TICKET INFO FOR 2016 COORS LIGHT NHL STADIUM SERIES BETWEEN COLORADO AND DETROIT RED WINGS

Alumni Game to Be Played at Coors Field Feb. 26 featuring Legends from the Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings​. In Play! Magazine - Sports News n Views

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RED WINGS 2015 HOCKEYFEST RETURNS

Autographs, Interactive Games & Locker Room Tours
Highlight Fun-Filled Event Scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 13 at Joe Louis Arena

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DETROIT SIGNS FREE AGENT DMAN MIKE GREEN

… Veteran Defenseman Has Produced 360 Points over 575-Game NHL Career …

The Detroit Red Wings have signed free agent defenseman Mike Green to a three-year contract. In accordance with club policy, additional details will not be disclosed.

Green, 29, has spent his entire NHL career with the Washington Capitals, picking up 360 points (113-247-360) in 575 career games. He has totaled 345 points (110-235-345) since the start of the 2007-08 season, making him the NHL’s second-highest scoring defenseman in that span behind only Chicago’s Duncan Keith. A two-time NHL First-Team All-Star, Green led all NHL defenseman in points in 2009 and 2010 and has led all defensemen in goals on four occasions (2008, 2009, 2010 and 2013). He scored a career-high 31 goals during the 2008-09 campaign and is the only defenseman to reach the 30-goal plateau since Kevin Hatcher did so with Washington in 1992-93. The 10-year NHL veteran was a back-to-back Norris Trophy runner up as the NHL’s best defenseman after setting a then-career high with 73 points (31-42-73) in 2008-09 and besting that total in 2009-10 with 76 points (19-57-76).
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BRAD RICHARDS SIGNS WITH RED WINGS

BRAD RICHARDS SIGNS WITH RED WINGS
… Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion Joins Detroit on One-Year Deal …

The Detroit Red Wings have signed center Brad Richards to a one-year contract. In accordance with club policy, additional details will not be disclosed.

A veteran of 1,058 NHL games, Richards spent the 2014-15 campaign with the Chicago Blackhawks, picking up 37 points (12-25-37) in 76 regular-season games and adding 14 points (3-11-14) in 23 postseason appearances to help the Blackhawks win their third Stanley Cup in the past six seasons.

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RED WINGS RE-SIGN DEFENSEMAN BRENDAN SMITH TO TWO-YEAR DEAL

Toronto Native Enters Sixth Professional Season With Red Wings Organization

Detroit Red Wings, News, Schedule and Seating

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Detroit Red Wings - NICKLAS LIDSTROM. ELECTED TO THE HOCKEY HALL OF FAME - Class of 2015!

CONGRATS TO FORMER RED WINGS CAPTAIN NICKLAS LIDSTROM. ELECTED TO THE HOCKEY HALL OF FAME - Class of 2015!



Lidstrom's election was a no-brainer after a career that included seven Norris Trophies as the NHL's top defenceman and four Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings.

Detroit Red Wings, News, Schedule and Seating

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In Play! Magazine - The Hockey Hall of Fame is set to Announce the Class of 2015 Today

Lidstrom and Pronger Automatic!

The Hockey Hall of Fame inducts four players per year so here are some other possible candidates:

Dave Andreychuk

Sergei Fedorov (IPM guess)

Phil Housley

Curtis Joseph

Eric Lindros

Chris Osgood

Mark Recchi (IPM guess)

Jeremy Roenick

In Play! Magazine - Sports News n Views

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DETROIT RED WINGS OWNERSHIP OPEN THE DISTRICT DETROIT AND NEW ARENA PREVIEW CENTER

While the Preview Center will be used for a wide range of events, the primary use for the next 24 months is to tell The District Detroit and Events Center story to a wide variety of potential investors, sponsors and suite and season ticket holders. Driving effective retail, office and residential leasing through the Preview Center will support the positive economic impact of these developments for Detroit and Michigan.

In Play! Magazine - Sports News n Views

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In Play! Magazine - 2015 NHL Draft Selection Order

The first round will be conducted TONIGHT beginning at 7 p.m., ET.

Find out where your team is picking by visiting the IPM NHL blog below.

In Play! Magazine - Sports News n Views

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RED WINGS NAME ASSISTANT COACHES - CHRIS CHELIOS JOINS COACHING STAFF

… Tony Granato, Pat Ferschweiler, Chris Chelios, Dave Noel-Bernier and Jim Bedard Join Jeff Blashill on Red Wings’ Coaching Staff …



June 23, 2015, DETROIT – Detroit Red Wings​ Executive Vice President and General Manager Ken Holland announced today that the team has finalized its coaching staff under new head coach Jeff Blashill. Tony Granato and Pat Ferschweiler will work behind the bench with Blashill as assistant coaches. Additionally, Chris Chelios will expand his current role with the team and join the coaching staff, Dave Noel-Bernier has been hired as video coach and Jim Bedard will return for his 19th season as goaltending coach. Detroit Red Wings News, Schedule and Seating

Gustav Nyquist's Goal Named TSN Play of the Year!

VIDEO - Gustav Nyquist's of the Detroit Red Wings​ OT Goal Named TSN Play of the Year!  In Play! Magazine News - Views

Detroit Red Wings News and Views - Bob Probert Memorial Ride

Windsor, Ontario - Hundreds showed up for this year's edition of the ride. Over $22,000 was handed over to Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare.



Darren McCarty was the ride captain and the Hanson Brothers of Slapshot fame were the official starters.

Photos by Tim Jarrold / In Play! Magazine - Detroit Red Wings News and Views

Toronto Picked to Host World Cup of Hockey in 2016. More on the IPM website.

