Detroit Red Wings Hall of Fame defenseman Red Kelly dies

Embed from Getty Images In February, 91 years old Detroit Red Wings legend had his number 4 raised to the rafters in Little Caesars Arena. A 1969 NHL Hall of Fame inductee Kelly spent 13 of his 20 season in Detroit. The rest would be played with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Red Kelly was the 1954 winner of the Norris Trophy as the best defensive player. Kelly was a very accomplished player and had a tremendous impact on the game of hockey.

Red Kelly became the eighth player in Red Wings history to have his number retired. Kelly was an eight time Stanley Cup champion, as well as numerous league awards.

Red Kelly joins his former teammates Sid Able, Alex Delvecchio, Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup winners in 1950, 1952, 1954 and 1955 to have their number retired. Kelly would serve as captin of the Red Wings from 1956-58.

For all of his decorated achievements Red Kelly often said his greatest joy was his family. Not the 846 games he played in or the Stanley Cup championships or the four Lady Byng trophies he won for sportsmanship in 1951, 1953, 1954 and 1961.

The hockey world mourns the loss of one of the games giants. A family mourns the loss of someone much more than a player in a game.