BRENDAN SHANAHAN ON THE PASSING OF DETROIT RED WINGS OWNER MIKE ILITCH

Brendan Shanahan, President and Alternate Governor of the Toronto Maple Leafs, released the following statement regarding the passing of Mike Ilitch, the Detroit Red Wings’ owner:

“Mike Ilitch and his family made every player that had the good fortune of playing for him feel like a new member of his family. We saw the joyful tears in his eyes when Stevie Y first handed him the Cup in 1997. We watched him sit bedside with Vladimir Konstantinov after his tragic accident a week later. He was more than a team owner. It was personal. We were all his adopted “boys” and he helped us all become men. His passing is extremely painful to all those who knew him and loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Marian and the rest of his family. His legacy in hockey will live on. Thank you Mr. I. Rest in peace.”

Complete story HERE.