Alex Delvecchio, NHL Hall of Famer with Red Wings, dead at 93
Fort William, Ont., native played over 2 decades in NHL, starring with Howe, Lindsay on Production Line
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.
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RedWings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RedWings</a> mourn the passing of franchise icon and Hall of Famer Alex Delvecchio.<br><br>Full story » <a href="https://t.co/Je1o4jozEw">https://t.co/Je1o4jozEw</a> <a href="https://t.co/REzmtJYRX7">pic.twitter.com/REzmtJYRX7</a>
—@DetroitRedWingsDelvecchio 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.
According to the Red Wings, Delvecchio is survived by his wife, Judy, five children, 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
With files from CBC News
