A series of rumors about my attitude, as well as derogatory remarks about myself and my family showed me that the personal resentment of the Detroit general manager toward me would make it impossible for me to continue playing hockey in Detroit.Collection: Attitude
But a funny thing happened four years later. I was invited to play for an alumni team against the Red Wings.
I had the idea that I should beat up every player I tangled with and nothing ever convinced me it wasn't a good idea.
I liked playing in Chicago, and I gave them everything I had, but I knew in my heart I was a Red Wing.
I watch a lot of hockey. There are some good hockey players and there are some awfully stupid hockey players.
They thought we were going to hurt the game, but we just wanted to help ourselves, because the players needed to get together to protect their interests.
Through the years, I have so many wonderful memories of playing with the Red Wings: winning four Stanley Cups, scoring big goals, going into battle every night side by side with my teammates, playing with every ounce of effort I could muster.
When it was my turn, I just skated out and heard this huge cheer. It was very touching considering the bad circumstances under which I had left the team and that I had been away for four years.
With me serving as the president, we filed a $3-million lawsuit against the league and its member clubs in an attempt to win increased pension benefits and a larger share Of television revenue.
Owners never paid my salary. I always recognized that it was the people in the seats who did. I always wanted to give my best.
I got to play with Jack Stewart for many years, and I appreciated that. He was a wonderful policeman to have on your team.
I've been slashed, speared, elbowed, board-checked, butt-ended, and hit on the head as much as anyone. I just like to keep the ledger balanced.
I had a chance to make a living at the thing I love, and I have always appreciated that, and I have always wanted to give something back.
It's not just the child that has autism. It's the whole family that has autism. It's not a one person thing.Collection: Children
I always believed if you take care of your body it will take care of youCollection: Body
Looking back, I've never had one regret.Collection: Regret
Together, we’ll beat autism.Collection: Autism
My first season Butch Bouchard accidentally sent me to the hospital for three days with a concussion, but I never backed away from Butch or anyone else after I came back.Collection: Nhl