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Mickey Redmond
Mickey Redmond
from Wikipedia

Michael "Mickey" Edward Redmond (born December 27, 1947)[1] is a Canadian former professional hockey player. He is currently a color commentator for Detroit Red Wings games on television for FanDuel Sports Network Detroit.

Key Information

Playing career

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Redmond played right wing for the Montreal Canadiens from 1967-1971, winning Stanley Cups with them in 1968 and 1969. He scored 27 goals for the Canadiens in the 1969–70 season.

Halfway through the 1970–71 NHL season he was traded to the Red Wings in a deal that sent superstar Frank Mahovlich to Montreal.[2][3] His promise was fulfilled the season following, when he scored 42 goals on a line centered by veteran star Alex Delvecchio.

In 1972–1973, Redmond became the seventh player in NHL history and the first Red Wing player to score 50 goals in a season. He finished a career year with 52 goals (surpassing Gordie Howe's team record of 49) and 93 points.[4] Redmond's record would stand until John Ogrodnick tallied 55 goals during the 1985 season. Delvecchio retired early in the 1973–74 season to become the team's coach, and Redmond was moved onto a line with budding superstar Marcel Dionne. Redmond's success continued, and he became only the third player (after Bobby Hull and Phil Esposito) to achieve back-to-back 50 goal seasons with 51 goals (including an NHL leading 21 power play goals).

In the 1974–75 season Redmond sustained a back injury and played only 29 games. His back woes continued the following year; after 37 games he retired early at the age of 28.[5] He had been named to the league's First All-Star Team in 1973, the Second Team in 1974, and he played in one All-Star Game in 1974.

Redmond's younger brother Dick was an NHL defenseman. He played thirteen seasons, primarily with the Chicago Blackhawks and the Boston Bruins.

Career statistics

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Regular season and playoffs

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Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1963–64 Peterborough Petes OHA 53 21 17 38 26 4 1 2 3 2
1964–65 Peterborough Petes OHA 52 23 20 43 30 12 1 9 10 11
1965–66 Peterborough Petes OHA 48 41 51 92 31 6 4 1 5 6
1966–67 Peterborough Petes OHA 48 51 44 95 44 6 2 5 6 14
1966–67 Houston Apollos CHL 5 3 2 5 2
1967–68 Montreal Canadiens NHL 41 6 5 11 4 2 0 0 0 0
1967–68 Houston Apollos CHL 15 9 8 17 9
1968–69 Montreal Canadiens NHL 65 9 15 24 12 14 2 3 5 2
1969–70 Montreal Canadiens NHL 75 27 27 54 61
1970–71 Montreal Canadiens NHL 40 14 15 29 35
1970–71 Detroit Red Wings NHL 21 6 8 14 7
1971–72 Detroit Red Wings NHL 78 42 29 71 34
1972–73 Detroit Red Wings NHL 76 52 41 93 24
1973–74 Detroit Red Wings NHL 76 51 26 77 14
1974–75 Detroit Red Wings NHL 29 15 12 27 18
1975–76 Detroit Red Wings NHL 37 11 17 28 10
NHL totals 538 233 195 428 219 16 2 3 5 2

International

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Year Team Event   GP G A Pts PIM
1972 Canada SS 1 0 0 0 0

Broadcasting

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After his playing career ended, Redmond became a color commentator on television. His television stops include CBC's Hockey Night in Canada, NHL on ESPN usually with Dan Kelly, Mike Lange, or Sam Rosen,[6][7] NHL on Fox and for most of his broadcasting career, local television coverage of the Red Wings with play-by-play announcers Dave Strader, Mike Goldberg, and (currently) Ken Daniels. His catchphrases are referred to by fans as "Mickeyisms".

Redmond was a frequent guest on Drew and Mike In the Morning on WRIF. Redmond provided in-studio pre- and post-game commentary for WXYZ when ABC broadcast NHL games that featured the Red Wings and he did the same on NBC-broadcast Wings games for WDIV.

