• Red Wings and Tigers players enjoy brightening holidays for local youth

Continuing a special tradition of delivering joy to families in metro Detroit, the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers and Meijer teamed up for the annual Hometown Holiday Assist on Friday, Dec. 8, by treating 50 kids from The Children’s Center (TCC) for a shopping spree at a Meijer store in northwest Detroit.

The event drew several Red Wings players — Ben Chiarot, Christian Fischer, Shayne Gostisbehere, Alex Lyon, Olli Maatta, Jeff Petry, Michael Rasmussen, Moritz Seider, Daniel Sprong and Jake Walman — and assistant coach Jay Varady. Tigers pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long and radio play-by-play voice Dan Dickerson, in addition to Bally Sports Detroit’s Craig Monroe and Dan Petry, were also in attendance.

“(Hometown Holiday Assist) is an incredible event,” said Ryan Gustafson, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (IS+E). “It’s great to see a lot of our players here. We sincerely thank them for coming out and our great partners at Meijer for hosting us. Giving back to the community around the holidays is incredibly important to our organization, so it’s fun to be here and see the smiles on the kids’ faces.”

Volunteers and colleagues from the Red Wings and IS+E kicked off the night by forming a high-five tunnel and welcoming the kids into Meijer. Each child was then paired with an athlete, media personality or volunteer to shop for wish-list items like toys, stuffed animals and video games.

TCC is a Detroit-based non-profit organization that provides specialized clinical and employment services to local youth. And for Varady, helping the TCC children enjoy Friday’s shopping spree was gratifying.

“It’s great to get out in the community and be part of this,” Varady said. “Especially with (TCC) being so close to the rink, it feels like we’re giving back right next to where we’re working.”

Walman said the coolest gift he helped pick was a PlayStation 4 controller.

“When we get the opportunity, it’s something that I look forward to doing,” Walman said. “Treating kids to fun always makes me proud. It would be a waste if we didn’t do stuff like this. I think it’s a good opportunity to make some kids happy and make their day.”

Concluding with a Little Caesars pizza party and holiday-themed activities and games, the 10th annual Hometown Holiday Assist was a big success, according to IS+E Director of Community Impact Kevin Brown.

“It’s incredible to see how far this event has come since its beginning 10 years ago with our partner Meijer,” Brown said. “Being able to support thousands of kids over that amount of time is so special to our organization. And to know we’re able to bring together both the Red Wings and Tigers during this time of year to share in the spirit of the holidays, while giving back to those in need, that’s what is important.”

Hometown Holiday Assist, an annual program supporting Detroit families and local non-profits during the holiday season, is one of several community events that Red Wings and Tigers players participate in each year.

Original story written by Jonathan Mills and published on DetroitRedWings.com

‍

Building on the ongoing effort to support Detroit-based businesses, The Kitchen by Cooking with Que is the newest addition to Little Caesars Arena, following a successful stint at Comerica Park during the Detroit Tigers’ 2023 season. During Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons home games from December 16 – January 19, the local restaurant will serve plant-based and meat-based dishes.

The Kitchen by Cooking with Que was founded by “Cooking with Que AKA: Chef Que” with vegan, gluten-free and meat-based menu items at its flagship location on Woodward Avenue in Detroit’s New Center neighborhood. Chef Que first began exploring healthier food options after being diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, which is an autoimmune disease that commonly attacks the lungs.

After being diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, a discovery of a dairy allergy also came to light, which was detrimental to Chef Que’s health because many of the medications that treat Sarcoidosis use dairy as a binding agent. This led her on a journey to find alternative ways to offset the disease which didn’t require medication. Through her research, she discovered plant-based eating, which she first explored in her blog, “Cooking with Que,” which launched in 2012, then expanded into her first brick and mortar location in 2017.

“After adopting a plant-based lifestyle, I felt so much better,” Chef Que said. “Afterward, my brain just wanted to show others what I did to make myself better and potentially share ways to make their lives better too.”

Chef Que said she then started looking for more variety with vegan food.

“I wanted to be able to eat everywhere not just being offered a salad or a veggie plate, I wanted full meals. If no one was going to do it for me, I wanted to do it for myself and others,” the vegan chef said. “I wanted people to have the option to enjoy food wherever they may be…at a game, on an airplane or even at an amusement park.”  

The Kitchen’s menu has options that allows vegans and meat-eaters to coexist, with dishes including: Vegan Mac & Cheez, Gumbo, Chicken Caesar Wrap or Salad and House Potatoes.

