Alex Delvecchio

Red Wings legend, Hall of Famer, and last surviving member of three Stanley Cup-winning teams.

Alexander Peter "Fats" Delvecchio (December 4, 1931 – July 1, 2025) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player, coach, and general manager who spent his entire National Hockey League (NHL) career with the Detroit Red Wings. In a playing career that lasted from 1951 to 1973, Delvecchio played in 1,549 games and recorded 1,281 points. At the time of his retirement, he was second in NHL history in number of games played, assists, and points. He won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct three times and helped the Red Wings win the Stanley Cup three times.

He is one of three NHL players to spend their entire career with one franchise and play at least 1,500 games with that team (the other two, Steve Yzerman and Nicklas Lidström, also played for the Red Wings). Upon retiring in 1973, Delvecchio was named head coach of the Red Wings and was also named the team's general manager in 1974; he served in both roles until 1977. Delvecchio was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1977, and in 2017 was named one of the "100 Greatest NHL Players" in history.

Quick Facts

Position: Centre; Left Wing
Played for: Detroit Red Wings
Shoots: Left
Born: 4 December 1931
Birthplace: Fort William, Ontario, Canada
Died: 1 July 2025
Place of death: Rochester, Michigan, U.S.
Hall of Fame: 1977

Lore & Background

Delvecchio was the last surviving member of the Red Wings' 1952, 1954 and 1955 Stanley Cup teams. He died at his home in Rochester, Michigan on July 1, 2025, at the age of 93.

Reader's Guide

Delvecchio's #10 banner hangs in Joe Louis Arena. A statue of Delvecchio is at Joe Louis Arena. He founded Alex Delvecchio Enterprises, which made and engraved plaques, signs and promotional products. He was an "Honored Member" of the Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association and was active in its efforts to raise money for children's charities in Metro Detroit.

Did You Know?

Delvecchio led the OHA in assists in 1950-51 while playing for the Oshawa Generals.
He made his NHL debut on March 25, 1951, against the Montreal Canadiens.
He was a member of the "Production Line" with Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay.
In 1956–57, he missed 22 games due to a broken ankle, but missed only 14 games over the following 16 seasons.