Team USA to Compete in IIHF Men’s World Championship Beginning May 10 in Czechia

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USA Hockey announced today the first 15 players of the 2024 U.S. Men’s National Team that will compete in the IIHF Men’s World Championship, May 10-26, in Ostrava and Prague, Czechia. The group includes 11 first-round NHL Draft picks and more than 5,000 games of NHL experience.

"We’ve got an outstanding start to our roster," said Brett Peterson (Northborough, Mass.), general manager of the 2024 U.S. Men's National Team and assistant general manager of the Florida Panthers. "There’s a lot of excitement among our players, and everyone is looking forward to representing our country in the world championship.”

Team USA will train in Bratislava, Slovakia, starting May 5 and play a pre-tournament game there against Slovakia on May 7. The U.S. will open play in the IIHF Men’s World Championship against Sweden on May 10 in Ostrava, Czechia, at 8:20 p.m. local time/2:20 p.m. ET. All U.S. games in the tournament will air live on NHL Network.

The U.S. has finished in the top four of the IIHF Men’s World Championship in seven of the last 10 tournaments with four bronze medals to its credit (2013, 2015, 2018, 2021).

ROSTER OVERVIEW – The First 15

• One goaltender, five defensemen, nine forwards

• Averages: Height: 6-0 • Weight: 200 • Age: 25

• Youngest Player: Jake Sanderson, 21

• Oldest Player: Alex Lyon, 31

• Roster includes four top-five picks in the NHL Draft, including Luke Hughes (2021; 4th overall/New Jersey Devils), Jake Sanderson (2020; 5th overall/Ottawa Senators), Brady Tkachuk (2018; 4th overall/Ottawa Senators), and Seth Jones (2013; 4th overall/Nashville Predators).

• Eight players have previously been part of Team USA for an IIHF Men’s World Championship, including Matt Boldy (2022), Johnny Gaudreau (2014, 2017, 2018, 2019), Luke Hughes (2022), Dylan Larkin (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019), Seth Jones (2014, 2015, 2022), Luke Kunin (2019), Alex Lyon (2015), and Zach Werenski (2019).

• Twelve players have competed at USA Hockey's National Team Development Program, including Matt Boldy, Cole Caufield, Joel Farabee, Luke Hughes, Seth Jones, Luke Kunin, Dylan Larkin, Jake Sanderson, Brady Tkachuk, Alex Vlasic, Zach Werenski and Trevor Zegras.

• All 15 players have competed in at least one IIHF world championship. The players have won 28 collective medals in IIHF world championship play, including 10 gold. Seth Jones leads the way with four medals, including gold in the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship and 2011 and 2012 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, and bronze in the 2015 IIHF Men’s World Championship.

• The players come from 10 different states, including New York (3), Michigan (3), Missouri (2), Illinois (1), Massachusetts (1), Minnesota (1), Montana (1), New Jersey (1), Texas (1) and Wisconsin (1).

• All 15 players have competed in the United States Hockey League, the only Tier I junior hockey league in the U.S.

• A total of 14 players have competed in college hockey in the U.S., with four coming from Boston University, three from University of Michigan, two each from Boston College, University of North Dakota and University of Wisconsin and one from Yale University.

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Emmy award-winning personality, actor and restaurateur, Billy Dec, is thrilled to announce Sunda New Asian’s newest location in, The District Detroit at 33 W. Columbia Street set to open in spring 2026.

After the successful openings of its two newest locations in Chicago’s Fulton Market and Tampa, FL and thriving locations in Nashville and Chicago’s River North, the team is elated to continue the expansion of the Sunda brand.

Founded in 2009, Sunda is an award-winning restaurant showcasing modern new Asian cuisine from Japan, China and other southeast Asian countries, elevating it with upgraded ingredients, cooking techniques and presentation. This creates a new and memorable hospitality experience that retains the deep-rooted spirit of the originals.

“Beyond the incredible amount of Michigan support we have felt in our original Sunda home in Chicago over the last 15 years, we are in awe of the explosive pride, investment, energy and growth all happening in Detroit fast and furious, especially The District Detroit’s Columbia Street location where we are proud to call our new home.”

“Just as we identified Nashville as a growing market to explode 10 years ago, Tampa 4 years ago, we are confident Detroit is about to go on an outstanding growth run the world won’t see coming and Sunda wants to contribute and be part of it all.” – Billy Dec, CEO/Founder, Sunda New Asian.

