• Detroit Assigns Simek to Grand Rapids

The Detroit Red Wings today acquired defenseman Radim Simek and a seventh-round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for forward Klim Kostin. The Red Wings have assigned Simek to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins.

Simek, 31, has spent the 2023-24 season with the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda, recording 16 points (4-12-16), a plus-four rating and 29 penalty minutes in 40 games during the 2023-24 season. The 6-foot, 204-pound defenseman was named the fifth captain in Barracuda history on Feb. 2. Simek played the entire 2022-23 season with the San Jose Sharks, logging three points (1-2-3) and 29 penalty minutes in 44 contests. Originally signed by the Sharks as an undrafted free agent on May 23, 2017, Simek has collected 29 points (7-22-29) and 74 penalty minutes in 209 NHL games since 2018-19. He has also registered 45 points (11-34-45) and 49 penalty minutes in 109 AHL games with the Barracuda.

A native of Mlada Boleslav, Czechia, Simek played in parts of five seasons with Bili Tygri Liberec in Czechia’s top professional league before arriving in North America, tallying 68 points (30-38-68), a plus-46 rating and 88 penalty minutes in 171 games from 2012-17. He won a Czech Extraliga title with the club in 2016, earning playoff MVP honors after recording 10 points (3-7-10) in 14 postseason contests. Simek also notched eight points (2-6-8) and 69 penalty minutes in 67 games with HC Benatky nad Jizerou in Czechia’s second-tier from 2011-15. On the international stage, Simek captured a bronze medal at the 2022 IIHF World Championship, posting two assists in nine games. Simek had two points (1-1-2) in eight games at the 2017 IIHF World Championship, along with one goal in eight appearances at the 2016 tournament.

With hundreds of events across six sports and entertainment venues, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment event colleagues play a critical role in amazing, inspiring and uniting millions of guests each year. These incredible colleagues work in a diverse array of roles, including ushers, security, parking, in-venue entertainment and much more. Their dedication to providing a tremendous guest experience shines through in all that they do.

Meet Tim Fortin, Crowd Manager Supervisor | LCA

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The National Hockey League has fostered an inclusive and diverse environment through its ‘Hockey is for Everyone’ initiative. The Detroit Red Wings joined this commitment by celebrating their Black History Game at Little Caesars Arena on February 24. The event celebrated the rich history of Black players in the sport and recognized Black leaders in and around Detroit.

Hockey is for Everyone: Jason McCrimmon Kicks off the Game

Announcing the Red Wings’ starting lineup, Jason McCrimmon brought excitement to the game as the Red Wings faced the St. Louis Blues. McCrimmon, a prominent figure in the Detroit hockey community, was honored by the NHL with the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award in 2023. This prestigious award acknowledges individuals who, like O’Ree, have made significant contributions to their communities through hockey. McCrimmon’s dedication is further highlighted by his establishment of Detroit Ice Dreams, which aims to bring the joys of hockey to children in Detroit.

Game Changers Honorees: Leaders Making a Difference

In addition to in-game and arena-wide activities and events, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment honored four outstanding individuals as part of their ongoing Game Changers series. The Game Changers series, presented by Comerica Bank, honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication and service to their communities.

Kenneth Donaldson – President and CEO of Black United Fund of Michigan
A lifelong Detroit resident, Donaldson has devoted more than four decades to philanthropy, mentorship and community organizing. Through the Black United Fund (BUF) of Michigan, he has helped establish more than 20 different programs specifically targeted to help the youth of metro Detroit.

Dina Harris – Founder and CEO of National Faith Homebuyers
With more than 40 years in the housing industry, Harris has played a pivotal role in establishing Ypsilanti’s Section 8 housing program. Her leadership at National Faith Homebuyers has enabled more than 10,000 families in Michigan to purchase homes or stay in their current residences.

Daniel A. Washington – Founder and Executive Director of NW Goldberg Cares
Born and raised in Detroit’s NW Goldberg neighborhood, Washington founded NW Goldberg Cares to sustain the neighborhood’s vitality for future generations. The organization has achieved remarkable milestones, including the creation of six public spaces, neighborhood events and the ongoing rehabilitation of homes.

