Hockey has the power and potential to bring people together – to create positive and enduring change for kids, for communities and for our state. Established during the 2018-19 season, Hockeytown Cares is a proud cornerstone of the Red Wings organization. In partnership with fans, stakeholders and colleagues, the team actively promotes personal and interactive engagement focused on community outreach, impact, and youth development. 3
A MESSAGE FROM CHRISTOPHER ILITCH Detroit is a sports town – through and through. Our fans’ passion, pride, and • Red Wings fans showed their admiration, appreciation, and generosity during commitment to their teams and communities is unrivaled. In line with that Military Appreciation Night, helping assemble 300 welcome packages for homeless spirit, Hockeytown Cares brings people together to inspire change, uplift veterans served by Volunteers of America. towns and cities, and engage youth in transformative ways. With a bright start and an even brighter future, Hockeytown Cares harnesses the Launched during the 2018-2019 season, and with tremendous support from fans, power and potential of communities, inspires meaningful change, and empowers stakeholders, players, and personnel, this community-driven outreach initiative young futures. It’s committed to equality and inclusion, youth development and has touched countless lives – backed in part by more than $2 million in combined education, health and wellness, and building a better tomorrow for Michiganders community support. Rooted firmly in the principles of volunteerism and giving of all ages and backgrounds. back, the impact has been measurable and inspiring. Of particular note: On behalf of the entire organization, I am forever grateful for your time, passion, • Real-world applications of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and commitment. As we look forward to the new year, I invite you to look back at concepts and career opportunities within the sport of hockey were brought to life some of the remarkable moments and memories you helped create last season. for more than 16,000 students across Michigan through the Detroit Red Wings Future Goals – Hockey Scholar™ program. Sincerely, • Through local Hockey Fights Cancer efforts, the Red Wings helped raise over CHRISTOPHER ILITCH $31,000 for American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program – resulting in President and CEO, Ilitch Holdings, Inc. more than 2,300 rides to and from treatment for metro Detroit cancer patients. Governor, Detroit Red Wings 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS pg. 7 SEASON IN REVIEW pg. pg. 9 23 YOUTH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH THIS COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT IS INTERACTIVE! CLICK ON HIGHLIGHTED IMAGES AND TEXT THROUGHOUT THE REPORT TO VIEW ADDITIONAL PHOTOS, VIDEOS AND MORE.
pg. 39 DETROIT RED WINGS FOUNDATION pg. 50 HOW TO REACH US
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50K+ 1,400+ Youth Impacted Organizations Impacted 42K+ $2 Million+ Hours in the Community Combined Community Support 8
Youth Development The Detroit Red Wings provide unique opportunities for young people that are designed for development and fun. Harnessing the power of hockey to support our community, the Red Wings interacted with more than 50,000 CHILDREN during the 2018-19 season, enriching the next generation of Red Wings players and fans.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Education TAKE A RED WING TO SCHOOL On February 27, 2019, Red Wings forward Luke Witkowski visited Pierce Elementary School in Birmingham, Michigan and Emerson Elementary School in Fraser, Michigan for National Coney Island’s Take a Red Wing to School contest. More than 900 students from Michigan entered to win the experience. At each winning school, Witkowski spent time speaking about the importance of education, as well as delivering Red Wings merchandise and signing autographs for each student. 11
