Many of you won't recognize this name, but many have been impacted by his legacy. I knew him, not well but well enough so I'll share.

Ted Lindsay is best known for being the most terrifying guy on the ice in his era in the NHL, being a Red Wings super star, 4 Stanley Cups, a member of the vaunted Production Line, and being responsible for starting the NHL Players Association.

It was his activities after hockey that touched so many. He dedicated the balance of his life to Autism by starting the Ted Lindsay foundation. He has raised over $1.5 million to fund autism research and has donated hundreds of thousands to related efforts and causes.

I first met Ted in 2005 at a HS hockey game. He was related to a player on the opposing team and was doing the ceremonial puck drop. He came over to our locker room so he could talk to the coaches and Seniors. Granted in his 80's he didn't come across as the most terrifying guy in N. America until I shook his hand. It was like sticking your hand in a medieval torture device.

I didn't see him again until 2010 when he showed up at a special needs hockey tournament sponsored by the team that I worked with, in his name. That was the first time I had a chance to talk to him and get to know him. He was spry, witty, very intelligent and quick. I remember referring to him as "Sir" a few times. After the third or fourth he put a hand on my arm and said "you don't have to call me that, you can call me Ted". To which I answered an intentionally very nervous "Yes Sir!". He cracked a wry smile and winked. I would drop at least 2-3 "Sir's" every time we talked and he always hand the same smile and twinkle in his eye. Just two players in a little banter.

He was 100% committed to doing anything he could for those kids. A few times a year he would stop in for games or practices and of course the big year end tournament. He always made a point to.... shake my hand ... and talk to me. He would never sit, he always preferred to stand. Even though I towered over him, I felt small in his presence. We joked, we laughed, we talked seriously about the kids, development, and the program.




You'll be missed Ted.... but your legacy will continue.

https://www.clickondetroit.com...ndsay-who-died-at-93

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Rightwire,

Credit to him. I remember when he played. The measure of these guys is what they do when their playing days are over.

RIP Ted.

The last of the legendary Production Line. RIP

I remember watching Ted and the production line play. That was when hockey was a sport for men.
RIP Ted.
Rod

I do remember him, R.I.P., Ted. I used to go out to play hockey on the river and come home to watch a Saturday afternoon game on TV. That era of hockey was great, 6 teams, no helmets.