http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/columnists/2017/02/10/ilitch-detroit-pizza-red-wings-tigers-hockey-forbes/91475642/
Mike Ilitch died today at the spry age of 87. Most will remember him for bringing cheap, crappy pizza to the country - started Little Ceaser in Garden City, MI in 59 - but he should be better remembered as bringing decency back to the Red Wings. He bought them in 82 and ended the Dead Wings era (67-82 they were awful, made the playoffs only twice), drafted Yzerman right away. Since Ilitch bought them, they've missed the playoffs only in 86 and 90.
Mike Ilitch died today at the spry age of 87. Most will remember him for bringing cheap, crappy pizza to the country - started Little Ceaser in Garden City, MI in 59 - but he should be better remembered as bringing decency back to the Red Wings. He bought them in 82 and ended the Dead Wings era (67-82 they were awful, made the playoffs only twice), drafted Yzerman right away. Since Ilitch bought them, they've missed the playoffs only in 86 and 90.