RED WINGS FOR READING 212 For the seventh consecutive season, Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader joined Michigan Schools Education Savings Program to present the Red Wings for Reading program, which Participated encourages elementary school students to read for fun outside the classroom. 4,000+ Students who participated officially became members of Abby’s All-Stars, accumulating more than 4,000 minutes of reading at 212 schools in 2018-19. A select number of the All- Minutes Read Stars received the experience of a lifetime when they were personally invited by Abdelkader to enjoy a Red Wings home game and meet him afterward. 12
ROAD & BICYCLE SAFETY PROGRAM 600+ For the second year, the Red Wings and Chevrolet teamed up to present the Road & Bicycle Bikes, Helmets, Locks Safety Program to second-grade students across Detroit Public Schools Community District. Six elementary schools received in-depth multi-week curricula focused on teaching and Bells Donated students how to ride a bicycle safely. In addition to educational elements, each school received demonstration bicycles, safety equipment and bike racks to enhance learning opportunities. On May 22, 2019, more than 500 second-grade students were surprised with brand-new bicycles, helmets, locks and bells at Little Caesars Arena, in conjunction with a donation to the Detroit Public Schools Foundation. More than 160 volunteers from the Red Wings and Chevrolet supported this effort to encourage an active lifestyle. 13
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT “This course helped me learn things I never knew about math, science and even hockey!” -Student from Brandon Middle School Ortonville, MI 15
FUTURE GOALS - HOCKEY SCHOLARTM AND $30K STEM DAY AT LITTLE CAESARS ARENA Donated for STEM Throughout the 2018-19 school year, more than 16,000 students across Michigan participated Technology Equipment in the Red Wings Future Goals – Hockey Scholar™ program. Created in 2014 by the NHL and NHLPA to spark elementary and middle school student interests in Science, Technology, 16K+ Engineering and Math (STEM), Future Goals – Hockey Scholar™ uses the sport of hockey to provide real-world applications of both STEM concepts and career opportunities. Students Enrolled in Future Goals - Hockey ScholarTM In Detroit, more than 150 students and educators from Detroit Public Schools Community District experienced STEM Day at Little Caesars Arena. Presented by Chevrolet, STEM Day celebrated and rewarded students for their participation in the Future Goals – Hockey Scholar™ program. On behalf of Chevrolet, the Red Wings donated $30,000 to the Detroit Public Schools Foundation to purchase STEM technology equipment for schools. 16
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT DETROIT RED WINGS SCHOOL ASSEMBLY PROGRAM 31K+ For the ninth consecutive season, the Red Wings School Assembly Program introduced the sport Students Impacted of hockey to more than 31,000 students across 81 elementary schools. Partnering with Michigan Education Savings Program and Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, the School Assembly Program also encourages students to live a healthy and active lifestyle and educates students on saving money for college and the importance of respecting each other. Since 2010, the high-energy School Assembly Program team has delivered its message to nearly 900 schools, reaching more than 419,000 students. In addition to the valuable lessons, each school received two full sets of Red Wings-branded floor hockey equipment and every student receives an educational Red Wings folder, information for parents on college savings strategies and a healthy eating cookbook. 17
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Hockey Pathways The Red Wings and Hockeytown have long been synonymous with the standard for developing talented hockey players. The Red Wings are proud to serve as a catalyst when it comes to igniting the next generation’s passion for the sport. Through programs both on and off the ice, the Red Wings are continually developing pathways for children across Michigan to experience the game. 19
