Mickey Redmond – Detroit Red Wings: Hall of Fame Broadcaster Celebrates 50 Years with Franchise
Mickey Redmond, a Canadian former professional hockey player, left an indelible mark on the Detroit Red Wings franchise during his playing career before becoming the voice that generations of fans have grown to love.
Born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario on December 27, 1947, Redmond’s journey with the Red Wings began after being traded from Montreal. His natural scoring touch quickly made him a fan favorite in Detroit.
In 1972, Redmond made history by becoming the first Red Wing to score 50 goals in a season. He broke Gordie Howe’s previous franchise record of 49 goals and established himself as one of only seven players in NHL history to reach that milestone at the time.
His remarkable shooting ability and scoring prowess earned him two All-Star selections before back injuries unfortunately cut his promising playing career short at just 28 years old.
After hanging up his skates, Redmond seamlessly transitioned to broadcasting, where he has served as a color commentator for the Red Wings for decades. His distinctive analysis, catchphrases, and hockey wisdom have made him just as legendary behind the microphone as he was on the ice.
Today, at 77 years old, the right-winger who once scored 52 goals in a single season continues to share his passion and knowledge of the game with new generations of hockey fans.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Mickey Redmond’s journey to NHL stardom began in a small Ontario town where he developed his hockey skills from an early age. His formative years laid the foundation for what would become an impressive professional career.
Birth and Upbringing in Peterborough
Michael Edward “Mickey” Redmond was born on December 27, 1947 in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. Though born in Kirkland Lake, he was raised primarily in Peterborough, a hockey-rich community that fostered his development.
The son of a hockey coach, Mickey grew up immersed in the sport. His father’s influence gave him a deep understanding of hockey fundamentals that would serve him well throughout his career.
Peterborough’s cold winters provided ample opportunity for young Mickey to practice on outdoor rinks. By age 10, he was already showing exceptional shooting ability – a skill that would later become his trademark in the NHL.
His childhood home was just blocks away from the local arena, where he spent countless hours perfecting his craft.
Junior Hockey with the Peterborough Petes
Redmond’s organized hockey career took off when he joined the Peterborough Petes, a prestigious Junior A team in the Ontario Hockey Association. This marked the beginning of his serious hockey development.
With the Petes from 1963-1967, Redmond developed into a feared scorer. His quick release and accuracy made him one of the most dangerous offensive threats in junior hockey.
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1965-66 | Peterborough Petes | 48 | 42 | 31 | 73 |
| 1966-67 | Peterborough Petes | 47 | 51 | 38 | 89 |
His final junior season proved exceptional as he tallied 51 goals in just 47 games. This scoring prowess caught the attention of NHL scouts, particularly from the Montreal Canadiens organization.
Redmond’s time with the Petes taught him the discipline and work ethic necessary for professional success. His junior coach often praised his natural scoring ability combined with unexpected physical play.
NHL Playing Career
Mickey Redmond’s NHL career spanned from 1967 to 1976, highlighted by Stanley Cup championships with Montreal and becoming one of Detroit’s first 50-goal scorers before injuries cut short his promising career.
Draft and Early Years with Montreal Canadiens
Redmond began his professional journey with the Montreal Canadiens in the 1967-68 season. The young right-winger from Kirkland Lake, Ontario quickly established himself as a valuable contributor to the team.
During his time with Montreal, Redmond was part of back-to-back Stanley Cup championship teams in 1968 and 1969. His offensive abilities began to shine, particularly in the 1969-70 season when he scored 27 goals.
Redmond’s early career statistics with Montreal showed promise:
| Season | Team | Games | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1967-68 | Montreal | 55 | 8 | 10 | 18 |
| 1968-69 | Montreal | 76 | 21 | 20 | 41 |
| 1969-70 | Montreal | 78 | 27 | 21 | 48 |
Despite his development, the Canadiens made a significant move that would reshape Redmond’s career trajectory.
Trade to Detroit and Rise to Fame
In January 1971, Redmond was traded to the Detroit Red Wings as part of a blockbuster deal that sent Frank Mahovlich to Montreal. This trade proved transformative for Redmond’s career.
In Detroit, Redmond emerged as an elite goal scorer. He became the first Red Wing to score 50 goals in a season (1972-73), then repeated the feat the following year with 51 goals in 1973-74. These remarkable achievements earned him consecutive All-Star appearances in 1973 and 1974.
