Established
1926
City
Detroit
League History
1926 – Present / National Hockey League
Team History
1932 – Present / Detroit Red Wings
1930 – 1932 / Detroit Falcons
1926 – 1930 / Detroit Cougars
Nickname
Red Wings – The Detroit Red Wings are one of the most storied teams in the NHL, and their nickname has a fascinating history. The team was founded as the Detroit Cougars in 1926, but after only two seasons, they changed their name to the Falcons. It wasn’t until 1932 that they became known as “the Red Wings” – a tribute to both founder James Norris Sr., who served with Canada's Royal Flying Corps during World War I, and his son James Jr., who was part of America's famed Lafayette Escadrille squadron during WWI.
The nickname is also an homage to Montreal Canadiens legend Howie Morenz, whose jersey number (9) inspired its use as part of Detroit's logo design when it debuted in 1932. Many fans still refer to them fondly by this moniker: "Hockeytown." The iconic Winged Wheel emblem has become synonymous with excellence over time; it stands for hard work and perseverance on ice - something every hockey fan can appreciate!
No matter what you call them – Red Wings or Hockeytown – there is no denying that this legendary franchise continues to be one of the most successful teams in all professional sports today. From Stanley Cup championships won throughout decades until present-day successes like back-to-back President Trophy wins (2008–09 & 2009–10), there is no doubt that these players have earned their place among some greats from around North America!
Championship
Stanley Cups 11
2008, 2002, 1998, 1997, 1955, 1954, 1952, 1950, 1943, 1937, 1936
Arena
2017 - Present / Little Caesars Arena
1979 – 2016 / Joe Louis Arena
1927 – 1979 / Detroit Olympia
*Ontario*
1926 – 1927 / Windsor Arena
Owner
2018 – Present / Ilitch Holdings
1982 – 2017 / Mike Ilitch
1955 – 1982 / Bruce Norris
1952 – 1955 / Marguerite Norris
1933 – 1952 / James E. Norris
1931 – 1933 / Creditors’ Committee
1926 – 1931 / Charles A. Hughes
- 1932
- 1936-1937
- 1943 - 1950 - 1952
- 1954 - 1955
- 1997 - 1998
- 2002 - 2008
-
Red Wings Born
In 1932, the NHL let grain merchant James E. Norris, who had made two previous unsuccessful bids to buy an NHL team, purchase the Falcons. Norris’ first act was to choose a new name for the team the Red Wings. Earlier in the century, Norris had been a member of the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association, a sporting club with cycling ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 1936 & 1937
Stanley Cup – 1937 The 1937 Stanley Cup Finals NHL championship series was contested by the defending champion Detroit Red Wings and the New York Rangers in their fifth Final series appearance. Detroit would win the series 3-2 to win their second and second-straight Stanley Cup. Stanley Cup – 1936 The 1936 Stanley Cup Final NHL championship series was contested ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 1943 – 1950 – 1952
Stanley Cup – 1952 The 1952 Stanley Cup Final NHL championship series was contested by the Detroit Red Wings and the Montreal Canadiens in the first of the four Detroit-Montreal Final series of the 1950s. The Canadiens were appearing in their second straight Finals series, while Detroit was returning after winning the 1950 Final. The Red Wings would win the ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 1954 – 1955
Stanley Cup – 1955 The 1955 Stanley Cup Final NHL championship series was contested by the Montreal Canadiens, appearing in their fifth of ten straight Finals and the defending champion Detroit Red Wings, in the fourth Detroit-Montreal Final series of the 1950s and the second consecutively. The Wings would win the series 4-3 to win their second consecutive Stanley Cup ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 1997 – 1998
Stanley Cup – 1998 The 1998 Stanley Cup Finals NHL championship series was contested by the Western Conference champion and defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings and the Eastern Conference champion Washington Capitals. It was the 105th year of the Stanley Cup being contested. It was the Capitals’ first appearance in a Stanley Cup Final since the franchise’s inception ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 2002 – 2008
Stanley Cup – 2008 The 2008 Stanley Cup Final was the best-of-seven NHL championship series of the 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs contested between the Western Conference champion Detroit Red Wings and the Eastern Conference champion Pittsburgh Penguins. This was Detroit’s 23rd appearance in the Final and its first since winning the Cup in 2002. This was Pittsburgh’s third appearance in ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are one of the most storied franchises in professional sports. Founded in 1926 as the Detroit Cougars, they have been a part of NHL history for nearly 100 years. The team has won 11 Stanley Cups and boasts some of the greatest players to ever play hockey, including Gordie Howe, Steve Yzerman, and Nicklas Lidstrom. The Red Wings had a notable rivalry with the Chicago Blackhawks, which added excitement to their matchups.
The Red Wings have had many highs and lows throughout their long history. In their first few seasons, they were known as an average team that rarely made it into playoff contention; however, this changed when Jack Adams took over head coaching duties from 1930-1947 – during his tenure, he led them to seven Stanley Cup Championships! This success continued through the 1950s with other championships under Ted Lindsay’s leadership before slumping again until 1967 when legendary coach Scotty Bowman was hired - leading them to four more titles between 1997-2002!
The current era is marked by another period of success: since the 2009/10 season (when Mike Babcock became head coach), they have reached at least second-round playoff action every year except the 2013/14 campaign, where injuries plagued the squad throughout the entire year - resulting in missing out on postseason altogether! Despite these setbacks, though, there remains hope amongst fans that this new core group can bring back glory days again soon enough... especially now with newly appointed GM Steve Yzerman, who played such an integral role in winning those cup wins earlier 2000s decade!.
Overall, it is clear why so many people around the world consider themselves diehard followers of‘ the Winged Wheel’ – not only do they boast incredible legacies but also remain competitive today despite all odds stacked against them due to various factors ranging from salary cap constraints to injury plague etcetera… Here’s hoping the future will be bright for the beloved franchise in Motor City, USA!!
Sports Fan Products
The Mount Rushmore of Detroit Red Wings: Honoring Our Hockey Legends
In this thrilling video, we explore the Mount Rushmore of the Detroit Red Wings, showcasing the most incredible Red Wings players of all time who have shaped the franchise's legacy in the NHL. Join us as we celebrate Detroit Red Wings legends like Gordie Howe, Steve Yzerman, and Nicklas Lidstrom, diving into their unforgettable contributions to Detroit Red Wings...
Retired Number
1 / Terry Sawchuk
4 / Red Kelly
5 / Nicklas Lidstrom
7 / Ted Lindsay
9 / Gordie Howe
10 / Alex Delvecchio
12 / Sid Abel
19 / Steve Yzerman
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history