LITTLE WINGS LEARN TO PLAY PROGRAM During the 2018-19 season, the Little Wings Learn to Play program provided more than 450 children ages 5-8 with six one-hour sessions of on-ice instruction and a full set of Little Wings-branded hockey equipment for an affordable cost. Little Wings training sessions were held at Brownstown Sports Center, Dearborn Ice Skating Center, East Side Hockey Foundation Ice Arena, Farmington Hills Ice Arena, Grand Oak Ice Arena, Mount Clemens Ice Arena, Novi Ice Arena, Petoskey Ice Arena, St. Clair Shores Civic Arena, Troy Sports Center and Westland Mike Modano Ice Arena. Established with assistance from USA Hockey and Hockey Canada experts, the Learn to Play program strives to be the gold standard for youth hockey programs with the goal to inspire more families to join the hockey community. 20
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT DETROIT RED WINGS YOUTH HOCKEY CAMP The annual Red Wings Youth Hockey Camp was held for the first time at Little Caesars Arena on August 1-3, 2018, giving more than 250 aspiring hockey players ages 6-12 the opportunity to receive instruction from Red Wings players and prospects Luke Witkowski, Dylan Larkin, Vili Saarijarvi and Lane Zablocki. Additionally, Four-time Stanley Cup champion and current Red Wings Pro Scout Kirk Maltby, Red Wings Goaltending Coach Jeff Salajko and Red Wings Assistant Coach/Video Adam Nightingale supported the camp. 21
STREET HOCKEY SUMMER TOUR From July 16, 2018 through August 8, 2018, the Red Wings and Meijer presented the 3rd annual Street Hockey Summer Tour, which provided free hockey clinics for children ages 7-12 in Meijer parking lots throughout Michigan. Nearly 500 children participated in eight cities across the state including Chesterfield, Grand Rapids and Muskegon. THE SALVATION ARMY STRIVE FLOOR HOCKEY PROGRAM In collaboration with the Red Wings, Salvation Army’s STRIVE (Student Training for Integrity, Vitality and Education) Floor Hockey Program returned in April 2019 to teach the basics of the sport of hockey, team building skills and positive sportsmanship behavior. More than 70 children and 20 coaches participated at Salvation Army recreation centers in Dearborn Heights, Pontiac, Warren, Westland and Wyandotte. 3232
Community Outreach The Detroit Red Wings remain steadfast in our commitment to strategically investing in Michigan communities. At the heart of our work, we’re creating opportunities to better the outlook for others. Through thousands of hours of support from fans, teammates and colleagues, the Red Wings were pleased to represent more than $2.2 MILLION in combined support for our community during the 2018-19 season.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH Hockey Is For Everyone The Detroit Red Wings believe Hockey is for Everyone. On the ice, in the stands and in the locker room, hockey welcomes all. Throughout the year, the Red Wings celebrate equality and inclusion within the sport of hockey with a variety of events and programs. During the 2018-19 season, the team and its partners donated more than $22,000 in equipment, tickets and services to support Hockey is for Everyone related causes. 25
HOCKEY IS FOR EVERYONE NIGHT $22K The Red Wings hosted Hockey is for Everyone Night at Little Caesars Arena on February 17, 2019 to Donated to Hockey Is celebrate inclusion and equality in partnership with Michigan Warriors, Special Olympics, Affirmations, For Everyone Initiative Trenton Hockey Association and the Michigan Women’s Senior League. This annual celebration provides an opportunity to share how the game of hockey continues to grow for all. MOTOR CITY PRIDE PARADE On June 9, 2019, more than 50 members of the Red Wings organization, as well as family members and friends, joined together to walk in support of the LGBTQ+ community during Detroit’s annual Motor City Pride Parade.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH Hockey Is For Everyone SOUTHWEST DETROIT’S CLARK PARK ICE RINK Located in one of southwest Detroit’s vibrant Hispanic neighborhoods, Clark Park serves as a community anchor surrounded by historic homes, schools and local shops. For decades, the outdoor ice rink at Clark Park has provided thousands of children and families the opportunity to experience ice skating and the sport of hockey. On February 25, 2019, Trevor Daley surprised members of the Clark Park Bears when he dropped into one of their evening practice sessions. Daley spent time mentoring each of the young athletes who aspire to play in the NHL one day, just like him. 27
