Frozen moment: When Steve Yzerman presented 1997 Stanley Cup to Mike Ilitch

DETROIT – Detroit Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman had a lot of choices when it came to handing off the Stanley Cup after winning it in 1997 at Joe Louis Arena. 

Yzerman, who had suffered through the ups and downs of the past 14 seasons with the Red Wings, chose to share the moment with owners Mike and Marian Ilitch. It was one of the most emotional moments in Detroit sports history, and will continue to be for generations to come. Detroit's 42-year Cup drought had been broken, and the team's captain understood how important it was to the city and the faithful team owner. 

Mike Ilitch died Friday at the age of 87. 

This YouTube video shows that special moment (12:00 mark in the video) when Ilitch lifted the coveted Cup over his head:

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