Tomas Holmstrom to officially retire

[chances14]

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2013/01/red_wings_tomas_holmstrom_expe.html#comments

Tomas Holmstrom, the best net-front presence in the NHL over the past 15 seasons for the Detroit Red Wings, is expected to announce his retirement soon, now that the lockout is over.

Holmstrom, who turns 40 on Jan. 23, informed the club of his intentions a while ago. The team did not want to make an announcement during the work stoppage. It will hold a news conference at Joe Louis Arena, likely before the start of the season.

and with that, the last member of the 98 cup winning teams is officially gone.

Time flies

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[The Zetterberg Era]

An absolute warrior, I hope enjoys retirement, remember hearing he will stay in the area too. So hope to see him around the Joe, as a Wings fan thanks for all those years and all that effort Homer.

 

[Z40]

His body will be grateful. Homer's time here will not be forgotten. He was an integral part of the team for so many years. I'll miss seeing his grimace on the bench.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

So who is the butt of all their jokes next year?

 

[Shoalzie]

Much respect for the role he's played on this team for years...another key cog on this club for years is leaving us. The late 90s are so long ago even I'm starting to feel a little old.

Best wishes to Homer!

 

[Tomas W]

I wonder if he stays in Michigan or if he moves back to Sweden. Lidström lives in Sweden now...

He's rich enough to commute back and forth to Sweden for visits if he wants, so perhaps he stays in the US anyway.

 

[ProPAIN]

Gonna miss Holmstrom's skill and antics in front of net. A true warrior, but would be a liability going forward. Enjoy Homer!!

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

I wonder if he stays in Michigan or if he moves back to Sweden. Lidström lives in Sweden now...

He's rich enough to commute back and forth to Sweden for visits if he wants, so perhaps he stays in the US anyway.

He said he was going to be staying in the Detroit area when he retired during earlier interviews.

 

[mindfly]

He said he was going to be staying in the Detroit area when he retired during earlier interviews.

He doesn't strike me as a person who would wanna stay in the U.S after retiring.. especially not with his english


As some already said... time flies by.... every player from my childhood has now retired

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

He doesn't strike me as a person who would wanna stay in the U.S after retiring.. especially not with his english


As some already said... time flies by.... every player from my childhood has now retired

I think it is his kids and wife driving that, but like I said I know he has said it before, I think as recently as when Lidstrom retired, so not too long ago.

 

[Cyborg Yzerberg]

Fun fact, Holmstrom was my very first jersey.(Back in 1998) Holmstrom holds a very dear place in my heart and will forever remain one of my all time favorites.

 

[Mister Ed]

It's when the Holmstroms, the Selannes, the Jagr are set to retire, you know you're getting older. Best wishes to him, was one of my favorite players growing up. It showed that even if you couldn't skate like the wind, even if you didn't have a great shot, you still had your place in hockey.

 

[ALF AmericanLionsFan]

Yes, will really miss Homer and really feeling old now. All "MY" Wings are gone.

 

[Big Poppa Puck]

As expected. Congrats on a great career Homer. One of the best net front presences ever.

Last member of 97-98 cups teams now gone. I feel so old.

 

[Lugaid]

Thanks for all the faithful years, Homer! Been a member of the team for as long as I've been a fan, pretty much.

 

[Bob Probert Owns You]

It's a sad day seeing Homer go. So many great childhood memories.

 

[JmanWingsFan]

Will be bummed to not see him anymore. He really turned it on at the end of last season...

 

[RedWingsNow*]

Was long past time for him to go. Amazing what Homer did in this league with the skills and athletic abilities he had.
Few player I've seen worked harder and put up with more abuse.
He's had a great career most players would kill for, and he's deserved every minute of it.

 

[Vladdy84]

Loved Homer. Good luck to him in his future endeavors. Does anyone know if he's sticking around here or moving back to Sweden? Now, if only Cleary would retire too.

 

[nik jr]

really sad that we won't see him play anymore, but i think it is the proper time to retire.

it was not long ago when bowman told homer he would not last more than a couple of years, but he had a really amazing career. 4 cups, one of the best crease monkeys of modern NHL, never missed the playoffs, recognized throughout the NHL, fan favorite.

and he got almost all of that through very, very hard work. he was not an especially talented player (thus bowman's comment), but kept working and took probably more abuse than any player i have seen, regularly played through injuries, and even after the rules were changed, he was still getting crosschecked and held and slashed regularly.

best of luck to him back at the north pole. or wherever he goes.

 

[heyfolks]

Best net front presence ever?

 

[SirKillalot]

NHL-goaltenders reacting to NHL is Back and Homer is retiring on the same day:

 

[ashenhigh]

the JLA needs a statue of Homer, that guy has been essential to our success. That man deserves the best medical attention the rest of his life. Sacrificed his back for the Wings. Will never forget what Homer has done for this team, his Sweglish speech, or his great humor.

#96

 

[FissionFire]

Homer retiring makes me reflect back on some of the great players I've seen. It really makes you feel old when you realize there is a whole generation of fans out there now who have never seen Gretzky play a game.

 

[FissionFire]

Best net front presence ever?

Maybe, although I think Phil Esposito would probably be more fitting of the title. Johnny Bucyk too.