Red Wings’ Traverse City Rookie Tourney Set for Sept. 14-17

Red Wings fans may not have to wait a couple of years to see prize young Detroit center Marco Kasper facing off against Columbus Blues Jackets elite prospect center Adam Fantilli.

The Blue Jackets will be one of the team competing against the Red Wings in the 24th NHL Prospect Tournament at Traverse City’s Centre Ice Arena from Sept. 14-17. The Dallas Stars and Toronto Maple Leafs are the other teams competing in the event that is popular with local fans. Fantilli played last season at the University of Michigan.

According to the Red Wings, 756 players who have played in this tournament have gone on to play at least one NHL game.

The Blue Jackets could also bring standout young defenseman David Jiricek who was ranked ahead of Detroit’s top defensive prospect Simon Edvinsson who is still recovering from offseason surgery.  The Stars’ general manager is Jim Nill who is was Ken Holland’s right-hand man in Detroit for many years before landing the Stars’ job.

The prospect tournament had as many as eight teams at one point, and had five last season. But other teams have started to host tournaments and the Detroit tournament has downsized.

Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman also announced Monday that the team’s training camp will be from Sept. 21-25 in Traverse City. Training camp and the preseason will determine if players, such as Kasper and Edvinsson, have a chance to play in Detroit. Edvinsson’s medical situation will also be a factor.

Tickets on Sale

The prospects tournament will be followed by the team’s Training Camp Golf Classic at the Traverse City Golf Club on Sept. 20. Golfers will have lunch before being paired with a Red Wings player, coach, or member of management.

After golf, which begins at 1:30 p.m., participants may attend a VIP reception. That will include silent and live auctions that include memorabilia and vacation packages.