The Detroit Red Wings Teacher of the Month program, presented by Burns and Wilcox, recognizes Michigan K-12 teachers and educators making a positive difference in the lives of their students. Each month from October 2023 to March 2024, one deserving teacher will be recognized with the Red Wings Teacher of the Month award.

Each monthly honoree will receive two tickets to a Red Wings game, a personalized Teacher of the Month award, and a $1,500 grant. Monthly honorees will also be recognized on DetroitRedWings.com/Teacher, Hockeytown Cares Instagram page and monthly newsletters.

At the end of the program, fans will vote on the six-monthly honorees to determine a Teacher of the Year. Each monthly honoree will be invited to a Red Wings home game where the Teacher of the Year will be announced. The Teacher of the Year will receive a $5,000 grant for their school and a meet-and-greet with a Detroit Red Wings player. Learn more about last year’s Teacher of the Year here.  

To learn more about the Teacher of the Month program or to nominate a deserving teacher, visit DetroitRedWings.com/Teacher. To learn more about the Red Wings’ community initiatives, visit DetroitRedWings.com/Community.

The October Teacher of the Month is Hickory Wood Elementary Fourth grade teacher Karie Starr, who said, “I feel extremely honored to be recognized since I work with some of the best teachers there are. Being awarded with money to spend in my classroom was such a wonderful bonus.”

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In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Detroit Red Wings and Tigers recognize and celebrate individuals who are making a positive impact in the Hispanic community in Detroit. In partnership with Comerica Bank, the Game Changers series honors one community member per week throughout the month who is making a profound difference in the areas of youth education, youth wellness or sport participation. Each honoree receives a $1,000 grant dedicated to the charity of their choice from the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and Comerica Bank.

Kevin Brown, Director of Community Impact for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, expressed the organization’s appreciation for the honorees, stating, “These Game Changers exemplify the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month through their tireless dedication to our community. Their contributions have touched countless lives, and we are honored to recognize their extraordinary efforts.”

This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month Game Changers are:

Dr. Sonia Acosta: Cultivating Cultural Competence

Dr. Sonia Acosta, PhD, serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Centro Multicultural La Familia (CMLF), a Pontiac-based organization dedicated to providing culturally sensitive support services to families. With a 30-year tenure in the fields of mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence, Dr. Acosta, a fully licensed bilingual/bicultural psychologist, has been instrumental in expanding the organization. Under her leadership, Centro La Familia grew from its inception to encompass 35 bilingual/bicultural staff members, reflecting the growing needs of the Latino community.

Laura Chavez-Wazeerud-Din: A Champion of Southwest Detroit

Laura L. Chavez-Wazeerud-Din‘s deep-rooted connection to Southwest Detroit fuels her commitment to fostering positive change. As President & CEO of the Southwest Detroit Business Association, she brings leadership skills to the forefront. Her analytical skills, adept problem-solving abilities, and forward-thinking approach have propelled the organization toward greater operational efficiency and ensured its ability to meet present and future needs. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Laura actively engages in a variety of community roles, including President of Prospanica – Detroit Chapter, Board Member of National Black MBA Association Detroit, Executive Board Member of Chamber Music of Detroit, and Board Member of Bound Together.

Jane C. Garcia: A Lifetime of Community Activism

A native Detroiter and licensed social worker, Jane C. Garcia‘s legacy of volunteerism spans over five decades. With positions held in the Detroit Public Schools, various local Hispanic nonprofits, and over 25 years of service with the U.S. Federal Government, she stands as a force for positive change. Currently serving as Chairman of Latin Americans for Social & Economic Development (LA SED), Garcia is instrumental in the agency’s mission to promote social and economic development for the diverse ethnic groups residing in the community it serves.

Elizabeth Orozco-Vasquez: Nurturing Hope and Stability

Born in Mexico, Elizabeth Orozco-Vasquez immigrated to the United States at two-years-old, growing up in Southwest Detroit. As Freedom House Detroit’s inaugural Chief Operating Officer, Elizabeth demonstrates exceptional financial acumen, increasing fundraising efforts and diversifying revenue streams while ensuring competitive salaries for staff. Her leadership during the pandemic was instrumental in keeping Freedom House’s doors open. Additionally, she spearheaded the agency’s relocation, securing a new home and completing the move in under six months.

