Forward Has Skated in 517 NHL Games with Nashville, Ottawa, Tampa Bay and Detroit Since 2012-13

The Detroit Red Wings today assigned forward Austin Watson to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins.

Watson, 32, has skated in two games with the Red Wings during the 2024-25 season, logging two penalty minutes, one shot and six hits in 7:00 average time on ice. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound forward has also recorded six assists, a plus-six rating and 19 penalty minutes in seven games with the Griffins to begin the 2024-25 campaign. Watson played the entire 2023-24 season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, tallying four points (2-2-4), a plus-two rating and 93 penalty minutes in 33 games. Originally selected by the Nashville Predators in the first round (18th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Watson has compiled 118 points (60-58-118) and 707 penalty minutes in 517 games with the Predators, Ottawa Senators, Lightning and Red Wings since 2012-13. He has also registered 19 points (10-9-19) and 48 penalty minutes in 45 postseason contests, helping the Predators reach the 2017 Stanley Cup Final. Additionally, Watson has played in parts of seven AHL seasons with the Milwaukee Admirals and Griffins, racking up 138 points (73-65-138), a plus-16 rating and 108 penalty minutes in 241 games.

A native of Ann Arbor, Mich., Watson played four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Windsor Spitfires, Peterborough Petes and London Knights from 2008-12 prior to turning professional, winning OHL championships with Windsor in 2009 and London in 2012. During his major junior career, Watson collected 219 points (89-130-219) and 164 penalty minutes in 244 games, in addition to 22 points (12-10-22) and 27 penalty minutes in 43 postseason matchups. Watson captured a Memorial Cup title with Windsor in 2009 under Red Wings Associate Coach Bob Boughner, and later earned the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as OHL Playoff MVP with London in 2012. Watson also skated with the U.S. National Team Development Program in 2009-10, notching six points (4-2-6) and 33 penalty minutes in nine appearances. On the international stage, Watson served as an alternate captain with Team USA at the 2022 IIHF World Championship, collecting one assist and 27 penalty minutes in 10 games. He also competed at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, showing nine points (3-6-9) and a plus-six rating in six games. Watson earned a gold medal with Team USA at the 2010 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, logging three points (2-1-3), a plus-two rating and 33 penalty minutes in seven contests.

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Määttä Has Skated in 691 NHL Games with Penguins, Blackhawks, Kings and Red Wings Since 2013-14

The Detroit Red Wings today acquired a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft from the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for defenseman Olli Määttä.

Määttä, 30, has skated in seven games with the Red Wings during the 2024-25 season, recording three shots, seven blocks and three hits in 15:52 average time on ice. The 6-foot-2, 208-pound defenseman tallied 18 points (4-14-18), a team-high plus-14 rating and 14 penalty minutes in 72 games with the Red Wings during the 2023-24 campaign. Originally selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Määttä has totaled 177 points (40-137-177), a plus-75 rating and 162 penalty minutes in 691 games with the Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings and Red Wings, helping the Penguins win back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017. He placed fifth in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy as a 19-year-old after picking up 29 points (9-20-29), a plus-eight rating and 14 penalty minutes in 78 games with the Penguins in 2013-14.

Prior to turning professional, Määttä spent two seasons with the Ontario Hockey League's London Knights from 2011-13, helping the team earn two-consecutive OHL titles. During his major junior career, Määttä logged 70 points (13-57-70), a plus-34 rating and 55 penalty minutes in 115 regular-season games, in addition to 37 points (10-27-37) in 40 postseason contests. A native of Jyväskylä, Finland, Määttä has represented his country at three IIHF World Championships (2021, 2023, 2024), winning a silver medal at the 2021 tournament. He also made three appearances with Finland at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. Additionally, Määttä captured a bronze medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, where he logged five points (3-2-5) in six games. Määttä competed in three-straight IIHF World Junior Championships from 2011-13 and served as an alternate captain at the 2011 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, where he collected four points (1-3-4) in six games.