WARRIOR EQUIPMENT DONATION TO ANN ARBOR ROCKETS Warrior Hockey kicked off the 2018-19 Hockey is for Everyone season efforts on October 25, 2018 by donating more than $12,000 in brand-new equipment to the Ann Arbor Rockets, a special hockey organization based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. During the event, nine Red Wings players shared in the surprise and joined the special hockey athletes on the ice as they tried out their new Warrior Hockey equipment. CELEBRATING WOMEN IN SPORTS BLACK HOCKEY HISTORY IN DETROIT The Detroit Red Wings have a storied history of female leadership dating back to During Black History Month, the Red Wings celebrated with an the beginning of the franchise in 1926. Today, more than 100 women comprise the extensive exhibit highlighting historic black players and fans who business and hockey operations for the Red Wings and Olympia Entertainment. have shaped the franchise.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH Hockeytown Cares Community Tour From September 9-11, 2018, the Hockeytown Cares Community $15K+ Tour, presented by ITC Holdings, expanded from a one-day event to multiple visits across Michigan. Red Wings players, Community prospects and front office staff visited with fans of all ages leading Donations up to the annual NHL Prospect Tournament and Training Camp in Traverse City. Benefiting each community, the Red Wings and ITC donated more than $15,000 to Great Lakes Burn Camp, Playworks, Reining Liberty Ranch and Special Olympics Michigan during the Community Tour. 29
LITTLE CAESARS HOCKEY JOINS RED WINGS PROSPECTS LEARN FROM THE TOUR FIRE & POLICE Red Wings alumnus Dallas Drake and Little Caesars For the first time, Red Wings prospects became part of the annual Community Amateur Hockey League’s Traverse City North Stars spent an afternoon supporting Reigning Liberty Ranch, Tour during a visit to experience a day in the life of the Grand Traverse Fire & a nonprofit offering community-based programs to serve Veterans, their families and other disabled and Police departments. at-risk individuals, as a stop on the Community Tour. SPECIAL OLYMPICS POLY HOCKEY SUPPORT More than 20 poly hockey athletes and guests from Special Olympics Michigan were surprised with a donation from former Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland and Assistant General Manager Ryan Martin during the NHL Prospect Tournament. 30
COMMUNITY OUTREACH 31
Hockey Fights Cancer The Detroit Red Wings teamed up with American Cancer Society and 2,300 Comerica Bank to present the annual Hockey Fights Cancer Night at Little Caesars Arena on November 13, 2018. More than 100 cancer Rides To and patients, survivors and caretakers were invited for an unforgettable VIP From Treatment experience before taking in the game from the Michigan First Gondola. Through various in-arena and online fundraisers, Red Wings fans helped raise more than $31,000 for the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program, providing approximately 2,300 rides to and from treatment facilities for metro Detroit cancer patients. 32
COMMUNITY OUTREACH Lady Wings in the Community The Lady Wings are a group of wives and significant others of Red Wings players, coaches and front office staff which volunteer to participate in charitable functions and community service projects throughout metro Detroit. During the 2018-19 season, the Lady Wings provided support to a variety of organizations, including American Cancer Society, the Children’s Center, Humble Design, Ronald McDonald House, and Volunteers of America Michigan. For Humble Design, Kristy Daley, Devon Helm, Ashley Greasley (Tyler Bertuzzi), Kennedy Braun (Martin Frk), Melissa DeKeyser, Cissi Franzen, and Mary Beth Bylsma contributed 45 hours and thousands of dollars to provide a fully furnished home for a Detroit family in need. 125 Hours in the Community 33