Currently, Redmond only does commentary on FanDuel Sports Detroit for home games and away games requiring only short trips, due to having coeliac disease, being a two-time lung cancer survivor[8][9] and having a lot of difficulty of finding gluten-free meals over an extended road trip. In those cases, his duties are typically covered by Chris Osgood and/or Larry Murphy.[10][11][12][13]

In 2011, Redmond was the recipient of the Hockey Hall of Fame's Foster Hewitt Memorial Award, named after Foster Hewitt and presented by the Hockey Hall of Fame to members of the radio and television industry who make outstanding contributions to their profession and the game of ice hockey during their broadcasting career. The award winners are selected by the NHL Broadcasters Association.[14][15]

In 2022, Redmond was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in Detroit.[16][17]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Michael Edward Redmond, known as Mickey Redmond, is a Canadian former player and longtime sportscaster, renowned for his right-wing scoring prowess with the and in the National Hockey League (NHL), as well as his enduring role as a for Red Wings broadcasts. Born on December 27, 1947, in , , Redmond began his NHL career with the Canadiens in 1967, contributing to victories in 1968 and 1969 before being traded to the Red Wings in 1971. During his six seasons with Detroit from 1971 to 1976, Redmond emerged as one of the league's top goal scorers, achieving two 50-goal campaigns, including a franchise-record 52 goals in 1972–73 that surpassed Gordie Howe's previous mark of 49 and made him the first Red Wing to reach the 50-goal milestone. He also scored 51 goals the following season and participated in the 1974 NHL All-Star Game, amassing 233 goals and 428 points over 538 career games despite playing through chronic back issues. Forced to retire at age 28 in 1976 due to permanent nerve damage from a back injury, Redmond transitioned to broadcasting, initially joining the Red Wings' radio team in 1979–80 and later working national NHL coverage on CBC, ESPN, and Fox. Since returning to the Red Wings in 1986 as a television color analyst for —partnering with play-by-play announcer since 1997—Redmond has become a beloved fixture in sports, offering insightful commentary during the team's playoff runs and centennial celebrations. His contributions to hockey broadcasting earned him the Hockey Hall of Fame's Memorial Award in 2011, recognizing excellence in the field, and induction into the Sports Hall of Fame.

Early Life

Birth and Upbringing

Michael Edward Redmond was born on December 27, 1947, in , , a small northern mining town renowned for its deep-rooted hockey culture amid the harsh winters of the Canadian Shield. Raised in a working-class family, Redmond grew up in an environment shaped by the local industry, where the cold climate encouraged children to spend hours playing hockey outdoors on frozen ponds and community rinks. His father, Eddie Redmond, a semi-professional hockey player and captain of Canada's 1958 amateur world champion team, introduced him to the sport from an early age, emphasizing fundamentals like skating and puck control. This familial guidance, combined with the town's tradition of fostering talent through accessible rinks built as early as 1928, provided an ideal setting for young players to develop skills amid a community that produced over two dozen NHL players by the late 1960s. Redmond's first organized hockey experiences came in the local youth leagues of during the 1950s, where he honed his abilities on teams that emphasized teamwork and endurance in the competitive scene. The town's vibrant hockey heritage, often dubbed "the town that made the NHL famous" by broadcaster , exposed promising youngsters like Redmond to professional scouts frequenting games and practices at community facilities. These early opportunities, supported by a culture where hockey was a central social and recreational outlet for mining families, laid the groundwork for his passion and proficiency in the sport. His younger brother, Dick Redmond, would later follow a similar path to a professional career in the NHL.