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Named “Best Asian Cuisine” by USA Today, the concept has garnered a devoted fan base among celebrities such as Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama, Ben Stiller, Ariana Grande, Jamie Foxx, Jessica Alba and many others.

“The restaurant scene in Detroit has experienced exponential growth over the last few years. The talent and diversity of food and drink experiences is exceptional. The ever trend-setting Mr. Dec saw the opportunity in The District Detroit and chose Columbia Street for his first Detroit restaurant” said Keith Bradford, President of Olympia Development of Michigan and The District Detroit. “Having visited Sunda in other markets, we are confident this will be a culinary experience Detroiters will embrace while creating unforgettable memories with family and friends."

The 33 W. Columbia Street Sunda location will also offer many signature items from the original location in Chicago.

Columbia Street is The District Detroit’s pedestrian-friendly walkway located between the historic Fox Theatre and Little Caesars World Headquarters, across Woodward Avenue from Comerica Park.

Columbia Street is home to Frita Batidos, JoJo’s ShakeBAR, Sahara Restaurant and Grill, Good Cakes and Bakes, Detroit Vs Everybody, M Den, Union Assembly and Mom’s Spaghetti. The District Detroit is managed by Olympia Development. Olympia Development of Michigan is part of the Ilitch Companies family of businesses.

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Olympia Development of Michigan issued a Co-Developer Request for Proposals (RFP)today. The Co-Developer Program is designed to create opportunities for Detroit-based, Detroit-headquartered, or Detroit resident-owned development companies. Qualified companies will have the opportunity to pursue the development of up to three Olympia Development properties.

“Our Co-Developer Program is at the core of our mission to help improve the lives of people who live and work in Detroit. These RFPs invite developers who share our community-minded development approach to partner with us to further enhance The District Detroit,” said Keith Bradford, President of Olympia Development of Michigan and The District Detroit.

The three sites that will be offered with the upcoming RFPs are:

• 81 W. Columbia Street: Located at the southeast corner of Park Avenue and Columbia Street adjacent to the Fox Theatre, Little Caesars Global Resource Center and situated at a corner gateway to the fully pedestrianized block of retail shops and dining along Columbia Street. Designed in the transitional style by architectural firm Baxter and O’Dell in 1909 as the Blenheim Apartments, it originally comprised 19 apartments and a speakeasy. The building is four stories tall and contains 17,500 square feet.

• 475 Peterboro: Located between Cass Avenue and 2nd Avenue across from the popular Detroit Shipping Company collective, these three-story buildings were designed in the Beaux-Arts style by architectural firm Pollmar &  Ropes in 1914 as The Woodstock Apartments and originally comprised 71 apartments over two buildings. The buildings contain 47,500 square feet.

• 45 & 48 W. Adams: Located on Adams just West  of Woodward overlooking Grand Circus Park, the site comprises two parcels containing a total of 0.523 acres. The south parcel also contains the historic seven-story decorative masonry façade of the former Fine Arts Building designed in the Spanish Gothic style by architect Louis Kamper in 1905. The parcels are historically designated within the Grand Circus Park Historic District.

“The Olympia Development Co-Developer Program is a significant example of the diversity and inclusion that is a result of The District Detroit Community Benefits Agreement. This program will provide immense opportunity to emerging and disadvantaged Detroit-based developers and bring new life to key properties in the City,” said Chris Jackson, Chair of The District Detroit Neighborhood Advisory Committee. 

The RFPs will be published sequentially, 90 days apart, after a qualification period, giving developers ample time to consider the wide variety of development options and deliver well prepared development bids. The selected parcels are separate from the 10 renovated historic or new Transformational Brownfield Plan projects.

The Co-Developer Program was designed with extensive input from the community and Detroit-based developers and is part of the community benefits agreement with the City of Detroit associated with a $1.5 billion development plan between Olympia Development and Related Companies. The RFP is an opportunity tocultivate diverse perspectives on future developments that will lead to inclusive and transformative development initiatives.

Emerging developers who qualify as disadvantaged businesses or Detroit-Based Businesses, Detroit Headquartered Businesses, and Detroit Resident Businesses will be able to get information and apply for the qualification phase of the Co-Developer Program at TheDistrictDetroitOC.com/RFP.

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This April 25-27, Ilitch Companies is proud to participate in NFL Draft-related activities and expanded entertainment options for fans coming into downtown Detroit, with activities from Hart Plaza to The District Detroit.