“The
return of the World Cup of Hockey is great news for hockey fans everywhere and
especially for fans in Toronto and Canada,” said Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of
MLSE and NHL Governor. “This event will not only shine a spotlight on this great
game and its stars, but it will also bring a very positive economic impact for
the city and its businesses. 

We’re thrilled to be selected as host for the World
Cup and want to thank Don Fehr and the players, as well as Gary Bettman, Bill
Daly, John Collins and the NHL for believing in Toronto. We also owe a great
deal of thanks to the Mayor’s office in Toronto, both to Norm Kelly as former
Deputy Mayor and John Tory as Mayor, for all of their support in helping bring
the World Cup of Hockey to Toronto in 2016.”

In Play! Magazine News - Views

Redwing Ticket Deal

Post by In Play! Magazine.

In Play! magazine updated website.

In Play! has revamped our website, we encourage you to visit the new site and check it out www.inplaymagazine.com

HOCKEY CANADA ANNOUNCES MEN’S PLAYERS NOMINATED FOR 2014 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES

TORONTO, Ont. – Hockey Canada, along with executive director Steve Yzerman (Nepean, Ont./Tampa Bay, NHL) and the members of Canada’s National Men’s Team management group, announced Tuesday the 25-player roster nominated to the Canadian Olympic Committee to represent Canada at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, which take place Feb. 7-23 in Sochi, Russia.

Canada’s National Men’s Team management group is comprised of Yzerman, Hockey Canada president and CEO Bob Nicholson, Hockey Canada vice-president of hockey operations and national teams Brad Pascall, Doug Armstrong (Sarnia, Ont./St. Louis, NHL), Peter Chiarelli (Ottawa, Ont./Boston, NHL), Ken Holland (Vernon, B.C./Detroit, NHL) and Kevin Lowe (Lachute, Que./Edmonton, NHL).

The roster nominated for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games includes three goaltenders, eight defencemen and 14 forwards:

Goaltenders (3):           Roberto Luongo             Montreal, Que.              Vancouver (NHL)

                                    Carey Price                    Anahim Lake, B.C.         Montreal (NHL)

                                    Mike Smith                     Kingston, Ont.                Phoenix (NHL)

Defencemen (8):           Jay Bouwmeester           Edmonton, Alta.             St. Louis (NHL)

                                    Drew Doughty                London, Ont.                 Los Angeles (NHL)

                                    Dan Hamhuis                 Smithers, B.C.                Vancouver (NHL)

                                    Duncan Keith                 Penticton, B.C.               Chicago (NHL)

                                    Alex Pietrangelo            King City, Ont.               St. Louis (NHL)

                                    P.K. Subban                   Toronto, Ont.                Montreal (NHL)

                                    Marc-Édouard Vlasic       Montreal, Que.              San Jose (NHL)

                                    Shea Weber                   Sicamous, B.C.               Nashville (NHL)

                                   

Forwards (14):             Jamie Benn                    Victoria, B.C.                 Dallas (NHL)

                                    Patrice Bergeron            Sillery, Que.                  Boston (NHL)

                                    Jeff Carter                    London, Ont.                 Los Angeles (NHL)

                                    Sidney Crosby                 Cole Harbour, N.S.         Pittsburgh (NHL)

                                    Matt Duchene                 Haliburton, Ont.             Colorado (NHL)

                                    Ryan Getzlaf                  Regina, Sask.                 Anaheim (NHL)

                                    Chris Kunitz                   Regina, Sask.                 Pittsburgh (NHL)

                                    Patrick Marleau              Aneroid, Sask.               San Jose (NHL)

                                    Rick Nash                      Brampton, Ont.              N.Y. Rangers (NHL)

                                    Corey Perry                   Peterborough, Ont.        Anaheim (NHL)

                                    Patrick Sharp                 Thunder Bay, Ont.          Chicago (NHL)

                                    Steven Stamkos              Unionville, Ont.              Tampa Bay (NHL)

                                    John Tavares                 Oakville, Ont.                N.Y. Islanders (NHL)

                                    Jonathan Toews             Winnipeg, Man.              Winnipeg (NHL)

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STEVE YZERMAN COMMITS TO 2013 ALUMNI GAME

STEVE YZERMAN COMMITS TO 2013 MAPLE LEAFS VS. RED WINGS ALUMNI SHOWDOWN™
… ‘The Captain’ to Reunite with Former Teammates at Comerica Park on Dec. 31 …

DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings today announced that former captain Steve Yzerman has committed to the team’s alumni roster for the 2013 Maple Leafs vs. Red Wings Alumni Showdown™ on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at Comerica Park as part of the 2013 SiriusXM Hockeytown Winter Festival™.
“Steve is one of the greatest Red Wings players ever,” said Red Wings general manager Ken Holland. “His presence at the Alumni Showdown makes a great day even better.”

The longest-serving captain in NHL history, Yzerman first donned his iconic ‘C’ on Oct. 7, 1986, making him the youngest captain in franchise history. Originally drafted with the fourth choice of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft, Yzerman jumped immediately to the NHL the following season and led the Red Wings in scoring as a rookie, becoming the first 18-year-old in NHL history to make the All-Star Game. His early career was defined by his offensive ability, when he posted six straight 100-point seasons from 1987-93, including a career-high 155 points (65-90-155) in 80 games in 1988-89.

After helping Detroit to deep playoff runs on several occasions, Yzerman first raised the Stanley Cup in 1997 and ended a 42-year championship drought for the Red Wings – a feat he would repeat with the team in 1998. While still pacing the team offensively, Yzerman continued to develop as a leader and a two-way player, capturing the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league’s best defensive forward in 2000. The Cranbrook, British Columbia, native would lead Detroit to a third Stanley Cup in 2002 and the team’s fifth President’s Trophy under his captaincy as the NHL’s top regular-season club in 2005-06, his final season in the NHL.


