Although construction began without a budget, architectural plans, or a tenant Joe Louis Arena became the destination for hockey royalty and the home to champions.

“The Joe” chronicles four decades of unforgettable moments in Red Wings history retold by the players, coaches, and managers that lived them. Dubbed the “Dead Wings” for their futility during the late 70s, the transition of ownership from the Norris family to the Ilitch family began a renaissance in the Motor City. Future captain Steve Yzerman arrived in 1983 and Detroit quickly established themselves as a perennial contender for the Stanley Cup.

After disappointing playoff exits in the early 1990s, the Red Wings, led by future Hall of Famers Sergei Fedorov, Brendan Shanahan, and Nicklas Lidstrom, finally ended a 42year championship drought in 1997. Detroit repeated as cup winners the following season and won two more Stanley Cups in 2002 and 2008 all while making 25straight playoff appearances at the Joe.

In addition to cultivating a culture of winning on the ice, the new owners created family atmosphere throughout the franchise, arena, and fan base. Players, fans, and staff mingled within the rink’s corridors and shared highs and lows, not just as a team, but as a community.

Every moment is here from Gordie Howe’s return, to the Russian Five, to the emotional final ceremony. “The Joe” utilizes exclusive access and neverbeforeseen archival footage to present a unique perspective of Detroit’s storied past in one of the NHL’s most iconic arenas.For the latest hockey action, subscribe to our channel by clicking the big, red shiny SUBSCRIBE button

Watch live hockey wherever you are: https://www.nhl.com/tv'>https://www.nhl.com/tv

Breaking news, scores, stats, analysis & realtime highlights: https://www.nhl.com

Feeling social?
Twitter:   / nhl  
Facebook:   / nhl  
Instagram:   / nhl