wings won, but the true victors were the cause they played for, the GH Pastor Foundation, and the sled hockey players who played before the big game.
Former Detroit Red Wing Vladimir Konstatinov Returned to the Ice
First, to the sled hockey game. What a thrill it was to see these determined athletes take to the ice and give the fans a great look at sled hockey, highlighted by the return to the ice for #16, Vladimir Konstatinov! I had never really had a chance to see the game played, and let me tell you, it was very inspiring the way these kids play and love the game.
As for the alumni game, I had the good fortune of once again being part of the broadcast team, which included Ben Holden, Sean Beligian, Nick Monicelli from WDIV, and the Prep TV crew led by Chad Bush. I was stationed between the benches and interviewed players throughout the game.
The game was off and running after the lovely Karen Newman sang the Canadian and American anthems. Drew Miller, Darren McCarty, and Patrick Eaves’ multiple-goal game was the leading factor in the Red Wings’ 10-7 victory in front of a great crowd of hockey fans in Fraser who were there to see their hockey heroes battle it out on the ice.
A big thank you to those who put on this unbelievable game. All in attendance thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you to the players who agreed to talk with me during the game…Johnny O, Dino Ciccarelli, Ron Duguay, Jason Woolley, Chris Tamer and Drew Miller. And a big thank you to Detroit Red Wings photographer Dave Reginek for using the pictures you’re about to see.
Until next time, Hockey fans!
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The lovely Karen Newman sang the anthems. As always, she nailed it. Karen's one of my faves.
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Me exposing wisdom to Darren McCarty. He was confused. He did take my advice and scored twice.
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Vladimir Konstantinov was in the building. He took to the ice for a sled hockey game. Everyone was excited to see him.
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Drew Miller in the locker room with me beforehand. He would go on to score two goals in the game.
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The Rangers gear up for the game during the anthem. It was great to see some of the Ranger legends.
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The Red Wings preparing for the game during the anthems. Eddie Mio is on the far right.
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Patrick Eaves and the legendary Red Berenson. Patrick netted a couple.
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Hockeytown legends, Darren McCarty and Mickey Redmond. Fan favorites for sure!
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Kind of strange to see Johnny O. playing for the Rangers. He told me this was the first thing he'd done with his former club in many years.
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I had to get a picture with big John Scott. He only played 6 games as a Ranger. Man, he's huge!
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There's some Michigan Wolverines for you. Aaron Ward, Red Berenson, and Chris Tamer.
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A pre-game shot from Dave Reginek. A few past Red Wing greats!
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Darren McCarty and Erik Cole. Erik played 11 games with the Wings to finish his career.
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The lovely and talented Kim Muir with Vladdy. If you have a child in hockey, look up Kim's skating programs to help your kid excel.
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Red Wing legends. Mickey Redmond, Danny DeKeyser and Dino Ciccarelli. This was pre-game.
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Such and inspiration to see these kids on the ice. The sled hockey game took place before the alumni game.
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The Belle Tire team ended up winning the game, but everyone won the day. This was so much fun to watch.
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Opening puck drop. The entire day was filled with great hockey, legendary players and happy people.
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A great crowd was on hand to see the Wings and Rangers game. Thanks for the shots, Dave!
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It was great to see Vladimir Konstantinov back on the ice. This was after the game.
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Another shot of the crowd at Big Boy Arena. The Wings would go onto victory, 10-7.
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One of the highlights was the return of #16 to the ice. Everyone was excited to see Vladdy.
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This is probably one of the few times these guys didn't get boo'ed. Yes, every the crowd gave the refs some love.
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DMac celebrating one of his goals. The Wings defeated the Rangers 10-7.
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A great shot of Mickey Redmond rushing the puck. He's still got it and loves to play!
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Ron Duguay and Patrick Eaves. This was the first time I'd seen Ron since we played in a Dave Coulier charity game in 1998.
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Big John Scott had a couple of goals. Including one top shelf!
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Ron Duguay told me he loved playing in front of the Detroit fans. He played over 220 games as a Wing.
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Here's a group shot after the game. Everyone had a blast!
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A great time was had by all. The players and fans alike. Thank you for a great day!
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Always a blast seeing Darren McCarty and Jason Hartless. True Detroit institutions.
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The game was played for a great cause, the GH Pastor Foundation.
Meltdown started on the mighty WRIF on the evening of Halloween, 1995. Technically, his first on-air shift was the morning of November 1st. Moving to the Motor City from Buffalo, N.Y., he has built a career and family. Over his almost three-decade stint at RIFF, he's had the privilege to work with some of the biggest personalities in Detroit radio history. He boasts of being just the second-afternoon drive jock in the station's illustrious 53-year history.
Along with his love for rock music and attending concerts, he's also an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast and hockey player. He plays year-round and manages to squeeze in a few charity games throughout the year. Meltdown writes about the Detroit Red Wings, rock music, and Detroit concert venues.
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