Detroit Red Wings by In Play! Magazine

Red Wings Topple Anaheim Ducks 5-0

2011-11-05T22:18:00.002-04:00

Story and Photos
By AJ Petronzi
In Play on Facebook

The Detroit Red Wings ended their losing streak in glorious fashion tonight by overwhelming the Anaheim Ducks 5-0 in Detroit.

Niklas Kronwall opened scoring (and game winner) with a blast from the top of the faceoff circle shortly after the end of a power play.

Jiri Hudler and Johan Franzen watch Niklas Kronwall's shot slide into Anaheim's net.
Photo by AJ Petronzi / In Play! Magazine

Henrik Zetterberg was next on the board followed by a pair of goals by Nicklas Lidstrom. Johan Franzen capped the night with the Wings’ fifth and final goal.

Detroit came to the ice to play tonight, quickly overwhelming Anaheim and taking a 16-1 lead in shots on goal. As frustration set in, Anaheim started making bad plays, gave up the puck and took some bad penalties. Ducks leading scorer Teemu Selanne got tossed from the game at the start of the third for mouthing off to the officials.

Teemu Selanne gets tossed after running his mouth at the referee from the Penalty Box.
Photo by AJ Petronzi / In Play! Magazine

In Play! Men of the Game: Nicklas Lidstrom and Jimmy Howard. Lidstrom netted two goals and briefly took the lead in goal scoring on the team before Franzen tied them both up at five on the year. Howard notched a shutout, turning away all 22 on Anaheim’s shots.

Jimmy Howard tells Corry Perry he's sick of Perry whining.
Photo by AJ Petronzi / In Play! Magazine

He also had some fun at the expense of Corry Perry.

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Red Wings Hope to Cap Winless Streak at Six

2011-11-05T11:45:00.001-04:00

By AJ Petronzi
In Play on Facebook

Tonight the Detroit Red Wings will look to end their winlessstreak at six games as they face the Anaheim Ducks at Joe Louis Arena inDetroit. Tonight marks the midpoint of the Wings longest home stretch of theseason.

Detroit is looking to bring desperation into their gametonight. If Detroit can keep momentum going in their direction, Anaheim has ahistory of taking lots of penalties and costing themselves games. Penaltiesand costing themselves games have been what’s derailed the Wings the last sixgames, so it’d be good to see them turn the tables tonight.

Factoids:Last time Detroit lost six straight games in a season they brought both thePresident’s Trophy for the most wins in a season and the Stanley Cup back toHockeytown in 2008. The Wings have not lost seven straight games since theylast failed to make the playoffs

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RED WINGS REASSIGN BRENDAN SMITH TO AHL

2011-11-04T10:45:00.000-04:00

Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings announced today that defenseman Brendan Smith, 22, has been reassigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL).

Currently 5-5-1 on the season, Detroit will hit the ice tomorrow night for a 7:00 p.m. home game versus the Anaheim Ducks (Fox Sports Detroit and 97.1 The Ticket). All fans in attendance on Saturday will receive a free 2011-12 Red Wings wall calendar, compliments of Fox Sports Detroit.

The 19^th annual Motor City Mitten Madness also continues at tomorrow’s game. Fans making a monetary donation or those who donate new or gently-used winter gear, including mittens and coats, will be entered to win a game-used, autographed Tomas Holmstrom stick.

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Red Wings Drop Sixth Straight

2011-11-03T22:48:00.000-04:00

By AJ Petronzi
In Play on Facebook

The Detroit Red Wings lost 4-1 at home to the CalgaryFlames. It is Detroit’s sixth straight loss since starting the season 5-0.

Jimmy Howard's reaction to Calgary's third goal of the night

Lee Stempniak opened scoring tonight late in the first witha weak shot from behind the goal line. Jarome Iginla scored Calgary’s second goalbefore Dan Cleary opened scoring for the Wings. Iginla and Olli Jokinen addedCalgary’s final two goals.

Detroit is pressing to end this loss streak and that push iscausing even more errors and leading to even more losses. Detroit had a briefperiod of unity tonight after Jiri Hudler was boarded midway through the secondperiod.

Jiri Hudler is helped off the ice after being boarded in the second period

This led to Detroit’s only goal, but afterwards the team quickly fellapart again. Slumping players like Hudler may find themselves wearing new sweatersMonday if Detroit can’t break this losing streak Saturday.

In Play! Man of the Game: Jarome Iginla. Iginla netted twogoals tonight and gave up the hat trick goal on an empty net in the third.

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RED WINGS RECALL BRENDAN SMITH FROM GRAND RAPIDS

2011-11-03T15:36:00.000-04:00

Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings today announced that defenseman Brendan Smith has been recalled from the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL). Smith, 22, has appeared in seven games for the Griffins this season, posting two points (0-2-2) and 20 PIM.

Currently 5-4-1 on the season, Detroit is back in action tonight when the Calgary Flames pay a visit to the Motor City for a 7:30 p.m. showdown at The Joe. The first 7,500 fans in attendance at tonight’s ‘Bobblehead Thursday’ contest will receive a free Henrik Zetterberg bobblehead compliments of the Detroit Medical Center (DMC), home of the Red Wings’ team doctors. Five (5) of the bobbleheads given away at this game will be brandished with a distinct marking on the inside of the box lid. Fans receiving these specially-marked bobbleheads will win a post-game meet-and-greet with Zetterberg outside of the Red Wings’ locker room.

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RED WINGS REASSIGN GUSTAV NYQUIST TO AHL

2011-11-02T12:29:00.000-04:00

… Rookie Center Made NHL Debut Last Night Versus Minnesota …

Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings today announced that 22-year-old forward Gustav Nyquist has been reassigned the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL). After being recalled from Grand Rapids on Monday, Nyquist made his NHL debut at Joe Louis Arena last night, logging 11:07 worth of ice time during a 2-1 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild.

Currently 5-4-1 on the season, Detroit is back in action tomorrow night when the Calgary Flames pay a visit to the Motor City for a 7:30 p.m. showdown at The Joe.

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RED WINGS RECALL GUSTAV NYQUIST FROM AHL

2011-10-31T17:09:00.002-04:00

… Rookie Center has Nine Points in Nine Games with Grand Rapids …

Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings today announced that 22-year-old forward Gustav Nyquist has been recalled from the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL). Currently competing in his first full season of professional hockey, Nyquist has recorded 4G-5A-9P in nine games played for the Griffins thus far on the 2011-12 campaign, giving the 5’11”, 170-lb. center the second-best scoring total on the team.

Currently 5-4-0 on the season, the Red Wings will host the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, November 1 (puck drop – 7:30 p.m.) on the opening night of a six-game home stand for Detroit.

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RED WINGS AGREE TO TERMS WITH DEFENSEMAN NIKLAS KRONWALL ON SEVEN-YEAR DEAL

2011-10-31T12:17:00.000-04:00

…Detroit Locks Up Veteran Blue-Liner Through 2018-19 Season…

Detroit, MI… Detroit Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Ken Holland announced today that the club has agreed to terms with defenseman Niklas Kronwall on a seven-year contract. In accordance with team policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Kronwall, 30, is currently in his eighth season with the Red Wings. The Stockholm, Sweden, native has appeared in 394 career games for Detroit, registering 183 points on 25 goals and 148 assists. Through nine games this season, Kronwall has notched two points (1-1-2), leads the team with 21 blocked shots and ranks third among Detroit skaters in averaging 22:54 of ice time per game. He was recently named an assistant captain prior to the start of the 2011-12 campaign, joining captain Nicklas Lidstrom and fellow assistants Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk as Detroit’s on-ice leaders. Last season, Kronwall set new career highs in goals (11), power-play goals (5), game-winning goals (3) and shots on goal (131). He also led the Red Wings with 129 blocked shots and finished sixth on the team with 113 hits.

Niklas Kronwall in a post game interview after Game 4
of the 2008/9 Western Conference Finals in Chicago
Photo Jack Rosenberg / In Play! Magazine

Kronwall was an integral part of Detroit’s run to the 2008 Stanley Cup championship, the 11^th in team history and the first of his career. He led all NHL defensemen in postseason scoring that year with 15 points (0-15-15) and finished tied for the league lead with a +16 rating (along with teammate Henrik Zetterberg). Kronwall also delivered numerous memorable hits to opponents along the way. He has appeared in 74 career postseason contests for the Red Wings, posting 38 points (4-34-38) and 69 PIM.

During the NHL lockout in 2004-05, Kronwall played the entire season for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League. He posted 53 points (13-40-53) in 76 games and won the Eddie Shore Award as the AHL’s top defenseman.

Kronwall also has a decorated international playing career. Representing his native Sweden, the

6’-0”, 192 lb. rearguard collected gold medals at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin, Italy, and the 2006 IIHF World Championships in Latvia, where he was named the tournament’s best defender. Kronwall is a member of hockey’s exclusive Triple Gold Club, having captured a Stanley Cup championship and gold medals at both the Winter Olympic Games and IIHF World Championships.

Niklas Kronwall, Defense

Born Jan 12 1981 -- Stockholm, Sweden

Height 6.00 -- Weight 192 -- Shoots L

Selected by Detroit in the first round (#29 overall) of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft

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RED WINGS REASSIGN JOEY MACDONALD TO GRIFFINS

2011-10-26T10:05:00.000-04:00

… Veteran Goaltender is 3-2-0 with Grand Rapids this Season …

Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings today announced that goaltender Joey MacDonald, 31, has been reassigned the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) after dressing as Ty Conklin’s backup in Columbus last night. In five appearances with Grand Rapids this season, MacDonald has amassed a 3-2-0 record to go along with a 1.98 G.A.A., a .935 SV% and one shutout.

In 87 career NHL games with Detroit, Boston, Toronto and the New York Islanders, MacDonald has earned 23 victories in addition to a 3.19 G.A.A. and a .902 SV%. Last season, the Pictou, NS, native went 5-5-3 with the Red Wings while registering a career-best G.A.A. of 2.58 and a SV% of .917. Detroit re-signed MacDonald to a two-year contact extension this past summer.

Currently 5-2-0 on the 2011-12 campaign, the Red Wings will next face the San Jose Sharks on Friday, October 28 at Joe Louis Arena (puck drop – 7:30 p.m.). As part of the ongoing ‘Fathead Fridays’ promotion, all fans in attendance for this intraconference showdown will receive a free Niklas Kronwall Fathead Tradeable.

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Red Wings Lose Second Straight

2011-10-25T21:58:00.001-04:00

By AJ Petronzi
In Play on Facebook

The Detroit Red Wings laid the foundation for a losing streak tonight after being dropped 4-1 by the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Wings have been outscored 2-10 since Saturday.

RJ Umberger opened scoring with his first goal of the year less than a minute into the tilt. Darren Helm tied the game shortly after with his first of the year, but was followed four minutes later by Ryan Johansen who netted his first career goal. John Moore scored his first career goal for Columbus in the second. Derek Mackenzie added his first of the year in the third.

Detroit looked flat footed tonight, just like they did on Saturday. As a team, they showed no signs of fixing the problems of Saturday and Ty Conklin looked just a shaky as Columbus’ record coming into the game. Tonight’s officials seemed to be pulling for Columbus, something that became extra clear after one of Detroit’s defenseman struck a linesman with clearing attempt and Detroit saw several bad penalties called shortly after. Wings fans should hope the return of Jimmy Howard later in the week will reenergize the Wings.

In Play! Man of the Game: Ryan Johansen. Johansen not only scored his first career goal, but looked a lot like Wayne Gretzky doing it. He also saw multiple other chances and was skating circles around Detroit in the first two periods.

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RED WINGS RECALL JOEY MACDONALD FROM AHL

2011-10-24T10:42:00.000-04:00

… Veteran Goaltender Has Appeared in 87 Career NHL Games …

Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings today announced that goaltender Joey MacDonald, 31, has been recalled from the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL). In five appearances with Grand Rapids this season, MacDonald has amassed a 3-2-0 record to go along with a 1.98 G.A.A., a .935 SV% and one shutout.