Red Wings Players & Coach Outreach Red Wings players and coaches dedicated nearly 3,200 hours during the 2018-19 season toward supporting organizations and individuals across Michigan. Coach Jeff Blashill, as well as every player on the Red Wings roster, has volunteered to personally align with charitable endeavors that enrich the community every day. Through game day ticket programs, meet & greets and personal fundraising, the Red Wings are committed to helping our fans thrive. BLASH’S Coach Jeff Blashill meets and Niklas Kronwall Darren Helm hosts a youth hockey player with a medical BADGES hosts a Michigan police officer hosted a family with condition and his/her guests at every Red Wings home and his/her family at every an autistic child at game, selected through Michigan Amateur Hockey Red Wings home game. each Red Wings Association, Little Caesars Amateur Hockey League, home game selected MORC Stars and FAR Flyers. through Autism Alliance of Michigan. Luke Glendening meets and Mike Green hosts a child with Johan Franzen hosted a Special Olympics hosts a child and his/her family Cystic Fibrosis and their guest Michigan athlete and his/her guest at that is currently receiving at every Red Wings home game, each Red Wings home game. treatment at C.S. Mott Children’s selected from the Michigan Hospital at each Red Wings chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis home game. Foundation. 34
COMMUNITY OUTREACH Holiday Outreach $14,550 Raised for the STRIVE Floor Hockey Program 200+ Toys and electronics donated to Children’s Hospital of Michigan 35
RED WINGS FOR RED KETTLES CAMPAIGN Coach Jeff Blashill and former Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland joined Mike Green, Luke Witkowski, Michael Rasmussen, Dennis Cholowski, Darren Helm and Justin Abdelkader on December 7, 2018 during a friendly competition to raise more than $14,000 in just two hours for The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. Since 2005, the Red Wings have raised more than $175,000 to locally benefit The Salvation Army. Funds raised during Red Wings for Red Kettles specifically support The Salvation Army’s STRIVE floor hockey program, bringing hockey opportunities to children across metro Detroit. HOMETOWN HOLIDAY ASSIST Red Wings players, colleagues, members of the Lady Wings, and Meijer once again offered the perfect holiday surprise for members of Michigan’s hockey community on December 3, 2018. After youth hockey players from the Trenton Hockey Association joined the Red Wings to select gifts for the Children’s Hospital of Michigan’s SNOWPILE program, the children were surprised with their own Meijer shopping spree and brand-new hockey equipment. ANNUAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL HOLIDAY VISIT On December 13, 2018, Coach Jeff Blashill and the entire Red Wings team delivered more than 200 toys selected during the Hometown Holiday Assist to Children’s Hospital of Michigan. The team spent their afternoon bringing cheer to patients and families at the hospital as part of the annual holiday visit. 18
COMMUNITY OUTREACH Military Appreciation The Red Wings’ annual celebration of our local heroes continued throughout the 2018-19 season at Little Caesars Arena as more than 150 service members were honored at home games as part of the Military Welcome presented by BELFOR Property Restoration. On January 15, 2019, during the 10th annual Military Appreciation Night, presented by BELFOR, more than 100 active and former military members enjoyed the game on behalf of the Red Wings and BELFOR. Teaming up with Volunteers of America Michigan (VOAM), the Red Wings contributed more than $16,000 and 300 welcome packages, assembled by fans to strengthen VOAM’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families program. 37
Community Events During the 2018-19 season, the Red Wings and our partners hosted a variety of community events to provide opportunities for fans to interact with their favorite team. Whether participating in yoga within the Chevrolet Plaza, learning the sport of curling in the BELFOR Training Center during Winterfest or ice skating for the first time at Little Caesars Arena, the goal of each community event is to bring our fans closer together.
Detroit Red Wings Foundation During the 2018-19 season, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation proudly assisted more than 50 ORGANIZATIONS across the state of Michigan. Through impactful programming and unique fundraising efforts, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation remains committed in our mission to support the growth of hockey.