“We’re thrilled to be able to work with several Detroit-based businesses at our venues, and welcome Cooking with Que to the Ilitch Sports + Entertainment family,” said Tim Padgett, Senior Vice President of Venue Operations. “We look forward to engaging additional small businesses in our city and providing our fans and guests opportunities to experience unique and localized offerings.”

Visit The Kitchen at 6529 Woodward Ave., Ste A, Detroit, MI 48202 or at www.CookingWithQue.com, as well as at upcoming Red Wings and Pistons games at Little Caesars Arena in the “Detroit House,” located on the street concourse level adjacent to the Meijer Entry.

‍

Goaltender Has Played in 153 NHL Games Since 2013-14

The Detroit Red Wings today signed goaltender Michael Hutchinson to a one-year, two-way contract for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.

Hutchinson, 33, has spent the 2023-24 season with the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins, posting a 5-7-1 record with a 2.98 goals-against average, an 0.895 save percentage and one shutout in 13 games. The 6-foot-3, 201-pound netminder also appeared in two preseason contests with the Red Wings while signed to a professional tryout. Hutchinson split the 2022-23 campaign between the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights and the Columbus Blue Jackets, making seven appearances with the Silver Knights before playing in 16 NHL games with the Blue Jackets. Originally selected by the Boston Bruins in the third round (77th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Hutchinson has compiled a 57-61-18 record with a 2.93 goals-against average, a 0.902 save percentage and six shutouts in 153 NHL games with the Winnipeg Jets, Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche and Blue Jackets since 2013-14. Additionally, Hutchinson has built a 111-78-21 record with a 2.60 goals-against average, a 0.915 save percentage and 16 shutouts in 222 AHL games with the Providence Bruins, St. John’s IceCaps, Manitoba Moose, Toronto Marlies, Springfield Thunderbirds, Silver Knights and Griffins, participating in the 2018 AHL All-Star Classic and earning a place on the AHL Second All-Star Team in 2017-18.

A native of Barrie, Ont., Hutchinson played four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Barrie Colts and London Knights from 2006-10 prior to turning professional. Hutchinson played his final major junior season with London in 2009-10, posting a 32-12-2 record with a 2.86 goals-against average, a 0.913 save percentage and three shutouts in 46 appearances. In total, Hutchinson accumulated a 67-50-7 record with a 2.87 goals-against average, a 0.915 save percentage and nine shutouts in 130 OHL contests. On the international stage, Hutchinson represented Team Canada at the 2022 Spengler Cup, appearing in two games at the tournament held annually in Davos, Switzerland.

‍

• Dylan Larkin Activated From Injured Reserve

The Detroit Red Wings today assigned center Austin Czarnik to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins. Additionally, the Red Wings have activated center Dylan Larkin from injured reserve.

Czarnik, 31, has skated in 15 games with the Red Wings this season, recording one assist, six penalty minutes and 12 shots in 8:33 average time on ice. The 5-foot-9, 167-pound forward has also collected seven points (3-4-7) and six penalty minutes in nine games with the Griffins to begin the 2023-24 season. Czarnik split the 2022-23 campaign between the Red Wings and Griffins, notching five points (3-2-5) and eight penalty minutes in 29 games with Detroit, in addition to 37 points (14-23-37) and eight penalty minutes in 43 games with Grand Rapids. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Boston Bruins on March 31, 2015, Czarnik has played in parts of eight NHL seasons with the Bruins, Calgary Flames, New York Islanders, Seattle Kraken and Red Wings, totaling 51 points (18-33-51) and 34 penalty minutes in 186 games since 2016-17. He has also compiled 269 points (98-171-269), a plus-22 rating and 100 penalty minutes in 279 AHL games with the Providence Bruins, Stockton Heat, Bridgeport Islanders and Griffins. Czarnik paced all AHL rookies with 61 points (20-41-61) in 68 games during the 2015-16 season and went on to represent Providence at the 2018 AHL All-Star Classic.