In 87 career NHL games with Detroit, Boston, Toronto, and the New York Islanders, MacDonald has earned 23 victories in addition to a 3.19 G.A.A. and a .902 SV%. Last season, the Pictou, NS native went 5-5-3 with the Red Wings while registering a career-best G.A.A. of 2.58 and a SV% of .917. Detroit re-signed MacDonald to a two-year contact extension this past summer.

Currently 5-1-0 on the 2011-12 campaign, the Red Wings will face the Blue Jackets in Columbus tomorrow night prior to returning to Detroit to ready for a Friday night home game versus the San Jose Sharks (puck drop – 7:30 p.m.).

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Red Wings Stay Unbeaten, Match Lion’s 5-0 Season Start

2011-10-21T22:25:00.000-04:00

By AJ Petronzi
In Play on Facebook

The Detroit Red Wings have beaten the Columbus Blue Jackets to start this season 5-0 and set up a matchup tomorrow in Washington between the NHL’s only undefeated teams. The Wings have not had a 5-0 start since the 1972-1973 season.

Johan Franzen opened scoring tonight with a pair of power play goals. Derick Brassard followed with the first 5 on 5 goal of the night. Pavel Datsyuk opened the second before Aaron Johnson netted Columbus’s final goal. Nicklas Lidstrom and Valtteri Filppula added goals for Detroit in the third.

Detroit looked a little rusty to start the game tonight, but shook that rust off as the night went on and looked on top of their game by the end of the tilt. Jonathon Ericsson showed he can stand up for his teammates by trading fists with Derek Dorsett midway through the first. The Wings did manage show that five days off can fix a problem with the power play with three power play goals on five chances.

In Play! Man of the Game: Johan Franzen. Franzen scored two quick goals and got robbed on a couple chances at the hat trick.

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NICKLAS LIDSTROM TO GUEST ON TODAY’S “NHL HOUR WITH COMMISSIONER GARY BETTMAN”

2011-10-20T11:55:00.000-04:00

Red Wings Captain Nicklas Lidstrom
Photo by Jack Rosenberg / In Play! Magazine

NEW YORK (October 20, 2011) –Nicklas Lidstrom, captain of the Detroit Red Wings, will guest on today’s NHL Hour With Commissioner Gary Bettman. The show, which encourages fans to call in with questions, airs Thursday nights on NHL.com and on Sirius XM Radio at 6 p.m., ET.
Lidstrom is two games away from playing the 1,500^th of his NHL career, a milestone he is scheduled to reach this Saturday in Washington against the Capitals (NHL Network US, FSN-Detroit, 7:00 p.m. ET). The Swedish-born defenseman is a four-time Stanley Cup Champion, winner of seven Norris trophies as the League’s top defenseman and one Conn Smythe as MVP of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Currently, he ranks third among active players in points, behind only Philadelphia’s Jaromir Jagr and Anaheim’s Teemu Selanne, and second in assists, again behind Jagr.
NHL Hour with Commissioner Gary Bettman broadcasts live on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET on NHL.com as well as NHL Home Ice (channel 92 on XM and channel 207 on Sirius Premier - formerly known as “The Best of XM”). The show will re-air on Sirius XM Radio, with archived shows available for download via podcast on NHL.com.
The show encourages fans to call in with questions.
To submit questions to NHL Hour call 1-877-NHL-ON-XM (1-877-645-6696).

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RED WINGS SIGN PETR MRAZEK TO THREE-YEAR ENTRY-LEVEL CONTRACT

2011-10-19T11:00:00.000-04:00

… Goalie Off to a Strong Start in the OHL this Season …

Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings today announced that 19-year-old goaltender Petr Mrazek has been signed to a three-year entry-level contract. As per club policy, no further details regarding this deal will be disclosed.

As a member of the Ontario Hockey League’s Ottawa 67’s, Mrazek has registered a 2.84 G.A.A. and a 0.916 SV% to go along with a 50-26-2-3 record in 90 career appearances since being chosen by the club in the first round (30^th overall) of the 2009 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft. The 6’1”, 184-lb. netminder won the F. W. Moore Trophy as the freshman goalie with the lowest G.A.A. in the OHL in 2009-10 after wrapping up his rookie major junior campaign with a mark of 3.00 in 30 games. Detroit subsequently selected the Ostrava, Czech Republic native in the fifth round (141^st overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

In eight starts for the 67’s this season, Mrazek has earned five victories while posting a SV% of 0.925 and a G.A.A. of 2.34, tops in the OHL amongst goaltenders with at least 450 minutes of playing time. Prior to his tenure in Ottawa, Mrazek was a member of HC Vitkovice in the Czech Extraliga’s U-20 Development Program where he won a league championship in 2008-09.

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RED WINGS GO PINK FOR FIFTH ANNUAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS NIGHT ON FRIDAY

2011-10-19T10:14:00.000-04:00

… Fans Encouraged to Wear Pink on Oct. 21 for Chance to Win Team-Signed Jersey …

Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings will host their fifth annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night this Friday, October 21, when the Columbus Blue Jackets visit Joe Louis Arena at 7:30 p.m. as part of the National Hockey League’s Hockey Fights Cancer month.

When doors open at 6:00 p.m., the Joe Louis Arena concourse will be home to a variety of activities, including a silent auction, puck draw, 50/50 raffle and a special sale of pink winter knit hats with all proceeds benefitting the Liggett Breast Center in Grosse Pointe Woods and the Weisberg Cancer Treatment Center in Farmington Hills. The funds raised will help alleviate the costs of breast cancer treatment for uninsured and underinsured women in the Metro Detroit area.

Fans who wear pink to the game will be entered to win a 2011-12 team-signed jersey by picking up a raffle ticket on the concourse behind Section 126. There, fans can also participate in the puck draw or bid on one of 37 unique items at the silent auction.

Five of the players’ significant others will be selling pucks as part of the puck draw once doors open until the game starts. For $25, fans will have a chance to draw from an assortment of 200 hockey pucks signed by members of the 2011-12 team. Each puck has been signed by a Red Wings player and wrapped to conceal the autograph. The fan who unwraps the puck signed in gold by Jimmy Howard will meet the Red Wings starting goaltender after the game.

Players will wrap their sticks with pink hockey tape for use during the pregame warm-ups on Friday. These items will then be autographed and auctioned off on the concourse in addition to other unique autographed game-used memorabilia. Other exclusive auction items include a framed 2011-12 team-signed Red Wings jersey, game-used and autographed Nick Lidstrom skates and gloves and autographed Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions memorabilia.

Other BCA Night activities include:

Fans coming to the game that night will receive a special Red Wings breast cancer awareness ribbon pin upon entering the arena.
Fans can also help the Red Wings provide encouragement to breast cancer patients currently receiving treatment by signing a banner that has already been signed by the team and writing a message of support behind Section 112 on the concourse. The banner, which was donated by the Banner Sign Company, will be presented at the Weisberg Cancer Treatment Center for display in their facility.
Fans can purchase pink winter knit hats with the Winged Wheel logo embroidered on the front for $10 (cash only) behind Section 112 on the concourse. Breast Cancer Awareness pins will be available at merchandise stands throughout the concourse for $5.
The Red Wings will honor those affected by breast cancer by hosting 70 patients and survivors throughout four executive level suites. The Quicken Loans Budd Lynch Veterans Suite typically hosts 20 military members, active and veteran, at each home game, but for Breast Cancer Awareness Night the suite will host military members who are breast cancer survivors and military members whose wife/daughter/sister/mother is either a breast cancer patient or survivor. Each of the 70 patients and survivors in attendance that night will receive a special gift bag with Red Wings and breast cancer awareness items enclosed.
Wings defenseman Ian White hosts a military member and their guest at each home game as part of his White’s Warriors program. In honor of BCA Night, his guest on Friday will be a military veteran who is also a breast cancer survivor and her guest.
A portion of the Detroit Red Wings Foundation’s 50/50 raffle on Friday will benefit the Liggett Breast Center in Grosse Pointe. Volunteers from the medical center will be on hand to sell raffle tickets – 3 tickets for $5 – to raise money for the cause.

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RED WINGS RECALL BRENDAN SMITH FROM GRAND RAPIDS

2011-10-12T17:13:00.000-04:00

Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings today announced that defenseman Brendan Smith has been recalled from the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL). Smith, 22, appeared in four pre-season games for the Red Wings this year, recording 0G-2A-2P.

Detroit (2-0-0) will be looking to continue their red hot start to the 2011-12 NHL campaign on Thursday, October 13 (puck drop – 8:00 p.m.) when the Vancouver Canucks (1-0-1) pay a visit to Joe Louis Arena for an early-season battle between reigning division champs.

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RED WINGS PUSH THURSDAY NIGHT PUCK DROP BACK TO 8:00 p.m.

2011-10-11T14:46:00.000-04:00

Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings today announced that the start time for their Thursday, October 13 showdown with the Western Conference champion Vancouver Canucks has been moved from 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. so as to allow fans the opportunity to watch Game 5 of the American League Championship Series between the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers in its entirety. Doors to Joe Louis Arena will still open at 6:00 p.m.

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Mike Commodore Placed on 7-Day Injured Reserve List

2011-10-08T11:14:00.000-04:00

RED WINGS RECALL BRENDAN SMITH FROM AHL

Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings today announced that defenseman Brendan Smith, 22, has been recalled from the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL). Detroit has also placed veteran blue-liner Mike Commodore, 31, on the 7-day injured reserve list.

Currently 1-0-0-0 on the season, the Red Wings will battle the Colorado Avalanche later tonight (9:00 p.m. – FSD & 97.1 The Ticket) in their first road game of 2011-12. Detroit’s next home game is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 13 at 7:30 p.m. versus the Vancouver Canucks.

The first 7,500 fans in attendance for this match will receive a free Pavel Datsyuk bobblehead compliments of AT&T.

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Cory Emmerton Leads Red Wings to Opening Night Win

2011-10-07T22:29:00.000-04:00

By AJ Petronzi
In Play on Facebook

Rookie Cory Emmerton led the Detroit Red Wings with a goal and an assist in Detroit’s opening night five to three victory over the Ottawa Senators. Jiri Hudler notched the Game Winner.

Todd Bertuzzi opened Detroit’s 2011-2012 season by blowing a wrist shot past Craig Anderson on a late first period breakaway. Bertuzzi then forced a turnover that led to Nicklas Lidstrom netting his first of the year. Emmerton, Hudler and Ian White followed, all with their firsts of the year. Ottawa staged a late comeback with a pair of goals from Milan Michalek and a third by Filip Kuba.

Red Wings fans, and management, should be relieved to see Hudler and Emmerton putting up goals already in the season. Drew Miller also had a stellar outing, setting up both of Emmerton’s goals. Jakub Kindl and Jonathan Ericsson led the game in plus/minus at plus 3 each.

In Play! Man of the Game: Jakub Kindl. Kindle helped set up Bertuzzi’s goal and looked like a top six defender, pretty good for a guy fighting not to be the extra man on defense.

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WHAT’S NEW AT THE JOE?

2011-10-05T10:42:00.000-04:00

… Suite Renovations, Promotions Galore, New-And-Improved

Customer Service Program and More Highlight Recent Changes …

Detroit, MI… The 2011-12 NHL campaign is right around the corner and Detroit Red Wings fans are about to be treated to a whole new game day experience at Joe Louis Arena. A new-and-improved customer service program, compelling in-game activities, exciting giveaway promotions and extensive renovations at the arena itself are but a few of the improvements citizens of Hockeytown can look forward to enjoying during the upcoming season.

“Whether it’s a complete renovation of a large area of our suite level or the first impression of how we greet our guests, our focus this year will be trying to control the little things - the attention to detail and all the moments where we interact with people,” says Olympia Entertainment President & CEO Tom Wilson. “We very much want to cultivate a championship-caliber lineup off the ice and do everything possible to show our fans how much we appreciate their continued loyalty.”

Changes fans can look forward to this season include:

- Implementation of ‘Guest Connect’, a new customer service program designed to optimize fan satisfaction

- Arena doors opening 90 minutes prior to puck drop

- Renovation of several concession stands throughout the arena

- Nightly-branded promotions, including Military Mondays, Two-Fer Tuesdays, Bobblehead Thursdays, Fathead Fridays, Meijer Kids Nights and Social Saturdays

- A new Bud Light club area on the suite level at JLA

- An enhanced sound system with additional speakers which will provide better audio quality throughout the arena

- Expanded menu in the Executive Suites which will include a build-your-own Tex-Mex option entitled ‘Fiesta in the D’ as well as gourmet-style dessert options such as Bananas Foster

- Entertaining new intermission events, including remote control truck races and the ‘Motor City Music Minute’ along with the traditional and popular youth shootout and Score-O.

