Ozzie had this to say…“Things happen in sports. Ozzie was picked up on waivers by the New York Islanders. Holland had to call Ozzie, who he considers a son, and tell him. The Wings ended up acquiring Dominik Hasek. Besides having an epic goalie fight, he led the wings to back to back Stanley Cup championships.Ģ001-2002: In the summer of 2001, Ken Holland received a phone call from Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Reiger. He received his first Vezina trophy nomination.ġ996-1997: Ozzie helped bring the Stanley Cup back to Hockeytown after a long awaited 42 years.ġ997-1998: This is one of my favorite seasons for Ozzie. He led the NHL with 39 wins and a 2.17 goals against average. The heavily favored Wings were eliminated from the playoffs due to it.ġ995-1996: On March 6th, 1996 Ozzie became one of only nine goaltenders to score a goal. In game 7 of the quarterfinals against the San Jose Sharks, Ozzie went to clear the puck and ended up giving it away. ![]() During the playoffs, he was made the starting goaltender due to Bob Essensa’s performance in the regular season. He was drafted 54th overall by the Red Wings in the 1991 NHL draft.ġ993-1994: This was Ozzie’s first season with the Red Wings. His favorite pro team was the Edmonton Oilers. Ozzie was born November 26th, 1972 in Peace River, Alberta. Character, Courage, Determination, Ethics, Loyalty, Perseverance, and Team. Whether it be his pregame interview bombing with Ken Daniels, or his off ice charity work, he is the ideal definition of what a Red Wing player is all about. ![]() But, he worked with goalie coach Jim Bedard to change his playing style. He has more heart and love for the game than any other goalie, and possibly player, I have ever seen. The height of the goalies has transformed drastically since Ozzie came into the league. One of the biggest being his height- he is only 5’10”. I love and respect Ozzie so much mainly because throughout his career, he has faced so many obstacles and critics around the league. Nothing I ever write would be enough though. As I write this, I am trying to hold back the tears that have already been flowing for a day, while I try to do him some form of justice. Ozzie, as he has been lovingly referred to by fans the past 20 years, has been my favorite player for as long as I can remember.
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