• 2023 Seventh-Round Pick Tallied 59 Points in 62 Games With WHL’s Kamloops

The Detroit Red Wings today signed center Emmitt Finnie to a three-year, entry-level contract beginning with the 2024-25 season. Finnie will report to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.

Finnie, 18, skated in 62 games with the Western Hockey League’s Kamloops Blazers during the 2023-24 season and ranked among the team leaders with 19 goals (T2nd), 40 assists (1st), 59 points (1st), 28 penalty minutes (9th), three power play goals (T5th), 20 power play points (2nd), four shorthanded goals (1st) and 164 shots (4th). The 6-foot-1, 178-pound forward was named the WHL Player of the Week for the period ending Feb. 11 after tallying nine points (7-2-9) in three games from Feb. 7-10. Finnie spent the entire 2022-23 campaign with Kamloops, recording 35 points (9-26-35), a plus-11 rating and 12 penalty minutes in 64 regular-season games, in addition to seven points (4-3-7) in 14 postseason contests. He also played in four games at the 2023 Memorial Cup, which was hosted by Kamloops.

Selected by the Red Wings in the seventh round (201st overall) of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Finnie debuted with Kamloops in 2021-22, logging six assists, a plus-three rating and two penalty minutes in 48 games. In total, Finnie has collected 100 points (28-72-100) and 42 penalty minutes in 174 WHL games. Prior to his major junior career, Finnie played at Yale Hockey Academy in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League from 2018-21. The Lethbridge, Alta., native appeared in five games with the under-18 squad during the 2020-21 season and racked up 107 points (51-56-107) in 60 games at the under-15 level from 2018-20.

• Forward Leads Griffins With 46 Points in 43 Games

The Detroit Red Wings today assigned right wing Jonatan Berggren to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins.

Berggren, 23, has skated in 12 games with the Red Wings this season, recording six points (2-4-6) and two penalty minutes. The 5-foot-11, 194-pound forward also leads the Griffins in goals (19), assists (27), points (46) and shots (129) through 43 games and represented the club at the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic. Berggren spent the majority of the 2022-23 season with the Red Wings and ranked among the team leaders with 15 goals (5th), 28 points (9th), five power play goals (T4th), nine power play points (7th) and a 15.3 shooting percentage (1st) in 67 games. He also registered seven points (4-3-7) in seven appearances with the Griffins in 2022-23. Selected by the Red Wings in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Berggren has collected 34 points (17-17-34) and 18 penalty minutes in 79 career NHL games. He has also logged 117 points (44-73-117) and 74 penalty minutes in 120 AHL games with the Griffins since 2021-22.

Prior to arriving in North America, Berggren played for Skelleftea AIK in the Swedish Hockey League, tying for the team lead with 45 points (12-33-45) in 49 games during the 2020-21 campaign, in addition to four assists in 12 postseason contests. In all, Berggren notched 60 points (14-46-60), a plus-seven rating and 28 penalty minutes in 99 games with Skelleftea AIK in Sweden’s top professional league from 2017-21. Berggren also registered 69 points (24-45-69), a plus-19 rating and 42 penalty minutes in 67 career games for Skelleftea’s under-20 team from 2016-18. The Uppsala, Sweden, native represented his country at the 2023 IIHF World Championship, tallying seven points (2-5-7), a plus-five rating and two penalty minutes in eight games. Berggren earned a bronze medal at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship, recording five points (1-4-5) in seven games. He captured a bronze medal with Sweden at the 2018 IIHF World Under-18 Championship after leading the team with 10 points (5-5-10) in seven games, and also won bronze after picking up five points (3-2-5) in five games at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. Additionally, Berggren won a gold medal with Sweden during the 2016 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, tallying three points (2-1-3) in six games.