‍
A native of Washington Township, Mich., Czarnik played four seasons at Miami University from 2011-15 prior to turning professional, serving as team captain during his junior and senior years. In all, Czarnik accumulated 169 points (46-123-169), a plus-50 rating and 119 penalty minutes in 159 games with the RedHawks and was a Hobey Baker Award finalist as a sophomore in 2012-13. Before joining the RedHawks, Czarnik spent the 2010-11 season with the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League, posting 34 points (20-14-34) and 33 penalty minutes in 46 contests. He previously skated with the U.S. National Team Development Program from 2008-10. On the international stage, Czarnik represented Team USA at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, notching four points (2-2-4) in six games. Czarnik earned a gold medal at the 2010 IIHF World Under-18 Championship after recording six points (5-1-6), a plus-seven rating and four penalty minutes in seven games, and also won a bronze medal at the 2009 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge after collecting four points (1-3-4) in five appearances.

The Detroit Tigers have signed righthanded pitcher Jack Flaherty to a one-year contract worth $14 million. Flaherty’s contract also includes performance bonuses that can increase his base salary up to $1 million for games started during the season: $250,000 for 26 starts, $250,000 for 28 starts and $500,000 for 30 starts.

Flaherty, 28, combined to pitch in 29 games, including 27 starts, between St. Louis and Baltimore in 2023, posting an 8-9 record with a 4.99 ERA (144.1IP/80ER) and 148 strikeouts. He also made pitched 2.0 innings for the Orioles during the American League Division Series vs. Texas.

Flaherty put together his best big league season in 2019 with the Cardinals, finishing fourth in voting for the National League Cy Young Award and 13^th for NL Most Valuable Player after compiling an 11-8 record with a 2.75 ERA (196.1IP/60ER) and 231 strikeouts in 33 starts. He led all NL pitchers with a 0.97 WHIP and .192 opponent batting average, while he ranked tied for third with 33 starts, fourth with a 2.75 ERA, sixth with 231 strikeouts and eighth with 196.1 innings pitched. He earned second team All-MLB honors and was NL Pitcher of the Month twice during the season.

In his first full Major League season in 2018, Flaherty finished fifth in NL Rookie of the Year voting after going 8-9 with a 3.34 ERA (151.0IP/56ER) and 182 strikeouts in 28 starts.

In seven Major League seasons, Flaherty has a 42-34 record with a 3.75 ERA (667.2IP/278ER) and 748 strikeouts in 131 career appearances, including 125 starts. He has reached the postseason three times in his career, posting a 3.60 ERA (25.0IP/10ER) and 31 strikeouts in five appearances, including four starts.

A native of Burbank, CA, Flaherty was originally selected by St. Louis with the 34^th overall pick of the 2014 MLB Draft. With the signing of Flaherty, the Tigers 40-man roster is now at 40.

‍

• Tigers open 2024 Grapefruit League season on February 24 vs. New York Yankees
• 16-game home schedule includes eight weekend matchups at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

The Detroit Tigers begin their 2024 Spring Training schedule in just 67 days, and fans in metro Detroit and across central Florida can now purchase single-game tickets for Spring Training home games at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in sunny Lakeland, Fla.

To purchase Spring Training single-game tickets, fans can call 863-686-8075, visit Tigers.com/Spring or visit the Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium ticket office in person. All game times are at 1:05 p.m., unless otherwise noted below.

This spring will mark the Tigers’ 59th consecutive season at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium and the 88th campaign at TigerTown in Lakeland, extending the longest current relationship between a Major League Baseball team and a Spring Training host city.

Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium has been voted the best ballpark in the Grapefruit League and boasts several fan-friendly features, including a 360-degree walkable concourse to enjoy average temperatures in the high 70s, an interactive children’s play area, all-inclusive indoor/outdoor seating and more while fans get a glimpse at current and future Tigers stars.

“We are extremely excited for the Tigers to once again host Spring Training games at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium,” Vice President of Lakeland Business Operations Josh Bullock said. “The Tigers are proud of our longstanding relationship with Lakeland, and we look forward to making the 88th spring in TigerTown the best one yet for the fans and players.”

The Tigers will begin their 2024 Grapefruit League schedule at home on Saturday, Feb. 24 against the New York Yankees. The club then hosts back-to-back matchups on February 26 against the Houston Astros and on February 27 against the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Tigers open March with another back-to-back home set, hosting the Philadelphia Phillies on March 1 before facing the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 2.

Other Spring Training home games include March 4 against the Boston Red Sox, March 7 against Toronto (6:05 p.m.), March 9 against Pittsburgh, March 12 against the Minnesota Twins, March 14 against the Yankees, March 15 against the Atlanta Braves, March 17 against the Baltimore Orioles, March 19 against Philadelphia (6:05 p.m.), March 21 against the New York Mets, March 23 against the Yankees and March 24 against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Tickets for 2024 Spring Training home games are priced at four levels: Grey, Navy, Orange and White.