Family Background

Mickey Redmond was born into a working-class family in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, a northern mining town known for its harsh winters and strong community ties to hockey. His parents, Eddie and May Redmond, resided in the area during his early years, instilling a deep appreciation for the sport through everyday family activities. Eddie Redmond, born in 1923 in nearby Cobalt, Ontario, had a background in semi-professional hockey, including serving as captain of the Whitby Dunlops, who won the 1958 World Amateur Ice Hockey Championship as Canada's representative team. This hockey heritage contributed to the family's working-class roots, where Eddie's experiences on the ice provided informal coaching and encouragement for his sons amid the town's resource-based economy. Redmond's younger brother, Dick Redmond, born on August 14, 1949, in , shared this familial passion and followed a similar path into professional hockey. Dick became an NHL defenseman, playing 539 games across teams including the , , Chicago Black Hawks, , , and from 1969 to 1982. The brothers' close age difference and mutual involvement in local pond and fostered a supportive dynamic, with Eddie teaching them fundamentals on a backyard rink during their childhood in . No other siblings are documented in the family's immediate circle, though extended relatives participated in Kirkland Lake's vibrant local sports scene, reinforcing hockey as a central family tradition. The Redmond brothers' early shared experiences, including playing together on frozen outdoor surfaces, encouraged their competitive pursuits, leading both to junior and professional levels without notable rivalry overshadowing their bond. This familial environment in Kirkland Lake's hockey-centric community helped shape their lifelong dedication to the sport.

Playing Career

Junior Career

In 1963, at the age of 15, Redmond moved with his family from to , where he joined the of the (OHA) Junior A league, following a brief stint as the team's stick boy. His brother Frank simultaneously pursued a parallel path in junior hockey with the in the OHA. Over four seasons from 1963 to 1967, Redmond established himself as a prolific scorer for the , appearing in 201 regular-season games and accumulating 136 goals and 132 assists for 268 points. His production escalated markedly in his final two years, with 41 goals and 51 assists (92 points) in 48 games during 1965–66, followed by a career-high 51 goals and 44 assists (95 points) in 48 games in 1966–67, earning him the OHA's Red Tilson Trophy as most valuable player and the William Hanley Trophy as the most sportsmanlike player that season. During Redmond's tenure, the Petes were consistent playoff contenders, qualifying each year and advancing to the OHA semifinals in 1963–64 (losing 1–4 to the Montreal Junior Canadiens), 1964–65 (losing 3–4–1 to the ), and 1965–66 (losing 2–4 to the ), though they fell in the quarterfinals 2–4 to the Hamilton Red Wings in 1966–67. The team did not reach the final series in this period. As a right winger, Redmond developed into a dynamic goal-scorer known for his accurate shot and playmaking, which drew significant scouting attention from National Hockey League clubs despite the league's amateur draft system. His standout junior performances led to his signing as an undrafted by the in 1967, marking the end of his junior career.

Montreal Canadiens

Mickey Redmond made his National Hockey League debut with the during the 1967–68 season at the age of 19, transitioning directly from a standout junior career with the . Playing as a right winger, he appeared in 41 regular-season games that year, contributing to a team that captured the in their first season of the expansion era. Redmond's early role was as a promising young forward on a dynasty squad led by legends such as and , where he benefited from the team's disciplined puck-possession system that emphasized quick transitions and offensive zone time. In the 1968–69 season, Redmond solidified his place on the roster, playing a more significant part in the Canadiens' back-to-back victory, including appearances in the playoffs against teams like the and . His aggressive scoring style from the right wing, characterized by a strong shot and willingness to drive the net, began to emerge amid the high-caliber play of Montreal's established stars, helping the team maintain dominance in the Original Six remnants and expansion foes. The following year, 1969–70, marked a breakout for Redmond, as he posted career-high production while the Canadiens continued their strong contention, though they fell short of another championship. Redmond's tenure with Montreal spanned four seasons from 1967 to 1971, during which he developed into a reliable offensive contributor on one of the NHL's most successful franchises of the era. However, seeking more ice time and opportunity, he was traded midway through the 1970–71 season on January 13, 1971, along with forwards Guy Charron and Bill Collins, to the in exchange for veteran left winger . This move ended his time with the Canadiens, where he had been part of two runs and gained invaluable experience in a winning environment.

