Looking back at memorable moments for the Detroit Red Wings in pop culture history.
For nearly 100 years, the Detroit Red Wings have stood as more than just a hockey team but a cultural icon, with the winged wheel taking center stage in countless memorable moments throughout pop culture history.
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As one of the NHL’s Original Six franchises, the Wings’ influence stretches far beyond the ice and into film, television, music, and fashion. From Hollywood stars donning the winged wheel to memorable cameos and subtle shout-outs in hit shows and movies, Detroit’s storied franchise has carved out a lasting presence in pop culture.
As the team approaches its 100th anniversary, we look back at some of the most notable moments where the Red Wings left their mark far from the rink.
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Hockey Player Turned Actor: Howie “Cowboy” Young
The former Red Wings defenceman played for the team in the 1960’s and totalled 55 points through 229 games across five seasons. After retiring, Young began acting, playing an outlaw in the TV miniseries Lonesome Dove (1989) as well as appearing as Poe Possey in Young Guns II (1990), and starring alongside Tom Selleck in the TV movie Last Stand at Saber River (1997).
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Luc Robitaille Makes His Mark with Multiple Cameos
The Hall-of-Fame winger played just two seasons for the Red Wings in the early 2000’s and totalled 41 goals and 40 points for 81 points through 162 games. He also went into acting but only in brief cameos. Robitaille mainly played himself and appeared in the movie D2: The Mighty Ducks as well as TV series like Bones, How I Met Your Mother and Phineas and Ferb.
Nicklas Lidström and Chris Osgood Join The Tonight Show
After winning the Stanley Cup in 2008, the Red Wings captain and starting goaltender appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, holding the Stanley Cup. The duo came out in full hockey equipment and celebrated with Justin Timberlake’s Sexyback playing them onto the show. It was a memorable moment as hockey players were front and center on a massive media platform like The Tonight Show.
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Red Wings Jerseys Featured On The Big Screen
The blockbuster hit from 1986, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, featured one of the main characters in Alan Ruck’s Cameron wearing a Gordie Howe jersey for the duration of the movie. It was a nod to director John Hughes, who grew up a Red Wings fan. Other TV moments include John C. McGinley’s Dr. Cox from Scrubs, Dave Coulier’s Joey Gladstone from Full House and Tim Allen’s Tim Taylor from Home Improvement all famously wearing Red Wings apparel at different points of their hit tv shows.
Nicklas Lidström and Chris Osgood Join The Tonight Show
After winning the Stanley Cup in 2008, the Red Wings captain and starting goaltender appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, holding the Stanley Cup. The duo came out in full hockey equipment and celebrated with Justin Timberlake’s Sexyback playing them onto the show. It was a memorable moment as hockey players were front and center on a massive media platform like The Tonight Show.
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