A Career Spanning Four Decades
Paul Woods, a former Detroit Red Wings player turned longtime radio analyst, will be honored this year as part of the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame’s 2026 induction class.
After a brief playing stint that began with his NHL debut during the 1977‑78 season, Woods transitioned to the broadcast booth, where he would spend nearly four decades chronicling the Red Wings’ every shift and shot.
His voice became synonymous with Detroit hockey, guiding listeners through three thousand Red Wings games and forging a partnership with play‑by‑play announcer Ken Kal that lasted more than thirty years.
Class of 2026
Woods will be joined in the 2026 class by WNBA legend Swin Cash, Olympic swimmer Peter Vanderkaay, and NFL running back Mark Ingram II, among others whose careers have left indelible marks on their sports.
The ceremony, scheduled for later this spring, will celebrate not only individual achievement but also the broader cultural impact of Michigan’s athletic heritage.
Legacy and Impact
Beyond the statistics, Woods is remembered for his storytelling, his ability to capture the rhythm of a game, and his role in mentoring a generation of broadcasters who now call the Great Lakes region home.
His induction underscores the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame’s commitment to honoring those whose contributions have shaped the state’s rich sports narrative, from the ice rinks of the 1970s to the modern arenas of today.