- A new DAS (distributed antenna system) which will allow for better AT&T cell coverage throughout the building

- The ability to provide instant fan feedback on the in-game experience, as Red Wings Executive Producer, Event Entertainment Ayron Sequeira will be accepting suggestions/comments via her Twitter feed at @AyronAtTheWings. The Joe’s longtime DJ T. Campbell will be also be taking in-game song requests via Twitter (@TheHockeyJockey)

- The new Volunteer Energy Red Patrol - an energetic promo team designed to amp up the crowd and coordinate all in-arena activities

- Refurbishment of select merchandise stands

- The addition of a family restroom on the East end of the JLA concourse

Detroit’s 2011-12 season officially begins on Friday, October 7 when the Ottawa Senators pay a visit to JLA for a 7:00 p.m. showdown with the reigning Central Division champs (doors will open at 5:30 p.m.)

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Red Wings Opening Night Roster Set; Detroit Hosts Ottawa Friday

2011-10-04T14:09:00.000-04:00

RED WINGS ASSIGN FIVE PLAYERS TO AHL

Detroit, MI...The Detroit Red Wings today announced that five players have cleared NHL waivers and have been assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL): goaltender Joey MacDonald, forward Chris Conner, and defensemen Garnet Exelby, Logan Pyett, and Doug Janik. An updated Red Wings roster can be found below:

No. Player Pos. Sh. Ht. Wt. Birthplace 4 Jakub Kindl D L 6-3 210 Sumperk, Czech Rep.

5 Nicklas Lidstrom D L 6-1 189 Vasteras, Sweden 8 Justin Abdelkader C L 6-1 212 Muskegon, MI

11 Daniel Cleary RW L 6-0 210 Carbonear, NL

13 Pavel Datsyuk C L 5-11 194 Sverdlovsk, Russia

17 Patrick Eaves RW R 6-0 191 Calgary, AB

18 Ian White D R 5-10 200 Steinbach, MB

20 Drew Miller LW L 6-2 178 Dover, NJ

22 Mike Commodore D R 6-4 233 Fort Saskatchewan, AB

23 Brad Stuart D L 6-2 210 Rocky Mountain House, AB

26 Jiri Hudler LW L 5-10 182 Olomouc, Czech Rep.

29 Ty Conklin G L 6-0 184 Anchorage, AK

35 Jimmy Howard G L 6-0 205 Syracuse, NY

39 *Jan Mursak LW R 5-11 190 Maribor, Slovenia

40 Henrik Zetterberg C L 5-11 195 Njurunda, Sweden

43 Darren Helm C L 5-11 195 Winnipeg, MB

44 Todd Bertuzzi LW L 6-3 235 Sudbury, ON

48 Cory Emmerton C L 6-0 190 St. Thomas, ON

51 Valtteri Filppula C L 6-0 193 Vantaa, Finland

52 Jonathan Ericsson D L 6-4 220 Karlskrona, Sweden

55 Niklas Kronwall D L 6-0 192 Stockholm, Sweden

76 Fabian Brunnstrom LW L 6-2 212 Jonstorp, Sweden

93 Johan Franzen RW L 6-3 220 Vetlanda,

Sweden

96 Tomas Holmstrom LW L 6-0 203 Pitea, Sweden

*Currently on Injured Reserve List

Detroit’s 2011-12 season officially begins on Friday, October 7 when the Ottawa Senators pay a visit to Joe Louis Arena for a 7:00 p.m. showdown with the reigning Central Division champs (doors will open at 5:30 p.m.).

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RED WINGS SIGN FREE AGENT FORWARD FABIAN BRUNNSTROM TO ONE-YEAR DEAL

2011-10-03T14:31:00.000-04:00

… Veteran Center Ryan Johnson Released by Team …

Detroit, MI… Detroit Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland today announced that the team has signed free agent forward Fabian Brunnstrom to a one-year, two-way contract. As per club policy, no additional terms of the deal will be disclosed.

A native of Jonstorp,

Sweden

, Brunnstrom tallied 6GP-3G-0A-3P for the Red Wings during the 2011 pre-season, tying him with Gustav Nysquist for the team lead in goals. The 6’2”, 212-lb. winger previously appeared in 99 games with the Dallas Stars from 2008-2010, registering 19G-21A-40P in addition to 18PIM. Brunnstrom became just the third player in NHL history to record a hat trick in his first career game on October 15, 2008, finding the back of the net three times during a 6-4 Dallas win over Nashville. In 81 career games at the AHL level, Brunnstrom has amassed 16G-24A-40P for the Texas Stars, Manitoba Moose, and Toronto Marlies.

The Red Wings also announced they have released veteran forward Ryan Johnson. The 35-year-old center was in Detroit’s camp on a professional tryout. Johnson has played in 701 career NHL games with the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks and Chicago Blackhawks.

Fabian Brunnström

Left Wing

Born Feb 6 1985 -- Jonstorp,

Sweden

Height 6.02 -- Weight 212 -- Shoots L

--- Regular Season --- ---- Playoffs ----

Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2005-06 Rogle BK Swe-1 3 0 0 0 2

2007-08 Farjestads BK Karlstad SEL 54 9 28 37 16 12 1 0 1 6

2008-09 Dallas Stars NHL 55 17 12 29 8 -- -- -- -- --

2008-09 Manitoba Moose AHL 1 0 0 0 0 -- -- -- -- --

2009-10 Dallas Stars NHL 44 2 9 11 10 -- -- -- -- --

2009-10 Texas Stars AHL 8 1 4 5 2 -- -- -- -- --

2010-11 Texas Stars AHL 37 11 10 21 16 -- -- -- -- --

2010-11 Toronto Marlies AHL 35 4 10 14 4 -- -- -- -- --

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NHL Totals 99 19 21 40 18

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RED WINGS RECALL RAEDEKE FROM GRIFFINS

2011-10-02T15:38:00.000-04:00

… Smith Reassigned to AHL; Detroit Wraps up Pre-Season

Schedule on Home Ice Later Today Versus Pittsburgh …

Detroit, MI...The Detroit Red Wings today announced that forward Brent Raedeke, 21, has been recalled from the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL). Detroit has also announced that defenseman Brendan Smith, 22, has been reassigned to the Griffins.

The Red Wings’ 2011 exhibition schedule concludes later today when the Pittsburgh Penguins pay a visit to the Motor City for a 5:00 p.m. showdown at Joe Louis Arena. Pittsburgh defeated Detroit by a score of 3-2 in the first game of the pre-season for both teams back on September 21 at Western Pennsylvania’s CONSOL Energy Center.

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Red Wings Brendan Smith Suspended 5 Games

2011-09-30T11:40:00.000-04:00

By AJ Petronzi

In Play on Facebook

The Detroit Red Wings' Brendan Smith has been suspended for five regular season games plus the remainder of the pre-season for his hit on Chicago's Ben Smith on Wednesday night in Chicago.

Brendan Smith has never played an NHL regular season game and is not likely to start this season in Detroit. He is the eighth defenseman and having a two-way contract plus being immune to waivers means the promising young defenseman is doomed to playing in Grand Rapids until injuries open a spot in the Wings' lineup. However, Smith now will be forced to sit for five additional games whenever, or if ever, the call back to Detroit comes.

In Brendan Smith's defense, the hit against Chicago's Ben Smith was not quite as dirty as the Chicago Blackhawks made it seem. Ben Smith unquestionably made a last minute movement that caused the resulting hit to the head instead of the full body check Brendan was lining up. Under the NHL's new head hits rule effective this season, the hit is definable as "Reckless" and Ben Smith was knocked unconscious on the play and will also have his chances of starting his NHL career postponed an equal amount of time because of the concussion resulting from the hit to the head.

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RED WINGS TRIM TRAINING CAMP ROSTER BY 16. WINGS v LEAFS THIS FRIDAY!

2011-09-27T12:41:00.000-04:00

… Wings and Griffins Players Set to Square Off in Grand Rapids Tonight …

Detroit, MI...The Detroit Red Wings today announced that 16 players have been removed from the team’s training camp roster. Thirty-nine players now remain in camp.

Members of both the Red Wings and Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) will hit the ice at Western Michigan’s Van Andel Arena later today (puck drop – 6:00 p.m.) for a Red-White intrasquad game.

The following players have been reassigned to the Griffins:

Greg Amadio, Defenseman

Louis-Marc Aubry, Forward

Mitchell Callahan, Forward

Willie Coetzee, Forward

Adam Estoclet, Forward

Gleason Fournier, Defenseman

Jamie Johnson, Forward

Thomas McCollum, Goalie

Andrej Nestrasil, Forward

Nick Oslund, Forward

Francis Paré, Forward

Trevor Parkes, Forward

Sébastien Piché, Defenseman

Brent Raedeke, Forward

Bryan Rufenach, Defenseman

Goaltender Ramis Sadikov, meanwhile, has been given his unconditional release and is expected to rejoin his Ontario Hockey League club, the Erie Otters.

Currently 2-2-0 on the 2011 NHL pre-season, Detroit’s home exhibition schedule continues on Friday, September 30 when the Toronto Maple Leafs pay a visit to Joe Louis Arena for a 7:30 p.m. showdown with their longstanding rivals. This is the only appearance the Maple Leafs are scheduled to make in the Motor City this year.

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RED WINGS MOURN THE PASSING OF EARL COOK

2011-09-18T11:17:00.000-04:00

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Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings mourn the passing of their friend and honorary coach, Earl Cook. Earl was an amazing 23-year-old young man who was diagnosed with Osteogenic Sarcoma on January 25, 2007. His journey has seen him battle through numerous rounds of chemotherapy, 9 surgeries, and learning to live with one leg. He became friends with Head Coach Mike Babcock and the Red Wings players over the past several seasons, serving as an inspiration to the team and everyone who heard his story.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Earl and his family,” says Babcock. “Earl had an unbelievable spirit that allowed him to battle through a long list of challenges that most of us are fortunate to never know. He served as a fantastic role model for myself and our team. He may have passed today, but with the way he lived his life, he never allowed this disease to beat him.”

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RED WINGS AND FOX SPORTS DETROIT ANNOUNCE 2011-12 BROADCAST SCHEDULE

2011-09-14T12:48:00.000-04:00

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Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings and FOX Sports Detroit today announced the 2011-12 Red Wings local television schedule.

FOX Sports Detroit (FSD) continues its award-winning production and carriage of Red Wings games by airing a total of 73 regular-season and pre-season contests with 61 games slated for FSD and 13 on FOX Sports Detroit Plus (FS PLUS). Additionally, FOX Sports Detroit will carry all non-exclusive games in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs if the Wings advance.

Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond return as the Wings TV on-air broadcast crew with former Red Wing and Hockey Hall of Famer Larry Murphy filling in for Redmond during select road games and serving as a between-the-benches reporter for home games. John Keating will serve as primary host of the RED WINGS LIVE pre-game shows which air 30 minutes prior to most game times. RED WINGS LIVE postgame follows most FSD telecasts with live reaction, analysis and game highlights.

Daniels is this year’s recipient of the Ty Tyson Excellence in Sports Broadcasting Award as presented by the Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association, and is the reigning Michigan Sportscaster of the Year from the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association. Meanwhile, Redmond is the 2011 recipient of the prestigious Foster Hewitt Memorial Award as presented by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, to be awarded Nov. 14 as part of the Hockey Hall of Fame ceremonies in Toronto.

All 82 regular-season games, all playoff contests and five preseason games will be carried live by 97.1 FM The Ticket with Ken Kal and Paul Woods providing the call of the games.

