Red Wings honor Mike Ilitch before game

The Detroit Red Wings honored owner Mike Ilitch, who passed away last Friday at the age of 87, with a touching tribute video before their game against the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday.

The video opened with footage of the Red Wings winning the Stanley Cup, one of four titles earned during Ilitch's tenure. After the on-ice celebration, Ilitch and wife Marian are congratulated by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, who afterward exclaimed famously, "The world knows that this is Hockeytown!"

The video closes on a similar note, showing the entire Red Wings team posing with the Cup.

In addition to the tribute, the Gordie Howe entrance at Joe Louis Arena was decorated with a large sign that read "A Life Well Lived, Mike Ilitch, 1929-2017." Uniforms were adorned with "Mr. I" patches on the sleeve as was the ice in front of the Red Wings bench.

Inside the arena, fans were given the opportunity to sign a large canvas in memory of the late owner.
Just before the video played in the arena, fans joined players and coaches in a moment of silence.