Detroit hails the champions

Over one million hockey fans formed a sea of red in downtown Detroit as the Stanley Cup champion Red Wings paraded under cloudless skies. It was the first time in42 years that Motor City could celebrate the ultimate prize in hockey.

The team rode the parade in red convertibles, the last car hosting owner Mike Ilich, team captain Steve Yzerman and the Stanley Cup. The crowd went to a frenzy when Yzerman hoisted the Cup over his head.

The doubts of Russian players desire to win the Cup were finally laid to rest by the performance of Detroit's Russian Unit. "This is the finest moment of my hockey career." Igor Larionov said.

The big questions in Detroit now are future of Scotty Bowman and what will happen to various players eligible for free agency. Bowman hinted retirement by mentioning his coaching idol Toe Blake, who retired after winning the Stanley Cup.