Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsWednesday, June 24, 2026
SBNation.com homepageSB NationSB Nation logo

Red Wings fans give former coach Mike Babcock standing ovation

And he was nonplussed.

by Patrick Iversen
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Part Of
NHL Friday: Red Wings spoil Mike Babcock’s return to Hockeytown
see all updates

Mike Babcock will go down as one of the best coaches in Detroit Red Wings history, which is saying a lot for that storied franchise. His departure from the team after 10 seasons this summer for the rebuilding Toronto Maple Leafs was not unexpected, but it wasn't easy either.

So when he returned to Detroit on Thursday behind the Toronto bench, you just knew the Red Wings fans and organization would take the time to recognize him and thank him for his decade of service. They wasted no time, giving Babcock a standing ovation in the first period.

And in typical Babcockian fashion, the legendary coach looked pretty unaffected by it all.

In 10 years with the Red Wings, Babcock won 458 games while winning one Stanley Cup in two appearances. The Wings also made the playoffs in each year of his tenure.

See More:

More in: NHL Friday: Red Wings spoil Mike Babcock’s return to Hockeytown

NHL Roundup: Wings spoil Babcock’s returnNHL Roundup: Wings spoil Babcock’s return
By Patrick Iversen
Rangers score game-winner from impossible angleRangers score game-winner from impossible angle
Mike Commodore hopes Babcock gets hit by a truckMike Commodore hopes Babcock gets hit by a truck

More in NHL

NHL
Florida Panthers all-in trade for Brady Tkachuk is bold, but it might not be smartFlorida Panthers all-in trade for Brady Tkachuk is bold, but it might not be smart
NHL

There’s a lot to like (and a lot to dislike) with this trade.

By James Dator
NHL
How the Carolina Hurricanes could become an NHL dynastyHow the Carolina Hurricanes could become an NHL dynasty
NHL

The Stanley Cup champs have everything set to turn into a dynasty.

By James Dator
NHL
NHL mock draft 2026: Complete 1st round after the Stanley CupNHL mock draft 2026: Complete 1st round after the Stanley Cup
NHL

Our first look at the 1st round following the Stanley Cup.

By James Dator
NHL
The Carolina Hurricanes face a tough Stanley Cup Final decision that isn’t difficult at allThe Carolina Hurricanes face a tough Stanley Cup Final decision that isn’t difficult at all
NHL

The Canes have only one path left to win the Stanley Cup.

By James Dator
NBA
Ticket prices are destroying the World Cup, NBA Finals, and Stanley Cup on resale marketTicket prices are destroying the World Cup, NBA Finals, and Stanley Cup on resale market
NBA

Sports are being torn apart by scavengers.

By James Dator
NHL
NHL unveils new All-Star format, and it’s incredibleNHL unveils new All-Star format, and it’s incredible
NHL

This is such a good idea.

By James Dator

The Latest