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Key Takeaways:
- Sergei Fedorov, a Red Wings legend, is back in Detroit for the team’s centennial celebration and upcoming jersey retirement.
- Fedorov recalls his journey to the NHL, including a daring escape from the Soviet Union facilitated by the Red Wings organization.
- He expresses gratitude to the Ilitch family, his teammates, coaches, and the passionate Red Wings fans for their support.
- Fedorov highlights the importance of perseverance and the shared commitment to winning that led to the Red Wings’ Stanley Cup victories.
- Now residing in Moscow, Fedorov prioritizes spending time with his family after a long and successful hockey career.
Sergei Fedorov’s return to Detroit for the Red Wings’ centennial celebration and his upcoming jersey retirement has stirred a wave of emotions. Fedorov, a pivotal figure in the team’s success during the 1990s and early 2000s, described the experience as "overwhelming," as memories of his time in Detroit flooded back upon his arrival. He expressed his gratitude to the Red Wings organization, his teammates, and the fans for their unwavering support throughout his career.
Fedorov’s journey to the NHL was far from typical. Drafted by the Red Wings in 1989, when the Iron Curtain still loomed, his acquisition required a covert operation worthy of a spy novel. The Red Wings orchestrated a daring escape during an exhibition game in Portland, Oregon. A hotel key, a clandestine gathering of belongings, a waiting taxi, and Mike Ilitch’s private plane whisked Fedorov away, securing his arrival in Detroit and setting the stage for a remarkable NHL career.
Reflecting on his time with the Red Wings, Fedorov emphasized the importance of the players around him. He acknowledged the privilege of playing alongside "the greatest players in the game," and recognized the crucial role of the coaches and staff. He said he cannot thank the Ilitch family enough for the opportunity. He singled out the family for making the extraordinary arrangements to bring him to North America, underscoring their dedication to building a championship team.
Nicklas Lidström, another Red Wings icon, echoed Fedorov’s sentiments, highlighting his impact on the team. Lidström noted that Fedorov quickly ascended to superstardom, winning the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player and leading the team to multiple Stanley Cup victories. He stated that Fedorov’s jersey retirement is a well-deserved honor.
Fedorov acknowledged the early playoff disappointments the team faced, but stressed the unwavering belief that they would eventually achieve their ultimate goal. He credited the Red Wings fans with providing the team with the motivation and support needed to overcome obstacles. The fans’ devotion, win or lose, created a unique and inspiring environment.
The memories of the Stanley Cup parades, with over a million people lining the streets, remain vivid for Fedorov. He described it as a "sea of people" and a "tremendous honor" to share those moments with the fans who had supported them throughout their journey. He added that this "winning attitude" helped the team to continue succeeding and supporting one another.
After a successful NHL career spanning 1,248 games, Fedorov returned to Russia in 2009. He played in the KHL and later transitioned to coaching, most recently leading CSKA Moscow. Now residing in Moscow with his wife and children, he enjoys a quieter life. Fedorov expressed a desire to prioritize his family and be present for his children’s growth, reflecting a shift in focus after years dedicated to the demanding world of professional hockey. He told reporters that he now desires to spend more time with his family after years of being on the road.