Yzerman retired as the sixth all-time leading scorer in NHL history and still ranks among the Red Wings’ all-time greats with 1,514 games played (4th), 692 goals (2nd), 1,063 assists (1st) and 1,755 points (2nd). A 10-time NHL All-Star, Yzerman was also honored with the Lester B. Pearson Award (1989), Conn Smythe Trophy (1998), Selke Trophy (2000), NHL First Team All-Star (2000), Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (2003) and the Lester Patrick Trophy (2006). His No. 19 jersey was retired by Detroit on Jan. 2, 2007, and he was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009.

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CANADA’S NATIONAL SLEDGE TEAM WINS GOLD MEDAL AT 2013 WORLD SLEDGE HOCKEY CHALLENGE

TORONTO, Ont. – Canada’s National Sledge Team has won the gold medal at the 2013 World Sledge Hockey Challenge, beating the United States 3-1 in Saturday night’s gold medal game at the MasterCard Centre for Hockey Excellence.

It is the fifth time Canada has won gold at the tournament; it also took home the top prize in November 2011 in Calgary, Alta., April 2011 in London, Ont., 2008 in Charlottetown, P.E.I., and 2007 in Kelowna, B.C., in addition to claiming the silver medal in 2009 in Charlottetown and last year in Calgary.

On Saturday night, Billy Bridges (Summerside, P.E.I.) and Greg Westlake (Oakville, Ont.) scored goals 32 seconds apart and added an assist each in a three-goal first period, as the Canadians did all of their scoring in a span of 3:52 of the opening frame. Adam Dixon (Midland, Ont.) had the other goal for Canada, while Brad Bowden (Orton, Ont.) added two assists.

Canada finished first in the preliminary round with a perfect 3-0 record, including wins over Korea (5-2), Russia (5-3) and the U.S. (4-1). The Americans came second at 2-1, followed by Russia (1-2) and Korea (0-3).

Earlier Saturday, Evgeny Petrov scored the winner with just 1:11 to go as Russia earned the bronze medal with a 4-2 win over Korea. Dmitriy Lisov had two goals, and Alexey Amosov added one for the Russians who, like the Koreans, were making their World Sledge Hockey Challenge debut this year.

The tournament is the last major international event before the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, which will be held March 7-16 in Sochi, Russia.

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RED WINGS RECALL CORY EMMERTON

… Center Has Skated in 125 Games with Detroit Since 2010-11 …

DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings today recalled center Cory Emmerton from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins.

Originally drafted by Detroit in the second round (41st overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Emmerton has appeared in four games with the Red Wings this season, registering one assist and seven shots on goal. He was assigned to Grand Rapids on Oct. 10 and has recorded 14 points (3-11-14) and 10 penalty minutes in 18 AHL games. A native of St. Thomas, Ontario, Emmerton has appeared in 125 career games with Detroit, notching 20 points (12-8-20) and 20 penalty minutes. In 235 games with the Griffins from 2006-13, the 25-year-old forward has tallied 125 points (37-88-125) and 76 penalty minutes.


Cory Emmerton
Center
Born Jun 1 1988  -- St. Thomas, ONT
Height 5.11 -- Weight 183 -- Shoots L

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MALKIN, KRONWALL AND KEITH NAMED NHL ‘THREE STARS’ OF THE WEEK

NEW YORK (Dec. 2, 2013) – Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin,

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall and Chicago Blackhawks

defenseman Duncan Keith have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the

week ending Dec. 1.

 

FIRST STAR – EVGENI MALKIN, C, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

 

      Malkin earned “First Star” honors for the second consecutive week

after leading all skaters with nine points (3-6—9), helping the Penguins

(18-9-1, 37 points) earn seven out of a possible eight points to remain in

first place in the Metropolitan Division. He opened the week by recording

an assist in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins Nov. 25. Malkin then

posted his first multi-goal game of the season, registering 2-1—3 plus the

shootout clincher in a 6-5 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs Nov. 27. He

added another assist in a 3-0 triumph over the Tampa Bay Lightning Nov. 29

before closing the week with a season-high three helpers and four points in

a 5-1 win over the Florida Panthers Nov. 30. The 27-year-old native of

Magnitogorsk, Russia, has 4-13—17 during an eight-game assist/point streak

dating to Nov. 18. He leads the NHL with 28 assists and ranks second with

35 points, one behind teammate Sidney Crosby (13-23—36), in 28 games this

season.

 

SECOND STAR – NIKLAS KRONWALL, D, DETROIT RED WINGS

 

      Kronwall posted a trio of multi-point games in leading the Red Wings

(14-7-7, 35 points) to three victories in three starts. He scored his third

goal of the season, all on the power play, and added an assist in a 6-1

victory over the Boston Bruins Nov. 27. Kronwall then posted a pair of

two-assist games: in a 5-0 win over the New York Islanders Nov. 29 and in a

4-2 triumph over the Ottawa Senators Dec. 1. The 32-year-old Stockholm

native has 2-7—9 during a six-game point streak dating to Nov. 21,

including assists in five consecutive contests. He is tied for fourth among

NHL defensemen with 18 assists and 21 points in 26 games this season.

 

THIRD STAR – DUNCAN KEITH, D, CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

 

      Keith tied for the League lead with six assists as the Blackhawks

(20-4-4, 44 points) won all four of their games to move atop the NHL

standings. He collected a pair of assists in a 5-1 victory over the

Edmonton Oilers Nov. 25. Keith then posted one helper in both a 3-2 triumph

over the Calgary Flames Nov. 27 and a 2-1 shootout win over the Dallas

Stars Nov. 29. He capped the week by recording two assists, his fourth

multi-point game of the season, in a 5-2 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes

Nov. 30. The 30-year-old Winnipeg native has 0-9—9 during a seven-game

assist/point streak dating to Nov. 19. He leads all NHL defensemen with 23

assists and ranks second among blueliners with 24 points in 28 games this

season.