DETROIT RED WINGS

2011-12 PRESEASON

DATE DAY OPPONENT SITE TIME (ET) TV ^RADIO

Sept. 21 Wed. at Pittsburgh CONSOL Energy Center 7:00 AM 1270

22 Thur. at Philadelphia John Labatt Centre (London, ON) 7:00

23 Fri. PHILADELPHIA Joe Louis Arena 7:30 AM 1270

25 Sun. CHICAGO Joe Louis Arena *5:00 FSD

28 Wed. At Chicago United Center 8:30

30 Fri. TORONTO Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FSD AM 1270

Oct. 1 Sat. At Toronto Air

Canada

Centre 7:00 AM 1270

2 Sun. PITTSBURGH Joe Louis Arena *5:00 FSD

*-Time changed from originally released schedule.

2011-12 REGULAR SEASON

DATE DAY OPPONENT SITE TIME (ET) DET TV US TV CAN TV

Oct. 7 Fri. OTTAWA Joe Louis Arena 7:00 FSD

8 Sat. at Colorado Pepsi Center 9:00 FSD

13 Thur. VANCOUVER Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FSD

15 Sat. at Minnesota Xcel Energy Center 8:00 FSD

21 Fri. COLUMBUS Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FSD

22 Sat. at Washington Verizon Center 7:00 FSD NHLN

25 Tue. at Columbus Nationwide Arena 7:00 FSD

28 Fri. SAN JOSE Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FSD NHLN

29 Sat. at Minnesota Xcel Energy Center 8:00 FSD

Nov. 1 Tue. MINNESOTA Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FSD

3 Thur. CALGARY Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FSD

5 Sat. ANAHEIM Joe Louis Arena 7:00 FSD

8 Tue. COLORADO Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FSD

11 Fri. EDMONTON Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FSD

12 Sat. DALLAS Joe Louis Arena 7:00 FSD

15 Tue. at St. Louis Scottrade Center 8:00 FSD

17 Thur. at San Jose HP Pavilion 10:30 FSD

19 Sat. at Los Angeles Staples Center 4:00 FSD NHLN

20 Sun. at Anaheim Honda Center 8:00 FS Plus

23 Wed. CALGARY Joe Louis Arena 7:00 FSD TSN

25 Fri. at Boston TD Garden 1:00 NBC NBC

26 Sat. NASHVILLE Joe Louis Arena 7:00 FSD

30 Wed. TAMPA BAY Joe Louis Arena 7:30 VS VS

Dec. 2 Fri. at Buffalo HSBC Arena 7:30 FSD NHLN

4 Sun. at Colorado Pepsi Center 8:00 FS Plus

6 Tue. at St. Louis Scottrade Center *7:30 FSD VS

8 Thur. PHOENIX Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FSD

10 Sat. WINNIPEG Joe Louis Arena 7:00 FSD CBC

13 Tue. at Pittsburgh CONSOL Energy Center 7:00 FSD

15 Thur. at Nashville Bridgestone Arena 8:00 FSD

17 Sat. LOS ANGELES Joe Louis Arena 7:00 FSD NHLN

19 Mon. at Edmonton Rexall Place 9:30 FSD

21 Wed. at

Vancouver GM Place

10:00 FSD TSN

22 Thur. at Calgary Pengrowth Saddledome *9:30 FSD TSN

26 Mon. at Nashville Bridgestone Arena 8:00 FSD

27 Tue. ST. LOUIS Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FSD VS

30 Fri. at Chicago United Center 8:30 FS Plus

31 Sat. ST. LOUIS Joe Louis Arena 7:00 FSD

Jan. 3 Tue. at Dallas American Airlines Center *8:00 FSD VS

7 Sat. at Toronto Air Canada Centre 7:00 FSD NHLN CBC

8 Sun. at Chicago United Center 7:30 VS VS

10 Tue. at NY Islanders Nassau Coliseum 7:00 FSD

12 Thur. PHOENIX Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FSD

14 Sat. CHICAGO Joe Louis Arena 12:30 NBC NBC

16 Mon. BUFFALO Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FSD

17 Tue. at Dallas American Airlines Center 8:30 FSD

19 Thur. at Phoenix Jobing.com Arena 9:00 FSD

21 Sat. COLUMBUS Joe Louis Arena 7:00 FS Plus

23 Mon. ST. LOUIS Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FS Plus VS

25 Wed. at Montreal Bell Centre 7:30 VS VS TSN, RDS

ALL-STAR BREAK

31 Tue. at Calgary Pengrowth Saddledome 9:00 FS Plus

Feb. 2 Thur. at

Vancouver GM Place

10:00 FSD

4 Sat. at Edmonton Rexall Place 10:00 FSD CBC

6 Mon. at Phoenix Jobing.com Arena 8:00 VS VS

8 Wed. EDMONTON Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FS Plus TSN

10 Fri. ANAHEIM Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FSD NHLN

12 Sun. PHILADELPHIA Joe Louis Arena *7:30 #NBC/VS NBC/VS

14 Tue. DALLAS Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FS Plus

17 Fri. NASHVILLE Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FS Plus

19 Sun. SAN JOSE Joe Louis Arena 12:30 NBC NBC

21 Tue. at Chicago United Center *8:00 FSD VS

23 Thur. VANCOUVER Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FSD NHLN

25 Sat. COLORADO Joe Louis Arena 7:00 FSD

28 Tue. at Columbus Nationwide Arena 7:00 FS Plus

Mar. 2 Fri. MINNESOTA Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FSD

4 Sun. CHICAGO Joe Louis Arena 4:00 FSD NHLN

6 Tue. at Philadelphia Wells Fargo Center 7:00 FSD

9 Fri. LOS ANGELES Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FS Plus

10 Sat. at Nashville Bridgestone Arena 8:00 FSD

13 Tue. at Los Angeles Staples Center 10:30 FSD

14 Wed. at Anaheim Honda Center 10:00 FSD

17 Sat. at San Jose HP Pavilion 10:30 FSD

19 Mon. WASHINGTON Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FSD

21 Wed. at NY

Rangers Madison Square

Garden 7:30 VS VS

24 Sat. CAROLINA Joe Louis Arena 7:00 FS Plus

26 Mon. COLUMBUS Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FSD

28 Wed. at Columbus Nationwide Arena 7:30 VS VS

30 Fri. NASHVILLE Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FS Plus

Apr. 1 Sun. FLORIDA Joe Louis Arena 4:00 FSD

4 Wed. at St. Louis Scottrade Center 7:30 VS VS

5 Thur. NEW JERSEY Joe Louis Arena 7:30 FSD

7 Sat. CHICAGO Joe Louis Arena 4:00 #NBC/VS NBC/VS

*-Time changed from originally released schedule.

^-All Regular Season Games on 97.1 The Ticket

#-Game may be selected by NBC or VS two weeks prior.

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FINAL LINEUP FOR 2011 RED WINGS HOCKEYFEST ANNOUNCED

2011-09-09T15:03:00.000-04:00

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… Datsyuk and Franzen Added to Star-Studded Lineup Set

to Appear at Fun-Filled, JLA-Staged Event on Saturday …

Detroit, MI… The 2011 edition of Red Wings HockeyFest, co-presented by 97.1 The Ticket and Fox Sports Detroit, is set to take place at Joe Louis Arena on Saturday, September 10 (11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.), providing citizens of Hockeytown with an unforgettable day of fun, family-friendly activities as well as the chance to meet some of their all-time favorite players. A final list of past and present members of the Red Wings set to attend this much-anticipated event can be found below along with their designated appearance times:

RED WINGS 2011 HOCKEYFEST LINEUP (Active Players)

11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Justin Abdelkader

Todd Bertuzzi

Mike Commodore

Pavel Datsyuk

Patrick Eaves

Johan Franzen

Tomas Holmstrom

Nicklas Lidstrom

Drew Miller

Ian White

Henrik Zetterberg

2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Daniel Cleary

Ty Conklin

Jonathan Ericsson

Darren Helm

Jimmy Howard

Jakub Kindl

Niklas Kronwall

Jan Mursak

RED WINGS 2011 HOCKEYFEST LINEUP (Alumni)

Dino Ciccarelli & Nick Libett (11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Brent Fedyk & Eddie Mio (12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

*Manny Legace & *Jason Woolley (1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.)

Dennis Hextall (2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

*John Ogrodnick (3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

*Jason Woolley (4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.)

*Also taking part in Living Legends Q&A Session from 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

In addition to autograph and Q&A sessions, this year’s HockeyFest will feature several interactive fun zones, a tour of the Red Wings’ locker room, photo opportunities with Detroit’s 2008 Stanley Cup banner and the official JLA zamboni, a live DJ, a History of Hockeytown retrospective and contests/prizes galore.

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Former Red Wings Brad McCrimmon and Ruslan Salei Among Dead in KHL Plane Crash

2011-09-07T18:08:00.000-04:00

By AJ Petronzi
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What’s been dubbed the “Summer of Sorrow” in the NHL got a lot more tragic today when a plane carrying an entire KHL hockey team crashed minutes after takeoff killing 43 of the 45 people on board. The plane was full of former NHL players and prospects. The NHL had already lost three current players this summer.

Brad McCrimmon had a long career in the NHL but after three years as an assistant coach in Detroit, he left North America to realize his dream to be a head coach. Known in hockey as “beast,” McCrimmon was due to debut as a head coach when things were cut short by the plane crash. McCrimmon leaves behind a wife and two children.

Ruslan Salei bounced around the NHL the last five years, but provided Detroit with much more than they had asked for last season when injuries landed him on the second line. Salei began fighting for a spot on the third line after taking a couple weeks off for the birth of his third child in early March. After not getting offered a contract by Detroit, Salei returned to the KHL where his professional career began. Described by one source as the “Legendary Belarusian Defender,” the plane was due to land in Salei’s hometown before crashing. He leaves behind a wife and three children.

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AMWAY ANNOUNCED AS PRESENTING SPONSOR OF THE DETROIT RED WINGS

2011-09-01T11:11:00.000-04:00

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… Nutrilite named Official Vitamin of the 11-time Stanley Cup Champions …

DETROIT, MI… The Detroit Red Wings today announced Amway as the team’s Presenting Sponsor in a multi-year partnership that marks the first time in the 86-year history of the Red Wings franchise that the club will have a corporate partner in this category. The new agreement builds upon last season’s initial partnership which was highlighted by the AMWAY™ logo being featured on all Red Wings official practice jerseys and pucks.

“We’re elated to have Amway as the first Presenting Sponsor in Red Wings history,” says Olympia Entertainment President Tom Wilson. “The unique similarities between our two companies make this a natural alliance that will enhance all areas of our operations, including player nutrition, fan experience and our dedication to the community.”

This historic agreement between Amway and the Red Wings will include substantial in-arena branding initiatives, as well as an eclectic mix of innovative and interactive components designed to enhance the overall Hockeytown fan experience.

An important feature of the partnership is the inclusion of Amway’s Nutrilite^® brand as the Official Vitamin and Nutritional Supplement of the Red Wings. Nutrilite DOUBLE X®, Daily, and Concentrated Fruits & Vegetables supplements all have received certification by the NSF International, the leading product safety testing body for elite athletes. Nutrilite products have been in use by the team’s athletic training staff and the new agreement will allow the team to utilize an on-going nutritional testing program through the Nutrilite Health Institute’s Center for Optimal Health that identifies the vitamins and minerals that may optimize performance of each individual.

"The 50 year history and global success of Amway along with the elite status of the Red Wings organization are a considerable source of pride for Michiganders," says Steve Lieberman, Vice President and Managing Director for Amway North America. "Through our business opportunity, quality health and beauty products, and our Independent Business Owners, Amway inspires individuals to achieve their personal best. Likewise, the Red Wings embody excellence - from winning more Stanley Cup championships than any other US NHL franchise to making the playoffs for the last 20 years. The partnership between our two Michigan powerhouses is a natural fit and a winning match."

Thanks to the Amway presenting sponsorship, the traditional Red & White Game will be reinstated at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan in late September. In addition, Amway will present the Detroit Red Wings Facebook Fan of the Day and every live social media event put on by the team’s social media department, like official Tweetups. Citizens of Hockeytown who are awarded Facebook Fan of the Day will receive Amway’s products, including its Nutrilite Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements and Artistry Skincare and Cosmetics, as well as an official Red Wings practice puck.

Amway will also be presenting every upcoming Season Ticket Holder of the Game winner with a gift pack of Nutrilite and Artistry^® products and every member of the DRW Kids Club with a Nutrilite children’s vitamin package. Other promotional activity includes Amway distributing bobble-head dolls depicting veteran winger Johan Franzen to the first 7,500 fans in attendance at JLA for Detroit’s December 8 home game versus Phoenix.

