DETROIT – Sergei Fedorov had no idea why Detroit Red Wings governor and CEO Chris Ilitch called him out of the blue in mid-August.
A few minutes into their conversation, Fedorov learned his No. 91 jersey was being retired and raised to the rafters at Little Caesars Arena in an honor many felt was long overdue.
“We talked about 3-4 minutes about family stuff, and I had no idea what he’s going to end up (saying),” Fedorov said. “Eventually he broke the news and (I) stopped breathing and it was, again I’m going to use this word, overwhelming. Memories, feelings, everything that happened just click. I tried to gather my thoughts together and thank him for the tremendous honor and a little bit in disbelief that that kind of thing happened to the Russian kid who came to North America when he was 20.
“Still not easy to grasp and put it into words what January 12th will be. Nervous already.”
The ceremony takes place before the Red Wings game against Carolina. Fedorov’s number will be the ninth the 100-year-old franchise has officially retired – joining Terry Sawchuk (1), Red Kelly (4), Nicklas Lidstrom (5), Ted Lindsay (7), Gordie Howe (9), Alex Delvecchio (10), Sid Abel (12) and Steve Yzerman (19).
Fedorov, one the greatest two-way players in franchise history for 13 seasons from 1990-91 to 2002-03, helped the team win three Stanley Cups. He won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in 1994 and is a two-time winner of the Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015.
Fedorov is among dozens of former Red Wings in town this week for the Hockeytown Centennial Fanfest.
“Tremendous honor,” Fedorov said of having his number retired. “Thoughts are very simple. I got lucky to play with the greatest players in the game, coaches, staff, and I cannot thank enough ownership that gave me a chance, sent a plane to Portland, Oregon (at the 1990 Goodwill Games) to get me. So, Mr. Ilitch’s family did a great job and I’m glad we won. Finally, we won.”
He’s been back to Detroit multiple times since retiring as a player in Russia in 2012, but this trip was different.
“It’s tough, to be honest with you,” Fedorov said. “As soon as I landed, a lot of memories came, and it’s still overwhelming. So, trying to control myself, but great to see you guys and follow Red Wings from Moscow from time to time.”
Lidstrom, seated next to Fedorov while speaking with media prior to Friday’s game against the New York Rangers, called it a well-deserved honor.
“Sergei had a tremendous career,” Lidstrom said. “Sergei was already a start when I joined the team. A couple of years later he was a superstar in the NHL. Hart Trophy winner, Stanley Cup winner. Selke, you’ve won everything. So, it’s well-deserved to see his jersey up in the rafters, too.”
Fedorov had a successful career as a coach and general manager in the Kontinental Hockey League but doesn’t see himself returning to the NHL in any capacity.
“I’m totally family man,” he said. “I do help Russian team I work for, representing ownership team. Had a great relationship with coaches and guys when I’m there, but it’s not an everyday job. I want to stay with the family (in Moscow) and grow together with my (two) kids and be around.”
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