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DETROIT SIGNS DEFENSEMAN JONATHAN ERICSSON TO SIX-YEAR EXTENSION

… Red Wings Lock Up Former Ninth-Round Draft Pick Through 2019-20 Season …

DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings today signed defenseman Jonathan Ericsson to a six-year contract extension. In accordance with club policy, additional details will not be disclosed.

Originally drafted by Detroit with the last pick (291^st overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, Ericsson has played 292 games with the Red Wings since making his NHL debut in 2007-08. Over seven seasons with the organization, he has logged 62 points (14-48-62), a +14 rating and 242 penalty minutes. He has also posted 16 points (5-11-16), a +9 rating and 43 penalty minutes in 64 career postseason contests. This season, the 6-foot-4, 221-pound defenseman has tallied five points (1-4-5) and 16 penalty minutes in 15 games, while ranking second on the team with an average of 22:15 time on ice.

A native of Karlskrona, Sweden, Ericsson also recorded 63 points (15-48-63) and 185 penalty minutes in 136 games with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins from 2006-08. Prior to moving to North America, he skated in 81 contests with Sodertalje in the Swedish Elite League from 2003-06.


Jonathan Ericsson, Defenseman
Born Mar 2 1984  -- Karlskrona, Sweden
Height 6.04 -- Weight 220 -- Shoots L

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MAPLE LEAFS SIGN CONNOR BROWN

David Nonis, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced Friday the hockey club has signed forward Connor Brown to a three-year entry level contract.

Brown, 19, was originally selected by the Maple Leafs in the sixth round, 156th overall, in the 2012 Entry Draft. The 5-11, 170-pound winger currently leads the Ontario Hockey League in scoring this season with 46 points (19 goals, 27 assists) in 23 games for the Erie Otters. Brown also ranks second in the OHL in powerplay goals (tie-8), third in assists (27), shorthanded goals (tie-2) and game-winning goals (tie-3), fourth in goals (tie-19) and sixth in plus/minus (tie +17).

The native of Etobicoke, Ontario was named the OHL’s Player of the Week after posting three goals and four assists for seven points in three games for the week ending October 13. The Erie team captain is also representing Team OHL against Team Russia in the 2013 Subway Super Series.

In 154 career games with Erie over three seasons (2011-12 to present), Brown has registered 72 goals, 96 assists and 168 points with 63 minutes in penalties.

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RED WINGS RECALL NYQUIST FROM GRIFFINS

… Detroit Also Assigns Trevor Parkes to ECHL Toledo …

DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings today recalled right wing Gustav Nyquist from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins and assigned left wing Trevor Parkes to the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye.

Nyquist, 24, currently leads the Griffins and is tied for fourth in the AHL with 21 points (7-14-21) in 15 games. The Halmstad, Sweden, native has appeared in 40 career games with the Red Wings over the last two seasons, recording 13 points (4-9-13). He has also skated in 18 playoff games, notching five points (2-3-5), including an overtime-winning goal against Anaheim during the 2013 Western Conference Quarterfinals. A third-year pro, Nyquist has 143 points (53-90-143) in 137 games with Grand Rapids, in addition to seven points (2-5-7) in 10 games during the team’s Calder Cup championship run last spring.


Parkes, 22, has skated in 12 games with the Walleye this season, leading the team with 14 points (8-6-14). He has 48 points (26-22-48) in 35 career games with Toledo, and 17 points (5-12-17) in 80 games with Grand Rapids. In 2012-13, he recorded nine points (3-6-9) in 36 games with the Griffins and 30 points (14-16-30) in 19 games with the Walleye. Parkes also recorded 109 points (60-49-109) in 126 games with the QMJHL’s Montreal Juniors from 2009-11.

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DETROIT INKS ANDREAS ATHANASIOU TO ENTRY-LEVEL DEAL

… Fourth-Round Pick from 2012 Currently Leads Junior Team in Scoring …

DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings today agreed to terms with left wing Andreas Athanasiou on a three-year entry-level contract. In accordance with club policy, additional details will not be disclosed.
Athanasiou, 19, has appeared in 22 games with the OHL’s Barrie Colts, leading the club with 26 points (9-17-26). A fourth-round pick (110th overall) of Detroit in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Athanasiou has appeared in 206 career OHL games with Barrie and London, totaling 152 points (71-81-152), a plus-27 rating and 103 penalty minutes. He was third on the Colts during the 2013 postseason with 25 points (12-13-25) in 22 games, reaching the OHL finals for the second straight year after winning a championship with the London Knights in 2011-12.

Andreas Athanasiou
Left Wing
Born Aug 6 1994  -- Woodbridge, ONT
Height 6.02 -- Weight 200 -- Shoots L

Selected by Detroit Red Wings round 4 #110 overall 2012 NHL Entry Draft

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DETROIT RECALLS TREVOR PARKES FROM TOLEDO

… Fort Erie, Ontario, Native Currently Leads ECHL’s Walleye in Scoring …

DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings today recalled left wing Trevor Parkes from the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye.
Parkes, 22, has split his professional career between the ECHL and AHL, logging 35 games with Toledo and 80 with Grand Rapids since 2011. The third-year pro currently leads the Walleye in scoring with 14 points (8-6-4) in 12 games. He amassed 30 points (14-16-30) in 19 games with Toledo last season, giving him 48 points (26-22-48) during his ECHL stints. A native of Fort Erie, Ont., Parkes has also skated in 80 games with the Griffins, registering 17 points (5-12-17). Prior to turning pro, he recorded 109 points (60-49-109) in 126 games with the QMJHL’s Montreal Juniors from 2009-11.