Grey games: March 14 and 24–Reserved Seating Starting at $35

Navy games: February 24, March 4, 12, 15, 17, 19 and 21–Reserved Seating Starting at $30

Orange games: February 26, March 1, 2, 9 and 23–Reserved Seating Starting at $25

White games: February 27, March 7–Reserved Seating Starting at $21

The Tigers are now accepting deposits towards the purchase of new season tickets for the 2024 Spring Training season in Lakeland. Secure your spot to catch all 16 home games with just a $100 per-seat deposit.

New season ticket members will be contacted in the order a deposit was placed to secure their seats.

For more information, please email SpringTraining@Tigers.com.

‍

Get ready to score big this holiday season with an extraordinary blend of gifts for everyone on your list. Whether you’re shopping for the die-hard sports fan, a pizza aficionado, or someone who simply loves the electric energy of the Motor City, this guide has something for everyone.

Featuring exclusive team merchandise, Hot-N-Ready staples, and mouthwatering delights from The District Detroit, a curated selection will add a touch of magic to your holiday festivities.

Looking to buy a featured gift or for more ideas? Make sure to check out the information below for store locations, hours of operation and websites to purchase online items.

‍

Looking for private event and catering options? See below for current offerings in The District Detroit:

‍

Patrick Kane set to make his Detroit Red Wings debut on Thursday, December 7 at Little Caesars Arena.

• Tickets Go On Sale Friday, December 8 at 10 a.m.
• Starting at $25 for Clash Between Wolverines and Spartans with the “Iron D” Trophy on the Line for Winning Team

The return of college hockey is headed to Little Caesars Arena with the annual “Duel in the D,” presented by Meijer, set for Saturday, February 10 at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets go on sale Friday, December 8 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased at 313Presents.com, Ticketmaster.com, or by calling the Red Wings Ticket Sales and Service office at 313-471-7575. Group discounts are available by calling 313 Presents Group Sales at 313-471-3099.

The fans of Hockeytown will be treated to one of the most intense and exciting rivalries in college hockey, as the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans men’s ice hockey teams will add another chapter in their storied rivalry and clash for the “Iron D” Trophy.

The “Duel in the D” matchup features the most-played rivalry in college hockey. The game will mark the 346th all-time meeting between the historic programs, with Michigan currently holding a 179-139-24 edge in the series.

Michigan, currently ranked No. 14 in the nation by the USCHO poll, has claimed the “Iron D” Trophy against No. 7 Michigan State in each of the last six matchups at Little Caesars Arena. The two teams will square off three times this season (Jan. 19 at MSU; Jan. 20 at UM; Feb. 9 at UM) before their final regular season matchup in the “Duel in the D.”

“There’s nothing quite like the environment at Little Caesars Arena when Michigan and Michigan State play for the ‘Iron D’ trophy,” said Michigan Head Coach Brandon Naurato. “It marks not only an important game for the players and the league but for every sports fan in the state. Our program takes great pride in our Michigan roots, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who makes this game possible. We can’t wait to once again provide an unforgettable experience for everyone.”

“Having an opportunity to play in the greatest rivalry in college hockey in an NHL building is exciting for our program,” said Michigan State Head Coach Jared Nightingale. “Michigan State-Michigan brings out the best in both programs, and playing the game in front of 19,000 fans creates an atmosphere that is unmatched.  I have great memories of the games we played at Joe Louis Arena when I was a player, and we are appreciative that Little Caesars Arena and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment continues to give us this platform to showcase college hockey in the city of Detroit.”  

ABOUT THE “IRON D” TROPHY

The “Iron D” Trophy features a forged iron “D” at its center to symbolize the city of Detroit, while the skyline of Hockeytown wraps around the base, including an image of Little Caesars Arena placed at the center. A large cup rests atop the trophy and hockey sticks, a red glass puck, and the logos of Michigan and Michigan State line the sides of the trophy. The trophy was designed and built by Erik and Israel Nordin at their studio, the Detroit Design Center.

“IRON D” TROPHY WINNERS:

2023 – Michigan (4-3, overtime)
2022 – Michigan (7-3)
2021 – Did Not Play (Coronavirus Pandemic)
2020 – Michigan (4-1)
2019 – Michigan (5-2)
2018 – Michigan (3-2)
2017 – Michigan (4-4 tie, shootout win)
2016 – Michigan State (3-2, overtime)