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• Ticketed and non-ticketed fans can interact with current Red Wings players, including brief autograph and selfie opportunities
• The Chevrolet Plaza opens at 1:00 p.m., with players expected to walk through plaza between 1:45 and 2:45 p.m.
• Little Caesars Arena restaurants and Team Store to open at 1:00 p.m., in time for kickoff of the Detroit Lions road game at Baltimore Ravens
• Limited tickets for Sunday’s 5:00 p.m. game are available at DetroitRedWings.com/tickets

The fan-favorite “Hockeytown Red Carpet Walk,” previously scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 14 prior to the Detroit Red Wings’ home opener, was unfortunately canceled due to rain across metro Detroit. With another weekend home game at Little Caesars Arena upcoming, the Red Wings are excited to provide fans an opportunity to interact with players as they enter Little Caesars Arena on Sunday, Oct. 22 ahead of the matinee against the Calgary Flames. Puck drop is set for 5:00 p.m.

“We encourage fans to arrive early to Chevorlet Plaza on Sunday to see the Red Wings players up close and feel the excitement we have building in Hockeytown,” said Ryan Gustafson, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “Red Wings fans have been awesome to start the season, creating an atmosphere at Little Caesars Arena that is truly giving us a home ice advantage.”

The Chevrolet Plaza will open to fans at 1:00 p.m., with Red Wings player arrivals expected to begin at 1:45 p.m. from the Trinity Health Garage (165 Sproat St.). Players will be escorted by youth hockey participants of the Red Wings’ Learn, Play, Score, Little Wings, and Little Caesars AAA programs, and there will be potential autograph and selfie opportunities with Red Wings players.

The Coca-Cola Hockeytown Experience and yard games, live music, photo opportunities and giveaways will also be available in the Chevrolet Plaza. All four Little Caesars Arena restaurants will open at 1:00 p.m., in time for the Detroit Lions road game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Doors to Little Caesars Arena for Sunday’s Red Wings game will open at 3:30 p.m.

Ticket Packages Available for Beerfest, Presented by Kona Brewing Company

Prior to Sunday’s game, Kona Brewing Company will host a Beerfest beginning at 2:00 p.m. located in the Budweiser Biergarten. Interested fans can purchase a special ticket package that includes admission to the fest, 4-oz. beer samplers and a commemorative mug. A portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to Maui United Way. Ticket packages can still be purchased by clicking here.  

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• Forward Has Recorded 80 Points in 307 NHL Games With Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs Since 2017-18

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

Aston-Reese, 29, made his debut with the Griffins in a 3-2 win over the Colorado Eagles on Friday at Van Andel Arena. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound forward spent the entire 2022-23 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, recording 14 points (10-4-14) and 25 penalty minutes in 77 regular-season games. Aston-Reese also tallied one goal in six Stanley Cup playoff contests with Toronto, helping the franchise clinch its first postseason series win since 2004. He split the 2021-22 campaign between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Anaheim Ducks, logging 15 points (5-10-15), a plus-nine rating and 28 penalty minutes in 69 games. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Pittsburgh on March 14, 2017, Aston-Reese has compiled 80 points (42-38-80), a plus-33 rating and 124 penalty minutes in 307 games with the Penguins, Ducks and Maple Leafs since 2017-18. Additionally, Aston-Reese has registered 46 points (18-28-46), a plus-26 rating and 74 penalty minutes in 63 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 just 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.

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Little Caesars^® and MTN DEW^® are always looking to keep their fans fueled up and ready to go. That’s why the brands are joining forces ahead of the release of the new Call of Duty^®: Modern Warfare^® II, helping fans across the U.S. elevate their gaming experiences and excite their taste buds.

Beginning Monday, October 17 through Saturday, December 31, gamers who order from Little Caesars can get their hands on unique codes that unlock Dual 2XP for Call of Duty^®: Modern Warfare^® II. They can also purchase the “Call of Duty^® Combo” which includes a Large Slices-N-Stix^® pizza featuring half a Classic pepperoni pizza and half Italian Cheese Bread, Crazy Sauce^® and a 20 oz. MTN DEW^®, all for $7.99**. Order online at littlecaesars.com or purchase in-store and save your receipt for a code to unlock Dual 2XP as well as access to other bonus in-game items including a player card, emblem, and weapon charm, and the chance to win free prizes such as customized PlayStation 5s, wireless controllers and other swag to take your game to the next level.

