Paying homage to hockey legend Ted Lindsay, who passed on March 4th 2019. This is Ted’s chair from Olympia Stadium in Detroit, former home of the Detroit Red Wings. The chairs now reside in the front lobby of Stahls’ in Sterling Heights, MI.
As most people in the Detroit area and the hockey world know, we lost a great one on March 4th with the passing of Ted Lindsay. Ted was 93 years old and many knew him by his nickname, ‘Terrible Ted’, bestowed during his heyday for his aggressive, extremely physical style of play. But while he was an exquisitely talented terror on the rink, and the epitome of a rough and tumble hockey hero, we also knew him as a great friend and true gentleman. The last time we saw Ted was at the our annual Veterans Day fundraising event this past November. He served as the honorary captain for the Detroit Red Wings Alumni team in a game against Team Stahls that raised money for Guardian Angels Service Dogs for veterans. Mary and I had the good fortune to meet Ted through our involvement in local Youth Hockey during the 90’s. When we partially sponsored a team he was coaching, we got to know him better and a friendship evolved. I’ll never forget when he invited me to dinner at a Red Wings game. He brought me into the Alumni Lounge and we watched a game from his seats. At dinner we discussed the many sides to his life, confirming the rumors that years ago players truly didn’t like each other on or off the ice…and that you couldn’t even walk on the same side of the street as some of them after a game. But we also know him as the man who was instrumental in organizing what later developed into the NHL Player’s Association. He worked tirelessly to improve salaries and conditions for players, which resulted in the loss of his captaincy and eventually to his trade to the Chicago Black Hawks. Another story that shows what kind of a guy Ted really was, is the fact that he refused to attend his own Hall of Fame induction because his wife and family were not invited to the event. This rule was changed soon after. He will always have a special place in our hearts as one of the most influential and talented Red Wings players. During his 14 seasons with the Red Wings, they won 10 league championships in addition to their four Stanley Cups. We celebrated along with him when in 2017 he was named one of the ‘100 Greatest NHL Players’ in history. On a personal level, he is someone who will always be remembered warmly not only for his hockey prowess but also for his huge ability to give back to others. Our deepest condolences to his family and close friends and may you forever Rest in Peace Ted. They just don’t make’ em like Ted anymore. You will be missed.
In November 2018, Ted served as honorary team captain for the Red Wings Alumni in a fundraising game to benefit veterans. You will be missed Ted.
You will always be remembered Ted.