The Detroit Red Wings did not send a press release out to the general media members regarding the cancellation of both the annual celebrity golf tournament at the Grand Traverse Resort, as well as the team’s training camp alumni game (which usually pits the alumni against a team of police and fire officers who represent the “Guns and Hoses”)…
But the Traverse City Record-Eagle’s Andrew Rosenthal offers a strong hint as to why the events were canceled–and it has something to do with the NHL’s understandably strict coronavirus protocols:
The Detroit Red Wings cancelled their Training Camp Golf Classic and Alumni Hockey Game scheduled for next week in Traverse City, citing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and guidelines provided by the NHL.
“Recent restrictions from the NHL have mandated the cancellations to ensure the health and well-being of all participants,” a team press release said.
As of Tuesday, the NHL Prospect Tou-rnament and main Detroit Red Wings Training Camp can proceed as planned and scheduled. Online ticket orders for the Alumni Game have been refunded. Those who purchased tickets for this event and have not received a refund can call Centre Ice Arena at 231-933-7465.
The prospect tournament begins Sept. 16.
I would imagine that the players and alumni are bummed out about not being able to celebrate the return of a more “normal” NHL season with their fans and peers, but the NHL is strictly limiting access to players at present…
And, given their stringent protocols, I wouldn’t expect any players to work the autograph line at training camp, either. It’s just too risky right now in a state where our fully vaccinated rates are, percentage wise, in the “Low 50’s.”
That’s a harsh reality, and it sucks all the way around, but we are where we are.
Update: A day late, here’s the full press release from Centre ICE Arena:
Due to the ongoing public health crisis in regard to COVID-19, we regret to announce that Centre Ice Arena, in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Detroit Red Wings and the NHL, must cancel the Training Camp Golf Classic and Alumni Hockey Game for 2021. Recent restrictions from the NHL have mandated the cancellations to ensure the health and wellbeing of all participants. At this time, the NHL Prospect Tournament and main Detroit Red Wings Training Camp will proceed as planned and scheduled. Online ticket orders for the Alumni Game have been refunded. If you purchased tickets for this event and have not received a refund, call Centre Ice Arena at (231) 933-7465.
