SPORTS/HOCKEY “Although Jimmy never played professional hockey himself, he was born with an intense love for the game and has devoted his life to hockey. He lives and breathes the game. Hockey is better off because of Jimmy Devellano.”
From the Foreword by Mike and Marian Ilitch, Owners, Detroit Red Wings
“Though he has never scored a goal, blocked a shot or thrown a body check, Jim Devellano contributed to seven Stanley Cup championships over three separate decades. An accomplishment of that magnitude is testament to his foresight, his insight and his hockey sense.”
Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner
“He is my mentor. He gave me my first opportunity to get into the business. When he came to Detroit, one of the things he talked about was he was never going to trade a draft pick. He’s a tremendous architect.”
Ken Holland, General Manager, Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings
“He had what I would consider an outstanding career. He started from the very, very bottom and has worked his way up to, I would say, the top echelon in the league. I made him look so good, Mike Ilitch called me and stole him to Detroit.”
Bill Torrey, Former General Manager, New York Islanders
“He is a truly respected hockey man who deserves all accolades that have been presented to him. However, where he has helped me the most is in understanding the sports environment in the city of Detroit. Jimmy spent countless hours advising me on this sports landscape upon my arrival in Michigan.”
Dave Dombrowski, President & General Manager, Detroit Tigers (MLB)
“For more than the past 40 years Jim Devellano has had his hands on the hockey pulse. His remarkable accomplishments make him a Hockey Icon. Congratulations.”
Scotty Bowman, Consultant, Detroit Red Wings
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