Trevor Parkes
Left Wing
Born May 13 1991  -- Fort Erie, ONT
Height 6.02 -- Weight 202 -- Shoots R

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2014 WINTER CLASSIC FESTIVITIES REVEALED

COKE ZERO™ FAN ZONE ADDED TO THE EXCITING LINE-UP
OF HOCKEY EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE 2014 NHL WINTER CLASSIC

The five-day, 122,000-square-foot hockey fan event in conjunction with the
SiriusXM Hockeytown Winter Festival and the NHL Winter Classic will together
create the most expansive celebration the sport of hockey has ever seen

DETROIT – Olympia Entertainment revealed today plans for the Coke Zero Fan Zone, a five-day, 122,000-square-foot hockey fan event, that will take place outside of Comerica Park December 27-31, 2013. The hockey and winter-themed event for all ages will take place in conjunction with the SiriusXM Hockeytown Winter Festival inside Comerica Park leading up to the highly anticipated 2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium New Year’s Day.
       
“The Coke Zero Fan Zone makes one of the biggest celebrations of hockey ever, even bigger,” said Tom Wilson, President & CEO of Olympia Entertainment. “With the Hockeytown Winter Festival events taking place inside Comerica Park in Detroit, the New Year’s Day NHL Winter Classic game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor and, now, the wide array of activities and entertainment at the Coke Zero Fan Zone, the Detroit Red Wings have created the most expansive celebration the sport of hockey has ever seen, spanning multiple facilities over the course of 15 days.”

The Coke Zero Fan Zone will be free to fans holding tickets to that day’s hockey games at the Hockeytown Winter Festival. Admission for non-ticketholders is $5 each day with tickets available for purchase at the entrance. The event will span three heated tents with hockey-themed exhibits, interactive games and activities, autograph and photo opportunities and local music and food offerings:

Hockey-themed Exhibits, Games & Activities:
·        Premier artifact exhibit hosted by the Hockey Hall of Fame
·        Full-size street hockey rink for ages five and older
·        Open skate on a full-size synthetic ice rink (hockey skates only please)
·        Hardest shot radar cage game
·        Top shot electronic hockey net game
·        Mini-sticks game
·        Bubble hockey game
·        Video game challenges

Autograph & Photo Opportunities
·        Stanley Cup display with photo opportunities
·        Q&A sessions with Red Wings and Maple Leafs alumni
·        Alumni autograph booths
·        Locker room displays and photo opportunities in the stall of a favorite Wings or Maple Leafs player

Food & Entertainment
·        SnowZilla simulated toboggan slide
·        Bounce house
·        Local musical acts
·        Popular food truck vendors
·        Detroit restaurants
·        Hot cocoa and s’mores stations
·        Fire pit warming stations

The Coke Zero Fan Zone hours complement the Hockeytown Winter Festival inside Comerica Park:

·        Friday, December 27 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Great Lakes Invitational games MSU vs. MTU – 3:30 and WMU vs. U-M – 7 p.m.)
·        Saturday, December 28 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. (GLI Consolation Game – 3:30 and GLI Championship Game – 7 p.m.)
·        Sunday, December 29 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (OHL games London vs. Saginaw – 1:30 and Windsor vs. Plymouth – 5 p.m.)
·        Monday, December 30 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. (AHL game Toronto Marlies vs. Grand Rapids Griffins – 5 p.m.)
·        Tuesday, December 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Red Wings vs. Maple Leafs Alumni Showdown games – 1 and 3:30 p.m.)


“The activities at the Coke Zero Fan Zone and the great line-up of games inside Comerica Park will bring fans from throughout the State of Michigan and Canada to experience downtown Detroit during the 15 days of the Hockeytown Winter Festival,” continued Wilson. “Local businesses will benefit from the thousands of fans who will eat, drink, shop and sleep in downtown establishments. In addition, the Coke Zero Fan Zone will create exposure and revenue for the local vendors and Detroit restaurants at the event and new fans for the local entertainers being showcased on its stages.”

The Coke Zero Fan Zone is sponsored by Bridgestone, Molson Canadian, Coke Zero, Comerica Bank, Kroger, Southwest Ontario Tourism, McDonald’s, Verizon and American Rentals.

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JORDIN TOOTOO AND XAVIER OUELLET ASSIGNED TO GRAND RAPIDS

… Red Wings Host Washington on Friday to Conclude Four-Game Homestand …

The Detroit Red Wings today assigned right wing Jordin Tootoo and defenseman Xavier Ouellet to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins.

Tootoo, 30, has appeared in eight games with the Red Wings this season, recording five penalty minutes and averaging 7:13 of ice time. The Churchill, Manitoba, native skated in 42 games with the club last season, tallying eight points (3-5-8) and 78 penalty minutes. In 536 career NHL games with Nashville and Detroit, the 5-foot-9, 199-lb., forward has 133 points (49-84-133) and 808 penalty minutes. Tootoo last played in the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals in 2005-06. He had 49 points (23-26-49) and 399 penalty minutes with the Admirals in 100 career AHL games from 2004-06.


Ouellet, 20, has averaged 13:58 of ice time in three games with the Red Wings this season. He has also appeared in 12 games with the Griffins, registering three assists, a plus-eight rating and two penalty minutes. A native of Bayonne, France, Ouellet is in his first professional season after spending the last four years with the Montreal Juniors and Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the QMJHL. In 223 career major junior games, he recorded 160 points (41-119-160). He also represented Canada at the 2013 World Junior Championship, finishing the tournament with three points (1-2-3) in six games.

