Detroit Red Wings
Remembering When a Future Red Wings Defenseman Left His Imprint at JLA
Anniversary of Colaiacovo’s famous face plant
Monday was the anniversary of a moment in Detroit Red Wings history. While perhaps not epic, it was most certainly viral. And it involved a future Red Wings player.
Setting the scene: Detroit was playing host to the St. Louis Blues at Joe Louis Arena on December 15, 2010. Early in the third period, Red Wings center Valtteri Filppula got a step on Blues defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo and broke with the puck into the clear to challenge St. Louis goalie Jaroslav Halak.
In a last-gasp act of desperation, Colaiacovo slid on his belly toward Filppula, sweeping his stick toward the Detroit player in a vain attempt to dislodge the puck. Not only was his effort futile, but his stick sent Filppula sprawling. Colaiacovo was assessed two minutes for tripping.
15 years ago today, @CarloColaiacovo blessed us with this moment in hockey history #Hockey365 #StlBlues pic.twitter.com/QXBmeO198T
— Mike Commito (@mikecommito) December 15, 2025
However, karma for his miscreant deed would be immediate. As he regained his feet, Colaiacovo did a face plant into the plexiglass in the corner of the rink. Not only that, he kissed the glass immediately in front of one of the camera operators who was filming the game, capturing Colaiacovo’s agony of defeat in dramatic fashion.
While Colaiacovo was feeling shame in the penalty box, Nicklas Lidstrom’s power-play goal would increase Detroit’s advantage to 4-1. Ultimately, the Red Wings would defeat the Blues 5-2. The only consolation for Colaiacovo was that he scored one of the two goals for St. Louis.
Colaiacovo Spent One Season With Red Wings
Naturally, the viral video was making the rounds on social media as the anniversary of the deed was upon us. And among those commenting on the face plant was the man himself.
“Best anniversary of every hockey season!” Colaiacovo posted on his X account @carlocolaiacovo.
15 years ago today, @CarloColaiacovo blessed us with this beauty of a play. pic.twitter.com/Xya1WcbGQ0
— BarDown (@BarDown) December 15, 2025
Colaiacovo played 470 games over 13 NHL seasons. That included a stint with the Red Wings in 2012-13. He signed with Detroit as an unrestricted free agent on September 12, 2012. Unfortunately, injuries limited Colaiacovo to just six regular-season and nine playoff games with the Red Wings.