Little Caesars, the official pizza sponsor of the NFL, will have interactive fan engagement activities at Hart Plaza featuring appearances by NFL players:

Thursday, April 25

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Frank Ragnow
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Sam LaPorta

Friday, April 26

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Jahmyr Gibbs
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Amon-Ra St. Brown

The historic Fox Theatre will host a private VIP reception for projected first-round NFL Draft prospects and their families on April 25.

Additionally, pedestrian-only Columbia Street will host a free outdoor NFL Draft Party with live broadcasts, music, outdoor bars, and food specials from local restaurants throughout the weekend.

Baseball and football fans can come together and catch the Detroit Tigers in action against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park on April 26 at 1:10 p.m., where Bazzi the musician will throw the first pitch. Bazzi will be perform at the NFL Draft on Saturday.

On April 27, the game will begin at 6:10 p.m., where an NFL legend will be throwing the first pitch. Get tickets for either game, or both, here. Throughout both games, the Lions’ picks will be featured on the scoreboard at Comerica Park.

Road Closures and Parking:

Keep in mind that there will be increased traffic and road closures in the downtown area. Road closures started at the beginning of April and will continue to expand. Visitors can stay updated on the latest closure information at VisitDetroit.com/2024NFLDraft, and selecting “Getting Around Detroit” or by viewing the planned closure map, here. Additionally, plan your parking ahead of time by checking parkwhiz.com or Visit Detroit Parking for the best parking options based on the events you plan to attend.

Leading Pizza Chain to Add More Than 30 Restaurants Across Seven States

Little Caesars, the third largest pizza chain in the world, announced today the signing of several new multi-unit development agreements to expand its presence across target markets in the U.S., fueling the brand’s ongoing efforts to grow with ambitious operating partners. As part of these deal signings, Little Caesars will open more than 30 new restaurants throughout San Diego, Memphis, Tampa, Raleigh,Minneapolis-St. Paul, San Antonio and Eugene.

Spearheading Little Caesars expansion across Southern California is Leo Gonzalez, an experienced franchise owner operating multiple Little Caesars restaurants in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Recognizing areas of opportunity to grow the brand across an untapped market, Gonzalez committed to open nine Little Caesars in San Diego over the next four years.

Just as motivated to bring Little Caesars to further locations are new franchise owners Jocelyn Monperousse and Lissette Isabel. Co-owners of RJBL Pizza, this dynamic female duo is set to open the first traditional Little Caesars restaurant in Bradenton, Florida. Their five-unit franchise agreement will support their continued development plans in the Tampa market going into 2027.

"The growth and momentum we’ve built in the first two months of 2024 underscores the strength and viability of Little Caesars. With a business model that’s built for our franchise owners, we’ve successfully garnered the attention of many experienced multi-unit operators," said Patrick Cunningham, Vice President of U.S. Development at Little Caesars. “Our development pipeline is strong and as we look ahead into the year, we remain committed to building on this momentum, seeking opportunities to expand our presence while meeting the evolving demands of our guests through technology and innovation.”

In addition to the recent deal signings, Little Caesars plans to grow its footprint across the U.S. with its newest restaurant prototype – Little Caesars PODs. Featuring a design that’s built offsite, PODs have a quicker construction timeline than most traditional restaurants.

Little Caesars is actively seeking qualified multi-unit franchise operators to help propel development efforts in target markets nationwide, including in and around non-traditional venues like universities, water parks, airports and stadiums. Multi-unit franchising opportunities remain in regions across the U.S., including the Northeast, Pacific Northwest, Kansas City, New Orleans, and North and South Carolina. The established brand offers franchisees a convenience-driven business model and an efficient concept.

For more information, interested candidates can visit franchise.littlecaesars.com. 

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• 2021 Second-Round Pick Won Two National Championships at University of Denver

The Detroit Red Wings today signed defenseman Shai Buium to a three-year, entry-level contract beginning with the 2024-25 season. Buium will report to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.Buium, 21, recently completed his junior season at the University of Denver, helping the Pioneers capture their second NCAA Division I national championship in three years. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound defenseman earned NCHC Second All-Star Team honors after recording 36 points (7-29-36), a plus-33 rating and 14 penalty minutes in 43 games with the Pioneers during the 2023-24 campaign. Buium logged 21 points (4-17-21), a plus-eight rating and 18 penalty minutes in 38 games as a sophomore in 2022-23. Selected by the Red Wings in the second round (36th overall) of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Buium was selected to the NCHC All-Rookie Team after tallying 18 points (3-15-18), a plus-20 rating and 12 penalty minutes in 39 games in 2021-22, winning a national title along with Detroit prospects Carter Mazur (70th overall/2021) and Antti Tuomisto (35th overall/2019). In total, Buium compiled 75 points (14-61-75), a plus-61 rating and 44 penalty minutes in 120 games with the Pioneers.

