Red Wings Legend Subject of NHL Productions Documentary

The NHL’s Timex watch is former player Steve Wochy of the Detroit Red Wings. He simply never stops ticking.

He is the first Red Wings player to turn 100 years old and the oldest active player in NHL history.

The NHL has determined that this deserves to be honored. NHL Productions has released a new film on Wochy.

“What can I say?” Wochy expresses during the film. “I’m still here.”

Wochy Set Red Wings Rookie Mark

Despite being short-lived, his NHL career left a lasting impression. Wochy would end up with 19 goals and 39 points in his lone NHL season, 1944–1945. Both were records for a rookie Red Wings player at the time.

Around Christmas that year, Wochy had 13 goals scored. There would be four two-goal games on his schedule.

Wochy gave an explanation for his success as an NHL rookie, saying, “I had good center icemen.” “I had the excellent Don Grosso from the Soo.

“I would have had a lot more if they hadn’t moved Grosso (to Chicago during the 1944–45 season). You need a partner or two with whom you can play and collaborate. I don’t care who you are; you can’t accomplish this on your own.

Two years later, while winning the Calder Trophy, Jim McFadden (24-24-48) would crush Wochy’s rookie records in Detroit. Today, current Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman holds the rookie scoring record with 39 goals and 48 assists.

almost won the Stanley Cup

Wochy was a member of the Red Wings club that narrowly missed winning the Stanley Cup in the spring of 1945. Toronto won the final series in seven games against Detroit.

And then his dream of playing in the NHL would become a nightmare. There was fierce competition for available spots in the NHL because so many players had returned to the league after World War II.

During his 11-season professional career, Wochy would only play five more NHL games with the Red Wings in 1946–47.

Wochy remarked, “I had a lot of good years and a lot of bad years.” “I was hurt too much. Hands, feet, and cheekbones broken. That prevented me from moving on.

During the successful years, the Cleveland Barons led the AHL with 37 goals in 1951–1952. He ended up being an AHL First Team All-Star as a result of that accomplishment.

Icon of the Red Wings His linemate was Gordie Howe.

Wochy said, “I played with a lot of good players.” “I had the opportunity to play with Jacques Plante in Buffalo (also in the AHL), and I had the pleasure of playing with Gordie Howe and Johnny Bower for four years while they were both with Cleveland.”

Wochy and Mr. Hockey were not only teammates on the same team but also linemates in Howe’s inaugural pro season with the USHL Omaha Knights. Even though Howe was just 17 at the time, Wochy could obviously see greatness developing.

Wochy praised Howe, saying, “He was good, yeah.” He was enjoyable to play with.

The tale of how Wochy and Howe became teammates is worth telling. It used to be frowned upon for athletes to get married during the season. Wochy chose to marry Shirley in defiance of this unspoken norm, but he was sure he had a catch.

Wochy said, “I was playing in Indianapolis (AHL).” “Jack Adams, the Detroit coach-general manager, lost his cool when I got married in January. I couldn’t play because of a broken hand, which is why I got married.

“I was traveling by rail, I think to Pittsburgh. I was taken off the train and sent to Omaha by (Adams). “I’ll send you and your new wife on a honeymoon to Omaha,” he declared.

“I ended up playing with Gordie Howe because of that.”

Jumbo Joe Recounts His Tale

Wochy ended his professional career in Sault Ste. Marie, where he currently resides. Joe Thornton, the 2005–06 Hart Trophy winner, is another well-known player who struggled in the Soo and tells his story.

Thornton replied, “Steve, think of this as a letter from the entire hockey community to you.” There isn’t a greater representative for the sport that we all like, in my opinion.

“Retirement is simply the beginning of the next chapter in our story; you are living proof of that.”

From his vantage point, Wochy doesn’t consider how long he will play or where he fits into NHL history.

“Perhaps some good genes, huh?” Wochy stated. My sister lived to be 99 years old, while my brother lived to be 95.

“My main concern is that I’m awake and active.” You must move and get up. My helpful neighbors are nice people. They’ve all treated me well.