• Griffins Travel to Rockford to Square Off Against IceHogs Tonight at 8 p.m.

The Detroit Red Wings today assigned left wing Jakub Vrana to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins for conditioning.

Vrana, 26, has been practicing with the Red Wings since he was reinstated by the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program on Dec. 16. The 6-foot, 190-pound forward has appeared in two games with Detroit this season, tallying a goal and an assist on Oct. 15 at New Jersey. Vrana was limited to 26 games during the 2021-22 campaign but still ranked among the team leaders with 13 goals (T8th), five power play goals (T4th), six power play points (8th) and a 20.0 shooting percentage (2nd). He has recorded 32 points (22-10-32), 18 penalty minutes and a 21.6 shooting percentage in 39 games since being acquired by the Red Wings in a trade with the Washington Capitals on April 12, 2021. In total, Vrana has skated in 323 career games between Detroit and Washington, totaling 189 points (98-91-189), a plus-30 rating and 85 penalty minutes. In his first full NHL season in 2017-18, Vrana helped the Capitals win a Stanley Cup championship, posting 27 points (13-14-27) in 73 regular-season games along with eight points (3-5-8) in 23 postseason contests. Vrana was originally drafted by Washington in the first round (13th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft – two picks prior to Detroit’s selection of Dylan Larkin at 15th overall.

A native of Prague, Czech Republic, Vrana registered 75 points (35-40-75), a plus-21 rating and 48 penalty minutes in 88 games with the AHL’s Hershey Bears from 2014-17, in addition to 20 points (10-10-20), a plus-eight rating and eight penalty minutes in 38 postseason appearances. Vrana spent the previous four seasons developing in Sweden, where he debuted professionally with Linkoping in the Swedish Hockey League in 2012-13 and logged 27 points (14-13-27) and 14 penalty minutes in 73 games until 2014-15. He also racked up 58 points (35-23-58), a plus-11 rating and 77 penalty minutes in 59 games in Sweden’s top junior league. Vrana has represented his country at the last three IIHF World Championships, where he was teammates with fellow Red Wings Filip Hronek (2019, 2021 and 2022), Dominik Kubalik (2019 and 2021) and Filip Zadina (2021), combining for 10 points (7-3-10) in 26 games between the three tournaments. Additionally, Vrana recorded six points (3-3-6) in 16 games at three-straight IIHF World Junior Championships (2013-15) and 20 points (14-6-20) in 18 games at three-consecutive IIHF World Under-18 Championships (2012-14).

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• Fourth-Round Pick Leads OHL’s Flint Firebirds With 44 Points in 31 Games

The Detroit Red Wings today signed center Amadeus Lombardi to a three-year entry-level contract.

Lombardi, 19, is currently in his second season with the Ontario Hockey League’s Flint Firebirds, where he ranks among the team leaders with 21 goals (1st), 23 assists (1st), 44 points (1st), a plus-10 rating (4th), five power play goals (T1st), one shorthanded goal (T3rd), three game-winning goals (T1st) and 80 shots (T4th) in 31 games. The 5-foot-10, 165-pound center made his major junior debut with the Firebirds in 2021-22, recording 59 points (18-41-59), 24 penalty minutes and a plus-nine rating in 74 appearances. He also tallied 15 points (7-8-15) and six penalty minutes in 19 postseason contests to help the Firebirds reach the Western Conference Final for the first time since the franchise relocated from Plymouth. Lombardi did not see game action in 2020-21 due to the cancelation of the OHL season.

Originally selected by the Red Wings in the fourth round (113th overall) of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Lombardi developed with the Toronto Titans AAA program in the Greater Toronto Hockey League before starting his major junior career. The Aurora, Ontario, native registered 37 points (13-24-37) in 33 games for the Titans at the under-18 level during the 2019-20 season, in addition to one assist in six appearances with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. He also logged 27 points (13-14-27) in 33 GTHL contests with the Titans’ under-16 squad in 2018-19.