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CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS WIN STANLEY CUP!

By AJ Petronzi

The Chicago Blackhawks capped off a season that saw them set a record for the best ever start to an NHL, by finishing with the best possible end. The Stanley Cup. Finishing the Stanley Cup Finals by beating the Boston Bruins 3-2.

Boston dominated the first period of game six, but Chicago equalized in the second to carry a tie into the third. After a back and forth period, Boston took the lead late, before the Blackhawks finished off the game with two goals within seconds and within the final minute to take the lead and hold on.

Chicago last won the Stanley Cup in 2010, also in game six with an overtime goal by Patrick Kane. Tonight's hero was David Bolland.

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Dtroit Red Wings lose to Chicago Blackhawks in Shootout

By AJ Petronzi

The Detroit Red Wings lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in overtime in the last regular season matchup between the NHL’s greatest rivalry before Detroit moves to the Eastern Conference.

Viktor Stalberg opened scoring in the second period. Johan Franzen and Cory Emmerton put the Wings up 2-1 until Jonathan Toews tied the game with under three minutes left in the third. Brandon Saad scored the winning goal in the shootout.

Detroit has to average at least a point from every game left against a playoff team, and that’s how they played this game. It looked as if from the puck drop they were playing for overtime. Once overtime started, both teams looked as if they were just trying to get unscathed to a shootout.
 

In Play! Man of the Game: Corey Crawford. Crawford kept Chicago alive during Detroit's few pushes and held fast in the shootout to gain Chicago the season sweep of Detroit.

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RED WINGS REASSIGN GUSTAV NYQUIST TO GRAND RAPIDS

... Forward Returns to Griffins Still Leading AHL’s Scoring Race …


Detroit, MI... The Detroit Red Wings today announced that forward Gustav Nyquist has been reassigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League. Nyquist appeared in two games for the Red Wings during his recall, registering an assist and three shots on goal in 12:12 of ice time on Mar. 13 against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome and one shot on goal in 15:04 vs. the Edmonton Oilers on Mar. 15 at Rexall Place. The Halmstad, Sweden, native was a healthy scratch Saturday night for the final game of Detroit’s three-game swing through western Canada, a 5-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. Nyquist has appeared in four games for the Red Wings in 2012-13, collecting seven shots on goal, one assist and a -1 rating. In 22 career NHL games with the Red Wings, Nyquist has registered eight points (1-7-8).

Nyquist, 23, was selected by Detroit in the fourth round (121st overall) of the 2008 National Hockey League Entry Draft. He returns to the Griffins where he currently leads the AHL in scoring with 60 points (23-37-60) in 57 games played and paces all Grand Rapids players in goals (23), assists (37), points (60), power-play goals (9) and shots on goal (166).

Gustav Nyquist
Left Wing
Born Sep 1 1989 -- Halmstad, Sweden
Height 5.11 -- Weight 185 -- Shoots L

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RED WINGS RECALL GUSTAV NYQUIST FROM GRAND RAPIDS

... AHL’s Leading Scorer to Join Team for Upcoming Trip to Western Canada …

Detroit, MI... The Detroit Red Wings today announced that forward Gustav Nyquist has been recalled from the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League.  The club has also announced that forward Tomas Tatar has been reassigned to Grand Rapids.  The promotion marks Nyquist’s third stint with the Red Wings this season.  The Halmstad, Sweden, native has appeared in two games for Detroit in 2012-13,  collecting three shots on goal and a -1 rating in contests against the Dallas Stars on Jan. 21 and the Anaheim Ducks on Feb. 15.

Nyquist, 23, was selected by Detroit in the fourth round (121^st overall) of the 2008 National Hockey League Entry Draft.  He currently leads the AHL in scoring with 60 points (23-37-60) in 57 games played.  He paces the Griffins in numerous statistical categories this season including goals (23), assists (37), points (60), power-play goals (9) and shots on goal (166).  In 20 career NHL games with the Red Wings, Nyquist has registered seven points (1-6-7).

Nyquist set the Griffins’ rookie scoring record last season after registering 58 points (22-36-58) in 56 games.  Prior to joining the Griffins at the end of the 2010-11 season, Nyquist played three seasons at the University of Maine (NCAA, Hockey East), amassing 144 points (50-94-144) in 113 collegiate appearances.

Tatar has appeared in 18 games for the Red Wings this season, registering seven points (4-3-7) and a +2 rating.  In 44 games with Grand Rapids prior to his recall, Tatar collected 39 points (19-20-39), 44 penalty minutes and a +13 rating.


#14 Gustav Nyquist, Left Wing
Born Sep 1 1989  -- Halmstad, Sweden
Height 5.11 -- Weight 185 -- Shoots L

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RED WINGS RE-SIGN DEFENSEMAN BRIAN LASHOFF

Rookie Defenseman Scored First Career Goal in First NHL Game

Detroit, MI…Detroit Red Wings Executive Vice President/General Manager Ken Holland today announced that defensemen Brian Lashoff has been re-signed to a three-year contract through the 2015-16 season.  In keeping with club policy, additional terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Lashoff, 22, has appeared in 15 games for Detroit and 36 games for the Wings American Hockey League affiliate Grand Rapids this season.  Lashoff’s Detroit totals include his first career goal in his first NHL game during Detroit’s season-opener at St. Louis on Jan. 19, 2013 along with two assists for three points and four PIMs.  In Grand Rapids this season, he tallied six points (2G-4A) in addition to 23 penalty minutes and a plus/minus rating of +4.

