Forward Was Selected by Detroit in Third Round of 2024 NHL Entry Draft

The Detroit Red Wings today signed forward Ondřej Becher to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Becher, 20, has recorded three points (1-2-3) and six penalty minutes in 19 games with the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins to begin the 2024-25 season. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound forward spent the entire 2023-24 campaign with the Western Hockey League’s Prince George Cougars and ranked among the team leaders with 32 goals (4th), 64 assists (2nd), 96 points (4th), a plus-38 rating (4th), 48 penalty minutes (6th), eight power play goals (4th), 29 power play points (4th), four shorthanded goals (T1st) and 166 shots (5th) in 58 regular-season games. Becher also tallied 19 points (5-14-19) and 14 penalty minutes in 15 postseason contests, helping the Cougars reach the Western Conference Final. Selected by the Red Wings in the third round (80th overall) of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Becher compiled 134 points (48-86-134), a plus-69 rating and 85 penalty minutes in 121 WHL games with Prince George from 2021-23.

A native of Ostrava, Czechia, Becher spent the majority of the 2021-22 season with AZ Havířov’s under-20 squad in Czechia’s top junior league, recording 36 points (22-14-36) and 38 penalty minutes in 45 games. He also registered one goal and four penalty minutes in four games with AZ Havířov in Czechia’s second division in 2021-22. Becher made his professional debut with AZ Havířov in 2020-21, collecting two points (1-1-2) in 11 games. On the international stage, Becher won a bronze medal at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, collecting 10 points (3-7-10), a plus-six rating and four penalty minutes in seven games. Becher also played for Czechia at the 2022 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, netting two goals in six appearances.

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Detroit Hires Trent Yawney as an Assistant Coach; Derek Lalonde and Bob Boughner Relieved of Coaching Duties

Detroit Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman today announced that the team has named Todd McLellan the 29th Head Coach in franchise history and signed him to a multi-year contract. Additionally, the Red Wings have hired Trent Yawney as an Assistant Coach.

Head Coach Derek Lalonde and Associate Coach Bob Boughner have been relieved of their coaching duties, effective immediately.

McLellan, 57, rejoins the organization (Assistant Coach, 2005-08) with 16 seasons of NHL head coaching experience, posting a 598-412-134 regular-season record and a 42-46 postseason mark with the Los Angeles Kings (2019-24), Edmonton Oilers (2015-19) and San Jose Sharks (2008-15). His 598 regular-season wins are ranked 24th in NHL history and sixth-most among active coaches behind Paul Maurice (891), Lindy Ruff (876), Peter Laviolette (823), John Tortorella (757) and Peter DeBoer (632). Teams coached by McLellan have reached the 50-win mark three times and the 100-point plateau six times. McLellan’s teams have also advanced to the Stanley Cup Playoffs nine times, including six-consecutive postseason appearances with the Sharks. In recognition of his efforts, McLellan has twice been named a finalist for the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s Coach of the Year (2008-09, 2016-17) and has coached at two NHL All-Star Games (2009, 2012).

Prior to returning to the Red Wings, McLellan spent parts of five seasons as Head Coach of the Los Angeles Kings from 2019-24. During his tenure with the Kings, McLellan posted a 164-130-44 regular-season record and a 5-8 postseason mark, leading the club to back-to-back Stanley Cup Playoff berths in 2021-22 and 2022-23. In all, McLellan ranks among the Kings’ all-time leaders with 338 games coached (5th), 164 wins (4th) and 372 points (4th). Before coaching the Kings, McLellan worked parts four seasons as bench boss of the Edmonton Oilers, compiling a 123-119-34 record and a 7-6 postseason ledger. McLellan places among Edmonton’s all-time leaders with 266 games coached (4th), 123 wins (4th) and 270 points (4th). In 2016-17, McLellan guided the Oilers to a 47-26-9 record, which marked a 33-point improvement over the previous campaign. During that season, the Oilers recorded their first 100-point campaign since 1986-87 and clinched a postseason berth for the first time since reaching the 2006 Stanley Cup Final.  

McLellan made his NHL head coaching debut with the San Jose Sharks, where he remains the franchise’s all-time leader in games coached (540), wins (311), points (688) and postseason games coached (62). In all, McLellan compiled a 311-163-66 regular-season record and a 30-32 postseason mark in seven seasons with the Sharks from 2008-15, leading the club to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of his first six seasons behind the bench. During McLellan’s tenure, the Sharks reached the 40-win mark six times, eclipsed the 100-point mark four times, earned three-straight Pacific Division titles (2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11) and captured the first Presidents’ Trophy in franchise history (2008-09). The Sharks also made back-to-back appearances in the Western Conference Final in 2009-10 and 2010-11, in addition to reaching the Western Conference Semifinals in 2012-13.