Chris Ilitch, Chief Executive Officer of Ilitch Companies, today announced that Ryan Gustafson has been promoted to President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. In this elevated role, Gustafson will continue to lead business operations for the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park, and Fox Theatre, as well as the joint venture interest in 313 Presents. He also manages the business operations for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, the Tigers’ Single-A affiliate.

Gustafson had been Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since March 2023, reporting to Chris Ilitch. There are no immediate plans to announce a successor for his current Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer role, but Gustafson will have an opportunity to assess the needs of his leadership structure over the coming months.

“Ryan’s collaborative and inclusive leadership style, business and analytical acumen, and passion for enhancing the fan experience has resulted in incredible accomplishments in a short time,” said Ilitch. “I’m looking forward to his continued success as he leads Ilitch Sports + Entertainment into the future.”

Gustafson has played a significant role in the multi-year renovation and expansion of the home clubhouse at Comerica Park, as well as a new videoboard which now ranks as the largest in the American League and second largest in Major League Baseball. He also had a key role in delivering significant upgrades to field lighting, outfield wall reconfiguration, and audio and video system enhancements throughout the ballpark. Future projects for the Tigers he will be central to include planning and preparation for a new dormitory at the club’s Lakeland complex, and new a baseball academy in the Dominican Republic.

He has remained steadfast in his commitment to leading from the front in leveraging the iconic power of professional sport to positively impact communities. The teams and their charitable foundations – the Detroit Red Wings Foundation and Detroit Tigers Foundation, both affiliates of Ilitch Charities – continue to raise and invest vital resources in inclusive education, wellness, sport, culture, and community initiatives.

“Sports and live entertainment have a tremendous power to unify communities in hometowns and around the globe, and at Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, we are proud to bring together some of the most iconic brands in sports and entertainment to fulfill our mission to amaze, inspire, and unite,” said Gustafson. “It has been an absolute honor to work alongside a phenomenal group of professionals who embody this mission every day, and I truly appreciate this opportunity and confidence placed in me to further lead this exceptional organization.”  

Gustafson currently serves on the Detroit Sports Organization Corp (DSOC), an all-volunteer advisory committee that represents the top private-sector, civic, philanthropic, community and sports leadership across metro Detroit. The DSOC prioritizes, evaluates, and executes significant future bid opportunities to enable the Detroit Sports Commission to attract major sporting events to metro Detroit, accelerate economic growth and enhance the quality of life for citizens across the region. He is also a board member for Business Leaders for Michigan, the state’s business roundtable, which is dedicated to making Michigan a Top-10 state for jobs, education, widely shared prosperity, and a healthy economy.

Gustafson has a diverse background in sports, including 15 years of strategic planning and revenue generation experience. Ryan earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Puget Sound and his MBA from Harvard Business School.

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The annual Detroit Red Wings Teacher of the Month program, presented by Burns & Wilcox, recognizes the efforts of Michigan teachers and educators who touch countless lives daily, both in and out of the classroom. From October 2023 to March 2024, the program has spotlighted educators, recognizing one outstanding teacher each month with the Red Wings Teacher of the Month award.

Each month’s recipient receives a personalized award from the Red Wings and Burns &Wilcox, along with two tickets to a designated Red Wings home game and a $1,500 Visa gift card to enhance their classroom environment. Additionally, one exceptional educator will be named Teacher of the Year, earning a $5,000 grant and an exclusive meet and greet with a Detroit Red Wings player.

Nominees for the Red Wings Teacher of the Month program are educators in Michigan who have exhibited a commitment to improving student achievement, implementing innovative teaching strategies, or making a profound difference in the lives of their students. Teachers from all grade levels (K-12) and disciplines are eligible for consideration.

Vote for the 2024 Teacher of the Year, here. The voting period is open to the public from March 25 until April 5, and the winner will be announced at the Red Wings game on April 9.

This year’s Red Wings Teachers of the Month, and nominees for Teacher of the Year are:

October: Karie Starr, 4th Grade Teacher at Hickory Woods Elementary in Walled Lake, MI

With over two decades of experience in the district, Starr has spearheaded a co-teaching program that facilitates personalized instruction, mentored student teachers, and provided essential support to ASD and ESL students, exemplifying her unwavering dedication to student success.