His best statistical seasons came with Detroit:
| Season | Team | Games | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972-73 | Detroit | 76 | 52 | 41 | 93 |
| 1973-74 | Detroit | 76 | 51 | 39 | 90 |
Unfortunately, chronic back problems began plaguing Redmond during the 1974-75 season. After playing just 29 games in the 1975-76 season, Redmond was forced to retire at age 28, cutting short what had become a stellar NHL career.
Career Highlights and Accomplishments
Mickey Redmond’s hockey career features remarkable achievements both on and off the ice. His goal-scoring prowess and broadcasting excellence have cemented his legacy with the Detroit Red Wings organization.
Stanley Cup Championships and Records
Before joining the Red Wings, Redmond won two Stanley Cup championships with the Montreal Canadiens. After being traded to Detroit in 1971, his career took off in spectacular fashion.
During the 1972-73 season, Redmond scored an impressive 42 goals and added 29 assists for 71 points in 78 games.
His most remarkable achievement came in 1972 when he scored 52 goals, breaking Gordie Howe’s single-season franchise record of 49. This milestone made Redmond the first Red Wing and just the seventh player in NHL history to reach the 50-goal mark.
Redmond’s shooting accuracy was legendary, with a remarkable 15.5% shooting percentage during his 42-goal season with Detroit.
| Season | Team | Games | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972-73 | Detroit | 78 | 42 | 29 | 71 |
Recognitions and Hall of Fame Inductions
Redmond’s excellence earned him selection to the NHL First All-Star Team once and the NHL Second All-Star Team once during his playing career. These honors recognized him as one of the premier right wingers in hockey.
After his playing days, Redmond transitioned to broadcasting, becoming the voice of Red Wings hockey for over 40 years. His distinctive commentary and “Holy jumpin'” catchphrase have made him beloved by generations of fans.
In recognition of his contributions to Michigan sports, Redmond was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. His dual legacy as both a record-setting player and influential broadcaster has made him one of the most recognizable figures in Detroit hockey history.
Personal Struggles and Triumphs
Mickey Redmond’s journey extends far beyond his accomplishments on the ice and in the broadcast booth. His resilience in the face of serious health challenges has inspired many, while his commitment to giving back showcases his character.
Health Battles: Lung Cancer and Celiac Disease
In 2008, Redmond faced a devastating diagnosis of lung cancer. The announcement shocked Red Wings fans who had welcomed his voice into their homes for decades.
Despite never being a smoker, Redmond battled stage 1 lung cancer with the same determination he showed throughout his playing career.
After successful surgery to remove part of his lung, Redmond made a remarkable recovery. He returned to the broadcast booth, rarely missing a beat in his analysis of the game he loves.
Just a few years later, Redmond received another health challenge when he was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. The autoimmune disorder forced him to completely transform his diet and lifestyle.
“It was another adjustment, but once you know what you’re dealing with, you adapt,” Redmond told reporters in a 2012 interview. His openness about his health struggles has helped raise awareness for both conditions.
Philanthropy and Life Beyond Hockey
Redmond has channeled his personal health battles into meaningful philanthropic work. He has been an active supporter of the American Lung Association, participating in fundraisers and awareness campaigns across Michigan.
His annual charity golf tournament has raised substantial funds for cancer research, bringing together former players and fans for a worthy cause.
Redmond also volunteers his time with Celiac Disease foundations, helping to educate the public about the condition. His willingness to share his experience has made him a valued advocate for those newly diagnosed.
Beyond his health advocacy, Redmond remains connected to the Red Wings community. He frequently appears at team alumni events and continues to be one of the most beloved figures in franchise history.
Broadcasting Career and Legacy
Mickey Redmond’s transition from NHL player to beloved broadcaster represents one of hockey’s most successful second acts. His distinctive voice and hockey insights have educated and entertained Detroit Red Wings fans for over four decades.
Transition from Player to Broadcaster
After arthritis forced Redmond to hang up his skates in 1976, he didn’t stay away from hockey for long. He opened a travel agency but soon found his true post-playing calling behind the microphone.
His broadcasting career began during the 1979-80 season, covering the Red Wings for a premium subscription network.
Redmond’s knowledge of the game and personable style quickly earned him opportunities on larger platforms. He worked nationally with CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada and later joined the NHL on FOX broadcast team, bringing his expertise to a broader audience.
What truly distinguishes Redmond’s broadcasting journey is his remarkable longevity. Since joining the Red Wings’ broadcast team, he has remained a fixture for more than 40 years – a testament to his enduring appeal and expertise.
Impact on Hockey Broadcasting
Redmond’s influence on hockey broadcasting extends beyond Detroit. His approach to color commentary emphasizes making the game accessible to casual fans while providing enough depth to satisfy diehards.
