But a funny thing happened four years later. I was invited to play for an alumni team against the Red Wings.
When it was my turn, I just skated out and heard this huge cheer. It was very touching considering the bad circumstances under which I had left the team and that I had been away for four years.
Through the years, I have so many wonderful memories of playing with the Red Wings: winning four Stanley Cups, scoring big goals, going into battle every night side by side with my teammates, playing with every ounce of effort I could muster.
At 39, I was back in a Red Wings uniform and loving it.
If I had to do it all over again, I'd not change a thing - unless I could be a little meaner still.
I watch a lot of hockey. There are some good hockey players and there are some awfully stupid hockey players.
