The Michigan-raised owners of the Sarnia Sting have fond memories of Joe Louis Arena.
Both Derian Hatcher and David Legwand grew up in the Detroit area, but admit their busy youth hockey schedules prevented them from getting to many games in person.
Hatcher played 1045 NHL games, 15 of which were with the Red Wings. Although he enjoyed his brief stint with his hometown team, Hatcher says he looks back fondly on some of the games he played there while captain of the visiting Dallas Stars.
The retired numbers of Steve Yzerman and Nick Lidstrom hanging in the rafters of Joe Louis Arena. (Photo by Aaron Zimmer)
"I loved playing there, all my years in Dallas, at one point we were pretty big rivals with the Red Wings," says Hatcher. "I always had a ton of family and friends there which always made it more special."
Legwand has a similar story, playing in 1136 NHL games, suiting up in 21 games with his hometown team. He was traded from Nashville after 14 seasons with the Predators and says his Red Wings debut was a memorable one.
"My first game in the Joe was Nick Lidstrom's jersey retirement, so it was a pretty special night," says Legwand. "He was obviously a great player, but the organization does everything first class, they do everything the right way, and I think everyone saw that the other night with the farewell game."
Hatcher says Joe Louis Arena was likely his favourite place to play, next to the old Chicago Stadium.
Derian Hatcher and David Legwand in the 2015 Canada Day parade (photo by Dave Dentinger)
"It was unbelievable, just how loud it was, words can't describe it, it was that exciting to be there and play hockey in front of those fans," says Hatcher.
Legwand, who is eight years younger than Hatcher and never got to play at the old stadium, says there's is just something about those games in Chicago.
"Since the Blackhawks turned things around in 2008 the United Center has been a pretty hostile environment," says Legwand. "It's pretty special what they've done there, and it's just a great place to play hockey."
The Red Wings won their final game at Joe Louis Arena, a 5-4 decision over New Jersey on April 9.
Work on the facility began in May of 1977 and officially opened on December 12, 1979. The Red Wings played their first game on December 27 against St. Louis. It replaced Olympic Stadium, where the Red Wings had played since 1927.
The "Joe" was named after former heavyweight champion boxer Joe Louis, who grew up in the Motor City.
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