Toast of Hockeytown The Detroit Red Wings Foundation’s 19th annual Toast of Hockeytown returned to Little Caesars Arena on February 5, 2019. This event serves as the Foundation’s premier fundraiser each season, providing fans with access to mingle with the entire Red Wings roster during an extravagant party, raising significant funds to support the growth of hockey. Live music from Persuasion coupled with food, beer, wine and cocktails from local establishments made Toast of Hockeytown a must-attend party in 2019. 41
$1 MillionRAISEDOVER SINCE 2013 42
50/50 Raffle $600K+ The Detroit Red Wings Foundation 50/50 Raffle, presented by Michigan First Credit Amount Raised Union, provides nonprofit organizations an opportunity to fundraise by selling raffle tickets during Red Wings games at Little Caesars Arena. After each raffle, one lucky fan wins 50 percent of the proceeds, while a portion of the remaining proceeds benefits the partner charity, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation and Little Caesars Amateur Hockey League. During the 2018-19 season, the 50/50 Raffle raised more than $600,000 for charitable causes in Michigan. 43
Justin Abdelkader Trevor Daley Luke Glendening Nick Jensen Gustav Nyquist Detroit Public Schools Foundation Matthews Memorial Hospital Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan’s Disabled American Autism Speaks Michigan Foundation Michigan Veterans Andreas Athanasiou Danny DeKeyser Mike Green Niklas Kronwall Michael Rasmussen Karmanos Cancer Institute Michigan Blind Athletic Association Children’s Hospital of Michigan Autism Alliance of Michigan Michigan Humane Society Jonathan Bernier Christoffer Ehn Darren Helm Dylan Larkin Thomas Vanek Children’s Hospital of Michigan Detroit Red Wings Foundation American Special Hockey Special Olympics Michigan Detroit Red Wings Foundation Association Tyler Bertuzzi Jonathan Ericsson Joe Hicketts Anthony Mantha Luke Witkowski Gleaner’s Community Food Bank Detroit Zoological Society Juvenile Diabetes Research Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Detroit Red Wings Foundation Foundation Foundation Dennis Cholowski Martin Frk Jimmy Howard Frans Nielsen Jacob de la Rose Alzheimer’s Association - Coalition on Temporary Arthritis Foundation Make-A-Wish Michigan Michigan Humane Society Greater Michigan Chapter Shelter Autographs for a Cause The Red Wings Autographs for a Cause program supports charitable organizations close to the hearts of Red Wings players, in partnership with the Detroit Red Wings Foundation. Through this program fans are invited to send hockey cards, photos and/or pucks for Red Wings players to autograph in exchange for a donation to benefit the player’s charity of choice. During the 2018-19 season, Autographs for a Cause raised more than $28,000 for player-supported charities.
DETROIT RED WINGS FOUNDATION MotorCity Casino Hotel’s Annual Red Wings Charity Poker Tournament On November 7, 2018, fans went head to head with Red Wings players and alumni at MotorCity Casino Hotel’s annual Red Wings Charity Poker Tournament, benefiting the Detroit Red Wings Foundation. The 108 participants joined 12 current and former Red Wings players for a silent auction and strolling dinner reception at MotorCity Casino Hotel before taking their shot at the $5,000 grand prize in the Texas Hold ‘Em tournament. 45
Red Wings Wish Club $39K+ The Detroit Red Wings Foundation once again partnered with The Children’s Foundation to offer the Red Wings Raised to Support Wish Club at Little Caesars Arena. For a monetary donation, fans had their birthday, anniversary, graduation Children wish or marriage proposal displayed on the world’s largest seamless center-hung video board. During the 2018-19 season, 200 fan messages were displayed on the video board, raising more than $35,950 for the Detroit Red Wings Foundation and The Children’s Foundation to support enhancing the lives of children across Michigan. 46
DETROIT RED WINGS FOUNDATION Detroit Red Wings License Plate The Detroit Red Wings Foundation hosted Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, as well as representatives from the Detroit Lions, Pistons and Tigers at Little Caesars Arena on April 16, 2019 to officially unveil professional sports team fundraising license plates for Michigan motorists. For the first time, Detroit Red Wings fans across Michigan can now proudly display the Winged Wheel on their vehicle with proceeds benefiting the Detroit Red Wings Foundation. To secure your Red Wings license plate, visit DetroitRedWings.com/LicensePlate. 47
Paint the Ice Event 355 Building on the success of the first-ever Paint the Ice event at Little Caesars Arena, the Detroit Attendees Red Wings Foundation hosted the widely popular event again on April 26, 2019. By making a small donation to benefit the Detroit Red Wings Foundation, more than 350 fans of all ages received a chance to paint their personal message on a section of the ice, as well as experience a variety of other behind-the-scenes opportunities such as the team bench and penalty boxes. 48
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