“We know that DEW Nation and the gaming community are on the edge of their seats with anticipation for the new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II,” said Scott Finlow, CMO of PepsiCo Global Foodservice. “Joining forces with our partners at Little Caesars gives us the opportunity to up the ante for fans by creating a meal combo that’s designed to elevate their gaming experience.”

To unlock Dual 2XP and in-game rewards for all consoles and PCs, gamers simply need to visit www.LittleCaesarsCallOfDuty.com  to upload their in-store receipt or enter the unique code on their digital receipt. The Dual 2XP and in-game rewards will be linked directly to the gamer’s Modern Warfare^® II account.

“Little Caesars pizza is a perfect enhancement to a night of gaming,” said Greg Hamilton, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Little Caesars. “Our Slices-N-Stix and Crazy Sauce alongside a refreshing MTN DEW is a sure-fire way to fuel gamers while they unlock in-game features and swag with our exclusive offerings.”

* NO PURCHASE NECESSARY to enter the Sweepstakes. Program includes a gift with purchase offer and sweepstakes. Program begins at 12:00 PM ET on 10/17/22 and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on 12/31/22, however offer is only available while offer item supplies last. Sweepstakes includes 11 entry periods. Open only to legal residents of the 50 US/DC who are 17 years or older. Complete a purchase at a participating Little Caesars location to get an offer code/register receipt and submit at www.LittleCaesarsCallOfDuty.comto claim an offer item, subject to verification. Activision account required to claim offer items. Limit 2 offer claims/day. Max. 40 total hours Dual 2XP play/person and max. 80 codes per person. Offer items must be redeemed by 3/28/23 and applies to all Dual 2XP redemptions for Call of Duty^®: Modern Warfare^® II and Call of Duty^®: Warzone™ 2.0 (not limited to this Program). Program is subject to Official Rules at: mtndewgaming.com/rules. See Official Rules for how to participate, entry period dates, odds, offer item & prize details and restrictions. Void where prohibited. Msg&data rates may apply. Sponsor reserves the right to modify or cancel the offer at any time. Sponsor: Pepsi-Cola Company, 700 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY 10577.

An entrant cannot participate solely by scanning the QR code.

**Plus tax where applicable. Available at participating locations. Prices may vary. Prices higher in AK, HI, and third-party online sites.

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The Detroit Red Wings’ home opener will take place on Saturday, Oct. 14 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, with puck drop at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. The Red Wings announced special events surrounding Opening Night, in addition to new features at Little Caesars Arena for the 2023-24 season.

Arrive Early to See Special Opening Show

A special opening show will begin in the arena bowl at approximately 6:30 p.m. ahead of the 7:00 p.m. puck drop, so ticketed fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:20 p.m.

All fans in attendance will receive an Opening Night rally towel. The Via concourse will feature face painters, airbrush artists, photo opportunities and more.

What’s New at Little Caesars Arena?

The Red Wings enter their seventh season at the award-winning Little Caesars Arena with exciting new offerings available to fans:

New Concessions Items

• New concessions items available at Little Caesars Arena will include a rotation of wraps, chili cheese fries and loaded cheese fries and more.  
• Near portals 43 and 44 on the upper concourse, there will be a new baked potato bar.
• Grab N’ Go locations will now feature seven-layer dip with tortilla chips, pasta salad and chicken caesar pasta salad.

New Menu Items at Arena Restaurants

• Detroit staple Bert’s Marketplace will return to Little Caesars Arena, bringing Red Wings fans its signature barbeque flavors in the upper concourse.
• All desserts at Little Caesars Arena’s restaurants will be packaged “to go” for fans to take back to their seats.
• Mike’s Pizza Bar, The Mixing Board and PointsBet Sports Bar have introduced new menu items for the Red Wings season.

Mike’s Pizza Bar

Chix-parm sandwich

Meatball skillet

Jumbo mozz sticks

The Mixing Board

Bacon-wrapped dates

Firehouse shrimp

PointsBet Sports Bar

Bacon bourbon peach cobbler

Buddha bowl

Caramel crunch chicken wings

Elote street wings

French onion dog

Grilled cheese and tomato

Mediterranean sampler board

Short rib pot Pie

Steak frites

Crème brulee

New Merchandise Items

In partnership with Delaware North, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment is proud to introduce several new Red Wings merchandise lines at the Little Caesars Arena Team Store:

• Mitchell & Ness “Blue Line” premium jerseys will be available, featuring Red Wings Hall of Famers.
• Pro Standard luxury sportwear will make its Red Wings debut.
• OVO (October’s Very Own), the limited-edition fashion line created by Drake, will be available.
• DKNY, Greyson Clothiers, Lululemon, Tommy Bahama, Travis Mathew, WEAR by Erin Andrews and Vineyard Vines will all have new items and styles available for the season.

