Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Red Wings recently organized several community initiatives in Traverse City, Michigan, coinciding with their 2025 Training Camp. The activities began with a ball hockey clinic at Traverse Heights Elementary School, where Assistant General Manager and Director of Amateur Scouting Kris Draper joined colleagues from Ilitch Sports + Entertainment to introduce about 75 students to the basics of hockey.

Draper commented on the growing connection between the team and the local community. “The support that the Detroit Red Wings have all throughout the state and country is incredible,” Draper said. “It’s an Original Six team that, to me, has the greatest fans that there are in hockey. Obviously, I am biased and have no problem saying that. To be able to come up here and see the passion and emotion that they have for the Detroit Red Wings is very cool.”

As part of this event, the Red Wings donated several sets of ball hockey equipment to Traverse Heights Elementary School.

Fans attended the first Training Camp practice of the year at Centre ICE Arena, including Special Olympics Poly Hockey athletes who later participated in a skills clinic led by Red Wings players, Gallagher volunteers, and IS+E staff.

Detroit captain Dylan Larkin spoke about what these events mean for him and others involved: “It just means a lot,” Larkin said. “To see the joy, community and sportsmanship, that’s really what it’s all about. I love sports. It’s one of my biggest passions, and it should be accessible for everyone.”

Additionally, as part of their Centennial season celebrations, the Red Wings launched a Community Rink Refurbishment Program with support from Meijer. This initiative will provide funding to rinks across Michigan for upgrades and youth equipment purchases through grant requests.

Centre ICE Arena was named as the first recipient among five arenas selected for grants under this program.

IS+E Chief Commercial Officer Chris Coffman highlighted why supporting local rinks is important: “Without the rinks, we don’t have what the National Hockey League is,” Coffman said. “It all starts in the communities when kids are young. We want to make sure they have the ability to compete and can fall in love with the sport, and really bring that to life. Meijer is critical in helping us do that. The program is really, really cool.”