Amway and the Red Wings will also partner in a cross-state initiative benefiting Detroit and Grand Rapids youth who participate in local Boys and Girls Clubs of America. The unique program will provide youth the opportunity to attend Red Wings games and practices.

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NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE UNVEILS 2011-12 NATIONAL TV SCHEDULE & MAJOR EVENT DATES

2011-08-18T14:34:00.000-04:00

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        NEW YORK (August 18, 2011) – The National Hockey League (NHL) announced today the television schedules for national partners NBC Sports, VERSUS, CBC, TSN, TSN2, RDS and NHL Network U.S. for the 2011-12 NHL regular-season.

       In the U.S., NBC Sports and VERSUS, which will be re-named NBC Sports Network effective Jan. 2, enter the first season of the landmark 10-year agreement between the NHL and NBC Sports Group announced in April. This marks the seventh consecutive season each network has been a national television partner. In Canada, CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada begins its 59^th regular-season of NHL^® broadcasts. TSN, whose relationship with the NHL dates back to 1987, continues as the national English-language cable partner. French-language telecast partner RDS has been televising NHL games since its inception in 1989 and enters its ninth consecutive season presenting every Montreal Canadiens game.
NBC Sports and VERSUS this season are offering hockey fans more coverage than ever. The schedule is highlighted by 100 regular-season games across NBC and VERSUS, which will be re-branded the NBC Sports Network on January 2. The coverage includes exclusive cable coverage on Wednesday nights, added games on Sunday nights including many exclusive nights, and live 30-minute pre- and post-game shows for every game on VERSUS. NHL Overtime also returns this season.
A new tradition will begin this year on NBC when the network starts its NHL broadcast coverage on Friday, November 25, the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S., with a 1 p.m. ET original-six match-up featuring the Bruins against the Detroit Red Wings in Boston. This will be the earliest in the season an NHL game has appeared on NBC in the past seven seasons.
CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada features a 109-game broadcast schedule (including pre-season games) for the 2011-12 season, including a total of 29 all-Canadian match-ups. The 2011-12 schedule features 22 Winnipeg Jets games, 28 Montreal Canadiens games, 26 Toronto Maple Leafs games, 20 Ottawa Senators games, 17 Vancouver Canucks games, 13 Edmonton Oilers games and 12 Calgary Flames games.
A total of 77 regular season games will air on TSN, with 73 games featuring at least one Canadian team. TSN retains English-language exclusivity of Wednesday Night Hockey with a total of 30 games including four double-headers. TSN also tees up the regular season with pre-season action featuring Canadian clubs. TSN2’s regular season schedule features an additional 74 exclusive live NHL games.

RDS will again telecast all 82 Montreal Canadiens games. The network also will televise a package of games featuring other NHL teams and full coverage of the NHL All-Star weekend.

NHL Network U.S. this season will televise 78 live games for its American audience, all in HD, focusing on Thursday nights and Saturdays, including some doubleheaders. The last two Stanley Cup champions, the Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks, will square off against each other on NHL Network U.S. Saturday, Oct. 15, at 8:30 p.m. ET and a special 4 p.m. ET game the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S. will feature the Rangers in Washington to face the Capitals. On Saturday evenings, NHL Network U.S. will again incorporate highly acclaimed CBC programming “Coaches Corner” and “Hotstove” into intermission content for American fans, and the network will have U.S. coverage of CBC’s Hockey Day In Canada on Feb. 11.
In addition, NHL Network’s signature show, NHL On The Fly™, returns across North America nightly providing highlights and analysis of every NHL game. As always, the network will bring NHL fans exclusive coverage from all of the NHL’s signature events. Information on the dates and times of the NHL Network live-game schedule for Canadian viewers will be released in the near future.
The 2011-12 NHL regular-season opens on Thursday, Oct. 6 – just 49 days from today – with NHL Face-Off.™ In both the U.S. and Canada, fans will be treated to a national doubleheader. On VERSUS, the Boston Bruins raise a Stanley Cup championship banner to the rafters of TD Garden for the first time since 1972 when they host the Philadelphia Flyers at 7 p.m. ET. CBC will open with the Toronto Maple Leafs hosting their long-time rivals, the Montreal Canadiens. Later that night, at 10 p.m. ET, both CBC and VERSUS will have live national coverage from Rogers Arena as the defending Western Conference champion Vancouver Canucks host the Pittsburgh Penguins.
This season, four NHL teams – the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers – will be playing regular-season games in three European capitals – Stockholm, Helsinki and Berlin – in 2011 Compuware NHL Premiere. VERSUS and TSN on Friday, Oct. 7, present the Kings and Rangers from Stockholm, while the Sabres and Ducks play in Helsinki on TSN2. On Saturday, VERSUS and TSN will televise the Ducks versus the Rangers from Stockholm, while TSN2 has the Kings and Sabres live from Berlin. This is the fifth-straight year the NHL will contest regular-season games overseas and the first NHL game ever in Germany.
NHL regular-season play returns to the city of Winnipeg on Sunday, Oct. 9 at 5 p.m. ET when the Jets host the Montreal Canadiens in the first NHL season and home opener in the Manitoba capital since 1995. CBC will have national coverage of the game in Canada, while NHL Network will bring the game to U.S. viewers.
The annual Hall of Fame Game will be played on Saturday, Nov. 12, when the Maple Leafs host the Ottawa Senators at 7 p.m. ET. CBC’s Hockey Night In Canada will once again provide full coverage of all of the festivities that evening. The Hall of Fame inductions are Monday, Nov. 14.
The NHL’s biggest stars gather in Ottawa when the Senators and the city of Ottawa host the 2012 National Hockey League All-Star Celebration with the NHL SuperSkills® on Saturday, January 28, and the 59th NHL All-Star Game on Sunday, January 29. The action from both nights will be covered live by CBC, RDS and NBC Sports Network, with celebrations and events in the city and around the region beginning Thursday, Jan. 26.
For the first time in the 12-year history of CBC’s Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada, the network will host the event from Prince Edward Island on Saturday, Feb. 11. All seven NHL teams based in Canada will be in action on CBC during the network’s day-long celebration of the sport.
NBC Sports this season presents “Hockey Day in America” on Sunday, Feb. 19, featuring six hours of coverage and eight teams from some of the most avid U.S. hockey markets. The coverage will start at noon ET with three regional games with staggered starts (Pittsburgh at Buffalo, San Jose at Detroit, St. Louis at Chicago) followed by a national broadcast of Boston at Minnesota at 3 p.m. ET.
In the 2010-11 season, the NHL and its television partners continued across-the-board growth while reaching new ratings and viewership records, including:
·        The highest average North American audience for a Stanley Cup Final in history across NBC, VERSUS, CBC and RDS.

·        The highest viewership for any NHL game ever on CBC (Stanley Cup Final Game 7) and the highest viewership in CBC history for the opening round of the playoffs.
·        The highest viewership for any NHL game on U.S. television in 38 years for NBC’s coverage of Stanley Cup Final Game 7.

·        The 2011 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic on NBC was the most-watched regular-season NHL game in the U.S. in 36 years.

·        TSN’s regular season viewership increased by eight percent.
·        VERSUS in 2010-11 televised the top two and four of the top five most-watched regular season NHL games in the network’s history.

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RED WINGS RENEW AFFILIATION AGREEMENT WITH ECHL’S TOLEDO WALLEYE FOR 2011-12

2011-08-16T13:39:00.000-04:00

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… Detroit Prospects Will Continue to Develop in Northwestern Ohio …

Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings today announced that the Toledo Walleye (ECHL) will remain the club’s official AA-level affiliate for the 2011-12 hockey season. The Walleye have served in this capacity since the team’s inaugural 2009-10 campaign.

“We’re very excited to have the Walleye back as part of our organization for the upcoming season,” says Red Wings Assistant General Manager Jim Nill. “Toledo’s been a great partner for us over the years and they’ve proven to be a strong ECHL franchise since reentering the league. We look forward to watching our prospects continue to develop in a city with a strong minor league hockey tradition.”

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RED WINGS FORWARD KRIS DRAPER RETIRES AFTER 20 NHL SEASONS

2011-07-26T11:25:00.007-04:00

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...Veteran Grinder was a Four-Time Stanley Cup Champion in Detroit…

Stanley Cup Parade downtown Detroit - Draper's 4th
Photo By Jack Rosenberg / In Play! Magazine

Detroit, MI... Kris Draper, a four-time Stanley Cup champion with the Detroit Red Wings in 1997, 1998, 2002 and 2008, announced today that he will retire from the National Hockey League after 20 seasons. Draper appeared in 1,157 regular-season games, 222 postseason contests (ninth all-time in NHL history) and made six trips to the Stanley Cup Final during his career.

Draper, 40, was originally a third-round pick (62^nd overall) of the Winnipeg Jets in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Jets on October 4, 1990, scoring his first career goal and picking up his first fighting major in a 7-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 5’11”, 190 lb. forward played 20 games for Winnipeg from 1990-91 through 1992-93 before the Jets traded him to Detroit on June 30, 1993 in exchange for future considerations.

May 8, 2008
Draper in the dressing room after a 4-1 win
over Dallas in the 2008 Stanley Cup WCF
Photo by Jack Rosenberg / In Play! Magazine

Draper would spend the next 17 seasons donning the winged wheel in the Motor City. He split time between Adirondack (AHL) and Detroit in 1993-94, but became a fixture in the Red Wings lineup during the second half of the season. Recognized for his speed and relentless effort, he played the pivot on what became known as the ‘Grind Line’ with Kirk Maltby, Darren McCarty and, early on, Joe Kocur. They formed one of the most revered lines in Red Wings history and played an integral role in helping Detroit end a 42-year drought by capturing the 1997 Stanley Cup with a sweep of the Philadelphia Flyers. The ‘Grind Line’ was at it again in 1998, checking the top lines of opponents, killing penalties and wearing down opposing defenses en route to Detroit’s second consecutive title with a four-game sweep of the Washington Capitals. Draper scored perhaps the biggest goal of his NHL career when he buried the game-winner at 4:36 of overtime in Game Two of the Stanley Cup Final against the Capitals that year. Draper, Maltby and McCarty join Nicklas Lidstrom and Tomas Holmstrom as the only players to hoist the Cup in each of Detroit’s last four championships.

The Toronto, Ontario, native was effective again in a supporting role as the talent-laden 2001-02 Red Wings marched through the regular-season and playoffs to claim the 10^th Stanley Cup in franchise history. Draper was one of three Red Wings to play in all 82 games that season and also suited up for all 23 postseason contests. A penalty killer extraordinaire and face-off specialist, Draper continually supplied the Red Wings with all of the intangibles necessary to produce championship caliber teams. This was a big reason he was named as an assistant captain prior to the 2006-07 season.

“Kris Draper has represented the Detroit Red Wings with nothing but class and dedication for the last 17 years,” said Red Wings general manager Ken Holland. “His extraordinary work ethic has provided a great example for all players within our organization and his influence on the young players in our system will be felt for years to come. I cannot thank Kris enough for all he has done for us. He is a true professional.”

Scott Oak interviews Draper live on HNIC May 10, 2008
after 2-1 win over Dallas in the Stanley Cup WCF
Photo by Jack Rosenberg / In Play! Magazine

Draper enjoyed the best statistical season of his career in 2003-04. He registered career-highs with 24 goals, 40 points and five shorthanded goals in just 67 games. Despite the jump in his offensive production, his defensive responsibilities never wavered and Draper was rewarded with the 2004 Selke Trophy as the NHL’s best defensive forward.

On February 2, 2009, Draper became just the 235^th player in NHL history to play in 1,000 career games when the Red Wings played host to the St. Louis Blues at Joe Louis Arena. Six weeks later on March 17 against Philadelphia, he became just the fifth player in team history to play 1,000 games in a Red Wings sweater, joining Gordie Howe, Alex Delvecchio, Steve Yzerman and Lidstrom. His postseason longevity is equally impressive. Draper never missed the playoffs in his 17 years with Detroit and appeared in 220 postseason games for the Red Wings, second in club history behind Lidstrom (258).