Dr. Darienne Hudson – President and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Starting her career as a teacher in the Detroit Public School System, Dr. Hudson’s passion for community service has been unwavering. Under her leadership, the United Way for Southeastern Michigan has raised more than $37 million, positively impacting more than 2.5 million people in Southeast Michigan. Dr. Hudson also actively serves on various boards, furthering her commitment to community development.

“I want to thank Ilitch Companies, Comerica, the Red Wings and the Tigers. They do so much for us at United Way and in our community,” Hudson said. “This program is so important because sports have a way of bringing people together from all walks of life. That’s the beauty of what I get to do every day.”

Mark Your Calendar: Next Celebration on March 14, 2024

The spirit of inclusion and community engagement will continue on March 14, 2024, with the next ‘Hockey is for Everyone’ and Game Changers celebration in recognition of Women’s History Month – purchase your tickets here.

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• Including Special Guests Detroit Youth Choir
• Tickets On Sale Friday, March 8 at 10 a.m.

313 Presents, and in partnership with the National Action Network Michigan, is proud to announce its inaugural Juneteenth Celebration at the Fox Theatre on Wednesday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m. The special evening will pay tribute to the spirit of Juneteenth with featured performances by the legendary Commodores and the iconic Pointer Sisters, along with special guests the Detroit Youth Choir. Comerica Bank is the exclusive presenting partner of the Fox Theatre.

Tickets go on sale Friday, March 8 at 10 a.m. 313Presents.com and Ticketmaster.com.

The inaugural concert is dedicated to honoring Black culture and excellence through an immersive evening. The event will commence with an opening prayer, feature a guest speaker discussing the importance of Juneteenth, and culminate with the power of music, including a special performance of “Lift Every Voice And Sing” by the Detroit Youth Choir.

“We’re excited to bring the community together to celebrate Juneteenth in a meaningful way,” said Howard Handler, President of 313 Presents. “Our aim is to curate an event that not only recognizes the significance of this historic milestone but also cultivates a sense of togetherness and celebration within our community for years to come.”

“We are so excited that this year Detroit will have the opportunity to celebrate Juneteenth in a big way. Celebrating organizations doing good and appreciating the culture through music and arts,” said Rev. Charles Williams II, Chairman of National Action Network Michigan. “We are so glad to partner with 313 Presents as we celebrate Black independence from a histories past, by celebrating the best and brightest in art, culture and service to others.”

In addition, 313 Presents is honored to announce that a portion of the proceeds from the Juneteenth Celebration will be allocated to local community organizations committed to the advancement and empowerment of our city.

• Red Wings home and road jerseys will feature Priority branding beginning February 29
• Priority provides technologically advanced waste services that reduce environmental impact
• As part of multi-year partnership, coordinated sustainability programs between Priority and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment will be established

The Detroit Red Wings today announced that Michigan-based Priority will serve as the team’s first Jersey Patch Partner. As part of a multi-year partnership, the leading waste management company known for its commitment to environmental sustainability and outstanding customer service will have its brand marks featured on Detroit’s home and away jerseys, beginning with Thursday’s game against the New York Islanders.

Priority is Michigan’s fastest-growing collection services provider, and earlier this month, finalized a multi-year agreement to provide trash, recycling, yard waste and bulk pick-up services in the city of Detroit. The company was founded in 2018, and currently services communities in Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, Lapeer, Genesee, Saginaw, Livingston, Washtenaw, Tuscola, Monroe and Shiawasee counties.

As part of the partnership, coordinated sustainability programs between Priority and the venues operated by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment will be established.

“We are excited for this new partnership with Priority, and for their brand to be featured on the Red Wings jerseys,” said Ryan Gustafson, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. “Priority serves many of the communities in which our fans reside and is dedicated to enhancing environmental sustainability through data and technology. We look forward to partnering with them at our venues for years to come.”

For the past five years, Priority has taken great pride in partnering with the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix. In 2023, Priority implemented a robust waste diversion and recycling program that produced the most sustainable Grand Prix in the event’s 41-year history and led to a Gold-level certification from the Council for Responsible Sport.

“We are thrilled to enter into this partnership with Ilitch Sports and Entertainment and the Detroit Red Wings,” said Todd Stamper, Founder and CEO of Priority. “We have built the culture of our young company through many of the same ideals that the Red Wings have represented throughout their history, including a strong work ethic, a passion for serving Michiganders and a championship vision. I appreciate the opportunity that the Ilitch family has provided us to be associated with such a tremendous organization.”  

