Former Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom was celebrated at the Joe Louis Arena on Thursday, as Detroit retired his No. 5 jersey.
Just before the Wings faced the Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Free Press reports that a banner was lifted into the rafters in Lidstrom’s honor. The banner hangs among six other retired Red Wings jersey numbers.
According to Sporting News, Lidstrom played each of his 20 NHL seasons – 1,564 games – with the Detroit Red Wings. He was part of the Stanley Cup winning teams in 1997, 1998, 2002, and 2008. Lidstrom is largely considered one of the best defensemen of the NHL, having won seven Norris Trophies.
“Nick is Humble, he has no ego, he was truly an incredible captain and leader for out team,” Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland said to members of the press. “Boy, do I miss watching No. 5 play.”
To top off the retirement celebration, the Red Wings gifted Lidstrom with an African safari.