Prior to his collegiate career, Buium played in parts of two seasons with the Sioux City Musketeers of the United States Hockey League from 2019-21. Buium was selected to the USHL’s Second All-Rookie Team after collecting 26 points (4-22-26), a plus-16 rating and 27 penalty minutes in 50 regular-season games, in addition to three points (1-2-3) in four postseason contests. The San Diego, Calif., native also competed at Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep in 2020-21, registering 13 points (2-11-13) and two penalty minutes in 17 appearances. Buium posted 88 points (21-67-88) and 32 penalty minutes in 100 games with Shattuck St. Mary’s under-16 squad from 2018-20.

• Sensory rooms provide safe space for fans and families

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment is proud to announce the unveiling of sensory rooms at Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena in partnership with KultureCity, the Detroit Tigers Foundation and the Detroit Red Wings Foundation. The sensory room at Comerica Park is open for all Detroit Tigers home games and any events at the ballpark and the room at Little Caesars Arena is open for all events. A formal ribbon cutting ceremony for the arena room will take place in the fall.Both sensory rooms are designed to cater to the needs of individuals with sensory processing needs. Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and the venues it operates are committed to fostering a positive and accommodating experience for all guests and colleagues, ensuring those with sensory sensitivities can enjoy the power of sports and entertainment without barriers.The sensory room at Comerica Park is on the 200 level behind section 210, and the Little Caesars Arena will be located outside PORTAL 66 on the concourse level. The completion of the rooms was made possible from the Detroit Tigers Foundation and Detroit Red Wings Foundation, respectively.

With input from sensory experts, KultureCity sensory rooms incorporate adjustable lighting, calming visuals and comfortable seating. A range of sensory tools and equipment such as bubble walls, bean bag chairs and tactile objects are available to create a personalized and calming experience. The rooms are fully accessible, accommodating individuals of all abilities and ages.

“It is with immense pride that Ilitch Sports and Entertainment joins hands with KultureCity and the Detroit Tigers Foundation in bringing this incredible initiative to life,” said Amanda Vought, Vice President, Guest Strategy, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “These sensory rooms are a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all our guests and empowers our event staff by providing them with tools to better support individuals with sensory processing issues. We believe in creating an environment where everyone can feel welcomed and comfortable.”

Little Caesars Arena was named the 2021 KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Venue of the Year. Both Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena earned certification by KultureCity in 2018, and at Guest Services locations, are equipped with sensory bags, including noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads. The certification process entails the event staff at both facilities are trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize guests and fans with sensory needs and how to best handle a sensory overload situation.

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“We are thrilled to continue collaborating with Ilitch Sports and Entertainment and to introduce these new sensory rooms,” said Uma Srivastava, Executive Director of KultureCity. “At KultureCity, our mission is to create a world where everyone, regardless of their sensory needs, can fully enjoy and participate in community experiences. These sensory rooms represent a crucial step towards inclusivity, providing a welcoming space where individuals with sensory sensitivities can engage with their surroundings comfortably. We applaud Ilitch Sports and Entertainment for their dedication to fostering an inclusive environment, and we are confident that this initiative will have a positive impact on the lives of many in the community.”

“One of the core pillars for both of our foundations is making baseball and hockey accessible and inclusive,” said Shannon Lapsley, Community Impact Director, Fundraising and Development, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “These rooms are a testament to the foundations’ dedication to utilizing baseball and hockey to provide inclusive opportunities for all, allowing more of our fans the opportunity to experience a day at the ballpark and arena and make memories with friends and family.”

In addition to Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena, the Fox Theatre, Pine Knob Music Theatre, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre and Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre have all earned KultureCity certification in recent years.

Prior to attending an event at venues managed by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, families and individuals can download the free KultureCity app, where guests can view which sensory features are available, and where to access them.