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Leading Fuel and Convenience Retailer BG Fuels Launches First Little Caesars Franchise on November 8

Little Caesars, the third largest pizza chain in the world, is celebrating its 55^th year of franchising in Canada by accelerating its development efforts across target markets, including the Greater Toronto Area, and opening new locations with ambitious franchise groups. Today, the company announced it is debuting an express restaurant in Mississauga on November 8. Located at 2330 Battleford Road in the Waypoint Convenience store located in the Mobil fuel station, Little Caesars is making it easier than ever for anyone on the go to enjoy the company’s iconic menu offerings, including HOT-N-READY® pizza, Caesar Wings™ and Crazy Bread®.

Spearheading the operations of the new express location is BG Fuels, a leading fuel and convenience retailer in Canada that operates almost 250 locations nationwide under the Mobil, Esso, and Waypoint Convenience brands. This collaboration between the two brands marks BG Fuels’ first Little Caesars, with plans to explore additional express locations in the near future.

“The synergies between our companies have been clear from the beginning and one of the main reasons we knew this partnership was a natural fit,” said Thea Bourne, Partner Marketing Manager at BG Fuels. “Many people that come into the gas station are looking for a quick bite that’ll satisfy their cravings – or those of their families – while running errands. With Little Caesars commitment to providing big flavor in every bite and using only high-quality ingredients, our customers will be just as excited about our partnership with the brand as we are.”

As Little Caesars continues to grow its footprint across Canada, the company is keen on providing franchisees flexible options to choose from that best meets their community’s needs and preferences. Among those is Little Caesars express, which is designed to operate in as little as 450 square feet and requires no more than two employees at a time. Leveraging the gas station’s point of sale system and the brand’s efficient operating model, companies like BG Fuels are able to keep operating costs low and margins high in these types of buildouts.

“We know there’s high demand for our brand across a variety of markets and venues, including gas stations and convenience stores,” said Kevin Winters, Franchise Development Manager at Little Caesars. “With BG Fuels’ industry leadership and commitment to delivering an unmatched guest experience, we are confident this partnership is the start to many great things to come in the future.”

Former Detroit Tigers Cecil Fielder and Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez, along with Detroit Red Wings Executive Ken Holland were inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (MSHOF) at a ceremony on October 17.

The event, held at MotorCity Casino’s SoundBoard, also welcomed eight other inductees from the sports world into the Class of 2024 and presented the Michigan Treasure Award posthumously to Earl Cureton and the Sports Legacy Award to Special Olympics Michigan.

Cecil Fielder was a power-hitting first baseman who was a three-time All-Star in seven seasons with the Detroit Tigers, led all of baseball in home runs and RBIs in back-to-back seasons, including his memorable51 home run season in 1990.

“My older kids have seen me play. This has given me the opportunity to show my younger kids that their daddy put a mark here in Detroit,” said Fielder. “This is my city. I appreciate everything Detroit has done for me and my family.”

An executive with the Detroit Red Wings for 36 years, including 22 as General Manager, Ken Holland led the construction of four Stanley Cup winning teams.

“The Ilitch organization was incredible to work for,” said Holland. “I was born and raised in British Columbia, but this was home. This was an amazing way to cap off an unforgettable time for me and my family in Detroit as a Red Wing.”

Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez, a Baseball Hall of Fame catcher, earned four All-Star nods in five seasons with the Detroit Tigers and helped led the franchise to the 2006 World Series. Rodriguez was unable to attend the ceremony.

Other inductees in the Class of 2024 were:

·      Tony Esposito, a Michigan Tech goaltender who went on to win three Vezina Trophies during a 17-year NHL career. He passed away in 2021.

