As the Detroit Red Wings mark their 100th anniversary, few figures have both played for the team and become iconic voices behind the microphone like Mickey Redmond. Redmond, the franchise’s first player to score 50 goals in a season, has been a fixture on Red Wings broadcasts since 1986. Shortly after Redmond retired in 1976, another player with ties to the Montreal Canadiens, Paul Woods, joined Detroit. Woods, drafted by Montreal in 1975, never played for the Canadiens but enjoyed success in the AHL before being claimed by the Red Wings in the 1977 NHL Waiver Draft. Initially skeptical, Woods was thrilled when Detroit offered him a new opportunity, leading to a seven-season career with the Red Wings, during which he became the youngest captain in team history at the time.
Woods highlights that the captaincy is a sign of respect and a reflection of team effort. He played during a pivotal era when the Red Wings moved from the historic Olympia Stadium to Joe Louis Arena, initially doubting the switch but later appreciating the new venue’s identity. After retiring from playing, Woods transitioned into broadcasting, unexpectedly finding a rewarding second career. Known for thorough preparation, he’s become the longest-serving radio color commentator in Detroit sports, working alongside legendary commentators Bruce Martin and Ken Cull. Woods has witnessed the Red Wings’ highs, including four Stanley Cup victories and the 1997 championship that ended a 42-year drought.
Now covering over 3,000 games as a commentator, Woods treasures every moment at the rink. He recalls the joy of sharing the Stanley Cup with the team and cherishes the opportunity to be paid for talking about the sport he loves. His journey underscores the deep ties between Detroit’s hockey heritage and its passionate community.
Fan Take: This story highlights the rich legacy and evolution of the Detroit Red Wings through the eyes of someone who has lived it both on and off the ice. For hockey fans, it’s a reminder of the enduring connections that define the sport and the importance of preserving and celebrating those ties as the game continues to grow.