Detroit Red Wings

Redmond joined the via trade from the on January 13, 1971, in a deal that sent forward to Montreal along with minor leaguers Bill Collins and Guy Charron. He quickly established himself as a key offensive contributor, making an immediate impact during the 1971–72 season by emerging as one of the team's top goal scorers on a squad in transition. Redmond reached the peak of his playing career with the Red Wings over the next two seasons. In 1972–73, he scored 52 goals, becoming the first player in franchise history to achieve the 50-goal milestone, a feat accomplished with his 50th and 51st goals in a single game against on March 27, 1973. The following year, in 1973–74, he netted 51 goals while leading the team in overall scoring, solidifying his status as Detroit's premier offensive talent. His exceptional performances earned him selection to the NHL First Team in 1973, the Second Team in 1974, and a spot in the 1974 . Amid these individual successes, Redmond toiled on a rebuilding Red Wings team that struggled for consistent contention in the early , finishing outside the during his peak years. He frequently centered or complemented lines with emerging stars like , contributing to power-play units and providing offensive spark in a lineup featuring veterans such as . However, back injuries began to surface in the 1974–75 season, severely restricting his participation to just 29 games. These issues persisted into 1975–76, where he appeared in only 37 games before announcing his retirement at age 28, effectively ending his NHL playing career.

International Play

At age 24, Mickey Redmond was selected to Team Canada's roster for the 1972 Summit Series against the , earning the spot after a breakout with the in which he scored 42 goals. The series, held in September 1972, pitted the top NHL professionals from against the dominant Soviet national team in an eight-game exhibition that transcended sports, serving as a proxy for tensions and affirming 's hockey supremacy with a final 4–3–1 victory. Redmond appeared in only the opening game on at the Montreal Forum, where he logged limited ice time but was held scoreless in Canada's shocking 3–7 loss to the Soviets, finishing with a minus-1 rating on one shot. Head coach benched him for the remaining games, opting for other wingers amid adjustments to counter the Soviets' disciplined, skill-based style that exposed early Canadian complacency. Redmond later described the Game 1 matchup as "like boys playing against men," underscoring the Soviets' superior preparation after years of studying NHL footage. In the lead-up, Redmond joined teammates for a training camp in during August, where the Canadians, unaccustomed to off-season conditioning, underestimated their opponents who arrived highly tuned. He traveled to for Games 6 through 8 as a member of the delegation, accompanied by his mother, but served as an observer without playing; the trip highlighted stark cultural contrasts, including constant surveillance by guards and incidents like the theft of team provisions, which reinforced the event's geopolitical undertones. Redmond has reflected that the experience profoundly shaped his perspective on international competition, fostering a deeper appreciation for personal freedoms and viewing the series as an ideological clash that galvanized .

Career Statistics

Regular Season

Mickey Redmond appeared in 538 regular-season games over nine NHL seasons, scoring 233 goals and 195 assists for 428 points, with a career plus/minus of -11 and 219 penalty minutes. He recorded 63 power-play goals during his career.
SeasonTeamGPGAPts+/-PIMPPG
1967–68MTL416511+241
1968–69MTL6591524+16121
1969–70MTL75272754+22614
1970–71MTL/DET61202343+7424
1971–72DET78422971–153410
1972–73DET76524193+62415
1973–74DET76512677–201421
1974–75DET29151227–12185
1975–76DET37111728–17102
Career538233195428–1121963
Redmond's career averages were 0.43 per game and 0.80 points per game.

Playoffs

Redmond played in 16 games over two postseasons with the , recording 2 and 3 assists for 5 points, with a of +1 and 2 penalty minutes. He scored 1 power-play in the .
SeasonTeamGPGAPts+/-PIMPPG
1967–68MTL2000000
1968–69MTL14235+121
Career16235+121

International

Redmond's international statistics are confined to his participation in the 1972 Summit Series, an eight-game exhibition tournament between and the that won 4-3-1.
TournamentGPGAPtsPIM
1972 Summit Series10000
International Totals10000
These figures reflect Redmond's single appearance in Game 1 for Team .

