The Detroit Red Wings entered a new era this season as the team moved into Little Caesars Arena, marking the first time since December 12, 1979 that the Red Wings played in a building other than Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.
Not only did the 2017/18-campaign mark the first year in a new arena, but it marked the first full season since the passing of owner Mike Ilitch, who was one of the most adored and charitable sports owner in all of North America.
The four-time Stanley Cup winning owner made Little Caesars pizza and owned the Wings and Detroit Tigers, all while helping reshape the city of Detroit. Illitch also established the Little Caesars Amateur Hockey Program, as well as the Little Caesars Love Kitchen, a big rig pizza kitchen that travels across North American serving pizza to over 2 million people in need of a fresh meal.
Illitch passed away at the age of 87 on February 10th, 2017, and although he didn’t get to see the new areana, his spirit is still alive and well in Hockeytown, U.S.A.
Red Wings goaltender Petr Mrazek has a special tribute to the Wings late owner on the side of his mask painted by popular goalie mask artist David Gunnarsson. Illitch’s face is illustrasted, as well as his birth and death years.
What’s even cooler though is the special homage to the new arena that Illitch played such a pivotal role in funding, despite not being around for the grand opening.
On the top of the mask you see the specialized ceiling beams that are prevalent in the Red Wings new home arena. Also featured are the custom banners from this season that symbolize the first year in the new building.
It’s cool to see Mrazek pay tribute to Mr. I, as the players called him. Combining the past Red Wings teams that dominated the NHL while incorporating what the future holds for both the city of Detroit and the Red Wings.
Mrazek’s crease companion, Jimmy Howard, also has a touching tribute mask that honours Ilitch.
(h/t InGoal Magazine and David Gunnarsson)