·      Larry Foote, a Detroit Pershing and University of Michigan linebacker who had a 13-year NFL career

·      Braylon Edwards, a Detroit native, Bishop Gallagher High School and University of Michigan football great

·      Jake Long, who led Lapeer East High School to football and basketball success and played offensive tackle at the University of Michigan

·      Deanna Nolan propelled Flint Northern High School to consecutive State Championships and was named 1995 Michigan Miss Basketball and was later a three-time WNBA Champion with the Detroit Shock

·      Shawn Respert, a Detroit native, Bishop Borgess High School and Michigan State point guard who is the Spartans’ all-time leading scorer

·      Jim Harbaugh returned to his alma mater as the University of Michigan head football coach from, leading U-M to a 86-25 record with three consecutive Big Ten Championships and the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship

·      Don Shane served as Sports Director for Detroit’s WXYZ-TV for 23 years, where he won 23 Michigan Emmy Awards. He passed away in 2023.

The Class was voted on by the public and the Hall of Fame’s Election Task Force, a Statewide Election Committee comprised of current and former journalists, sports executives, and representatives from smaller Sports Halls of Fame in Michigan.

Mike Ilitch was inducted into the MSHOF in 2004, followed by Marian Ilitch in 2008.

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Saturdays in the D returns for the first fall cohort of learning and enrichment for residents of Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park, taking place at The District Detroit Opportunity Center at the corner of Woodward and Montcalm. In partnership with the University of Michigan, this free program is designed to help adult residents unlock new skills, expand career potential, and engage in transformative learning experiences.

“This is a wonderful next step in our outreach and engagement with Detroiters and with the University of Michigan,” said Rian English Barnhill, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs at Olympia Development of Michigan. “The District Detroit Opportunity Center has welcomed over 800 guests in its first year, and hosted dozens of community groups as we continue to connect Detroiters with access to jobs, job training, and housing.”

Saturdays in the D focuses on skills development in leadership, business, programming and emerging technology. With two sessions each day, the Fall 2024 program will explore the basics of programming computers using the Python programming language and is running every Saturday until December 14. Saturdays in the D is sponsored by Ally Financial.

The fall dates for Saturdays in the D are:

·       October 19, Little Caesars World Headquarters

·       October 16, The District Detroit Opportunity Center

·       October 26, The District Detroit Opportunity Center

·       November 2, The District Detroit Opportunity Center

·       November 9, The District Detroit Opportunity Center

·       November 16, The District Detroit Opportunity Center

·       November 23, The District Detroit Opportunity Center

·       December 7, The District Detroit Opportunity Center

·       December 14, The District Detroit Opportunity Center

Located at 2277 Woodward Avenue and accessible via public transportation, the Opportunity Center was created to help connect Detroit’s current and future residents with a variety of services and as a place where community groups can gather. To learn more about The District Detroit Opportunity Center, visit TheDistrictDetroitOC.com.

The District Detroit Opportunity Center's mission is to connect Detroit’s current and future residents with various services, including jobs, workforce training and housing. The District Detroit Opportunity Center is part of the Community Benefits Agreement that was created between Olympia Development of Michigan and Related Companies and the Neighborhood Advisory Council as part of the 10 new and restored building developments planned in The District Detroit.

The University of Michigan Center for Innovation (UMCI), located at Grand River and Columbus Street in The District Detroit, is currently under construction and is expected to open in 2027.  The UMCI will be a world-class research, education and entrepreneurship center designed to advance innovation and talent-focused community development intended to propel city, region and statewide job creation and inclusive economic growth by stimulating economic development in Detroit.

Forward Has Skated in 516 NHL Games with Nashville, Ottawa, Tampa Bay and Detroit Since 2012-13

The Detroit Red Wings today recalled forward Austin Watson from the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins under emergency conditions.

