• 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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• 2022 U.S. Olympian and University of Michigan Product Has 10 Points in 19 Games With Grand Rapids

The Detroit Red Wings today assigned defenseman Steven Kampfer to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins.

Kampfer, 34, has recorded 10 points (3-7-10) and 12 penalty minutes in 19 games with Grand Rapids to begin the 2022-23 season. The 5-foot-11, 198-pound defenseman signed a one-year contract with Detroit on May 22 after tallying 30 points (11-19-30) and 49 penalty minutes in 46 games with Ak Bars Kazan in the Kontinental Hockey League during the 2021-22 campaign, in addition to four points (2-2-4) in six postseason contests. Kampfer has skated in 231 NHL games with the Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers and New York Rangers since 2010-11, compiling 39 points (15-24-39) and 110 penalty minutes. Originally selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the fourth round (93rd overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Kampfer was a Black Ace on Boston’s Stanley Cup-winning team in 2011 as a first-year professional. He has also appeared in 293 AHL games between the Providence Bruins, Houston Aeros, Iowa Wild, San Antonio Rampage, Hartford Wolf Pack, Providence Bruins and Griffins, totaling 129 points (34-95-129) and 223 penalty minutes.

A native of Ann Arbor, Mich., Kampfer played four seasons at the University of Michigan from 2006-10 prior to turning pro, amassing 60 points (7-53-60), 134 penalty minutes and a plus-65 rating in 147 games. Kampfer was named to the NCAA Midwest All-Regional Team as a senior and helped the program win Central Collegiate Hockey Association tournament championships in 2008 and 2010. A product of the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club, Kampfer joined the Wolverines after playing two seasons with the Sioux City Musketeers of the United States Hockey League from 2004-06, where he logged 35 points (12-23-35) and 190 penalty minutes in 103 contests. On the international stage, Kampfer served as an alternate captain for the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympics, notching four points (1-3-4), two penalty minutes and a plus-four rating in four games. He was also an alternate captain at the 2005 Under-18 Junior World Cup, posting one goal in five appearances.

• “Must have” promotional items for every Saturday home game
• “Party in the Park” Fridays will feature fireworks, live music and entertainment
• Fan-favorite traditions including Pink Out the Park, Polish American Night, Negro Leagues Weekend, ¡Fiesta Tigres! and more, return to Comerica Park
• Following this early window, single-game ticket sales will resume in February alongside 2023 Spring Training

As part of a new, early window for single-game ticket purchases, Detroit Tigers fans will be able to get a jump on 2023 with a Holiday sales period running from Friday, Dec. 16 through Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Tigers.com/tickets. Single-game ticket sales will resume in February alongside 2023 Spring Training in Lakeland, Florida.

Single-game tickets will be available to Tigers fans at 10 a.m. on Friday.    

The 2023 campaign will be full of excitement for Tigers fans, as the team sets out under new leadership from President of Baseball Operations, Scott Harris. The Holiday single-game ticket period will be one of the first chances for fans to secure tickets for Detroit Tigers Opening Day, Presented by Rocket Mortgage, on Thursday, April 6 against the Boston Red Sox.  

“As the 2023 season quickly approaches, the Tigers are really looking forward to giving fans a chance to secure their seats at Comerica Park a little sooner than ususal,” said Chris McGowan, President & CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “Whether picking up a holiday gift for a loved one or planning a family outing, this early window to purchase single game tickets is something we know fans will appreciate and take advantage of. Next season will be a special one with Miguel Cabrera closing out his Hall of Fame career, and as we welcome new and returning traditions, ensuring there’s something at the ballpark for fans of all ages.”

New for 2023 – thanks to the commitment of Tigers corporate partners – the first 15,000 fans in attendance for every Saturday home game will have the opportunity to receive exciting giveaway items. Fridays will be a “Party in the Park,” featuring fireworks, live music and entertainment. Chevy Sunday Kids Days are also back, when young fans can get player autographs on the concourse, run the bases after the games and enjoy free rides on the Ferris Wheel and Carousel.

Promotional items are listed below, with details subject to change.

To ensure as many Tigers fans as possible have the opportunity to experience Opening Day, fans are able to purchase a maximum of eight tickets per person – starting at just $39. Groups of 10 or more interested in Opening Day tickets should visit tigers.com/groups or call 313-471-2255.

