[FONT="]Steve Yzerman, former Red Wings captain and current Tampa Bay Lightning general manager: "Both Mr. and Mrs. Ilitch, as well as their entire family, have had an immeasurable impact on not only my career, but my life. Going back to the age of 18 when I arrived in Detroit, the guidance, generosity, concern and love Mr, Ilitch had always shown me and my family are things I will forever be grateful for. I was extremely fortunate to have played my entire career for a man who's love of hockey and burning desire to win were the catalysts which drove the Detroit Red Wings to four Stanley Cup Championships after purchasing the team in 1982. Mr. Ilitch has left an incredible legacy in baseball, hockey and Metropolitan Detroit. He will forever be remembered for all the ways he enriched our lives. Mike Ilitch will live on vividly in my mind and heart forever."[/FONT]
[FONT="]Brendan Shanahan, former Red Wing and current president of the Toronto Maple Leafs: "Mike Ilitch and his family made every player that had the good fortune of playing for him feel like a new member of his family. We saw the joyful tears in his eyes when Stevie Y. first handed him in the Cup in 1997. We watched him sit bedside with Vladimir Konstantinov after his tragic accident a week later. He was more than a team owner. It was personal. We were all his adopted 'boys' and he helped us all become men. His passing is extremely painful. To all those who knew him and loved him, our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Marian and the rest of his family. His legacy in hockey will live on. Thank you Mr. I. Rest in peace."[/FONT]