5-Game Plans, Group Ticket Packages Currently Available

In addition to single-game tickets for the 2023-24 season, the Red Wings recently introduced a pair of 5-Game Plans, presented by Great Clips. Detroit’s 5-Game Plans feature savings off single-game ticket pricing and priority access to purchase a Winged Wheel Nation membership for the 2024-25 season.

Fans interested in group ticket packages can contact the Red Wings group sales team at 313-471-7575 or visit the Group Tickets page on DetroitRedWings.com.

The Red Wings will begin the 2023-24 season on the road, playing at New Jersey in the season opener on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and HULU.

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• Veteran of 307 NHL Games Signed One-Year Contract With Detroit on Oct. 8

The Detroit Red Wings today assigned center Zach Aston-Reese to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins. Additionally, the Red Wings have reassigned left wing Alexandre Doucet from the Griffins to the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye.

Aston-Reese, 29, was signed by the Red Wings to a one-year, two-way contract on Oct. 8. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound forward spent the entire 2022-23 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, recording 14 points (10-4-14) and 25 penalty minutes in 77 regular-season games. Aston-Reese also tallied one goal in six Stanley Cup playoff contests with Toronto, helping the franchise clinch its first postseason series win since 2004. He split the 2021-22 campaign between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Anaheim Ducks, logging 15 points (5-10-15), a plus-nine rating and 28 penalty minutes in 69 games. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Pittsburgh on March 14, 2017, Aston-Reese has compiled 80 points (42-38-80), a plus-33 rating and 124 penalty minutes in 307 games with the Penguins, Ducks and Maple Leafs since 2017-18. Additionally, Aston-Reese registered 46 points (18-28-46), a plus-26 rating and 74 penalty minutes in 62 appearances with the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins from 2016-19.

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 just 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.

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• Detroit to Begin 98th Season in Franchise History on Thursday, Oct. 12 With Road Game Against New Jersey Devils at 7:30 p.m. at Prudential Center

The Detroit Red Wings today assigned forwards Jonatan Berggren, Cross Hanas and Elmer Soderblom and defenseman Simon Edvinsson to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins. Additionally, the Red Wings have assigned forward Nate Danielson to the Western Hockey League’s Brandon Wheat Kings. Detroit has also designated forwards Matt Luff and Carter Mazur as injured non-roster.

The roster moves bring the Red Wings to a 23-man roster, consisting of 13 forwards, seven defensemen and three goaltenders. The Red Wings will begin their 98th season in franchise history on Thursday, Oct. 12 with a road game against the New Jersey Devils at 7:30 p.m. at Prudential Center.

The District Detroit and global pizza brand Little Caesars have teamed up to welcome football fans to tailgate on Columbia Street before Detroit Lions home games, beginning Sunday, September 17 at 10:00 a.m.

During tailgates, Columbia Street, a pedestrian-only street located in the heart of The District Detroit, will transform into the ultimate football fan zone. Little Caesars, the Official Pizza Sponsor of the Detroit Lions and the National Football League, will be serving up fan favorites and offering opportunities to meet the brand’s iconic mascot, Little Caesar. A “throw zone” will give fans a chance to show off their football skills, and a prize wheel will provide a range of giveaways.

Additionally, all Columbia Street restaurants and their outdoor patios will be open and ready to serve football fans with game day specials. This includes Union Assembly, Mom’s Spaghetti, JoJo’s SHAKEBar, Good Cakes & Bakes, Frita Batidos, Sahara Restaurant and Grill, and the Detroit Tigers, Pepsi and El Rey de las Arepas pop-up experience honoring Miguel Cabrera at 44 W. Columbia Street. Tin Roof and Basan, just blocks away, will also be open and ready to serve fans.

Tailgates will be hosted on Columbia Street starting at 10:00 a.m. before Lions home games on September 17, September 24, October 8, October 30, November 19 and November 23. Lions games will also be broadcast live throughout Columbia Street by 97.1 The Ticket.

The District Detroit is a premier urban live, work, play destination featuring professional sports teams, world class entertainment venues, residential living, retail, and commercial office space. For more information, visit TheDistrictDetroit.com.