Detroit Red Wings

The Daily: When Red Wings Owner Norris Dialed Wrong Number; Did Tarasenko Turn Down Panthers For Senators?

Norris would call Red Wings bench during games

Published

10 months ago

July 30, 2023

Bob Duff

Owner Bruce Norris installed a phone on the Red Wings bench so he could call coach Wayne Maxner.

The career of Wayne Maxner as coach of the Detroit Red Wings was brief. Maxner, who died this week at the age of 80, was in charge of the club’s bench for parts of two seasons in 1980-81 and 1981-82.

It would be wrong to allow Maxner’s passing to pass without mentioning his explanation of what it was like to coach the Red Wings during the ownership of Bruce Norris. Jim Cressman, longtime London Free Press writer, who covered Maxner for years when the latter was coaching the OHL’s London Knights, relayed this tale.

The London Knights are saddened to learn of the passing of former head coach Wayne Maxner.

Our thoughts are with Wayne's family and friends ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FSHRY55Koj

— London Knights (@LondonKnights) July 27, 2023

Norris had a phone installed on the Red Wings bench to enable him to call Maxner mid game. During one game, trainer Lefty Wilson answered a call and informed Maxner that Norris was wishing to speak with him. “Tell him I’m not here,” was Maxner’s response.

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