Sergei Fedorov’s jersey is officially in the rafters of Little Caesars Arena.
The Detroit Red Wings retired Fedorov’s number 91 during a ceremony on Monday night. As part of those celebrations, the Red Wings collected congratulatory messages from several hockey legends who once shared the ice with Fedorov, including Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin.
After appearances from some of Fedorov’s former Red Wings teammates, namely Nicklas Lidstrom, Tomas Holmstrom, Bob Rouse, and Chris Chelios, Ovechkin, the lone Capitals representative, shared some words for his countryman.
“Hey, Feds, congrats on your jersey retirement,” Ovechkin said. “Obviously, you have unbelievable career. You help me growing up as a person, as a player. One of the best player I ever play with.”
Ahead of the ceremony, Fedorov reportedly invited Ovechkin to attend in person, but the Caps captain is in the middle of a busy January with the Capitals. The Caps played in Nashville against the Predators on Sunday and have flown home to host the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday night.
The two Russian greats formed a fast friendship when Fedorov was traded to the Capitals at the 2008 trade deadline. He went on to play one more season in DC after that, which turned out to be his final year in the NHL.
“When he get traded to Washington, because when you’re a little kid, and you play against him, you kinda like shake, and worry about, ‘Should I say something to him or not?’” Ovechkin said last month. “So, when he get traded to Washington, we have right away a great connection. He help me grow up my game and growing up as a person. Obviously, he was a leader on the ice and off the ice.”
While there was no in-person appearance from The Great 8, the Red Wings did go all out in other ways to celebrate one of their franchise legends.
Number 91 in the stands
The Red Wings set up red and white t-shirts in two sections of Little Caesars Arena to form Fedorov’s number 91.
Fedorov-themed player arrivals
Present Red Wings players arrived for their game against the Carolina Hurricanes wearing t-shirts with retro designs featuring Fedorov.
Replica skates during warmups
Red Wings players wore replica white skates that matched the stylish blades Fedorov rocked for the team in the 90s.
All of their jerseys also had Fedorov’s number 91 on the back.
Fedorov arrives in style
To kick off the ceremony, the Red Wings had Fedorov driven out onto the ice in a burgundy C4 Corvette. The car is the same model that he purchased when he defected from the Soviet Union to come over and play in the NHL.
Jersey officially raised to the rafters inside Little Caesars Arena
Fedorov, flanked by his wife, Corrina, and their two children, Aleksandra and Viktor, watched his number 91 join the eight other retired Red Wings jerseys in the rafters of the team’s arena.
The legendary centerman received a standing ovation from attending fans and delivered a short speech.
“I will remember this night for the rest of my life,” Fedorov said. “Thank you, thank you, thank you. With all my heart, Hockeytown, love you all. Go Wings!”
The Red Wings would go on to beat the Hurricanes 4-3 in overtime.
Congrats on the incredible night, Sergei!