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For 45 years, the Ilitch organization has invited colleagues and their families to celebrate together a year of great work and the joy of the season. The tradition continued this year, as close to 4,000 colleagues from the 13 Ilitch companies and their families gathered at Little Caesars Arena at the celebration hosted by CEO Christopher Ilitch and company founder Mrs. Marian Ilitch.

“The holiday event is an opportunity to celebrate our incredible colleagues,” said Christopher Ilitch, President and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc.  “We are thankful for their dedication and enjoy being able to offer them and their families a memorable evening of fun and festivity.”

The family-friendly event featured traditional holiday activities, including pictures with Santa, cookie decorating, caricature drawings, a rock-climbing wall, arcade games, as well as ice skating on the same ice where the Detroit Red Wings play.

Darrell Syngg has worked for Little Caesars for 34 years, and says Ilitch holiday gathering has become a tradition for his family. “It’s a special time to spend with my family, where we have created many fond memories together. The caricature drawings and pictures with Santa have allowed us to capture how our family has changed over the years, and I am so grateful for the experiences we’ve shared.”

Mary Jackson-Mitchell has attended every holiday gathering since 2015 and this year, was able to bring her 5-year-old granddaughter Milyn for the first time. “Being able to bring my family and see the magic through my granddaughter’s eyes as she took pictures with Santa, explored the arena, ate holiday treats met so many of my colleagues was really special. Lifetime memories were made.”

New colleague Bryan Fenster brought his wife and two young children to the event and had a blast. “Having only joined the Ilitch Holdings team two months ago, it was really special to get a fun night out with my family and introduce them to my new colleagues,” said Fenster, Production Manager for Ilitch Holdings. “The hospitality was plentiful, and we were really blown away by the detail and choices for the kids! More than a week later, my kids were still talking about it.”

Ilitch company colleagues work together all year long to bring joy to others, and we wish them a happy holiday season!

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‘Tis the season on Columbia Street, which has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland, presented by Michigan First Credit Union. Columbia Street is located in The District Detroit next to the iconic Fox Theatre, and features lights, garlands, fun photo ops and more. At night, festive scenes will be projected larger-than-life on the south side of the Fox Theatre, creating an immersive atmosphere on the walkable street.

As you stroll through Winter Wonderland, grab that last-minute gift for the University of Michigan fan in your life at The M Den Detroit, and make sure to check out Union Assembly, JoJo’s ShakeBAR and Frita Batidos Detroit for delicious drinks and bites!  

Fresh off Fall Fest, JoJo’s ShakeBAR has rolled out an incredible Winter Wonderland-inspired menu. Stop in to try the Winter Wonderland Shake — a peppermint shake, topped with Christmas tree sugar cookie, snowman donut hole, present-shaped marshmallow and a mini candy cane – or, the Peppermint Party Hot Chocolate — peppermint hot chocolate, snowflake marshmallow, chocolate s’more, peppermint pretzel, and toasted marshmallow. You can make a reservation here!  

Frita Batidos is offering two delicious winter menu items. The Piacadillo Bowl, a Cuban-inspired sloppy joe with ground beef sautéed with fresh garlic, onions and bell peppers – finished with capers, golden raisins and a pinch of brown sugar – sweet, savory and a little bit spicy! And to drink, the Mocha Cubano, Frita cold brew warmed and finished with a spoonful of Chocolate Espanol and a dollop of house-made horchata fluff – served with or without a splash of Spaulding coffee liqueur.

Warm up at Union Assembly with the scratch-made Union Pot Pie, with cast iron baked chicken and veggies, scratch-made gravy, puff pastry crust and sour cream mashed potatoes. 

Stay up to date on activities in The District Detroit by subscribing to updates from the Ilitch Companies News Hub.  

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Bringing wide-ranging improvements to both the player and fan experience, the Tigers are upgrading to state-of-the-art LED lighting at Comerica Park. Utilizing an industry-leading lighting company, 472 new light fixtures will be installed atop the ballpark that produce a brighter light with less glare and the ability to create dynamic light shows.