Watson, 32, made his Red Wings debut on Oct. 14 against the New York Rangers, logging two penalty minutes and two hits in 4:54 time on ice. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound forward has also recorded six assists, a plus-six rating and 19 penalty minutes in seven games with the Griffins to begin the 2024-25 season. Watson played the entire 2023-24 campaign with the Tampa Bay Lightning, tallying four points (2-2-4), a plus-two rating and 93 penalty minutes in 33 games. Originally selected by the Nashville Predators in the first round (18th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Watson has compiled 118 points (60-58-118) and 707 penalty minutes in 516 games with the Predators, Ottawa Senators, Lightning and Red Wings since 2012-13. He has also registered 19 points (10-9-19) and 48 penalty minutes in 45 postseason contests, helping the Predators reach the 2017 Stanley Cup Final. Additionally, Watson has played in parts of seven AHL seasons with the Milwaukee Admirals and Griffins, racking up 138 points (73-65-138), a plus-16 rating and 108 penalty minutes in 241 games.

A native of Ann Arbor, Mich., Watson is one of six Michigan-born players on Detroit’s active roster, joining forwards Andrew Copp (Ann Arbor), Alex DeBrincat (Farmington Hills), Dylan Larkin (Waterford), Tyler Motte (St. Clair), and defenseman Jeff Petry (Ann Arbor). Watson played four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Windsor Spitfires, Peterborough Petes and London Knights from 2008-12 prior to turning professional, winning OHL championships with Windsor in 2009 and London in 2012. During his major junior career, Watson collected 219 points (89-130-219) and 164 penalty minutes in 244 games, in addition to 22 points (12-10-22) and 27 penalty minutes in 43 postseason matchups. Watson captured a Memorial Cup title with Windsor in 2009 under Red Wings Associate Coach Bob Boughner, and later earned the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as OHL Playoff MVP with London in 2012. Watson also skated with the U.S. National Team Development Program in 2009-10, notching six points (4-2-6) and 33 penalty minutes in nine appearances. On the international stage, Watson served as an alternate captain with Team USA at the 2022 IIHF World Championship, collecting one assist and 27 penalty minutes in 10 games. He also competed at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, showing nine points (3-6-9) and a plus-six rating in six games. Watson earned a gold medal with Team USA at the 2010 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, logging three points (2-1-3), a plus-two rating and 33 penalty minutes in seven contests.

Educators make a difference in the lives of their students every day. The Detroit Red Wings Best in Class program, presented by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Meijer, shows gratitude to Michigan teachers and educators positively impacting children both inside and outside the classroom.

Nominations are now being accepted for the program, which will recognize 75 teachers throughout the 2024-25 season. Selected teachers will receive an award, a complimentary pregame dinner at Little Caesars Arena, and two tickets to a preselected Red Wings home game.

In April, one teacher will be selected as the Best in Class grand prize winner, receiving a $5,000 grant and a postgame meet and greet with a Detroit Red Wings player.

Nominations should include how the teacher has improved student achievement, used innovative strategies in the classroom, or made a difference in the lives of their students. Michigan K-12 educators in all disciplines are eligible.  Nominations are reviewed by the Red Wings, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and Meijer, who will select 25 teachers to honor at the games on January 14 and March 4, 2025. The first 25 awardees were honored at the October 10 home opener.

Click here to nominate a teacher.

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When fans attend an event at Little Caesars Arena, dining options run the gamut from arena classics and Little Caesars pizza, to fare that is distinctly Detroit.

The Mixing Board, with made-from-scratch menu items that showcase the best ingredients and flavors of the Motor City, recently celebrated Hockeytown Opening Week with new menu items, including a beef birria taco made with corn shells from Detroit’s La Michoacana Tortilleria, and homemade short rib ravioli with roasted mushroom, pickled blackberries, arugula and pecorino Romano tossed in a cacio e pepe sauce.

Little Caesars Arena also houses two UWM District Market locations which offer a sampling of Detroit’s diverse flavors. UWM District Market (Via Concourse) began the hockey season with candy apples and cider floats, while UWM District Market (Upper Concourse) has added a chicken shawarma pita and a lamb and beef gyro to its offerings. The Grill Stand (PORTAL 12) is honoring Detroit’s Polish influence with mini paczkis and pierogi nachos.

