Larry Aurie

Aurie was considered by owner James Norris as the heart and soul of the Detroit NHL franchise from 1927 through 1938.

He was known for his remarkable all-around play, goal-scoring achievements and for being instrumental in the Red Wings' winning their first two Stanley Cup championships in 1936 and 1937.

The lingering effects of his fractured leg began to affect his play and in 1937–38, he dropped to 10 goals and 19 points and was forced to retire after the season at age 33.

6 jersey was officially retired by Wings owner James Norris after the 1937–38 season (he returned to play one more game for Detroit on January 10, 1939), but was reissued once in the late 1950s to his cousin (not nephew as has been widely reported) Cummy Burton, with the family's blessing.

Aurie died in Detroit's Mount Carmel Mercy Hospital on December 12, 1952, having suffered a stroke while driving his car the previous evening.