November: Shelby McCumber, 4th Grade Teacher at Orion Oaks Elementary School in Lake Orion, MI

With a commitment extending beyond academics, McCumber fosters holistic growth through personalized encouragement, innovative classroom environments, and extracurricular activities, embodying the role of a mentor and guide in her students’ lives.

December: Lindsey Kling, 7th Grade Teacher at Boyd Arthurs Middle School in Trenton, MI

Kling’s multifaceted approach to education, encompassing academic support, social-emotional learning, and mentorship through programs like WEB, underscores her commitment to nurturing well-rounded students equipped for success in middle school and beyond.

January: Danielle Allen, 1st Grade Teacher at Detroit Merit Charter Academy in Detroit, MI

Allen’s dedication to her students’ holistic development, her innovative teaching methods, and unwavering support for underprivileged students, reflects her unwavering commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

February: Echo Ranney, 2nd Grade Teacher at Reese Elementary School in Reese, MI

With a creative approach to learning, and her emphasis on character development and community engagement, Ranney exemplifies her dedication to fostering a supportive classroom environment where every student feels valued and empowered.

March: Dana Mayhew, 1st Grade Teacher at Monroe Elementary School in Wyandotte, MI

Mayhew’s initiative in establishing and nurturing a “young fives” program, coupled with her compassionate approach to student care, highlights her commitment to preparing young learners for academic and personal success while fostering a sense of belonging and familial support.

To learn more about the Teacher of the Month program or to nominate a deserving educator, visit DetroitRedWings.com/Teacher. For further insights into the Red Wings’ community initiatives, explore DetroitRedWings.com/Community.

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As women’s hockey captures North America’s attention with the inaugural games of the Professional Women’s Hockey League, nine members of the Little Caesars AAA girls’ team signed letters of intent to continue their hockey careers in college.

Little Caesars AAA is part of the Little Caesars Amateur Hockey League, which was started by Mike and Marian Ilitch in 1978 to encourage young people in and around Detroit to play the game competitively, has more than 600 travel and house teams with more than 13,000 participants. Youth players from metro Detroit and around the United States and Canada are provided opportunities to build their skills in a competitive league that has become one of the country’s most respected youth hockey programs.  

“When I was playing, I committed and signed at my house because that’s where girls’ hockey was at, so it is refreshing to see this opportunity for them,” said U-19 assistant coach Grace Markey. “Being able to have this experience is amazing for them. So now they are committed to the university that they were recruited to play for, while wearing the Little Caesars jersey.”

The players include:

• Paige Cline – Lindenwood University
• Ellie Muscedere – Lindenwood University
• Tricia Piku – Boston College
• Ella Lucia – Harvard University
• Addison Spitz – Colgate University
• Maggie Kime – Merrimack College
• Kelsey Joiner – Western New England University
• Drew Dyczkowski – Long Island University (LIU)
• Crosby Wildfong – Long Island University (LIU)

“Little Caesars AAA has provided a really good landscape for my daughter to grow and develop,” said parent Cyndi Wildfong. “We’ve gone through a lot of emotional growth as well. And to me, her teammates have provided her with a lot of support through her journey.”

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In a continued effort to recognize and celebrate individuals who are making a difference in Metro Detroit, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment will be honoring four women as part of their Game Changers series during Women’s History Month. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 14, prior to the Detroit Red Wings hosting the Arizona Coyotes at 7 p.m. This event is presented by Comerica Bank and aligns with the Red Wings’ commitment to inclusivity through the Hockey is for Everyone initiative.  

March’s Game Changers honorees will be acknowledged during a pregame reception and in-game, highlighting their contributions in varied fields. As part of the celebration, each honoree will receive a $1,000 donation to the charity of their choice, generously funded by Comerica Bank.

