Kevin Hodson, Detroit's now-second goalie and resident prankster finally got his chance to play more than 10 games last season since Vernon was traded to San Jose last summer. Kevin, who spoke about his season tickets at the JLA during the ticket holder rally after the cup was won in '97, was apparently the first of the wings to adopt 'raise the roof'. During the 'soccer' games the boys play in the lockeroom, Kevin would raise the roof when he scored a goal. Eventually the team adopted the gesture, and it was official when Stevie performed it after handing the stanley cup off to his teamates after sweeping Philidelphia in '97. By the time the parade arrived on tues, the whole city of Detroit had embraced the 'raise the roof' gesture. It is sure to be the symbol for raising the cup in the future years of Detroit hockey.
Defenseman Larry Murphy was traded to Detroit on March 18, 1997 for 'future considerations'.At age 36,Larry has much experience in the Nhl. Booed in Toronto, Scotty Bowman decided that he could be used here in Detroit, making it the second time Larry has played with Scotty as his coach. Larry came to Detroit just in time to get ready for the playoffs, in which he became an important player.
Defenseman Aaron Ward went to college at the University of Michigan(yay!) where he played hockey. He was then drafted to Winnipeg, but then traded again to Detroit. He played at Adriondack untill the 96-97 season, where he came up big, especially in the playoffs. Once a fan pointed out to him that there was a u.s. navy ship named the S.S.Aaron Ward (by coincidence) and sent Aaron a picture of it. Ever since, Aaron has kept that picture in his locker. Aaron is also a big, good, fighter for his team.