313 Presents, Detroit’s premier live entertainment company that promotes and produces top events at six leading venues, announced today that industry booking veteran Sarah Zawalski has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Booking & Industry Relations. In this role, Zawalski will lead the 313 Presents booking team and advance the company’s mission to provide access to amazing entertainment and alive moments inspired by the soul of Detroit. Zawalski succeeds Dana Warg, one of the nation’s best-known live entertainment booking leaders, as part of a planned succession.

Zawalski, recently named one of VenuesNow 2024 “Women of Live,” will oversee the booking and content strategy for the company’s six world-class venues – Little Caesars Arena, Fox Theatre, Pine Knob Music Theatre, Comerica Park, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre and Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre as well as lead partnerships across new markets and venues to expand the company’s business. Zawalski will immediately assume this leadership role from Warg, with whom she has worked for more than 15 years. Warg will continue with the company focusing on larger-scale projects and new initiatives while supporting the transition.

“After an extensive national search, Sarah distinguished herself as the best candidate to lead our booking team and key industry relationships into the future,” said Howard Handler, president of 313 Presents. “Sarah lives and breathes our culture, she’s a no-nonsense problem solver, talented dealmaker and drives the business with a growth mindset. I’m excited to watch Sarah soar.”

“I’ve been privileged to witness and support Sarah’s growth over many years. She works tirelessly with promoters, agents and artists to build trusting relationships and to put the very best content on our stages.” said Warg. “I am thrilled to see her take this well-deserved next step.”

Zawalski is a 25-year Detroit sports and entertainment industry veteran, beginning her career with Olympia Entertainment, holding a variety of roles from private event sales to arena production leading to her role as Director of Booking which she had held since 2005. During this time, she actively participated in planning and development for Little Caesars Arena providing valuable insight into the artist compound, seating configuration and sightlines from a concert perspective. She also played an instrumental role in the creation of 313 Presents, collaborating with both Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Pistons Sport & Entertainment to ensure a smooth transition.

Zawalski most recently served as 313 Presents Senior Director of Booking, securing more than 4,000 events throughout her career including 50 stadium shows at Comerica Park. She also manages the event calendar across the company’s expansive portfolio of venues. Recent noteworthy events include securing a multi-year commitment to host iHeart Radio’s “Jingle Ball” and Cirque Du Soleil’s Christmas blockbuster “Twas The Night Before…”, Claressa Shields World Middleweight Boxing Championship defense at Little Caesars Arena, and the acquisition of other big events including the 2022 NCAA D1 Wrestling Championships and the 2024 NCAA D1 Men’s Basketball Midwest Regional.

“I’m eager for the opportunity to serve Metro Detroit’s incredible passion for live entertainment and to further build 313 Presents position in our industry,” said Zawalski. “I’d like to thank my mentor, Dana Warg, who has helped guide me to this point and Howard Handler for his confidence and support as I step up to this leadership role.”

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Forward Has Recorded 80 Points in 308 NHL Games Since 2017-18

The Detroit Red Wings today recalled center Zach Aston-Reese from the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins under emergency conditions.

Aston-Reese, 29, made his Red Wings debut on Dec. 11 against the Dallas Stars, recording two hits in 6:21 time on ice. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound forward has also tallied 29 points (14-15-29), a plus-four rating and 51 penalty minutes in 59 games with the Griffins during the 2023-24 season. Aston-Reese spent the entire 2022-23 campaign with the Toronto Maple Leafs, collecting 14 points (10-4-14) and 25 penalty minutes in 77 regular-season games. He also netted one goal in six Stanley Cup playoff contests with Toronto, helping the franchise clinch its first postseason series win since 2004. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 14, 2017, Aston-Reese has registered 80 points (42-38-80), a plus-33 rating and 124 penalty minutes in 308 NHL games with the Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, Maple Leafs and Red Wings since 2017-18. Additionally, Aston-Reese has totaled 75 points (32-43-75), a plus-30 rating and 125 penalty minutes in 121 AHL games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Griffins.Prior to turning professional, Aston-Reese played four seasons at Northeastern University from 2013-17, racking up 148 points (66-82-148), a plus-48 rating and 182 penalty minutes in 145 games. As a senior, he was selected to the NCAA First All-American Team and named Hockey East Player of the Year after leading the NCAA in goals (31) and points (63) in 38 games during the 2016-17 season. Aston-Reese also guided the Huskies to a Hockey East Tournament championship as a junior in 2015-16. The Staten Island, N.Y., native added 50 points (16-34-50), a plus-12 rating and 188 penalty minutes in 140 games with the Des Moines Buccaneers and Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League from 2010-13.