Priority leverages cutting-edge technology to revolutionize waste management, sustainability, and logistics operations. Cameras are installed on all of its 500+ vehicles for enhanced driver experience and communication, and real-time monitoring for all service lines is performed through Next-Generation advanced routing software. Priority’s headquarters in Clinton Township, Mich., features a Command Center Pit that is integrated with the company’s customer service team, providing prompt service and efficient route optimization.

In addition to serving as the Red Wings’ Jersey Patch partner, Priority’s branding currently appears on the ice and dasherboards at Little Caesars Arena and is included in the Digitally Enhanced Dasherboards (DED) on Detroit’s television broadcasts. Priority will also have a significant branding presence at Comerica Park for the upcoming Detroit Tigers season.

As the next collaboration in their Local Designer Series, the Detroit Red Wings are partnering with Livonia, Mich.-based Kiloh + Co. for a special ticket package and exclusive merchandise line.

Fans can purchase a special Kiloh + Co. ticket package for the Red Wings game on Thursday, March 14, or simply purchase a regular game ticket and visit the exclusive in-venue pop-up shop at Little Caesars Arena during the game.

Kiloh + Co. is a female-owned clothing company founded in 2017, specializing in fashionable game day wear for women. Amanda Adamcheck, the founder and owner of Kiloh + Co., was a Detroit Tigers season-ticket holder and wanted simple and chic local clothing items to wear to the games; so she created them.

When the Red Wings host the Arizona Coyotes for their Women in Hockey and Women’s History Night game on March 14, fans can purchase a special ticket package which will include a game ticket, a limited-edition Kiloh + Co. Red Wings hat, a drink ticket and early access to Little Caesars Arena for the exclusive Kiloh + Co. sip and shop pop-up that night.

The sip and shop pop-up will be available by the Via bar on the street-level concourse. From 4:30-5:30 p.m., special ticket package purchasers will have early access to the venue. Aside from the hat, there are five items in the exclusive clothing line, and the vintage crew is cut, sewn and embroidered right in Detroit.

Following the 4:30 p.m. early access window for Kiloh + Co. ticket package purchasers, all fans who enter the arena that night will have access to the pop-up once doors open to the public at 5:30 p.m. Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m.

The partnership between the Red Wings and Kiloh & Co. is the second in the “local designer series” taking place throughout the rest of the 2023-24 season. Details on future artist collaborations will be provided later.

“We’re proud to lead initiatives that extend beyond the rink,” said Amanda Dennis, Red Wings Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service. “Teaming up with Kiloh + Co. presents an exceptional opportunity for collaboration, where a local, woman-owned business curates apparel with a distinct focus on the preferences of our dedicated female fans. Integrating premium-quality apparel into our ticket offerings elevates the overall fan experience while championing local talent and entrepreneurship.”

The collaboration with the Red Wings hits home for Adamcheck, who’s been a fan of her hometown team her entire life.

“This is a dream collaboration for Kiloh + Co.,” Adamcheck said. “As a woman-owned brand, we’re super grateful and honored to be a part of celebrating Women’s History Month. I found a need for women’s apparel in the sports world, and that’s how we got our start seven years ago. I grew up in a hockey-loving family as well, so this collaboration is extra special to me, and we can’t wait to get it out there!”

Fans can purchase their exclusive Kiloh & Co. ticket package for the March 14 Red Wings game here.

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The Detroit Tigers have signed infielder Gio Urshela to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million. Urshela’s contract includes performance bonuses where he can earn up to $500,000 for plate appearances: $100,000 each for 500, 530, 560, 590 and 620 plate appearances.

In eight Major League seasons, Urshela, 32, has hit .277/.322/.423 with 114 doubles, seven triples, 64 home runs and 280 RBI in 664 games. He was named a Gold Glove finalist in 2020 among American League third basemen and played for Team Colombia in the 2017 and 2022 World Baseball Classic.

He is just one year removed from one of the best seasons of his career in 2022, playing in 144 games with the Twins and slashing .285/.338/.429 with 27 doubles, three triples, 13 home runs and 64 RBI. He established new career-highs in hits (143), walks (41) and games played.