Members of the 1901 Society – the Detroit Tigers Season Ticket Membership Program – are guaranteed Opening Day seat locations as a part of their membership.

Long-standing, fan-favorite special events such as Pink Out the Park, Presented by Karmanos Cancer Institute (May 12), Polish American Night (May 26), Negro Leagues Weekend, Presented by Comerica Bank (July 21-23) and ¡Fiesta Tigres!, Presented by Miller Lite (August 5) will also return to Comerica Park this season. Marvel Night, Presented by Bally Sports Detroit, will be held at the ballpark on August 26. A complete summary of theme days and special events, featuring a family-friendly experience, will be announced ahead of the 2023 season.

1901 SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE

Designed with your unique needs and interests in mind, the Detroit Tigers 1901 Society offers unprecedented inside access, unforgettable experiences and exclusive benefits for our most loyal fans, on a year-round basis.

All members receive year-round invitations to exclusive events, including a merchandise and concessions discount, along with additional Opening Day tickets and access to a complimentary Ticket Exchange Program. Membership packages start at just $6 per game, including $13 per game for lower level tickets at Comerica Park. Learn more about becoming a member by visiting https://www.mlb.com/tigers/tickets/season-tickets.

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The Detroit Tigers announced that outfielder Kerry Carpenter and righthanded pitcher Wilmer Flores have been named the 2022 Tigers Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Year, respectively.

Carpenter combined to play in 98 games between Double A Erie and Triple A Toledo in 2022, hitting .313/.380/.645 with 27 doubles, one triple, 30 home runs and 75 RBI. Among all Minor League players, he ranked third with a .645 slugging percentage and ninth with a 1.025 OPS. Carpenter was named the Eastern League Player of the Month for May and the International League Player of the Week for the week ending August 7.

Carpenter made his Major League debut late in the 2022 season, playing in 31 games with Detroit and slashing .252/.310/.485 with four doubles, one triple, six home runs and 10 RBI. Among all players in professional baseball with at least 120 games played last season, he ranked fourth in slugging percentage (.610), ISO (.310) and HR% (7.0%).

Flores saw time at both Single A West Michigan and Double A Erie in 2022, pitching in 25 games, including 24 starts, and compiling a 7-4 record with a 2.79 ERA (103.1IP/32ER) and 130 strikeouts. Flores led all Tigers Minor Leaguers (min. 100.0 innings pitched) in ERA, while he ranked fourth in strikeouts, eighth in innings pitched and tied for eighth in wins.

Flores was selected to represent the Tigers organization in the 2022 Futures Game at Dodger Stadium, throwing two thirds of an inning and allowing a run on a hit. He was also named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week for the week ending September 18.

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The Detroit Tigers announced that they have agreed to terms with lefthanded pitcher Matthew Boyd on a one-year contract.

Boyd, 31, had a strong finish to his 2022 campaign with Seattle after missing most of the season with an injury. He appeared in 10 games and posted a 2-0 record with a 1.35 ERA (13.1IP/2ER) and 13 strikeouts. Boyd allowed just five hits and limited opponents to a .116 batting average. He also appeared in one postseason game with the Mariners, throwing a third of an inning in the American League Division Series vs. Houston.

Boyd rejoins the Tigers organization after wearing the Olde English ‘D’ from 2015-21. In his first stint in Detroit, Boyd appeared in 147 games, including 143 starts, and had a 37-60 record with a 4.87 ERA (777.2IP/421ER) and 752 strikeouts. In 2019, Boyd set a franchise record with 11.56 strikeouts per nine innings, which ranked fourth in the American League that season. He was also fourth in the AL and 10^th in the Majors with a 4.76 strikeout-to-walk ratio, sixth in the AL and 10^th in the Majors with 238 strikeouts, ninth in the AL with a 1.23 WHIP and 10^th with a .247 (178×721) opponent batting average.

A native of Seattle, Boyd was originally drafted by Toronto in the sixth round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Oregon State University. He was acquired by the Tigers on July 30, 2015 along with Jairo Labourt and Daniel Norris in exchange for David Price.

Boyd and his wife, Ashley, reside in Mercer Island, WA, with their daughter, Meira and their son, Isaiah.

