Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Red Wings concluded their 2025 Training Camp with the annual Red & White Game at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids on Sunday. The event drew a sold-out crowd, reflecting strong support from fans across Michigan.

Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin commented on the atmosphere, saying, “An unbelievable atmosphere. I’m not surprised knowing the hockey fans here in Grand Rapids, and I’m sure there’s people that drove from all over the west side of the state or all over the state to come and watch and cheer us on and show some support today. That was really special and something I’ll always remember.”

The team split its roster into Team White and Team Red for an intrasquad scrimmage consisting of two periods followed by a simulated shootout. Assistant coach Alex Tanguay emphasized the importance of this environment for player development: “In the summertime, the players play summer hockey. There’s no stopping or that motion, so once you get in games you get in tight spaces and get your feeling back. It’s important for our players to get their legs back and get bumped a few times to know what it feels like again. The playing is very important.”

Team White secured a 3-2 win with goals from Elmer Soderblom (two) and Alex DeBrincat, while Jonatan Berggren and Emmitt Finnie scored for Team Red. Amadeus Lombardi clinched victory for Team White during a seven-round shootout.

Reflecting on the game, Larkin said, “We’ve been going at each other for four days now, somewhat the same teams and lineups. We’re ready. It got a little physical there, and I think it’s good for our group to do that. I’d like to hit someone else now and play against someone else. I’d like to play with Patrick [Kane], Alex and Marco [Kasper] instead of against them.”

Soderblom noted his appreciation for fan turnout: “It was really fun. It was really fun to see all the fans here. A full crowd. It was unbelievable.”

Tanguay also highlighted how Training Camp has helped set expectations ahead of the new season: “I thought that playing every day raised their competitive juices a little bit,” he said. “For the most part, it was a very competitive camp. We’ve asked guys to give us their best. Show us why you need to be in the NHL. Leave a calling card, and some guys have... But I think for the most part, the first four days have been very successful.”

Among those making an impression is Emmitt Finnie, who has skated alongside Larkin and Lucas Raymond during camp sessions after being selected as a seventh-round pick in 2023.

“He probably, more than some of the guys, he’s brought his best aspect forward,” Tanguay said about Finnie. “He’s a good skater and puck retriever... We put him on a good line, and he showed he was able to retrieve pucks and drive the pace with his speed and size.”

As preseason games approach—beginning Tuesday—the coaching staff expects continued progress leading up to Opening Night on October 9.

“This is [head coach Todd McLellan’s] team now, so he’s set his priorities and the tone for Training Camp,” Tanguay said. “It’s been good to have our whole staff together for most of the summer... There are some real expectations for us and for our group to grow... It’s still very early... but guys have been enthusiastic, and we’ve liked the response that we’ve gotten so far.”