It’s all part of the innovative approach by Ilitch Sports +Entertainment and venue concession partner Delaware North to connect with the city of Detroit through partnerships with small restaurant businesses and local favorites. For the last two years, Little Caesars Arena and Comerica Park have welcomed Detroit-based, minority-owned businesses to share their celebrated Detroit-style fare. Local restauranteurs have included Baobab Fare, Breadless, Shell Shock’d, Yum Village, Bert’s Marketplace, and The Lobster Food Truck, among others.

Local restaurant pop-ups first became part of the gameday experience at Little Caesars Arena during the 2022-23 Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons seasons. The initiative, aimed at increasing economic inclusion for Detroiters, proved popular with fans and with the restaurant owners.

This season, Little Caesars Arena will feature EggRollDiva (now through Nov. 15), Fried Chicken and Caviar (Nov. 18 through Dec. 20), Curt Got Crabs (Dec. 23 through Jan. 18), Breadless (Jan. 23-Mar. 1), and Cooking with Que (Mar. 4-Apr. 14), among other local restauranteurs.

"At Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, we believe that bringing the flavors of Detroit into Little Caesars Arena is essential to delivering an unforgettable experience for our fans,” said Amanda Vought, Vice President, Guest Strategy, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “Partnering with local businesses not only celebrates the rich culinary heritage of our city but also creates meaningful opportunities for small, Detroit-based entrepreneurs to shine on a larger stage. It’s about sharing the stories behind these amazing dishes and making every visit to the arena a true taste of what makes Detroit special."

Other new concessions and menu items available at Little Caesars Arena include:

·      Spicy Asian Chicken Sandwich at The Coop

·      Hand-Pressed Gelato Sandwich, available at all Gelato Carts

·      Double Hand-Pressed Burger at 313 Grills

·      Cali Tri Tip Sandwich, Jefferson BLT, Motor City Ham Sandwich, Turkey Trot and Brie and The 2645 Pastrami, all available at the 1701Pub

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In early October, in response to Hurricane Helene, local Little Caesars franchise owner, Michael Freeman, in western North Carolina, supported those affected by the devastating storm in their neighboring communities. Little Caesars, Blue Line and Franchise Services team members provided assistance to several impacted communities west of Asheville, including Clyde, Sylva, and Bryson City.

In each town, Little Caesars employees delivered pizzas to local hospitals caring for residents who were displaced and injured by the hurricane as well as first responders at nearby police and fire stations who provided immediate assistance in the aftermath. The donation from Little Caesars colleagues helped nourish those in need and demonstrated the company’s deep appreciation for the heroes working tirelessly to support their community.

“We are immensely grateful to Little Caesars,” said Chris Brown, market president & chief executive officer of Haywood Regional Medical Center. “The team that arrived to provide meals not only brought us food, but also joy and comfort during such a difficult time. Thank you to everyone who played a part in this effort. Your support made a meaningful impact that we won’t soon forget.”

To ensure a swift and impactful response, Little Caesars employees from the local franchisee in North Carolina and regional corporate team members quickly mobilized supplies and developed a plan to help as many people as possible. In total, the team served 231 pizzas, Crazy Puffs, and brownies to more than 900 individuals in just two days.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Helene,” said Tracy Hewett, East Vice President of Franchise Services, Little Caesars Enterprises. “As soon as we heard about what these communities were going through, we immediately gathered our team to help. Having our nearby teammates come together to serve their neighbors, especially amid their most desperate time of need, is what the mission of Little Caesars is all about.”

Little Caesars is committed to supporting North Carolina communities as they recover. The Little Caesars Love Kitchen, a fleet of trucks that travel city to city providing relief to the food insecure, people without housing, disaster survivors, military and first responders, is set to join their efforts.

If you know of an organization or community impacted by a natural disaster that Little Caesars could assist, please fill out the form on this page. Since the inception of the Little Caesars Love Kitchen, an estimated 50,000 franchise owners and employees have volunteered their time over the years to support the program in their local communities.