Urshela was limited to 62 games in 2023 after suffering a season-ending injury on June 15. Urshela hit .299/.329/.374 with eight doubles, one triple, two home runs and 24 RBI. At the time of his injury, Urshela ranked seventh in the AL in batting average.

Urshela also has extensive postseason experience in his career, playing in 22 games across four different seasons and going 16×76 with a double, three home runs and eight RBI.

A native of Cartagena, Colombia, Urshela was originally signed by Cleveland as an international free agent on July 8, 2008. He and his wife, Danna, have one daughter, Gianna.

A corresponding 40-man roster move will be announced later.

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In alignment with the Detroit Red Wings’ and NHL’s continued “Hockey is for Everyone” efforts supporting diversity and inclusion in hockey on the ice, in the locker room and in our communities, the Red Wings will celebrate Black History Month when they face the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, Feb. 24 at noon at Little Caesars Arena. The game will feature a variety of activations to honor the diverse contributions of Black leaders in Detroit and in the sport of hockey.

Among the highlights will be a Red Wings Black History exhibit on the Via concourse near the Team Store. This pop-up exhibit showcases 15 artifacts, including game-used equipment, and aims to provide a deeper understanding of the nine Black players who have played a significant role in Red Wings history. An Edmonton Flyers program featuring John Utendale, the first Black player signed by the Red Wings will also be on display.

During the game, fans can participate in the Detroit Red Wings Foundation’s 50/50 raffle, with proceeds benefiting the Detroit Branch NAACP.

As part of the ongoing Game Changers program, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Comerica Bank will also celebrate four local honorees who have made a lasting impact on Black families, youth, business communities and beyond. Each Game Changers honoree will receive a $1,000 donation to their chosen charity, made possible through the support of Comerica Bank.

This year’s Game Changers, Kenneth W. Donaldson, Dr. Darienne Driver Hudson, Dina Harris and Daniel A. Washington, will be celebrated at a private pre-game reception, in addition to their stories being shared on the Red Wings website and social media channels. Additionally, Jason McCrimmon, Learn, Play, Score ambassador, 2023 Willie O’Ree Award winner, and previous Game Changers honoree, will announce the Red Wings’ starting lineup in the locker room.

Ryan Gustafson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, emphasizes the importance of “Hockey is for Everyone.”

“Creating an inclusive environment for all is at the heart of our mission,” Gustafson said. “Hockey provides such an incredible platform to make an impact and unite people from different backgrounds, and events like Black History Day highlight the richness of our great community.”

Tickets to this special Red Wings game are available for purchase now.

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2017 First-Round Pick Has Played in 293 Games With Detroit Since 2018-19

The Detroit Red Wings today signed forward Michael Rasmussen to a four-year contract extension with an average annual value of $3.2 million.

Rasmussen, 24, has skated in 55 games with the Red Wings during the 2023-24 season, recording 23 points (11-12-23), a plus-11 rating, 33 penalty minutes and a 14.9 shooting percentage in 15:10 average time on ice. The 6-foot-6, 220-pound forward has reached double-digits in goals in each of the last three seasons. Rasmussen set career highs in assists (19) and points (29) in 56 games with the Red Wings in 2022-23. Originally selected by the Red Wings in the first round (ninth overall) of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Rasmussen has totaled 109 points (47-62-109) and 197 penalty minutes in 293 games with Detroit since making his NHL debut as a 19-year-old in 2018-19. He also registered 30 points (11-19-30) and 26 penalty minutes in 45 games in parts of three seasons with the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins from 2018-21. Rasmussen added 16 points (5-11-16) and 42 penalty minutes in 18 games with the Graz 99ers of Austria’s ICE Hockey League in 2020-21 before returning to North America for the start of Detroit’s training camp.

Prior to turning professional, Rasmussen spent parts of four seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Tri-City Americans, compiling 157 points (81-76-157) and 129 penalty minutes in 161 games from 2014-18. Rasmussen captained Tri-City during the 2017-18 campaign, logging 59 points (31-28-59) and 40 penalty minutes in 47 regular-season games, in addition to 33 points (16-17-33) in 14 postseason contests. The Surrey, British Columbia, native represented Team Canada at the 2016 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, notching four points (1-3-4) and eight penalty minutes in four games. Rasmussen also had three points (2-1-3) in five games with Canada Black at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

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