Draper also found success at the international level throughout his career. He represented his native

Canada

at numerous IIHF competitions including the World Junior Championships (1990-gold, 1991-gold), the World Championships (2003-gold, 2005-silver), the World Cup of Hockey (2004-gold) and the Olympic Winter Games (2006).

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RED WINGS SIGN FREE AGENT GOALIE TY CONKLIN TO ONE-YEAR CONTRACT

2011-07-20T10:36:00.000-04:00

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… Veteran Netminder has Appeared in 200 NHL Games …

Detroit, MI… Detroit Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland today announced that the club has signed free agent goaltender Ty Conklin to a one-year contract. In accordance with team policy, additional terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

Conklin previously tended goal for Detroit during the 2008-09 season, during which he went 25-11-2 with a 2.51 G.A.A. and a .909 SV%. In addition to his time with the Red Wings, Conklin has suited up for the St. Louis Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, Buffalo Sabres and Edmonton Oilers during his lengthy playing career. The 35-year-old native of Anchorage, Alaska has amassed a record of 91-61-4-16 in 200 total NHL appearances to go along with 16 shutouts, a 2.64 G.A.A. and a .908 SV%.

Prior to turning pro in 2001, Conklin spent three seasons with the University of New Hampshire (NCAA), winning 57 games in 93 appearances during his tenure with the Wildcats while registering a G.A.A of 2.17. The 6’0”, 184 lb. puck stopper was twice named a Hockey East First Team All-Star (2000, 2001) and was an NCAA East First Team All-American (2001) during his highly-successful collegiate career.

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RED WINGS GOALTENDER CHRIS OSGOOD RETIRES AFTER 17 NHL SEASONS

2011-07-19T12:07:00.002-04:00

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...Three-Time Stanley Cup Champion Finishes Career 10^th All-Time with 401 Wins…

Detroit, MI... Chris Osgood, a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Detroit Red Wings in 1997, 1998 and 2008, announced today that he will retire from the National Hockey League after 17 seasons. Osgood played in 744 career games with the Red Wings, New York Islanders and St. Louis Blues. He finishes his career 4^th all-time among NHL goaltenders with 15 postseason shutouts, 8^th all-time with 74 playoff wins and 10^th all-time with 401 regular-season wins.

Osgood, 38, was Detroit’s third-round selection (54^th overall) in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft. He played his first NHL game on October 15, 1993 at Toronto and earned his first career victory just 12 days later with a 23-save performance in an 8-3 win over the Los Angeles Kings. The Peace River, Alberta, native went on to play in 565 regular-season games over 14 seasons in Detroit, notching 317 wins and 39 shutouts in a Red Wings sweater, trailing only the legendary Terry Sawchuk in both categories (351 wins, 85 shutouts). He is Detroit’s all-time leader in postseason appearances by a goaltender (110), and holds the franchise records for playoff wins (67) and playoff shutouts (14).

Osgood enjoyed a breakout season in 1995-96, his third NHL campaign. The 5-10, 175 lb. netminder led the NHL with 39 wins and finished as the runner-up for the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s best goaltender (Jim Carey, Washington). He played in his first NHL All-Star Game on January 20 in Boston and later that year became just the second goaltender in NHL history to shoot and score a goal, tallying into an empty net at the 19:49 mark of the third period in a 4-2 win over the Hartford Whalers on March 6. He also won the 1996 William M. Jennings Trophy (with teammate Mike Vernon) allowing the fewest goals against in the NHL and was named a second team NHL All-Star.

After watching Vernon lead Detroit to the 1997 Stanley Cup title with a win over the Philadelphia Flyers, Osgood would get his first taste of postseason success as a starting goaltender in 1998 when he backstopped the Red Wings to their second consecutive championship, appearing in 22 postseason games and finishing with a 16-6 record, a 2.12 GAA and two shutouts. The Red Wings swept the Washington Capitals to lay claim to the ninth Stanley Cup in team history.

After eight seasons with the Red Wings, Osgood was placed on waivers following Detroit’s acquisition of goaltender Dominik Hasek from the Buffalo Sabres on July 1, 2001. He was claimed by the New York Islanders and went on to play 103 games in an Islanders uniform over two seasons, posting a 49-39-10 record and collecting six shutouts. On March 11, 2003 the Islanders moved Osgood to St. Louis in a trade deadline deal. He would play 76 games for the Blues, compiling a 35-28-10 record and five shutouts.

Osgood rejoined the Red Wings in the summer of 2005, signing with Detroit as a free-agent on August 8. He served two seasons as a backup upon his return, first to Manny Legace and then to Hasek, before leading the NHL with a 2.09 GAA in 2007-08 and being named the starting goaltender for the Western Conference at the 2008 NHL All-Star Game in Atlanta. He combined with Hasek to win his second William M. Jennings Trophy that year, but despite his stellar regular-season, Osgood once again found himself in the backup role when the 2008 playoffs began. He proved ready when called upon in Game 4 of Detroit’s first-round series against the Nashville Predators and with the series tied 2-2, was named the starter for a crucial Game 5 at Joe Louis Arena. Osgood helped Detroit string together nine consecutive victories and the crafty veteran would go on to post a 14-4 record, a sparkling 1.55 GAA and three shutouts over the course of the 2008 postseason. Detroit defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games in the Stanley Cup Final and Osgood captured the third title of his career.

After a subpar regular-season in 2008-09, Osgood would once again save his best for last, leading Detroit to within a game of the Stanley Cup as the Red Wings dropped a rematch with the Penguins in seven games. He finished the 2009 postseason with a 15-8 record, 2.01 GAA and two shutouts.

Last season, Osgood became the 10^th goaltender in NHL history to record 400 wins with an acrobatic 46-save performance in a 4-3 OT win over the Colorado Avalanche in Denver. He would play in what proved to be his final NHL game on January 4, 2011, making 22 saves in a 5-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place.

Osgood will remain with the Red Wings organization in a yet to be named position within the team’s front office. In his new role, Osgood will be responsible for the development of young goaltenders within Detroit’s system, as well as scouting netminders throughout the professional, junior and college ranks.

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RED WINGS PLAY-BY-PLAY ANNOUNCER KEN DANIELS WINS DSBA'S TY TYSON AWARD

2011-07-12T09:08:00.000-04:00

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The Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association (DSBA) is pleased to announce today the winner of its special individual award.

Ken Daniels, play-by-play voice of the Detroit Red Wings on Fox Sports Detroit is the winner of the Ty Tyson Award for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting for work in the sports year 2010-2011.

'We are so honored that Ken Daniels has won this year's Ty Tyson Award,' said DSBA President Will Tieman. 'Ken has demonstrated outstanding play-by-play professionalism not only this past season but throughout his long and distinguished career.'

Added George Eichorn, DSBA Executive Director: 'Ken's award is well-deserved. He has successfully guided the work of so many professionals in our business. The DSBA congratulates him.'
Previous Ty Tyson Award winners are:

•2009-10 - Frank Beckmann/U-M Football & WJR
•2008 - Dan Dickerson/Tigers
•2007 - Ken Kal/Red Wings
•2006 - Jim Brandstatter, Lions/U-M Football
•2005 - Budd Lynch, Red Wings Hockey
•2004 - Mark Champion, Lions Football
•2003 - Ray Lane, Tigers/Lions/Red Wings/Big Ten
•2002 - George Blaha, Pistons/MSU Football
•2001 - Ernie Harwell, Tigers Baseball
•2000 - Josh Lewin, Tigers Baseball

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RED WINGS AND GOALTENDER JOEY MACDONALD AGREE TO TERMS ON TWO-YEAR DEAL

2011-07-11T11:10:00.000-04:00

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...Veteran Netminder Has Played in 87 Career NHL Games…

Detroit, MI... Detroit Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Ken Holland announced today the club has agreed to terms with goaltender Joey MacDonald on a two-year contract. In accordance with team policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

MacDonald, 31, appeared in 15 games for Detroit last season, posting a 5-5-3 record with a career-best 2.58 GAA and a .917 SV%. He notched his second career shutout with a sparkling 37-save performance in a 2-0 win at Columbus on March 17. A backup to both Jimmy Howard and Chris Osgood in 2010-11, MacDonald made 74 saves on 76 shots (.974 SV%) in six relief appearances for the Red Wings. He also played in 20 games for the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) last season, finishing with a 10-9-1 record, 2.78 GAA and .894 SV%.

MacDonald was originally signed as a free agent by Detroit on December 21, 2001. The Pictou, Nova Scotia, native has appeared in 87 career NHL games with the Red Wings (23), Boston Bruins (7), New York Islanders (51) and Toronto Maple Leafs (6). He holds several Grand Rapids team records including most career wins (98), most career shutouts (17) and best SV% in a single season (.936 in 2003-04). MacDonald and fellow Griffin netminder, Marc Lamothe, won the Harry “Hap” Holmes Memorial Trophy in 2002-03 allowing the fewest goals against in the AHL that season.

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RED WINGS PROSPECTS TO SCRIMMAGE IN TRAVERSE CITY

2011-07-09T14:42:00.000-04:00

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… Team Lidstrom and Team Zetterberg Square Off on Sunday Afternoon at 3:00 p.m. …

Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings today announced that the itinerary for Day 4 (Sunday, July 10) of the team’s Development Camp in Traverse City, Mich. will now include a scrimmage pitting Team Lidstrom against Team Zetterberg. Sunday’s intrasquad battle featuring several veteran Red Wings prospects as well as recent draft picks and free agent camp invitees will begin at 3:00 p.m. at Centre Ice Arena. Fans wishing to attend the match are able to purchase tickets for $5 apiece at the rink’s main entrance. Tomorrow’s morning practices (8:30 – 11:30 a.m.) are also open to the public. The rosters for the two teams of Red Wings Development Camp attendees set to hit the ice on Sunday can be found below:

TEAM LIDSTROM

Goalies: Thomas McCollum, Tyson Teichmann

Defensemen: Brendan Smith, Adam Almqvist, Danny Dekeyser, Max Nicastro, Richard Nedomlel, Ryan Sproul, Brad Walch

Forwards: Brent Raedeke, Gustav Nyquist, Trevor Parkes, Willie Coetzee, Landon Ferraro, Nick Oslund, Adam Estoclet, Dean Chelios, Julian Cayer, Casey Fraser

TEAM ZETTERBERG

Goalies: Petr Mrazek, Evan Mosher

Defensemen: Brian Lashoff, Sebastien Piche, Travis Ehrhardt, Nick Jensen, Brian Rufenbach, Xavier Ouellet, Artem Sergeev, Jake Chelios

Forwards: Tomas Jurco, Louis-Marc Aubry, Mitch Callahan, Travis Novak, Brooks Macek, Alan Quine, Marek Tvrdon, Philippe Hudon, Zach Franko, Jesse Fraser

The Red Wings’ 2011 Prospect Development Camp will continue next week with on/off-ice sessions taking place in Traverse City Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (8:30 – 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.). This year’s camp wraps up on Thursday, July 14 with another intrasquad scrimmage as well as a skills competition (8:30 – 10:00 a.m.). More information on Traverse City’s Centre Ice Arena can be obtained by visiting http://www.centreice.org/.

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RED WINGS NAME NEW COACHING STAFF

2011-07-08T15:08:00.000-04:00

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BILL PETERS AND JEFF BLASHILL

…Highly-Experienced Coaches Each Sign Three-Year Contracts…

Detroit, MI… Detroit Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland announced today that the team has hired Bill Peters and Jeff Blashill as Assistant Coaches. Both gentlemen have signed three-year contracts. As per club policy, no further details on either of these deals will be disclosed.

“To succeed in the National Hockey League, you constantly have to try and stay ahead of your opponents’ systems and strategies,” said Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock. “In looking to fill our coaching staff, I wanted successful and innovative coaches that would challenge us with new ideas in order to continually help the Red Wings become a better hockey team. I’m very happy to welcome Jeff Blashill and Bill Peters to the Red Wings coaching staff.”

