DETROIT – Longtime Detroit Red Wings Zamboni driver Al Sobotka has been fired.
Sobotka, 68, was a fan favorite at Red Wings games for decades. He was best known for twirling an octopus to help ignite crowds during playoff games at Joe Louis Arena.
He also worked for the team after the move to Little Caesars Arena, until his firing. In total, he was with the Red Wings organization for 51 years.
“I loved my 51 years with the Detroit Red Wings, and would have been happy to stay 51 more,” Sobotka said in a statement to Local 4 through his PR representative.
No additional details have been confirmed.