This year’s Women’s History Month Game Changers are:

Carolyn Cassin – President and CEO of Michigan Women Forward:

Cassin, a resilient advocate for women and girls in Michigan, has had a significant impact on economic self-sufficiency and social equality. Under her leadership, Michigan Women Forward has become a key microlender, investing over $10 million in more than 345 women entrepreneurs.

Alison Vaughn – President and CEO of Jackets for Jobs:

As a renowned international speaker and award-winning author, Vaughn has dedicated her career to women’s empowerment. As the founder of Jackets for Jobs, she has helped over 38,000 job seekers achieve their goals, earning accolades as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to work for in Detroit and the U.S. for four consecutive years.

Charity Dean – President and CEO of Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance:

Dean’s commitment to thriving Black-owned businesses is evident in her role as President and CEO of Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance. Dean’s advocacy extends beyond her organization, as she served as the director of Civil Rights, Inclusion, and Opportunity for the City of Detroit and holds positions on various nonprofit boards.

Amy Peterson – Co-founder and CEO of Rebel Nell:

Peterson’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found Rebel Nell, a jewelry company with a purpose, employing women with barriers to employment. Beyond jewelry, Rebel Nell’s nonprofit arm, T.E.A. (Teach. Empower. Achieve.), provides resources like stable housing, financial education, business classes, and legal aid to empower women.

“In addition to recognizing Game Changers, honoring these leaders in conjunction with the NHL’s ‘Hockey is for Everyone’ initiative, represents our commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the sport,” said Ryan Gustafson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “Game Changers are about breaking down barriers and creating an environment where everyone feels welcome to participate, regardless of gender or background.”

As Ilitch Sports + Entertainment continues to champion Game Changers, the celebration of Women’s History Month highlights the achievements and impact of remarkable women in the community. To join the celebration and support the Red Wings on Thursday at 7 p.m. against the Arizona Coyotes, purchase tickets here.

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• Locals can now enjoy HOT-N-READY® pizzas from just £5 All Day, Every Day

Little Caesars® Pizza, the third largest pizza chain in the world, has opened the doors of its first restaurant in Greenford, located in the capital, west London.

The menu, which champions fresh quality ingredients from around Europe at an affordable price, will feature several delicious pizza varieties, including the signature HOT-N-READY® Pepperoni and Margherita for just £5. The Little Caesars HOT-N-READY® model gives customers the easy and quick option to simply stop in and take away a freshly made, piping-hot, large pizza and side items without waiting or ordering ahead.

Other delicious offerings include the Mushroom Deluxe (£8), the Three Meat Treat (£10), Peri Peri Chicken (£10), and many others. Three-piece Pepperoni Crazy Puffs (£3) and Little Caesars signature Crazy Bread® (£2) are also available. All pizzas on the menu are 12-inch large sizes that are perfect for families or individuals for a weekday or weekend treat.

“Londoners can now savor the delicious pizza offerings of Little Caesars as we proudly open our doors in the vibrant Greenford community,” says Paula Vissing, President, Global Retail for Little Caesars. “Little Caesars is synonymous with quality, convenience, and affordability, which we think British consumers will appreciate.”

Rajan Sandhu, franchisee for Little Ceasars Greenford says; “We are delighted to be working with Little Caesars to open their first site in London and the south of the UK. There is an ongoing demand from locals for quality pizza, delivered at great value prices so we are excited to bring this to the streets of Greenford.”

The global brand, which currently operates in 28 countries and territories, has ambitious plans to continue expanding throughout the U.K. and is actively seeking franchisees interested in joining the world-renowned brand. In addition to Greenford, Little Caesars will open a second store in London and a store in Liverpool later this year. To learn more about development and growth opportunities in the region, visit International.LittleCaesars.com.