With the signing of Boyd, the Tigers 40-man roster is now at 39.

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• Olli Maatta Placed on Injured Reserve

The Detroit Red Wings today recalled left wing Elmer Soderblom from the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins and placed defenseman Olli Maatta on injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 6.

Soderblom, 21, has recorded two goals and six penalty minutes in 13 appearances with the Red Wings during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring what proved to be the game-winner in his NHL debut on Oct. 14 vs. Montreal. The 6-foot-8, 246-pound forward has also appeared in two games with the Griffins, making his AHL debut on Dec. 9 at Springfield. Soderblom had a breakout campaign in 2021-22 with Frolunda HC in the Swedish Hockey League, ranking among the team leaders with 21 goals (1st), 12 assists (7th), 33 points (3rd), seven power play goals (1st), 11 power play points (4th), eight game-winning goals (1st) and 132 shots (1st) in 52 games. He also produced nine points (6-3-9) and a plus-five rating in 11 Champions Hockey League games as Frolunda reached the semifinals of the competition. Additionally, Soderblom recorded six points (3-3-6) and a plus-six rating in nine postseason contests to help Frolunda reach the SHL playoff semifinals. In all, Soderblom compiled 38 points (24-14-38) and 11 penalty minutes in 90 SHL games and won a CHL title with Frolunda in his first professional season in 2019-20.  

Selected by the Red Wings in the sixth round (159th overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Soderblom made his SHL debut during the 2019-20 campaign after leading the under-20 circuit with 29 goals in 36 games. In total, Soderblom recorded 76 points (40-36-76) and 22 penalty minutes in 87 games at the under-20 level, 53 points (26-27-53) and 14 penalty minutes in 60 games at the under-18 level and 93 points (62-31-93) and 49 penalty minutes in 78 games on the under-16 circuit, all with Frolunda. The Gothenburg, Sweden, native racked up three points (2-1-3) in five appearances for his country at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship. Along with fellow 2019 Red Wings draftees Albert Johansson and Albin Grewe, Soderblom was also a member of Sweden’s silver-medal Hlinka Gretzky Cup team (1-2-3 in five games) in 2018 and gold medal-winning IIHF World Under-18 Championship squad (1-0-1 in seven games) in 2019.

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• Robert Hagg Placed on Injured Reserve

The Detroit Red Wings today recalled defenseman Steven Kampfer from the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins and placed defenseman Robert Hagg on injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 8.

Kampfer, 34, has recorded 10 points (3-7-10) and 12 penalty minutes in 19 games with Grand Rapids to begin the 2022-23 season. The 5-foot-11, 198-pound defenseman signed a one-year contract with Detroit on May 22 after tallying 30 points (11-19-30) and 49 penalty minutes in 46 games with Ak Bars Kazan in the Kontinental Hockey League during the 2021-22 campaign, in addition to four points (2-2-4) in six postseason contests. Kampfer has skated in 231 NHL games with the Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, New York Rangers and Boston Bruins since 2010-11, compiling 39 points (15-24-39) and 110 penalty minutes. Originally selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the fourth round (93rd overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Kampfer was a Black Ace on Boston’s Stanley Cup-winning team in 2011 as a first-year professional. He has also appeared in 293 AHL games between the Providence Bruins, Houston Aeros, Iowa Wild, San Antonio Rampage, Hartford Wolf Pack, Providence Bruins and Griffins, totaling 129 points (34-95-129) and 223 penalty minutes.

A native of Ann Arbor, Mich., Kampfer played four seasons at the University of Michigan from 2006-10 prior to turning pro, amassing 60 points (7-53-60), 134 penalty minutes and a plus-65 rating in 147 games. Kampfer was named to the NCAA Midwest All-Regional Team as a senior and helped the program win Central Collegiate Hockey Association tournament championships in 2008 and 2010. A product of the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club, Kampfer joined the Wolverines after playing two seasons with the Sioux City Musketeers of the United States Hockey League from 2004-06, where he logged 35 points (12-23-35) and 190 penalty minutes in 103 contests. On the international stage, Kampfer served as an alternate captain for the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympics, notching four points (1-3-4), two penalty minutes and a plus-four rating in four games. He was also an alternate captain at the 2005 Under-18 Junior World Cup, posting one goal in five appearances.

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