Prior to joining the Sharks, McLellan spent three seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Red Wings from 2005-08, helping the organization win a Stanley Cup championship in 2008. During McLellan’s tenure, the Red Wings also earned three-consecutive Central Division titles (2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08), two Presidents’ Trophies (2005-06, 2007-08) and one Clarence S. Campbell Bowl (2007-08). While with the Red Wings, McLellan was tasked with running Detroit's power play, which finished first in the NHL in 2005-06 (22.1 percent) and third in 2007-08 (20.7 percent).

Before entering the NHL coaching ranks, McLellan worked four seasons as Head Coach of the American Hockey League’s Houston Aeros from 2001-05, showing a 154-129-37 record and leading the franchise to a Calder Cup title in 2003. McLellan led the Aeros to a Central Division title in 2002-03 and coached at the 2003 and 2004 AHL All-Star Games. McLellan spent five seasons coaching the Minnesota Wild’s primary affiliate, having led the International Hockey League’s Cleveland Lumberjacks to a 43-32-7 record in 2000-01.

A native of Melville, Sask., McLellan worked six seasons as Head Coach and General Manager of the Western Hockey League’s Swift Current Broncos from 1994-00, compiling a 250-176-49 regular-season record along with a Central Division title in 1995-96 and a East Division crown in 1999-00. He was named the WHL’s Executive of the Year in 1996-97 and Coach of the Year in 1999-00. McLellan previously served as Head Coach of the Battlefords North Stars of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League in 1992-94, leading the club to a 40-point improvement in his second season with the club. He was inducted into the SJHL Hall of Fame in 2024.

Prior to his coaching career, McLellan played two professional seasons in North America. Selected by the New York Islanders in the fifth round (104th overall) of the NHL Entry Draft, McLellan recorded two points (1-1-2) in five games with the club during the 1987-88 season. He also logged 70 points (25-45-70) and 49 penalty minutes in 107 games with the AHL’s Springfield Indians from 1987-89. McLellan racked up 164 points (66-98-164) and 127 penalty minutes in 178 games with the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades from 1983-87 before turning professional.

On the international stage, McLellan served as Head Coach of Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, where he coached Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin. McLellan also led Team Canada to a gold medal at the 2015 IIHF World Championship, marking the country’s first gold medal at the annual tournament since 2007. McLellan previously won a bronze medal as an Assistant Coach with Team Canada at the 2000 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Yawney, 59, joins the Red Wings after spending five seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Kings from 2019-24. He previously held the same position with the Oilers (2019-20), Anaheim Ducks (2014-18), Sharks (2008-11) and Chicago Blackhawks (1999-00). Additionally, Yawney worked two stints as Head Coach of the AHL’s Norfolk Admirals from 2000-05 and 2012-14, and also served as Associate Head Coach of the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch during the 2011-12 campaign. Yawney made his NHL head coaching debut with the Blackhawks, logging a 33-55-15 record in parts of two seasons with the club from 2005-07. On the international stage, Yawney was an Assistant Coach with Team Canada at the 2011 Spengler Cup. He also served as Head Coach at the 2007 IIHF World Under-18 Championship and worked as an Assistant Coach at the 2006 IIHF World Championship.

A native of Hudson Bay, Sask., Yawney played in 12 NHL seasons as a defenseman prior to his coaching career. Selected by Chicago in the third round (45th overall) of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft, Yawney registered 129 points (27-102-129) and 783 penalty minutes in 593 games with the Blackhawks, Calgary Flames and St. Louis Blues from 1987-99. Yawney represented his country at back-to-back IIHF World Championships in 1991 and 1992, winning a silver medal at the 1991 tournament. He also captained Team Canada at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alta.

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Thanks to our colleagues, our partners, our fans and our guests, 2024 was a year of inspiring moments across the Ilitch Companies family of businesses. View the video below to celebrate an incredible year of lasting memories.

Fifty kids from Detroit Police Athletic League treated to special holiday shopping spree

On a cloudy and chilly December 17, the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers and Meijer brought warmth and brightened the holiday season for 50 kids from the Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL) by taking them on a shopping spree at a Meijer store in northwest Detroit as part of the annual Hometown Holiday Assist.

