Seven: A Salute to Ted Lindsay

S

II

E

a

V

E

N

s a l u t e

t o

t e d

l i n d s a y

d

e

t

r

o

i

t

r

e

d

w

i

n

g

s

Dear Red Wings Fans, Tonight we honor Ted Lindsay by installing a larger-than-life statue of him in the concourse level at Joe Louis Arena. Ted established his hockey career at Olympia Stadium but he is no stranger around The Joe. He rarely misses a Red Wings game and he actively participates in Red Wings alumni activities to support the community. This Hall of Famer is always willing to share his expertise with those around him and we welcome his presence and comments.

Ted joined the Red Wings when he was only 19 years old and wore the Winged Wheel for 12 of his 15-season playing career. He is one of best leftwingers of all time and was a fearless competitor, earning him the nickname, “Terrible Ted.” Off the ice, Ted is anything but “terrible.” A kind soul, he created the Ted Lindsay Foundation to battle autism and consistently assists with community activities to help charitable causes.

Hockey fans everywhere will remember Ted’s position on The Production Line with Gordie Howe and Sid Abel. Long before we became owners of the team, we were avid Red Wings fans and we remember vividly the success of that line. It was unbeatable! During the 1949-50 season, when the Red Wings won their fourth Stanley Cup, Lindsay took the scoring crown and the trio finished 1-2-3 in NHL scoring.

We remember fondly the ski trips our family used to take out West along with the families of Ted Lindsay and Marty Pavelich. What fun we all had! Ted’s family and ours also used to vacation in Florida together. We became very close personal friends.

Ted took an active interest in youth sports, especially hockey, and whenever we needed him to help us with some youth sports event, we could count on him to be there and offer encouragement to the young athletes.

“Seven: A Salute to Ted Lindsay” tells the story of Ted’s outstanding hockey career as a Red Wings player, coach and general manager. It certainly rekindles fond memories of the days we attended Red Wings games at Olympia Stadium.

We are so thankful that way back in 1950 Ted started the tradition of skating the Stanley Cup around the arena. It is the fans that make the sport of hockey so special. Ted clearly understood that more than 50 years ago when he spontaneously seized the Cup from an on-ice table and skated with it around the boards to share with the fans. Ted also understood the players’ needs and fought tirelessly for the establishment of a players’ association and fair play. Hockey is today a better sport because of Ted Lindsay’s action and humanitarian spirit. We congratulate him on a successful career and thank him for being our friend.

Sincerely,

Mike and Marian Ilitch Owners, Detroit Red Wings

a

s a l u t e

t o

t e d

l i n d s a y

III

S

E

V

E

N

Ted with his dear friend, Gil Ruicci

IV

a

s a l u t e

t o

t e d

l i n d s a y

f

o

r

e

w

o

r

d

Ted Lindsay’s nickname of “Terrible Ted” is a misnomer. For there are, in fact, two Ted Lindsays.

One was a very talented, physical hockey player, who terrorized opponents while agitating his way through 17 NHL seasons.

As Ted once said to me, “I’ve spent over 30 games in the penalty box.” That Ted Lindsay, a mere 5-foot-8 and 160-pounds, is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. A dominant left winger, he scored 379 goals and helped lead the Red Wings to four Stanley Cup championships.

Once at a charity golf outing, I introduced Ted to Billy Casper – a legendary golfer and prolific tournament winner on the PGA Tour . The 5’11” Casper looked down toward Ted and said, “You were the scourge of the NHL?” Ted’s reply was, “When I put my skates on I’m 6-foot-5.”

On October 15, 1964, after a four-year absence from the game, Ted made a comeback with the Wings at age 39. Clarence Campbell, then the president of the National Hockey League, was quoted in a league press release saying, “This is the blackest day in hockey history when a 39-year-old man thinks he can make a comeback in the world’s fastest sport.”

Ted finished the 1964-65 season with 14 goals and 14 assists, and helping lift the Red Wings to first-place in the regularseason standings with 87 points, four more than the Montreal Canadiens. “This is one of the most amazing feats in professional sports,” Campbell said in a league release dated Feb. 24, 1965. “I didn’t think it could be done. Ted has to be rated a truly amazing athlete.”

Off the ice, “Terrible Ted” has become “Terrific Ted”, a man who doesn’t know the meaning of the word ‘no’. He helped me start the Metro Skaters Women’s Hockey League, the largest women’s amateur hockey league in North America. He established the Ted Lindsay Foundation, which helps support and fund research toward a cure for autism and neurological disorders among children. And as the NHL’s greatest ambassador in both the United States and Canada, when invited, there isn’t a hockey event or program that Ted doesn’t gratefully attend. He signs thousands of autographs each year, always making sure that youngsters mind their manners with a “Hello, Mr. Lindsay” and “Thank you, Mr. Lindsay”.

Ted was a class act when we first met 45 years ago, and he’s a class act and a dear, dear friend today.

Regards,

Gil Ruicci President Gil-Mar Manufacturing Company

a

s a l u t e

t o

t e d

l i n d s a y

V

S

VI

E

a

V

E

N

s a l u t e

t o

t e d

l i n d s a y

d

e

t

r

o

i

t

r

e

d

a

w

s a l u t e

i

t o

n

t e d

g

s

l i n d s a y

VII

VIII

a

s a l u t e

t o

t e d

l i n d s a y

12

THE SON ALSO RISES

Lindsay follows his father’s path to an NHL career.

24

40

56

74

90

EARNING HIS WINGS

Only 19, Lindsay battles for spot on Wings roster right out of juniors.

TERRIBLE TED

Lindsay quickly establishes reputation as the NHL’s most feared competitor.

A FIERY LEADER

Named captain, Lindsay leads Red Wings to consecutive Stanley Cups.

PLAYERS’ ACTIVIST

After seeking to establish a players’ association, Lindsay is dealt to Chicago.

HOCKEYTOWN HOMECOMING

ALWAYS A WING

106

Lindsay comes out of retirement and rejoins the Red Wings.

The love affair between Detroit and Terrible Ted has never ended

.

118

GIVING SOMETHING BACK

An enduring Detroit legend, Lindsay has never forgotten his roots.

130

145

BY THE NUMBERS

Statistical breakdowns of Ted’s terrific career.

THE RAFTERS

The immortalized legends that define Detroit Red Wings hockey.

If you like what you see call today to get your copy

800 WINGS 25 (1-800-946-4725)