NHL player to play 1,000 games. After the retirement of long-time Red Wings defenceman Nicklas Lidström at the end of the 2011–12 season, Holmström became the last active player from the 1997 and 1998 Stanley Cup-winning Detroit teams to still be active with the team. However, he didn't play a single game after Lidström announced his retirement. On 22 January 2013 Holmström announced his retirement from professional hockey just hours before Detroit's home opener at Joe Louis Arena against the Dallas Stars in the lockout-shortened season. , Holmström held the following records with the Red Wings: sixth in most regular season games played, fourth in playoff games played and 13th in points scored. Playing style During his playing career, Holmström was known for his presence in front of the opposition's goal and his ability to screen the opposing team's goaltender. Because he had to withstand teammates' shots towards goal, as well as efforts from opponents to vacate him from in front of the net, Holmström wore additional padding to protect his body. During a playoff series against the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2009, Detroit Head Coach Mike Babcock said of Holmström, "I think there's [defencemen] out there who think they might actually get to him. That's just not possible." Due to his obstructive playing style and close proximity to goalies and the crease, Holmström attained a reputation and was often charged with goaltender interference penalties as well as occasionally having goals called back because of his proximity to the goaltender's crease. Holmström himself, as well as Red Wings TV announcers Mickey Redmond and Ken Daniels, often questioned the legitimacy of these calls by the on-ice officials, obviously. Holmström was known to many fans in Detroit by the nickname of "Homer." He acquired the nickname "Demolition Man" while playing in Sweden, where he was also called "Holma." International play Holmström has participated in four international tournaments for Sweden: 1996 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships 2002 Winter Olympics 2004 World Cup of Hockey 2006 Winter Olympics Career statistics Regular season and playoffs International Awards Elitserien gold medal with Luleå HF in 1996; Named to the Swedish All-Star Team in 1996; Gold medal at the Winter Olympics in 2006; Four-time Stanley Cup winner (1997, 1998, 2002, 2008). See also List of NHL players with 1,000 games played References External links 1973 births Detroit Red Wings draft picks Detroit Red Wings players Ice hockey