Red Wings assistant coach Jay Varady and 13 players -- captain Dylan Larkin, Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond, Patrick Kane, Jeff Petry, Joe Veleno, Tyler Motte, Christian Fischer, Albert Johansson, Simon Edvinsson, Justin Holl, Jonatan Berggren and goalie Alex Lyon -- attended this year’s event. Tigers alumni Lance Parish and Dan Petry, as well as Red Wings/Tigers Broadcast Reporter Daniella Bruce, were also on hand to help spread holiday cheer.

“We care so much for this community, and we want to give back in every way we can,” said Ryan Gustafson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (IS+E). “Around the holidays in particular, it’s really special for us to have an opportunity to bring kids out, show them a great time and just bring joy and smiles to their faces.”

Thanks to the Red Wings, Tigers and Meijer, each child received $250 to use at the store, enjoyed a Little Caesars pizza party and took home a holiday T-shirt.

Larkin, a Waterford, Mich., native, was proud to participate in the 11th annual Hometown Holiday Assist alongside several of his Red Wings teammates.

“Christmas can be a great time with family, but it can also be a little bit difficult,” Larkin said. “So just to see the [kids’] smiles, then flying up and down the aisles, picking out Legos or whatever they wanted, made their day and mine.”

Seider also came away from the event with a heartwarming feeling.

“It’s obviously a great cause to help,” Seider said. “I see a lot of smiles on the kids’ faces, but I see more on our guys’ faces.”

With year-round programs that reach more than 10,000 young athletes and thousands of coaches, Detroit PAL works to help youth find their greatness through athletic, academic and leadership development programs. This year, the non-profit organization celebrated its 55th anniversary of serving young Detroiters and bridging the gap between the community and the police.

“The reality is a lot of families have some challenging times,” said Detroit PAL CEO Fred Hunter. “When you can add something special during the holidays, especially for the kids to have the opportunity to shop with the Red Wings, Tigers and police officers, it’s that partnership where everyone comes together giving something for the benefit of kids and their families.”

Supporting Detroit families and local non-profit organizations during the holiday season, the annual Hometown Holiday Assist is one of many community events that Red Wings players like Berggren are more than happy to be part of.

“It’s so nice to give back to the community,” Berggren said. “You understand how much these sports mean to Detroit. The city backs us up all the time when we play, so it’s great to do this.”

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DETROIT – 14,416 combined wins, 71 combined seasons and two matching Grinch sweaters.

That’s what longtime friends Oakland head coach Greg Kampe and Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo brought to the December 17 College Basketball in The D matchup in front of 12,011 fans at Little Caesars Arena.

In the end, Michigan State defeated Oakland, 77-58, but Kampe, in his 41st season as Oakland’s coach, said the final score was the least important aspect of the night.

“For me, it’s the most important game (of the season). And it’s not because I want to win,” Kampe said to more than 30 media members after the game. “I tell (my players) I don’t care about the results. This is all for them. We get to play, in my opinion, the best college basketball coach maybe ever. It’s our state, and we get to play at Little Caesars Arena, the mecca of basketball in the state against a blue blood team. We’re on that stage for one night every year. And that’s for them. It’s a memory for a lifetime.”

The matchup was the fourth between Oakland and Michigan State all-time at Little Caesars Arena and it marked the 13th straight season the two in-state, intraconference teams have faced each other.

The loss dropped Oakland (3-6 record this season, 1-1 Horizon League) to 0-23 all-time against Michigan State, but Kampe said despite the losing streak, he wants to keep MSU on the schedule every season because of the special atmosphere of each matchup and the bond he shares with Izzo.

“This is what basketball is supposed to be,” Kampe said. “We like Michigan State players, they like us. That (postgame) handshake line was like brothers going through. We all cheer for each other. It’s the two longest-tenured coaches in the country from the same state that love their state. That’s why I do it.”

With the win, Michigan State improved to 9-2 (1-1 Big Ten) this season, and Izzo said he was thrilled with the Spartans’ crowd support in Detroit.

“I can’t thank our crowd enough,” Izzo said after the game. “The number of people from Michigan State that showed up, that’s why I play (this game). So, people that never see us can see us. A lot of times, those people don’t get to get into Breslin (Center), and I greatly appreciate (the support). The crowd was awesome.”

Izzo, 69, said the matching Grinch sweaters were Kampe’s idea and said Kampe purchased the sweaters before the game. Kampe crashed the end of Izzo’s postgame press conference, and the 69-year-old Oakland coach asked the assembled media a question.

“Have you ever seen the coaches wear the exact same shirt at a game before? It’s a first, right here at Little Caesars Arena,” Kampe said. "And they think we’re old, right? They think we can’t relate to these young kids.”