Broadcasting Career

Early Roles

Following his retirement from professional hockey in 1976 due to chronic back injuries, Mickey Redmond transitioned into broadcasting, beginning his media career in 1979 covering games on the subscription television service ON-TV. He then joined CBC's "" as a studio analyst from 1981 to 1985, providing analysis for national NHL game coverage. This role allowed him to leverage his recent playing experience, offering insights into game strategy and player performance during broadcasts of key Canadian NHL matchups. Redmond expanded his reach to U.S. audiences in the early by joining ESPN's NHL coverage as a , contributing to the network's initial forays into regular-season and playoff telecasts alongside play-by-play announcers like Dan Kelly. His work emphasized accessible explanations of on-ice tactics, drawing directly from his tenure as a high-scoring NHL winger. Later in the decade, he continued building his profile with NHL on broadcasts in the mid-1990s, including the network's debut game in 1995, where he analyzed contests such as at . During this formative phase, Redmond also gained regional experience as a for Toronto Maple Leafs games on local television from 1982 to 1985, honing his delivery on home-team broadcasts and fostering a reputation for enthusiastic, insider perspectives informed by his own Stanley Cup-winning background with the . This combination of national and local assignments helped him develop a distinctive style marked by passionate commentary and relatable player anecdotes, setting the foundation for his long-term broadcasting success.

Detroit Red Wings Tenure

Mickey Redmond joined the Detroit Red Wings' broadcast team in 1986 as the color analyst, partnering initially with play-by-play announcer Bruce Martyn. His prior experience with Hockey Night in Canada on CBC facilitated the hire, bringing national expertise to the local telecasts. In 1997, Ken Daniels replaced Martyn as the play-by-play voice, forming a duo that entered their 29th season together for 2025–26. Redmond's broadcasts air on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, the team's regional network formerly known as Fox Sports Detroit and Bally Sports Detroit. Due to ongoing health challenges, including a history of back issues, he has limited his role to primarily home games, with occasional remote contributions for select away matchups to minimize travel. This hybrid approach, adopted in recent years as Redmond aged into his late 70s, allows him to continue providing analysis while prioritizing well-being; at 77 in 2025, he remains a fixture for most games. By 2025, Redmond had completed over 40 seasons with the Red Wings, marking one of the longest tenures among NHL broadcasters. His commentary gained legendary status during the team's dominant 1990s and 2000s eras, including memorable calls from four championships in 1997, 1998, 2002, and 2008, where his enthusiastic style and player insights endeared him to fans. The 2025–26 season confirmed his ongoing role, with announcements highlighting the Daniels-Redmond pairing as central to the broadcast slate. In recent events, Redmond reflected on the Red Wings' 100th anniversary celebrations in November 2025, co-hosting events at the Fox Theatre with Daniels and sharing stories from team history in interviews. Earlier, on October 17, 2025, he made a notable appearance between the benches during a home game against the , where he engaged in light-hearted interactions, including using , underscoring his enduring connection to the team at age 77. Despite adaptations for health and age, Redmond's passionate delivery and loyalty have solidified his status as a fan favorite, with the duo consistently ranked among the NHL's top broadcast teams.

Awards and Honors

Playing Awards

During his nine-season NHL career, Mickey Redmond received recognition for his prolific goal-scoring ability, particularly during his tenure with the , though he did not win any major individual trophies such as the . His honors were primarily team-based early on and individual accolades later, highlighting his emergence as one of the league's top right wings in the early . Redmond contributed to two Stanley Cup championships with the Montreal Canadiens, appearing in two games during the 1967-68 playoffs and 14 games in the 1968-69 postseason as the team swept to victory over the St. Louis Blues in both finals. These team successes marked the beginning of his professional career, though his role was limited as a young rookie behind established stars. In the 1972-73 season, Redmond earned a spot on the NHL First All-Star Team as right wing after leading the league with 52 goals and finishing second overall in scoring with 90 points, establishing him as a premier offensive force. The following year, 1973-74, he was selected to the Second All-Star Team as right wing, following another 50-goal campaign with 51 tallies and 84 points, underscoring his consistency as a high-volume scorer despite playing on a rebuilding Red Wings squad. Redmond participated in the 1974 NHL All-Star Game, representing the Western Conference in a 6-4 victory over the East at , where he scored once during the West's comeback effort. This appearance capped his peak recognition as a top performer before back injuries curtailed his career.