Peters, 46, spent the past three seasons as the Head Coach of the Rockford IceHogs (AHL) where he amassed a record of 122-97-7-14 in addition to a pair of Calder Cup Playoff appearances. Prior to his tenure with the IceHogs, Peters led the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs to the 2008 Memorial Cup title as champions of the Canadian Hockey League in the final season of his second stint with the team. Peters also was a member of Babcock’s staff in Spokane in the late 1990’s prior to coaching the University of Lethbridge Hurricanes (CIS) for three seasons. The Three Hills, Alberta, native also has impressive international credentials, having served as Head Coach of the Gold Medal-winning Team Canada at the 2008 U-18 Junior World Cup.

Blashill, 37, spent the 2010-11 season behind the bench at Western Michigan University where he led the Broncos to their first berth in the CCHA Championship Game since 1986 after turning in a 19-13-10 regular season record and defeating the top-ranked University of Michigan Wolverines 5-2 in the tournament semifinals at Joe Louis Arena. For his efforts, Blashill was a finalist for the CCHA Coach of the Year Award and was named National Coach of the Year by College Hockey News, USCHO.com and Inside College Hockey. The Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, native has previously served as Head Coach and General Manager of the USHL’s Indiana Ice, with whom he captured a Clark Cup title as league champions in 2009. Prior to his two-year stint with the Ice, Blashill served as an Assistant Coach at Miami University from 2002-08 and at Ferris State, his alma mater, from 1998-2002. The former goaltender and father of three has been a member of Team USA’s coaching staff three times – at the 2009 World Junior ‘A’ Challenge, the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championships and the 2006 U-18 Junior World Cup.

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RED WINGS CHRIS CONNER TO ONE-YEAR CONTRACT

2011-07-07T10:56:00.000-04:00

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… Former Michigan Tech Star and Westland Native has Skated

in 139 Career NHL Games with Pittsburgh and Dallas …

Detroit, MI… Detroit Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland today announced that the club has signed free agent forward Chris Conner to a one-year contract. In accordance with team policy, additional terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

Conner has registered 16G-24A-40P in 139 career NHL games as a member of the Dallas Stars and Pittsburgh Penguins. The 27-year-old native of Westland, Mich. originally began his professional hockey career in 2006 with the Iowa Stars (AHL) after spending four seasons with the Michigan Tech Huskies (WCHA) during which he tallied 69G-60A-129P in 151 games played. Conner has recorded 72G-102A-174P in 218 appearances at the AHL level with Iowa, Peoria and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

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RED WINGS SIGN D-MEN LOGAN PYETT AND GARNET EXELBY TO ONE-YEAR CONTRACTS

2011-07-05T20:32:00.000-04:00

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… Both Players Skated in the American Hockey League Last Season …

Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings today announced that defensemen Logan Pyett and Garnet Exelby have both signed one-year contracts with the team. As per club policy, no further details on either of these deals will be disclosed.

Pyett, 23, has spent the past three seasons with the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) where he has tallied 21G-45A-66P-91PIM in 215 games played. Originally selected by Detroit in the seventh round (212^th overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Pyett helped Team Canada win Gold at the 2008 IIHF World Junior Championships in the midst of a highly-successful major junior career during which he registered 273GP-49G-137A-186P-294PIM for his hometown Regina Pats. In his final season with the Pats (2007-08), the 5’10”, 200-lb. rearguard was named a Canadian Hockey League Second Team All-Star after leading Regina to a WHL East Division title while scoring 20 goals and dishing out 34 assists to finish with 54 points in addition to a +24 rating in 62 appearances.

Exelby, 29, brings over 600 games worth of professional hockey experience to the Red Wings organization, having previously played for the Atlanta Thrashers (NHL) and Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) as well as the Chicago Wolves (AHL) and Rockford IceHogs (AHL). The 6’1”, 215-lb. blue-liner was selected by the Thrashers in the seventh round (217^th overall) of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft and has gone on to register 7G-43A-50P-584PIM in 408 career NHL games. A native of Ste. Anne, Manitoba, Exelby spent the 2010-11 campaign with the IceHogs where he recorded 77GP-3G-10A-13P-128PIM to go along with a rating of +7.

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Red Wings Sign Mike Commodore, Defense Still In Shambles

2011-07-01T16:16:00.000-04:00

By AJ Petronzi
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Detroit Red Wings fans should be concerned about the Wing’s defense this coming season. With five defenseman under contract, only three Wings defenseman should be trusted.

It appears that Ken Holland spent most of his free agency day retaining his own free agents. Detroit quickly signed Jonathan Ericsson and Patrick Eaves for three years each, then followed up by retaining Drew Miller for another two years. But the big news is that the Wings have signed Mike Commodore to add more to their defensive core.

With one defensive slot still open, will Detroit decide to find a real replacement for Brian Rafalski or continue to put their hopes on games of chance. Jonathan Ericsson is seeing roughly a two million dollar raise, so is Holland’s hope that Ericsson steps up and becomes a top four defenseman? I hope not. Is the right hand shooting Commodore Rafalski’s replacement? That’d be an even larger nightmare. Let’s hope Holland still has some tricks up his sleeve, because the only way Detroit’s going to find a true top four defenseman at this point is through a trade.

Biggest Winner: The rest of the Central Division. The Wing’s defense has gotten a little bigger, a little grittier and a lot cheaper but they’ll have to hope Jimmy Howard has a great year, because he’s not going to get much help from the defense this year.

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There's a New Wing in Town and His Name is...

2011-07-01T15:47:00.000-04:00

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RED WINGS AND DEFENSEMAN MIKE COMMODORE

AGREE TO TERMS ON A ONE-YEAR DEAL

...Veteran Blue-liner Captured Stanley Cup with Carolina in 2006…

Detroit, MI... Detroit Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland announced today that the club has signed defenseman Mike Commodore to a one-year contract. In accordance with team policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Commodore, 31, was originally a second-round pick (#42 overall) of the New Jersey Devils in the 1999 National Hockey League Entry Draft. He spent the past three seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets, splitting time in 2010-11 between Columbus (20 games) and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Springfield Falcons (11 games). The Fort Saskatchewan, AB, native has played in 454 career games for the Devils, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes and Blue Jackets during his 10-year NHL career. Commodore’s career totals include 23 goals, 81 assists, 104 points and 645 penalty minutes. The 6-4, 225-lb. defenseman has also appeared in 53 career postseason games. He went to his first Stanley Cup Final as a member of the Calgary Flames in 2004. The Flames lost in seven games to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Commodore would return to the Final again in 2006 and helped the Carolina Hurricanes capture hockey’s ultimate prize with a seven-game series win over the Edmonton Oilers.

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Red Wings Withdrawal Contract Offer for Jaromir Jagr

2011-07-01T13:07:00.000-04:00

By AJ Petronzi
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Jaromir Jagr’s return to the NHL won’t be in either Pittsburgh or Detroit, the early front runners, as both teams have withdrawn the offers they’d made to the 39 year old earlier in the week.

The Red Wing’s withdrawal leaves one question, “Was no one interested in a trade for Jiri Hudler?” Although there’s been no talk about this, it’s an obvious reality that signing Jagr would have forced the Wings to cut ties with a top six wing. Valtteri Filppula is too valuable as a center, so he wouldn’t be an option. That left Hudler, meaning parting with one Czech for another. But if no one was interested in taking on Hudler, who proved more of a liability last season than an asset with his 2.5 million dollar price tag, he would have been too costly to buy out. So Jagr will not lace up in the D this season.

Biggest Possible Winner: Kris Draper. Draper’s future has been in limbo ever since Ken Holland announced the Wings were interested in Jagr. But now that the Wings aren’t interested, could Draper’s name be next on the Wings draft day signing sheet

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Red Wings Signing Deals and Takin' Names

2011-07-01T12:31:00.003-04:00

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RED WINGS AND FORWARD PATRICK EAVES

AGREE TO TERMS ON THREE-YEAR DEAL

...Veteran Grinder to Remain in Hockeytown Through 2013-14…

Detroit... Detroit Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland today announced the club has agreed to terms with forward Patrick Eaves on a three-year contract. In accordance with team policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Eaves, 27, was originally a first round pick (29^th overall) of the Ottawa Senators in the 2003 National Hockey League Entry Draft. He spent his first four NHL campaigns playing for the Senators and Carolina Hurricanes before signing with Detroit for the start of the 2009-10 season. In two seasons with the Red Wings, he has appeared in 128 games, registering 25 goals and 17 assists for 42 points, and has become an integral part of Detroit’s penalty-killing unit. In 370 career NHL games, Eaves has 70 goals and 62 assists for 132 points.

Eaves was a finalist for the 2005 Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the top player in college hockey. He played three seasons with the Boston College Eagles of Hockey East from 2002-03 through 2004-05.

RED WINGS AND DEFENSEMAN JONATHAN ERICSSON

AGREE TO TERMS ON THREE-YEAR DEAL

...New Contract Keeps Swedish Blue-liner in Detroit Through 2013-14 Season…

Detroit, MI... Detroit Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland announced today that the club has agreed to terms with defenseman Jonathan Ericsson on a three-year contract. In accordance with team policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Ericsson, 27, appeared in a career-high 74 games for the Red Wings last season, finishing with a career-best 15 points (3-12-15) and leading the team with 87 PIM. He also tied for the team lead with three fighting majors. Ericsson has played in 163 career NHL games, registering nine goals and 24 assists for 33 points and 150 PIM. In 45 postseason contests with Detroit, he has 13 points (5-8-13) and 37 PIM.

“Jonathan Ericsson has made significant strides with us over the last three years,” said Holland. “We believe in his abilities, we like the physical dimension that he brings to our team and we look for his continued progression as a player over the next few seasons as he enters into the prime of his career.”

Ericsson was Detroit’s ninth-round selection in the 2002 National Hockey League Entry Draft. He was the final player chosen at 291^st overall. The Karlskrona, Sweden, native began his North American professional career with the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2006-07. He spent nearly two full seasons in Grand Rapids before making his NHL debut with the Red Wings on February 22, 2008, at Calgary. He returned to Grand Rapids for 40 games the following season, before being recalled permanently by Detroit in 2009. Ericsson appeared in the final 19 games for the Red Wings that season, registering four points (1-3-4) and 15 PIM. His strong play continued into the 2009 postseason as he scored the game-winning goal in his playoff debut on April 16 vs. Columbus. The 6-4, 220-pound rearguard appeared in 22 of 23 postseason games during Detroit’s run to the 2009 Stanley Cup Final, missing only one game in the Western Conference Finals vs. Chicago due to an emergency appendectomy. Following the 2008-09 season, Ericsson was named the winner of the Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association Rookie of the Year Award.

RED WINGS SIGN DREW MILLER

TO TWO-YEAR CONTRACT

… Former Michigan State Spartan Appeared

in 67 Games with Detroit last Season …

Detroit, MI… Detroit Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland today announced that the club has agreed to terms with veteran forward Drew Miller on a two-year contract. In accordance with team policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Miller skated in 67 games for the Red Wings last season, matching a career-high by netting 10 goals while dishing out 8 assists to finish the 2010-11 campaign with 18 points, 11 of which (6G-5A) were registered in his 18 intradivisional contests. The 27-year-old native of Dover, N.J., also led all Detroit forwards in blocked shots last season with 58.

Originally selected by Anaheim in the sixth round (186^th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Miller has recorded 26G-26A-52P-48PIM in 200 career games as a member of the Ducks, Lightning and Red Wings. Detroit acquired the 6’2”, 170-lb. right winger’s rights on a waiver wire claim from Tampa Bay on November 11, 2009. Prior to commencing his professional hockey career, Miller starred with the Michigan State Spartans for three seasons (2003-06), tallying 39G-47A-86P-18PIM in 125 total CCHA appearances. The Spartans named Miller their team M.V.P. upon the conclusion of his final collegiate season of 2005-06.

RED WINGS AND DEFENSEMAN IAN WHITE

AGREE TO TERMS ON A TWO-YEAR DEAL

Detroit, MI... Detroit Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland announced today that the club has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with defenseman Ian White. In accordance with team policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

White, 27, was originally a sixth round-round pick (#191 overall) of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2002 National Hockey League Entry Draft. He spent two seasons in the Western Hockey League and three in the American Hockey League before making his NHL debut with Toronto in the 2005-06 season. He was acquired by Calgary prior to the 2010 trade deadline, was traded to Carolina in November of 2010 and traded again prior to the 2011 trade deadline to San Jose where he spent the past two seasons.