Izzo summed up the coaches’ special relationship with a simple sentence.

“Me and Kamp, boy,” Izzo said. “Brothers for life.”

The next scheduled college basketball action at Little Caesars Arena is the 2028 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament and the 2028 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Regional, both set for March 2028. But if Izzo and Kampe have anything to do with it, a sooner Oakland and Michigan State matchup in Detroit is inevitable.

“As long as, for the state of Michigan, we can do this, I’m going to be involved,” Kampe said. “To play at the mecca of basketball, Little Caesars Arena, to play Michigan State, to be on this stage, it’s something the (players) are going to remember for the rest of their lives, and that’s why I want this game every year.”

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GAME STATS & NOTES:

• Michigan State sophomore forward Xavier Booker led all scorers with a career-high 18 points.
• Oakland senior guard and Pontiac, Mich., native DQ Cole led Oakland with 17 points, including 15 in the first half.
• Michigan State’s stifling defense held Oakland scoreless for the first 3:35 of the game and held the Golden Grizzlies to just 10 points for the first 10:02 of game action.
• MSU led by only one point, 31-30, at halftime, and Oakland held a brief 19-18 lead in the first half.
• Eight players from the state of Michigan played in the game, and both rosters have 11 combined players from Michigan.
• Michigan State went on a 13-3 run with just under eight minutes remaining to put the game away.

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(Photos Courtesy of Clarence Round, Oakland University)

For the 10th consecutive year, colleagues from the Ilitch Companies Foundation, the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers served as “elves” for The Children’s Center’s Holiday Shop.

Each year, Midtown Detroit’s The Children’s Center offers a Holiday Shop for families who participate in the center’s programs, providing an opportunity for parents and guardians to select a few gifts for their children. The Children’s Center’s mission is to lead the way in working with children who struggle with behavioral, emotional, educational, intellectual and developmental challenges or may have experienced trauma.

December 9 was the “kickoff” of the annual Holiday Shop, where 500 families are signed up to shop for children within their household. Those 500 guardians usually end up shopping for holiday gifts for 1500-plus children.

“We cannot in our own strength put on an event like this, so we are grateful to the Ilitch Companies who volunteer support and provide donations,” said Wanda Burke, Enrichment Project Specialist at The Children’s Center. “I think it’s very special that the Ilitch Companies identify The Children’s Center as a specific priority that they want to engage in every year.”

For the second straight year, Tigers right-handed pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long and his family also volunteered at the kickoff event for the Holiday Shop and donated 25 winter coats.

“I brought my mom, Lili, her wife, Teresa, and my girlfriend, Carly,” Gipson-Long said. “This is our idea of Christmas. We like to give back; it is the season of giving and this is how we celebrate the holiday.”

Gipson-Long and his family have a tradition of giving back for the holidays, and he is an example of how the Ilitch Companies Foundation aims to connect Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers players with the local community.

Volunteers at the Holiday Shop assisted guardians with selecting, wrapping and carrying their gifts. Ilitch Sports + Entertainment colleagues donated the wrapping paper for guardians to use.

"Our partnership with The Children's Center is deeply meaningful to us, and we are honored to support their impactful initiatives year-round,” said Shannon Lapsley, Director of Foundations, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “We are proud to stand alongside The Children's Center, fostering a spirit of giving and community to ensure every child experiences the magic and happiness of the season."

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment announced today two promotions within the Detroit Tigers finance department. Bobby Hoekstra has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Business Operations, and Kate Haas has been promoted to Vice President, Finance.

Since joining the Tigers in 2021 as Vice President of Finance, Hoekstra has demonstrated clear vision, strategic leadership, and a collaborative approach, resulting in significant advancements to finance operations. He has fostered a culture of authenticity and alignment with our organizational values, earning respect across the team. Prior to joining the Tigers, Hoekstra was with the Cleveland Guardians for nine years. In his new role, Hoekstra is responsible for overseeing the overall business operations of the Detroit Tigers and Lakeland, including developing and implementing strategies to improve efficiency, profitability, and growth. Josh Bullock, Vice President of Operations, Lakeland will now report to Bobby.

Haas joined the Tigers in 2021 as Director of Finance and was promoted to Controller in 2023. She has consistently led by example, showcasing exceptional work ethic, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to improving processes. Haas is a dedicated mentor and a driving force behind the collaborative and positive culture within the finance team. Her previous experience includes roles with Flagstar Bank and the Chicago Cubs. In her new role, she is responsible for planning, implementing, managing and controlling all financial related activities of the company, as well as directing its financial vision to support successful operations, growth and profitability.