“This upgrade is a significant one because of the impact it will have to all who watch Detroit Tigers baseball,” said Chris McGowan, President and CEO of Ilitch Sports and Entertainment. “From improving playing conditions and ball-tracking to innovative light shows that will help enhance the energy and buzz at the ballpark, this project was a focus for us to continue providing a first-class fan experience at Comerica Park moving into 2023 and beyond.”

The LED system delivers light more precisely than the previous system that was in place at Comerica Park, meaning light will be directed where it is needed to limit wasted energy. This system will allow for more controlled lighting conditions in better uniformity that benefits players (reduced glare and improved ball-tracking) and fans (crisp viewing experience both at the ballpark and on television).

In addition to lowering energy usage and maximizing the playing and viewing experience, the light controls can create special effects with the system switching on and off immediately, enabling the usage of the lights to celebrate victories or sync up with music.

This enhancement also has benefits from a sustainability standpoint, as additional lighting controls throughout the ballpark impacts far more than just the field. This will help the Tigers continued effort to reduce energy during all events at the ballpark.

Musco Sports Lighting is an industry-leading company and is heading the project, while Detroit’s own Bayview Electric Company serves as the installers for the lights. Due to numerous factors including the height of the project, helicopters will be used to remove existing fixtures and lift new ones into position at the top of the ballpark. This process will begin on December 12 with the removal of existing fixtures, while installation of the LED system is scheduled for later this off-season.

The entire project is scheduled to be completed prior to the 2023 season and be operational for Opening Day, which is April 6 against Boston.

The Detroit Tigers have agreed to terms with righthanded pitcher Michael Lorenzen on a one-year contract.

Lorenzen, 30, started 18 games with Los Angeles (AL) in 2022, posting an 8-6 record and 4.24 ERA (97.2IP/46ER), striking out 85 and limiting opponents to a .224 (81×362) batting average. He excelled in his final five starts after returning from a mid-season trip to the injured list, compiling a 2-0 record and 2.36 ERA (26.2IP/7ER) from the time he was activated on September 9 through the end of the season.

Lorenzen spent the first seven years of his Major League career with Cincinnati, pitching in 295 games, including 26 as a starter, and compiling a 23-23 record with 14 saves, a 4.07 ERA (473.1IP/214ER) and 406 strikeouts.

A native of Anaheim, CA, Lorenzen played collegiately at Cal State Fullerton, where he pitched and played outfield and established a school record with 35 career saves. In 2013, he was a finalist for the National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association Stopper of the Year Award and was a Louisville Slugger first-team All-America selection. Lorenzen was originally drafted by Cincinnati in the first round (38th overall) of the 2013 MLB Draft.

Lorenzen and his wife, Cassi, reside in Newport Beach, CA with their daughter, June.

With the signing of Lorenzen, the Tigers 40-man roster is now at 40.

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• Center Has Three Points in 12 Appearances With Detroit

The Detroit Red Wings today assigned center Austin Czarnik to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins.

Czarnik, 30, has made 12 appearances with the Red Wings this season, recording three points (2-1-3), two penalty minutes, a plus-one rating, 13 shots and 12 hits in 11:27 average time on ice. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound center has also skated in 12 games with the Griffins and ranks among the team leaders with six goals (T5th), eight assists (T5th), 14 points (4th), four power play goals (T2nd), one shorthanded goal (1st) and 31 shots (10th). He was named the Howies Hockey Tape/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Oct. 16 after tallying five points (3-2-5) in his first two games with Grand Rapids. Czarnik signed with the Red Wings as a free agent on July 13 after splitting the 2021-22 campaign between the New York Islanders and Seattle Kraken, recording five points (2-3-5) in 11 games with the Islanders along with two assists in six appearances for the Kraken. He also suited up in 38 games with the AHL’s Bridgeport Islanders last season and posted 37 points (14-23-37) and eight penalty minutes, in addition to 10 points (3-7-10) in six Calder Cup playoff games. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Boston Bruins on March 31, 2015, Czarnik has played in parts of seven NHL seasons with the Bruins, Calgary Flames, Islanders, Kraken and Red Wings, totaling 48 points (17-31-48) and 22 penalty minutes in 154 games since 2016-17. He has also compiled 239 points (87-152-239), 90 penalty minutes and a plus-25 rating in 239 AHL games with the Providence Bruins, Stockton Heat, 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. Czarnik accumulated 169 points (46-123-169), a plus-50 rating and 119 penalty minutes in 159 games 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 United States Hockey League’s Green Bay Gamblers, 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 the United States 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) and a plus-seven rating in seven games, and also won a bronze medal at the 2009 World Under-17 Challenge after collecting four points (1-3-4) in five appearances.