He received the prestigious Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 2011, hockey broadcasting’s highest honor. This recognition placed him in the Hockey Hall of Fame’s media wing, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s great communicators.
Currently, Redmond serves as color commentator for Detroit Red Wings games on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit (formerly Bally Sports Detroit). His partnership with play-by-play announcer Ken Daniels has become one of the most respected broadcasting duos in hockey.
His broadcasting style has influenced a generation of hockey analysts who strive to balance technical insights with entertainment value.
Signature Style and ‘Mickeyisms’
Redmond’s broadcasting charm comes from his authentic, conversational approach. He speaks to viewers as if they’re watching the game together, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
His commentary is peppered with colorful phrases known as “Mickeyisms” that have become part of Red Wings culture. Expressions like “bingo-bango,” “holy jumpin’,” and “Katie, bar the door!” are now woven into the fabric of Detroit hockey vernacular.
When the Red Wings perform well, Redmond might declare it “rings the bell of one happy hockey player.” During particularly exciting moments, fans anticipate his enthusiastic “Look out!”
Beyond the catchphrases, Redmond’s analysis shows his deep understanding of hockey’s nuances. He breaks down complex plays into digestible explanations, making the game more accessible for viewers of all knowledge levels.
The former Red Wing has never truly left Detroit since being traded there in 1971, becoming an enduring voice for multiple generations of fans.
Influence and Mentorship
Mickey Redmond’s impact on the Detroit Red Wings extends far beyond his playing days and broadcasting career. His wisdom and experience have shaped generations of players and the organization’s culture.
Relationship with Players and Coaches
Redmond formed a special bond with many Red Wings legends over the decades. His relationship with Gordie Howe was particularly meaningful, as Howe served as an early mentor to Redmond during his playing days. The two maintained a friendship long after their careers ended.
When Steve Yzerman joined the organization, Redmond took on a mentorship role, sharing insights from his own playing experience. Yzerman has often credited Redmond’s guidance during his early years in Detroit.
During the Scotty Bowman era, Redmond provided valuable perspective as a broadcaster who understood the game intimately. Bowman and Redmond developed mutual respect despite Bowman’s notoriously tough coaching style.
“Mickey always had an open door for young players,” former teammate Jimmy Devellano once noted. “He understood what it took to succeed in Detroit.”
Contributions to the Red Wings and NHL
Redmond’s greatest contribution may be his role as an ambassador for hockey in Michigan. As one of the first 50-goal scorers in franchise history, he helped establish Detroit’s reputation for offensive excellence.
His broadcasting career spanning over 40 years has educated generations of fans about hockey’s intricacies. The Detroit Historical Society recognizes his significant impact on the team’s identity and fanbase.
During challenging periods in franchise history, Redmond maintained optimism while providing honest assessments. His catchphrases like “Bingo-Bango!” became part of Red Wings culture.
Recent league surveys rank Redmond among the most respected analysts in hockey. The Athletic ranked the Daniels-Redmond broadcasting duo as the NHL’s best, highlighting their chemistry and knowledge.
Cultural Impact
Mickey Redmond’s influence extends far beyond his playing and broadcasting careers, creating a lasting impression on both Detroit sports culture and the broader NHL landscape. His distinctive style and personality have made him an icon in the Motor City.
Mickey Redmond in Popular Culture
Redmond’s catchphrases have become legendary among Red Wings fans. “Bingo-bango,” “Holy jumpin’,” and “Look out!” are now deeply embedded in hockey vernacular in Detroit. His colorful commentary has spawned drinking games, fan merchandise, and countless social media memes.
On broadcasts, Redmond’s use of a telestrator (which he nicknames “the electronic chalk”) has become his signature teaching tool. Fans often tune in not just for the game but for what they call “Mickey’s informative insights” into the technicalities of hockey.
His popularity transcends generations. Younger fans who never saw him play know him intimately through his broadcasting work, while older fans appreciate his connection to the Original Six era of NHL hockey.
Enduring Legacy in Detroit and NHL
As the first Red Wings player to score fifty goals in a season, Redmond established himself in franchise history before becoming its voice. His 40+ years on Red Wings broadcasts have made him one of the most familiar faces in Detroit sports.
Redmond’s participation in the historic 1972 Canada-Soviet Summit Series, which he called the “Mother of all series,” connects him to one of hockey’s most important international moments.
The longevity of his career is remarkable. From being part of a significant trade 50 years ago to becoming a beloved broadcaster, Redmond has witnessed the evolution of both the Red Wings and the NHL.
His broadcast style has influenced a generation of hockey commentators who strive to be both informative and entertaining.