The Steinbach, Manitoba native has played in 401 regular season NHL games and saw his first Stanley Cup Playoff action in 2011 with San Jose. White appeared in 17 playoff contests this year, tallying nine points on one goal and eight assists. His firs career playoff goal came against the Red Wings in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

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HHOF ANNOUNCES 2011 INDUCTEES - HOWE, KILLER, THE EAGLE AND NIEUWENDYK

2011-06-28T15:50:00.000-04:00

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TORONTO (June 28, 2011) – Bill Hay, Chairman and CEO of the Hockey Hall of

Fame, Jim Gregory and Pat Quinn, Co-Chairmen of the Hockey Hall of Fame’s

Selection Committee, announced today Ed Belfour, Doug Gilmour, Mark Howe

and Joe Nieuwendyk have been elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in the

Player Category. The vote took place today at the annual meeting of the

Selection Committee in Toronto.

“The Hockey Hall of Fame is proud to welcome these four hockey legends as

Honoured Members,” said Jim Gregory. “Their contributions to the game of

hockey are well documented and their election to the Hockey Hall of Fame is

richly deserved.”

Ed Belfour, a native of Carmen, Manitoba, played on five NHL teams from the

1988 to 2007 seasons, winning the Stanley cup in 1999 as a member of the

Dallas Stars. A two-time Vezina trophy winner, he also won a gold medal at

the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

“It is hard to put into words what this means to me,” said Belfour. “I

would like to thank all of my teammates and people along the way who helped

me achieve my hockey dreams.”

Doug Gilmour was born in Kingston, Ontario and played Junior hockey nearby

as a member of the Cornwall Royals, winning a Memorial Cup in 1981. Doug

played 20 years in the NHL, winning a Stanley Cup with the Calgary Flames

in 1989.

“This is an overwhelming honour and one that makes me reflect back on the

teammates and coaches I have had over years,” said Gilmour. “Larry Mavety,

who gave me a chance in Tier II hockey and Gord Wood who drafted me into

Junior at Cornwall, are two people who were instrumental in helping me

establish myself as a player”.

Mark Howe played his Junior hockey in Toronto before turning professional

with the Houston Aeros in 1973. He stayed in the WHA until the merger with

the NHL, playing with the Hartford Whalers, the Philadelphia Flyers and

Detroit Red Wings before retiring in 1995.

“I was elated to have this dream come true given that it is a tremendous

honour just to have my name mentioned with the upper echelon of hockey,”

said Howe. “To actually have my name in the Hall of Fame with my Dad will

mean so much to my family.”

Joe Nieuwendyk played three seasons at Cornell University before turning

professional with the Calgary Flames, winning Rookie of the Year in 1988.

Joe went on to win the Stanley Cup with Calgary the following season and

twice more – with Dallas in 1999 and New Jersey in 2003.

“Every player does their best year after year and strives to play at a very

high level,” said Nieuwendyk. “I truly love the game and love to compete,

and I’m pleased to be honoured by the Hockey Hall of Fame.”

The 2011 Induction Celebration will be held on Monday, November 14th at the

Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. For more information regarding the 2011

Induction Weekend/Celebration, visit http://www.hhof.com.

Established in 1943, the Hockey Hall of Fame’s (“HHOF”) mandate is to

recognize and honour the achievements of players, builders and officials

who bring special distinction to the game of hockey, and to collect,

preserve, research and exhibit objects, images and resource materials

connected with the game as it is played in Canada and throughout the world.

As a non-profit corporation and a registered charity under the Income Tax

Act, HHOF owns and operates a museum and place of entertainment offering

state-of-the-art exhibits, multimedia presentations and educational

programming from its premises at Brookfield Place, Toronto, Canada.

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RED WINGS COMPLETE 2011-12 SCHEDULE

2011-06-23T14:39:00.000-04:00

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… 24 Home Games on Friday, Saturday or Sunday …
… Six “Bobblehead Thursdays” Feature Wings Stars Including Datsyuk and Lidstrom …

Detroit, MI…The Detroit Red Wings today announced their 2011-12 schedule that includes
one of the most fan-friendly lineups for fans throughout Hockeytown to come see the Wings play at Joe Louis Arena, as a total of 24 home games are slated for Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

The regular season begins with a fantastic October lineup that starts on opening night with an
Eastern Conference battle vs. the Ottawa Senators and their new head coach, former Wings
assistant Paul MacLean. The exciting October schedule also includes the first of six “Bobblehead Thursdays” at The Joe when 2011 Stanley Cup finalist Vancouver comes to town on October 13

Highlights throughout the remainder of the season include the return of Red Wings legend Steve Yzerman when Detroit plays host to Tampa Bay on November 30

DETROIT RED WINGS
2011-12 PRESEASON
DATE DAY OPPONENT SITE TIME (ET)
September
22 Thur. at Philadelphia John Labatt Centre (London, ON) 7:00
23 Fri. PHILADELPHIA Joe Louis Arena 7:30
25 Sun. CHICAGO Joe Louis Arena *5:00
28 Wed. At Chicago United Center 8:30
30 Fri. TORONTO Joe Louis Arena 7:30
21 Wed. at Pittsburgh CONSOL Energy Center 7:00

October
2 Sun. PITTSBURGH Joe Louis Arena *5:00
*-Time changed to 5:00 pm from originally released preseason schedule.

1 Sat. At Toronto Air Canada Centre 7:00
2011-12 REGULAR SEASON
DATE DAY OPPONENT SITE TIME (ET)

October
8 Sat. at Colorado Pepsi Center 9:00
13 Thur. VANCOUVER Joe Louis Arena 7:30
15 Sat. at Minnesota Xcel Energy Center 8:00
21 Fri. COLUMBUS Joe Louis Arena 7:30
22 Sat. at Washington Verizon Center 7:00
25 Tue. at Columbus Nationwide Arena 7:00
28 Fri. SAN JOSE Joe Louis Arena 7:30
29 Sat. at Minnesota Xcel Energy Center 8:00

7 Fri. OTTAWA Joe Louis Arena 7:00
November
3 Thur. CALGARY Joe Louis Arena 7:30
5 Sat. ANAHEIM Joe Louis Arena 7:00
8 Tue. COLORADO Joe Louis Arena 7:30
11 Fri. EDMONTON Joe Louis Arena 7:30
12 Sat. DALLAS Joe Louis Arena 7:00
15 Tue. at St. Louis Scottrade Center 8:00
17 Thur. at San Jose HP Pavilion 10:30
19 Sat. at Los Angeles Staples Center 4:00
20 Sun. at Anaheim Honda Center 8:00
23 Wed. CALGARY Joe Louis Arena 7:00
25 Fri. at Boston TD Garden 1:00
26 Sat. NASHVILLE Joe Louis Arena 7:00
30 Wed. TAMPA BAY Joe Louis Arena 7:30

1 Tue. MINNESOTA Joe Louis Arena 7:30
December
4 Sun. at Colorado Pepsi Center 8:00
6 Tue. at St. Louis Scottrade Center 8:00
8 Thur. PHOENIX Joe Louis Arena 7:30
10 Sat. WINNIPEG Joe Louis Arena 7:00
13 Tue. at Pittsburgh CONSOL Energy Center 7:00
15 Thur. at Nashville Bridgestone Arena 8:00
17 Sat. LOS ANGELES Joe Louis Arena 7:00
19 Mon. at Edmonton Rexall Place 9:30
21 Wed. at Vancouver GM Place 10:00
22 Thur. at Calgary Pengrowth Saddledome 9:00
26 Mon. at Nashville Bridgestone Arena 8:00
27 Tue. ST. LOUIS Joe Louis Arena 7:30
30 Fri. at Chicago United Center 8:30
31 Sat. ST. LOUIS Joe Louis Arena 7:00
2 Fri. at Buffalo HSBC Arena 7:30

January
7 Sat. at Toronto Air Canada Centre 7:00
8 Sun. at Chicago United Center 7:30
10 Tue. at New York Islanders Nassau Coliseum 7:00
12 Thur. PHOENIX Joe Louis Arena 7:30
14 Sat. CHICAGO Joe Louis Arena 12:30
16 Mon. BUFFALO Joe Louis Arena 7:30
17 Tue. at Dallas American Airlines Center 8:30
19 Thur. at Phoenix Jobing.com Arena 9:00
21 Sat. COLUMBUS Joe Louis Arena 7:00
23 Mon. ST. LOUIS Joe Louis Arena 7:30
25 Wed. at Montreal Bell Centre 7:30
ALL-STAR BREAK
31 Tue. at Calgary Pengrowth Saddledome 9:00
3 Tue. at Dallas American Airlines Center 8:30

February
4 Sat. at Edmonton Rexall Place 10:00
6 Mon. at Phoenix Jobing.com Arena 8:00
8 Wed. EDMONTON Joe Louis Arena 7:30
10 Fri. ANAHEIM Joe Louis Arena 7:30
12 Sun. PHILADELPHIA Joe Louis Arena 4:00
14 Tue. DALLAS Joe Louis Arena 7:30
17 Fri. NASHVILLE Joe Louis Arena 7:30
19 Sun. SAN JOSE Joe Louis Arena 12:30
21 Tue. at Chicago United Center 8:30
23 Thur. VANCOUVER Joe Louis Arena 7:30
25 Sat. COLORADO Joe Louis Arena 7:00
28 Tue. at Columbus Nationwide Arena 7:00
2 Thur. at Vancouver GM Place 10:00

March
4 Sun. CHICAGO Joe Louis Arena 4:00
6 Tue. at Philadelphia Wells Fargo Center 7:00
9 Fri. LOS ANGELES Joe Louis Arena 7:30
10 Sat. at Nashville Bridgestone Arena 8:00
13 Tue. at Los Angeles Staples Center 10:30
14 Wed. at Anaheim Honda Center 10:00
17 Sat. at San Jose HP Pavilion 10:30
19 Mon. WASHINGTON Joe Louis Arena 7:30
21 Wed. at New York Rangers Madison Square Garden 7:30
24 Sat. CAROLINA Joe Louis Arena 7:00
26 Mon. COLUMBUS Joe Louis Arena 7:30
28 Wed. at Columbus Nationwide Arena 7:30
30 Fri. NASHVILLE Joe Louis Arena 7:30
2 Fri. MINNESOTA Joe Louis Arena 7:30

April
4 Wed. at St. Louis Scottrade Center 7:30
5 Thur. NEW JERSEY Joe Louis Arena 7:30
7 Sat. CHICAGO Joe Louis Arena 4:00

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1 Sun. FLORIDA Joe Louis Arena 4:00 th, the Wings’ traditional New Year’s Eve game vs. the St. Louis Blues, a January visit by former Michigan State goaltender Ryan Miller and the Buffalo Sabres, and a matchup of two of the best Russian-born NHL products in March when Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals visit Pavel Datsyuk and the Wings. th.

Lidstrom Second Only to Bobby Orr

2011-06-23T10:01:00.000-04:00

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Nicklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings has won his seventh career James Norris Memorial Trophy, awarded to the defenseman demonstrating "the greatest all-around ability in the position," as selected by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association.

Lidstrom edged Shea Weber of the Nashville Predators 736-727 in the closest race for first place since 1996, when Chicago's Chris Chelios finished five points ahead of Boston's Ray Bourque, 408-403. With Lidstrom, Weber and third-place Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins receiving similar first-place vote totals (Lidstrom 35, Weber 32, Chara 33) and the trio separated by just 48 points, this marks the tightest three-way race for the Norris Trophy since its introduction in 1954.

Lidstrom’s 19th NHL season was one of his most productive, ranking second among NHL defensemen in scoring with 62 points (16 goals, 46 assists) in 82 games. He tied for fourth place among League defensemen in goals, was third in assists and tied for sixth in power-play goals (six). The 41-year-old Red Wings captain, who yesterday announced he will return to Detroit for a 20^th season in 2011-12, led the Central Division champions in ice time by averaging 23:28 per contest.

The 41-year-old Vasteras,

Sweden

native is the third defenseman in League history with as many as seven Norris Trophy wins, joining Hockey Hall of Fame members Bobby Orr (eight) and Doug Harvey (seven).

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