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• Red Wings Acquire Center Danny O’Regan From Ducks

The Detroit Red Wings today acquired defenseman Michael Del Zotto from the Florida Panthers in exchange for right wing Givani Smith and subsequently traded Del Zotto to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for center Danny O’Regan.

O’Regan, 28, has spent the entire 2022-23 season with the American Hockey League’s San Diego Gulls, where he recorded 18 points (3-15-18) and eight penalty minutes in 27 games. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound center split the 2021-22 campaign between Anaheim and San Diego, tallying one assist in five appearances with the Ducks in addition to 34 points (13-21-34) and 20 penalty minutes in 53 contests with the Gulls. Originally selected by the San Jose Sharks in the fifth round (138th overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, O’Regan has totaled six points (1-5-6) in 30 games over parts of six NHL seasons with the Sharks, Buffalo Sabres and Ducks since 2016-17. He has also compiled 273 points (99-174-273) and 124 penalty minutes in 361 AHL games with the San Jose Barracuda, Rochester Americans, Hartford Wolf Pack, Henderson Silver Knights and Gulls. In his first professional season in 2016-17, O’Regan led all AHL rookies with 58 points (23-35-58) in 63 games and represented the Barracuda at the 2017 AHL All-Star Classic. In recognition of his efforts, O’Regan was named to the AHL All-Rookie Team and was the recipient of the Dudley “Red” Garrett Award as the AHL’s most outstanding rookie.

Prior to turning professional, O’Regan played four seasons at Boston University, totaling 154 points (66-88-154), 72 penalty minutes and a plus-28 rating in 154 games from 2012-16. He was named a Hockey East First-Team All-Star and NCAA East Second All-American Team selection after leading the Terriers in goals (17), assists (27) and points (44) in 39 contests during his senior year. O’Regan was also a Hockey East Second-Team All-Star and NCAA Tournament All-Regional Team selection as a junior after helping the Terriers win the Hockey East championship before clinching a berth in the 2015 NCAA Frozen Four title game. He was also selected to the 2011-12 Hockey East All-Rookie Team after becoming the first freshman in program history to lead the team in points since Tony Amonte in 1989-90. Before his collegiate career, O’Regan skated with the U.S. National Team Development Program in 2011-12. A native of Berlin, Germany, O’Regan has represented the United States on the international stage, netting one goal in four appearances at the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship. O’Regan earned a gold medal with Team USA at the 2012 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, notching four points (1-3-4) in six games. He also played at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, recording five points (2-3-5) in four games.

Each year, Midtown Detroit’s Children’s Center offers a Holiday Shop for families who participate in the center’s programs, providing an opportunity for parents and guardians to select a few gifts for their children. The Children’s Center’s mission is to lead the way in working with children who struggle with behavioral, emotional, educational, intellectual and developmental challenges or may have experienced trauma.

With donated gifts varying from stuffed animals, arts and crafts, electronics, puzzles and more, this year each family received a Meijer gift card, one book, toy, a set of hat and gloves, and a stocking stuffer per child, as well a family blanket and wrapping paper, courtesy of the Children’s Center, volunteers and community donations.

The Holiday Shop program annually serves 1,500 children and families that otherwise may have not been able to purchase gifts for the holiday season. Colleagues from the Ilitch Companies served as “elves” for the 8^th consecutive year, assisting parents with selecting, packing and carrying their gifts.

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