Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick presented Yzerman with the key to the city and announced that the intersection of Third and Atwater Streets, along Joe Louis Arena, will be renamed "Steve Yzerman Drive." And Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm proclaimed Jan. 13 as "Steve Yzerman Day” throughout the state.

It prompted the low-key Yzerman to demonstrate his sharp but underrated wit.

"That's kind of neat, but I kind of wish my name was Smith or Jones because 20 years from now, nobody will remember how to pronounce it," Yzerman said of his street. "It took me 20 years to get everyone around here to pronounce it right."

Yzerman, now a vice president for the team, also added: "I find it somewhat ironic I was presented with a key from the mayor's office today because I don't have a key to my office at Joe Louis Arena."

Said teammate Kris Draper: "His one-liners are as good as any we've heard that have come through this locker room. That's the one thing as players we've had the luxury of being around, how witty he is."

Granholm originally intended for Tuesday to be Yzerman's day but changed it because of the national day of mourning for President Gerald Ford.

"That's a great way to honor Stevie. Well-deserved," Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom said.

Yzerman praised the city and the state, predicting an economic turnaround similar to the Wings' resurrection over the past two decades.

"Going back to 1983 (when he was drafted), I think it's fair to say we weren't a powerhouse at that time," Yzerman said. "But, I think the Detroit Red Wings and how our organization was rebuilt and became a champion is very similar to what is going on in the city of Detroit and in Michigan. It's a difficult time. I'm not qualified to speak about economics, but I think if we all look back at what has transpired for the Detroit Red Wings over the last 20 years, that single-mindedness and willingness to work together are exactly the kind of things needed to rebuild our city and our state."

Yzerman said the city showed its true character after the Wings' Stanley Cup championships in 1997, '98 and 2002.

"When the eyes of the hockey world were on Detroit, everyone in the entire state celebrated with class," Yzerman said. "Our team was champions on the ice, but our city behaved like champions."