“These promotions are well-deserved for Bobby and Kate, talented leaders who provide a wealth of knowledge and well-versed experience to the Detroit Tigers organization,” Ilitch Sports + Entertainment President and CEO Ryan Gustafson said. “Their contributions have played a significant role in our alignment of business objectives and continued organizational progress.”

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2021 1st-Round Pick Won His NHL Debut on Dec. 9 at Buffalo

The Detroit Red Wings today assigned goaltender Sebastian Cossa to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins.

Cossa, 22, won his NHL debut on Dec. 9 against the Buffalo Sabres, stopping 12-of-14 shots in relief before turning away 2-of-3 shootout attempts. The 6-foot-6, 222-pound goaltender became the first goaltender in NHL history to win his debut via shootout in relief. Cossa has also posted a 9-4-1 record with a 2.21 goals-against average, a 0.925 save percentage and one shutout in 14 appearances with the Griffins to begin the 2024-25 season. Cossa spent the entire 2023-24 campaign with the Griffins, logging a 22-9-9 record with a 2.41 goals-against average, a 0.913 save percentage and two shutouts in 40 regular-season games. Cossa also finished 5-4 with a 2.72 goals-against average and a 0.900 save percentage in nine Calder Cup Playoff games, helping the Griffins reach the Central Division Finals. Selected by the Red Wings in the first round (15th overall) of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Cossa has compiled a 32-14-10 record with a 2.49 goals-against average, a 0.911 save percentage and three shutouts in 57 AHL games with the Griffins. He also showed a 26-16-4 record with a 2.56 goals-against average, a 0.913 save percentage and four shutouts in 46 appearances with the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye in 2022-23, representing the Western Conference at the 2023 ECHL All-Star Game.  

Prior to turning professional, Cossa spent three seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Edmonton Oil Kings from 2019-22, posting a 71-16-7 record with a 2.12 goals-against average, a 0.921 save percentage and 14 shutouts in 98 appearances. Cossa backstopped the Oil Kings to a WHL championship in 2022, earning a place on the Central Division’s First All-Star Team. During the 2020-21 season, Cossa authored a 17-1-1 record and led the WHL in goals-against average (1.57) and save percentage (0.941), while tying for the league lead with four shutouts. Cossa also played three seasons with the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers in the Alberta minor hockey ranks from 2016-19, earning a league championship in addition to Top Goaltender and Most Valuable Player honors in the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League in 2016-17. On the international stage, Cossa won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, recording a victory in his only appearance at the tournament. The Hamilton, Ont., native also played in two games with Canada White at the 2018 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

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In early December, representatives from the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, Ilitch Companies Foundation and the group of Red Wings’ significant others called the Lady Wings spent the morning volunteering at Michigan Humane’s Mackey Center for Animal Care in Detroit.

Twenty-four volunteers helped with tasks throughout the shelter, including laundry and dishes, cleaning kennels and cat suites and packing pet food and supplies for distribution outside the shelter.

“Our mission at Michigan Humane is to improve and save lives through compassionate care, community engagement and advocacy for animals,” said Deb Scola, vice president for strategic relationships at Michigan Humane. “And we are so fortunate to have Ilitch Companies, the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings into our shelter today to help us take care of the animals.”

Anna Seidel, Tilde Widmark and Tyra Sundström of the Lady Wings were on site at the shelter, and Widmark said it was a great way to give back to the Detroit community that has made her feel like a local.

“Experiences like this are so great,” said Widmark. “We could come here and help and just fill out our day with doing something that actually is meaningful and I love to experience it together with them.”

Ilitch Companies Foundation sponsored Michigan Humane’s adoption center lobby and supports its volunteer programs.

“Ilitch Companies’ drive and passion for volunteerism is what supports Michigan Humane,” Scola said. “They specifically support our volunteer programs, and we have over 1,500 active volunteers who give 80,000 hours of their time to Michigan Humane. We couldn't do that without the support of Ilitch Companies.”

The Detroit Tigers Foundation partners with Michigan Humane for multiple Bark in the Park events at Comerica Park throughout the Tigers season, and the Detroit Red Wings Foundation partners with Tito’s Vodka in its Assists for a Cause program, which benefits Michigan Humane, as well.

“It's so important to volunteer in the community, and we're doing this on Giving Tuesday, which is also super special just to be able to give back on this day,” said Merideth Gokey, community impact manager for the Red Wings. “It builds camaraderie between our colleagues and truly allows us to give back.”