Mike Modano - by Kristy

Mike Modano is a well known and well respected name throughout the National Hockey League. He has played 20 seasons with the same organization and holds the record of most goals scored by a U.S.-born player. At 40 years old, his team did not offer him a new contract for the upcoming 2010-11 season. The problem? - He isn't ready to hang up the skates yet. The solution? - Coming home to play a season with the Detroit Red Wings. Most Wings fans are thrilled at the idea and think he will blend in with the team great. Being that Modano is a Michigan native, many Red Wings fans are already fans of his. My dad actually went to school with Mike, so he is quite excited.
Naturally, Modano had his apprehensions about signing a contract with a new team. When you've played your entire career for one organization, you feel certain bonds you don't want to break. However, in Dallas, his true fans understand that hockey is a business just like anything else and Modano is only doing what is best for himself and his career. With no new contract in Dallas and having to pick a different team to play for, I have to say coming home and playing for the Red Wings seems like not only the obvious choice, but the perfect one.


This picture, from Getty Images, was taken on April 8 of this year. It was the last home game of the season and Modano saluted the fans as, deep in his heart, he knew it would be his last chance in a Stars' jersey.