The Detroit Red Wings have concluded training camp and before heading out to Boston for their first pre-season game against the Bruins at TD Garden, the team took its first skate at the practice facility at Little Caesars Arena.
Needless to say, the team impressed with their new surroundings.
“Awesome arena,” goaltender Petr Mrazek reported. “The practice rink is amazing. We had a chance to have a couple practices before the camp so we saw the dressing room, we saw all the different stuff. It’s very cool.
“You have the big arena and the practice facility next to each other, big fitness room where all the trainers are. It’s something different from Joe Louis but very nice. Everything is great. Start with the hot tub, cold tub, the treadmill underwater, the gym, the dressing room. Everything is new and exciting.”
The 25,000 square foot locker room includes amenities such as a kitchen, lounge, hydrotherapy area, and workout area.
Head coach Jeff Blashill echoed Mrazek’s sentiments.
“That was a huge thing that I think the Ilitch family made sure of, to have the practice rink right there, just to eliminate so much wear and tear, especially with a building like this, which will be booked constantly, whether it’s the Pistons or shows, and things like that,” Blashill said.
Forward Dylan Larkin was also impressed with his new surroundings, and compared it to a luxurious hotel.
“Pretty cool having our practice rink right there, connected to our locker room,” Larkin said. “Just being around here, having everything here – it is a special place for sure.
“There are still some things being finished up, but it is amazing. We are pretty lucky to have this. It’s like we’re at the Ritz Carlton.”
Red Wings vs. Bruins, 7:00 PM
The Red Wings kick off the pre-season tonight in Boston, though there will be no local television or radio coverage. Most of Detroit’s regulars will be absent tonight, though Dylan Larkin, Anthony Mantha, and newcomer P.A. Parenteau will skate on the top line.
Forwards:
Anthony Mantha-Dylan Larkin-P.A. Parenteau
Tyler Bertuzzi-Riley Sheahan-Luke Glendening
Turner Elson-Michael Rasmussen-Martin Frk
Dominic Shine-Dominic Turgeon-Luke Witkowski
Zach Nastasiuk (extra)
Defense:
Dennis Cholowski-Dylan McIlrath
Libor Sulak-Nick Jensen
Brian Lashoff-Vile Saarijarvi
Pat McCarron (extra)
Goalies:
Petr Mrazek (starting, playing half the game)
Jared Coreau (playing second half of game)
