The Detroit Pink Wings are hoping to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2026. Former captain Steve Yzerman has constructed this staff over the higher a part of a decade as common supervisor. He’s hoping to convey his former staff again to Stanley Cup competition. What Yzerman will not be doing, nonetheless, is lacing his skates up. Former Pink Wings Todd Bertuzzi is one other matter, although.
It has been fairly a while since Bertuzzi laced his skates for an expert hockey recreation. The truth is, his final NHL recreation got here 11 years in the past when he suited up for the Pink Wings within the 2013-14 season. Nonetheless, the veteran winger plans to make an expert comeback on the age of fifty.
Bertuzzi was named head coach of the Cambridge RedHawks, a junior hockey staff in Ontario. On Friday, although, he introduced he had signed a one-year contract with the Cambridge Hornets, an expert staff within the Allan Cup Hockey League. He’s searching for to assist the Hornets win their fourth Allan Cup, and their first since 1983.
The Allan Cup Hockey League has existed for the reason that Nineties. In the meantime, the Hornets have historical past relationship again to 1960. Nonetheless, they’re returning to the ACH for the primary time since 2006. And so they imagine Bertuzzi can provide them one thing on the ice.
Why ex-Pink Wings star Todd Bertuzzi is making hockey return
As talked about, Bertuzzi hasn’t laced his skates since 2013-14 when he performed for the Pink Wings. General, he does have a ton of expertise he can convey to the desk. He’s a two-time NHL All-Star who skated in 1,159 profession video games. The previous Pink Wings star has one thing to supply, and he believes his physique can deal with he grind.
“Clearly there’s going to be a variety of youthful guys, sooner guys and all that. I respect the league and I respect what they’re doing. I’m not coming again as a carnival. I really feel wholesome sufficient to play, and I’d love to come back play with them and assist them win a championship,” Bertuzzi mentioned in an interview with 519 Sports activities On-line.
Bertuzzi can have quite a bit on his plate this season. Whereas taking part in at a decrease league, he’s 50 years previous, which leaves questions as to how effectively he can play. In saying this, good gamers always remember easy methods to play hockey. Will probably be actually fascinating to look again a yr from now and see how the previous brusier did in his shock return to the skilled recreation.