Website: https://gb.littlecaesars.com/
Instagram: littlecaesarsuk
Facebook: @LittleCaesarsUK

• 2019 Seventh-Round Pick Played Four Seasons at Colgate University

The Detroit Red Wings today signed goaltender Carter Gylander to a two-year, entry-level contract beginning with the 2024-25 season. Gylander will report to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.

Gylander, 22, recently completed his senior season at Colgate University, posting a 14-14-4 record with a 2.93 goals-against average and a 0.901 save percentage in 32 appearances. The 6-foot-5, 196-pound goaltender helped the Raiders clinch a berth in the NCAA Tournament as a junior, logging a 19-15-5 record with a 2.46 goals-against average, a 0.914 save percentage and two shutouts in 39 contests. Gylander was also honored as the 2023 ECAC Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player after backstopping Colgate to its first conference title since 1990. Selected by the Red Wings in the seventh round (191st overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Gylander compiled a 46-46-13 record with a 2.69 goals-against average, a 0.907 save percentage and five shutouts in 106 appearances at Colgate.

Prior to his collegiate career, Gylander spent parts of three seasons with the Sherwood Park Crusaders of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, where he earned a 51-9-0 record with a 2.23 goals-against average, a 0.919 save percentage and six shutouts in 64 appearances from 2017-20. The Beaumont, Alta., native was named the AJHL’s Top Goaltender in 2019-20 after posting a 34-5-0 record with a 2.07 goals-against average, a 0.924 save percentage and three shutouts in 40 games. On the international stage, Gylander made two appearances with Team Canada West at the 2019 World Junior A Challenge in Dawson Creek, B.C.

• Sixth Overall Pick in 2021 NHL Entry Draft Leads Grand Rapids Defensemen With 29 Points in 52 Games

The Detroit Red Wings today recalled defenseman Simon Edvinsson from the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins.

Edvinsson, 21, has played in two games with the Red Wings this season, recording one assist and two penalty minutes in 14:39 average time on ice. The 6-foot-6, 212-pound blueliner has also skated in 52 games with the Griffins during the 2023-24 campaign, leading the team’s defensemen in goals (8), assists (21), points (29), penalty minutes (51), power play goals (2), game-winning goals (3), overtime goals (1) and shots (97). Edvinsson made his NHL debut with the Red Wings in 2022-23, logging two goals and 12 penalty minutes in nine appearances. He spent the majority of the 2022-23 season with Grand Rapids, tallying 27 points (5-22-27) and 52 penalty minutes in 52 games. In all, Edvinsson has registered 56 points (13-43-56) and 103 penalty minutes in 104 AHL games with the Griffins. Prior to arriving in North America, Edvinsson spent the entire 2021-22 season with Frolunda HC of the Swedish Hockey League, posting 19 points (2-17-19), a plus-13 rating and 18 penalty minutes in 44 regular-season games, in addition to two assists in five postseason contests. His 17 assists were the most of any player under 20 years of age in Sweden’s top professional league.

Selected by the Red Wings in the first round (sixth overall) of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Edvinsson saw time in three different leagues during the 2020-21 season, notching six points (1-5-6), a plus-four rating and 10 penalty minutes in 14 games with Frolunda’s under-20 squad. He made his professional debut by skating in 14 games with Vasteras IK in the HockeyAllsvenskan, collecting five assists in Sweden’s second tier before adding one assist in 10 appearances with Frolunda’s SHL team. Edvinsson began developing in Frolunda’s system in 2018-19, accumulating 12 points (1-11-12) in 22 games with the under-20 team, 25 points (6-19-25) in 34 games with the under-18 squad and 36 points (10-26-36) in 24 games at the under-16 level. The Kungsbacka, Sweden, native won a bronze medal as an alternate captain at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, collecting two points (1-1-2) in six games. He also claimed a bronze medal with Sweden at the 2021 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, recording four points (1-3-4) and eight penalty minutes in seven contests. Edvinsson represented his country at the 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, picking up five assists in five games.