Former Red Wings Center Igor Larionov retired for good last night after scoring a goal in his farewell exhibition in Moscow. The game ended in a 6-5 victory for "The Professor's" squad of Russian-born NHL stars. A whole mess of current and former Red Wings played for both the Russian team and the losing "World" team. Steve Yzerman scored twice in his first game against top competition since his terrifying eye injury in last season's playoffs.

This is why I miss hockey so much. No one is flying over to Japan for Ichiro's farewell game. They certainly aren't selling the joint out and filling it with politicians, including his ex-teammates (ala Slava Fetisov). And no Hall of Famers ignoring their overwhelming fear of flying to go to be there.

Hockey has traditions of this sort of thing among its players and its fans. For decades, we have formed a close-knit community that values its history and the players who shaped it.

First, from this Red Wing fan, a thorough tapping of my stick on the ice for you, Mr, Larionov. You have provided me with many great memories.

Second, please, bring back hockey. I'm going nuts over here.