Detroit Red Wings training camp prior to the 2020-21 season has been relocated from Traverse City to Little Caesars Arena.
The club announced Monday the cancellation of the 20202 NHL Prospects Tournament and Training Camp Gold Classic held annually in Traverse City. The club said both events, as well as training camp, will return to Traverse City in 2021.
The NHL, paused since March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic, has not yet determined when training camps will open for the 2020-21 season.
“The health and safety of our fans, players and staff is our top concern,” Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said in a statement. “Based on discussions with local health experts, we have decided to hold our 2020-21 training camp at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. We look forward to returning to Traverse City next year. The Traverse City community is extremely hospitable to our organization, and Centre I.C.E. Arena is an ideal location for us to hold our events each September.”
The Red Wings have held training camp in Traverse City every year since 1997, with the exception of the canceled season in 2004-05 and the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season.
“We support the Red Wings’ decision to hold their 2020-21 training camp in Detroit,” Tom Rodes, Centre I.C.E. director of Detroit Red Wings Events in Traverse City, said in a release. “We’re able to hold these events thanks to the tireless efforts of hundreds of volunteers who prepare for months to create a memorable experience for thousands of fans across Traverse City and northern Michigan, players and staff from the Red Wings, and personnel from organizations throughout the NHL. Changes to our training camp events were made with their health in mind, and we eagerly await the return of these events to Traverse City in 2021.”
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