Brian Lashoff

Defense

Born Jul 16 1990  -- Albany, NY 

Height 6.03 -- Weight 208 -- Shoots L

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RED WINGS ASSIGN JAN MURSAK TO GRAND RAPIDS

... Forward Appeared in Just Two Games For Detroit This Season Due to a Shoulder Injury…

Detroit, MI... The Detroit Red Wings today announced that forward Jan Mursak has cleared waivers and has been assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League.  Mursak is expected to be available for the Griffins tonight when they host the San Antonio Rampage at 7 p.m. at Van Andel Arena.

Mursak, 25, was a sixth round selection of the Red Wings in the 2006 National Hockey League Entry Draft.  The Maribor, Slovenia, native missed 14 games this season after suffering a shoulder injury in Detroit’s season opening loss at St. Louis.  He appeared in just two games for the Red Wings in 2012-13, posting no points and four penalty minutes.  In 46 career NHL games with Detroit, Mursak collected two goals, two assists and eight penalty minutes.

Mursak has appeared in 190 career AHL games for Grand Rapids, registering 39 goals and 48 assists for 87 points.


Jan Mursak, Right Wing
Born Jan 20 1988  -- Maribor, Slovenia
Height 5.11 -- Weight 167 -- Shoots R

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TOOTOO TO SIGN AUTOGRAPHS FOR CHARITY ON FRIDAY

… Team to Collect Donations for Autographs on Feb. 22 at Hockeytown Authentics …

Detroit, MI… Detroit Red Wings forward Jordin Tootoo will sign autographs on Friday, Feb. 22, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Hockeytown Authentics in Troy, Mich., to benefit the Team Tootoo Fund, which supports suicide prevention and at-risk youth.

The first 222 fans in line who make a $22 monetary donation (cash or check) are guaranteed an autograph by Tootoo on the personal item of their choice. Hockeytown Authentics will issue wristbands for the autograph signing starting at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase Team Tootoo baseball caps for $15 and Team Tootoo wristbands for $5 at the store that day.

Fans attending the Red Wings game vs. Nashville on Saturday, Feb. 23, can purchase Team Tootoo hats, wristbands and autographed pucks on the Joe Louis Arena concourse behind Section 113. To learn more about the Team Tootoo Fund, please visit http://www.cfmt.org/give/funds/teamtootoofund/.

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RED WINGS RECALL GUSTAV NYQUIST FROM GRAND RAPIDS

Team Places Forward Todd Bertuzzi on Injured Reserve

Detroit, MI... The Detroit Red Wings today announced that forward Gustav Nyquist has been recalled from the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League.  In order to make room for Nyquist on the current 23-man roster, forward Todd Bertuzzi has been placed on injured reserve.  Bertuzzi has missed Detroit’s last three games due to a back injury.

Nyquist, 23, was selected by Detroit in the fourth round (141^st overall) of the 2008 National Hockey League Entry Draft.  He currently leads the Griffins and is tied for fourth in AHL scoring with 45 points (17-28-45) in 47 games played.  Today’s recall marks Nyquist’s second stint with the Red Wings this season.  He was in uniform for Detroit’s home opener on Jan. 22 vs. the Dallas Stars and recorded two shots on goal in 11:42 of ice time before being reassigned to Grand Rapids.  In 19 career NHL games with the Red Wings, the Halmstad, Sweden, native has collected seven points (1-6-7).

Nyquist set the Griffins’ rookie scoring record last season after registering 58 points (22-36-58) in 56 games.  Prior to joining the Griffins at the end of the 2010-11 season, Nyquist played three seasons at the University of Main (NCAA, Hockey East), amassing 144 points (50-94-113) in 113 collegiate appearances. 

#14 Gustav Nyquist, Left Wing
Born Sep 1 1989  -- Halmstad, Sweden
Height 5.11 -- Weight 185 -- Shoots L

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Karlsson Injury Causes Skate Blade Debate

By AJ Petronzi

For anyone who follows hockey, and for that matter doesn't live under a rock on Mars, is aware of the incident Wednesday night that ended the season of Erik Karlsson. The injury has caused two big debates in NHL circles, we'll tackle both.

First, anyone who thinks Matt Cooke intentionally hurt Karlsson, with the exception of Karlsson's teammates (emotion is half the NHL game), needs to do one thing. Go try skating for the first time in your life. I'd like to see you throw yourself at 20 MPH into the boards without lifting your leg to protect yourself. If you still feel Cooke did it on purpose, then we're revoking your hockey watching privileges. If you watch the replay at full speed, it's a play that happened in less than two seconds. It simply was a freak accident and nothing more. I saw the exact same play no less than five times while watching the Red Wings game the same night and no one got hurt.

The second debate has come down to skate blades. Ten years ago, players were likely to sharpen their skates no more than once or twice a month. In today's NHL, some players change skates during periods in order to have flawless edges. Granted, with the speed the game is played at now, it's a necessary evil. Players with the speed of Darren Helm and Jan Mursak have to have sharp blades or else they'd go crashing into the end boards all the time causes serious injuries. As someone who sharpens their skates about four times a year, I know and it doesn't feel good when it happens (and I'm not that fast on my skates). However, since 2008 skate blade injuries are on the rise. Helm had the tendons in his arm cut last year by a skate, Mike Modano the year before. Kevin Bieska, Robert Lang and I could list at least three more who've had Achilles tendon cuts thanks to someone's skates, all since 2008. Does this mean it's time to stop sharpening skates. Absolutely not. There already exists a fix to this problem. Kevlar socks.

