Pat Caputo: For Redmond, The End Was Just The Beginning
Mickey Redmond knew it was over.
He came roaring down the right wing like countless times when he encountered St. Louis Blues' defenseman Barcley Plager.
"I turned and he was right next to me," Redmond said. "Normally, I'd go right by him.
"There was no decision, really. Just the way it was. Nobody had to tell me. I knew it first."
Redmond's potential Hall of Fame career as a hockey player — he was already a two-time 50-goal scorer, a first-team NHL All Star, a Stanley Cup champion — ended abruptly because of a back ailment. He was 28. Still very much in his prime.
In a twist of fate, Redmond's hockey career was just beginning.
He will be inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame regardless.
It will happen in November. As a broadcaster. The analyst on FOX Sports Detroit's Red Wings telecasts, Redmond will receive the Foster Hewitt Award.