Grab an octopus and head downtown, that's what Detroiters do when the Red Wings are in town. If you can get a ticket that is. The Red Wings are one of the most popular teams in the NHL with one of the largest fan bases. Home games have been sold out since 1996. And with good reason. The Detroit Red Wings rock, winning 10 Stanley Cups in their history-the third most in NHL Hockey.

Now, about the octopus. In 1952, a local fish merchant tossed an octopus on the ice during a playoff game (the creature's eight legs supposedly being symbolic of the eight games it took to win the Stanley Cup at the time). The Red Wings went on that year to sweep both of their opponents en route to a Stanley Cup championship. Ever since, it's been a Detroit tradition, with fans launching the eight-legged creature onto the ice for luck. Given the Red Wing's record, something must be said for the octopus!

Beyond winning teams and great traditions, the Red Wings also have amazing players. These are people who came to Detroit and called it home for almost their entire careers like Gordie Howe, Terry Sawchuck, Alex Delvecchio and Steve Yzerman. Detroiters embrace these hometown heroes and the numerous championships they helped win.

Detroit Red Wings Championships: 1936, 1937, 1943, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2008

For additional information, season schedule and to purchase tickets go to redwings.nhl.com.