Some NHL players already wear them, or the sleeves for the arms (just ask Helm). The Detroit Free Press went asking around yesterday and uncovered that Jonathan Ericsson wears them, although he just stopped because they were causing him some irritation. He stated he's going back to them though. I went digging around the internet and discovered something. Kevlar socks cost $35. Honestly, I'm picking up a pair or two for my hockey bag. An NHL team could outfit the whole team, with three pair for 25 skaters, for about $2700. That's assuming they didn't get a discount for ordering 75 pair. When the Vancouver Canucks reported for practice Thursday morning, they were all surprised to find a pair in each of their lockers. That's how easy it is to get them, that was less than 10 hours after the Karlsson incident.

Karlsson was set to make five Million this season (prorated to a little for than 2.9M due to the lockout). Karlsson played 14 games this year, earning him about 900K of his salary. This means Ottawa will pay Karlsson another 2M to not play hockey due to his injury, when $35 could have saved his season. I'm not saying they should be forced on the players, but as an owner putting up over 50M a year in salary, $2700 sounds pretty good for insurance against this kind of injury.

Disagree? Agree? Comment to chime in with your opinion.

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Chicago Blackhawk move to 6-0 on season, Defeat Detroit Red Wings in Overtime

By AJ Petronzi

In a slow, at times very physical, game in Chicago the Detroit Red Wings lost the Chicago Blackhawks in a game that took an extra 2:45 into overtime to conclude.

Duncan Keith opened scoring on an early powerplay goal for the Blackhawks. Johan Franzen waited until the third period to tie things up. Nick Leddy game Chicago the win in overtime.

The Blackhawks dominated the beginning of the game, scoring an early powerplay goal and then going on to control most of the first period. The Wings came back with a more physical look in the second and controlled most of the game after that point.

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Detroit Red Wings take on Chicago Blackhawks

By AJ Petronzi

The Detroit Red Wings will look to stop the Chicago Blackhawks from a franchise record 6-0 start in Chicago at 7PM eastern tonight.

Chicago is off to the second best start in franchise history having moved to 5-0 after beating Columbus last night. The Blackhawks last started a season 5-0 in 1971-1792. They are currently first in the Western Conference and the NHL with 10 points.

The Detroit Red Wings, who started last season 5-0, are off to a 2-2 start this season. Since both losses for the Wings came in regulation, their four points leave then 11th in the Western Conference and 21st in the NHL.

Also for the first time this season the Red Wings are starting a game without having lost any players to major injuries in their last contest.

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Sunday @ Chicago

The Detroit Red Wings will look to break over .500 this season Sunday night as they look to hand the Chicago Blackhawks what could be their first loss this season (The Blackhawks take on Columbus tonight). In Play! will be on the ground at the United Center in Chicago, so check back post game for interviews and photos from the night.

On a side note, if you're going to be in Chicago for the game be advised the forecast is calling for freezing rain. So if you have any experience with Illinois drivers, you'll understand why In Play! is recommending taking the train or bus instead of driving yourself.

WINGS SIGN NEW D-MAN, BIG BERT ON IR

RED WINGS SIGN KENT HUSKINS TO ONE-YEAR CONTRACT

… Veteran Defenseman has Appeared in 299 Career Games

with Ducks, Sharks & Blues, will wear Number 3 with Detroit …

Detroit, MI…The Detroit Red Wings today announced that 33-year-old defenseman Kent Huskins has been signed to a one-year contract. As per club policy, further details regarding this deal will not be disclosed.

Originally selected by Chicago in the sixth round (156^th overall) of the 1999 National Hockey League Entry Draft, Huskins has appeared in 299 career NHL games with Anaheim, San Jose and St. Louis, tallying 13G-54A-67P in addition to 169 penalty minutes and a +49 rating. The 6’4”, 205-lb. rearguard won a Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2007 and has appeared in 48 career playoff contests, registering 0G-3A-3P-23PIM and a -3 rating. A native of Almonte, Ont., Huskins has also skated in 410 career games in the American Hockey League with Norfolk (2001-03, 2012-13), San Antonio (2003-04), Manitoba (2004-05) and Portland (2005-07).

Detroit’s 2012-13 home opener is set to be staged later tonight versus the Dallas Stars (doors open at 6:00 p.m. with puck drop at 7:30 p.m.). Tonight's game is in line to become the Red Wings 72^nd consecutive sellout at Joe Louis Arena.

Detroit’s next home game is Friday, January 25^th vs. Minnesota. 

Kent Huskins, Defense
Born May 4 1979  -- Almonte, ONT
Height 6.04 -- Weight 205 -- Shoots L
Selected by Chicago Blackhawks round 6 #156 overall 1998 NHL Entry Draft


 

RED WINGS RECALL GUSTAV NYQUIST FROM AHL

… Todd Bertuzzi and Carlo Colaiacovo Placed on Injured Reserve List …

Detroit, MI…The Detroit Red Wings today announced that forward Gustav Nyquist has been recalled from the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League. Detroit has also announced that right winger Todd Bertuzzi (illness) and defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo (upper body injury) have been placed on the team’s IRL effective immediately. 

Nyquist has tallied a team-high 40 points (14G-26A) with Grand Rapids this season, ranking the 23-year-old playmaker fourth in the AHL’s scoring race. The 5’11”, 185-lb. native of Halmstad, Sweden, was named to the Western Conference’s roster for the 2013 AHL All-Star Classic last week, marking the second consecutive season he has earned the distinction.

Originally selected by Detroit in the fourth round (141^st overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Nyquist set the Griffins rookie scoring record last season after registering 58 points (22G-36A) in 56 games. Prior to commencing his professional career, Nyquist played three seasons at the University of Maine (NCAA, Hockey East), amassing numerous awards and accolades during his tenure with the Black Bears. Nyquist wrapped up his collegiate career with 144 points (50G-94A) in 113 appearances.

Gustav Nyquist
Left Wing
Born Sep 1 1989  -- Halmstad, Sweden
Height 5.11 -- Weight 185 -- Shoots L

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