Broadcasting Honors

In 2011, Mickey Redmond received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the , recognizing his distinguished contributions to hockey broadcasting over more than three decades. The award, named after pioneering Canadian broadcaster , honors individuals in the radio and television industry who have made outstanding contributions to the sport, and Redmond was celebrated for his insightful analysis and passionate delivery during games. Redmond's impact extended to his 2022 induction into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, where he was acknowledged for his combined legacy as a player and broadcaster in the state, particularly his role in elevating the Red Wings' media presence during their successful and 2000s championship eras. This honor underscored his over 40 years of service to Michigan sports, blending on-ice expertise with engaging commentary that resonated with fans. Additional recognitions include a 2024 tribute from the Historical Society, which unveiled a permanent exhibit featuring Redmond's hand-cast print as part of its "Salute to the Legends" at the annual ball, honoring his enduring contributions to 's hockey heritage. In 2025, Redmond and play-by-play partner were ranked the top NHL broadcasting duo for the second consecutive year in The Athletic's fan survey, reflecting their longevity and chemistry after nearly 30 years together.

Personal Life

Health Challenges

Redmond's professional hockey career was prematurely ended by chronic back injuries that emerged during the with the . Early in that campaign, he suffered a ruptured disc in his back, restricting him to just 29 games and sidelining him for the remainder of the year. The injury proved persistent, limiting Redmond to 37 games in the 1975–76 season despite rehabilitation efforts and attempted comebacks; he ultimately retired in September 1976 at age 28, citing the need for ongoing management of the chronic condition throughout his post-playing life. Later in life, Redmond received a diagnosis of , an autoimmune disorder impairing the body's ability to absorb , which has required lifelong dietary restrictions and contributed to limitations on extensive travel. Redmond has survived two bouts of . In January 2003, surgeons removed two-thirds of his right lung after discovering a malignant tumor during a checkup, prompted by his recent cessation of . A recurrence was detected in his left during a routine six-month follow-up in early 2008, leading to on February 11 to excise the tumor, followed by ; Redmond recovered from both treatments and returned to his broadcasting duties. These health challenges have tested Redmond's endurance, yet he has shown significant resilience, adapting his lifestyle to manage them while maintaining professional involvement, including a focus on home-based work by 2025 at age 77.

Later Activities

In recent years, Mickey Redmond has remained actively involved in centennial celebrations marking the franchise's 100th anniversary in 2025. He co-hosted the "100 Years of " event at the Fox Theatre on November 8, 2025, alongside broadcaster , where alumni shared stories of the team's storied past. Redmond also participated in autograph sessions and fan interactions during the Hockeytown Centennial FanFest from November 6 to 9, 2025, at venues including the . In a November 9, 2025, with Local 4 (), he reflected on his contributions to the team's history, specifically referencing his landmark 50-goal season in 1972-73 as a pivotal moment in Red Wings lore. Redmond has continued to engage in public speaking and alumni events, often drawing on his experiences to inspire fans and preserve hockey history. At team retrospectives and alumni gatherings, he has shared personal anecdotes from the 1972 , describing it as the "mother of all series" for its intense Canada-Soviet Union rivalry and lasting impact on the sport. His appearances include a December 15, 2024, meet-and-greet at Museum of American Innovation alongside fellow Red Wings alumnus , where he interacted with attendees to discuss the evolution of the game. These events underscore Redmond's role in connecting generations of fans to the NHL's heritage. Through his involvement in charitable initiatives, Redmond has supported community causes tied to hockey. He has participated in Red Wings charity games, such as the 2023 event benefiting the Children's Miracle Network and other youth-focused organizations in , helping raise funds for pediatric care and community programs. While no specific programs in his hometown of , , are documented, his efforts in emphasize giving back to the sport that defined his career. Approaching his 78th birthday on December 27, 2025, Redmond maintains strong fan engagement through these legacy activities, demonstrating enduring enthusiasm for the Red Wings despite scaling back from full-time commitments. His continued presence at fanfests and interviews highlights a lasting bond with Detroit's hockey community, where he is celebrated as a bridge between the team's past achievements and its future.

References

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