DETROIT, MICHIGAN – APRIL 27: Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer takes the stage during round four of the 2024 NFL draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza
Nic Antaya/Getty ImagesWhat can I say? The NFL Draft was a huge success and made Detroit look great on the national stage. From police officers and emergency responders to local politicians, vendors, TV crews, clean-up crews, and on and on, the city sparkled as people from around the country and the world came to the Motor City to watch their favorite teams build for the future.
Local restaurants were hoping. People around the planet said nice things about our city, much of which we already knew, but it was nice to have someone else toot our horn for once. Even going back to the Superbowl we hosted years ago, we all know that Detroit is a city that can pull off any event and make it special.
Parking For the NFL Draft Was Pricey
Here's the part that gets me. Whenever we have a lot of people heading downtown, the prices to park go through the roof. $100 to rent a piece of asphalt for the day? Are you kidding me?
I have to admit that I'm a little torn. One side of me says it's their lot; they can charge what they want. The other side says that gouging someone for parking makes us look bad. Pre-pandemic, a $40 or $50 spot was considered outrageous. How much longer until we see the $125 or $150 spot? Maybe you saw that this past week.
Then, I saw people's cars getting towed for street parking. I know there were signs saying Do Not Park, but some folks thought they'd take a chance and hope they didn't get a ticket. Think about it like this....you're in Detroit to watch your team draft the next star, and then you have to get your car out of impound. UGH!
This is hardly a Detroit thing, but it's just something that made me feel like posting after a great week downtown.
The Detroit Red Wings vs. New York Rangers Alumni Recap
It was another great game between the Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers alumni at the Big Boy Arena in Fraser. In the end, the Wings won, but the true victors were the cause they played for, the GH Pastor Foundation, and the sled hockey players who played before the big game.
Former Detroit Red Wing Vladimir Konstatinov Returned to the Ice
First, to the sled hockey game. What a thrill it was to see these determined athletes take to the ice and give the fans a great look at sled hockey, highlighted by the return to the ice for #16, Vladimir Konstatinov! I had never really had a chance to see the game played, and let me tell you, it was very inspiring the way these kids play and love the game.
As for the alumni game, I had the good fortune of once again being part of the broadcast team, which included Ben Holden, Sean Beligian, Nick Monicelli from WDIV, and the Prep TV crew led by Chad Bush. I was stationed between the benches and interviewed players throughout the game.
The game was off and running after the lovely Karen Newman sang the Canadian and American anthems. Drew Miller, Darren McCarty, and Patrick Eaves' multiple-goal game was the leading factor in the Red Wings' 10-7 victory in front of a great crowd of hockey fans in Fraser who were there to see their hockey heroes battle it out on the ice.
A big thank you to those who put on this unbelievable game. All in attendance thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you to the players who agreed to talk with me during the game...Johnny O, Dino Ciccarelli, Ron Duguay, Jason Woolley, Chris Tamer and Drew Miller. And a big thank you to Detroit Red Wings photographer Dave Reginek for using the pictures you're about to see.
Until next time, Hockey fans!
Dave ReginekThe lovely Karen Newman sang the anthems. As always, she nailed it. Karen's one of my faves.
Dave ReginekMe exposing wisdom to Darren McCarty. He was confused. He did take my advice and scored twice.
Dave ReginekVladimir Konstantinov was in the building. He took to the ice for a sled hockey game. Everyone was excited to see him.
Dave ReginekDrew Miller in the locker room with me beforehand. He would go on to score two goals in the game.
MeltdownThe Rangers gear up for the game during the anthem. It was great to see some of the Ranger legends.
MeltdownThe Red Wings preparing for the game during the anthems. Eddie Mio is on the far right.
Dave ReginekPatrick Eaves and the legendary Red Berenson. Patrick netted a couple.
Dave ReginekHockeytown legends, Darren McCarty and Mickey Redmond. Fan favorites for sure!
Dave ReginekKind of strange to see Johnny O. playing for the Rangers. He told me this was the first thing he'd done with his former club in many years.
VanessaI had to get a picture with big John Scott. He only played 6 games as a Ranger. Man, he's huge!
MeltdownThere's some Michigan Wolverines for you. Aaron Ward, Red Berenson, and Chris Tamer.
Dave ReginekA pre-game shot from Dave Reginek. A few past Red Wing greats!
Dave ReginekDarren McCarty and Erik Cole. Erik played 11 games with the Wings to finish his career.
Dave ReginekThe lovely and talented Kim Muir with Vladdy. If you have a child in hockey, look up Kim's skating programs to help your kid excel.
Dave ReginekRed Wing legends. Mickey Redmond, Danny DeKeyser and Dino Ciccarelli. This was pre-game.
Dave ReginekSuch and inspiration to see these kids on the ice. The sled hockey game took place before the alumni game.
Dave ReginekThe Belle Tire team ended up winning the game, but everyone won the day. This was so much fun to watch.
Dave ReginekOpening puck drop. The entire day was filled with great hockey, legendary players and happy people.
Dave ReginekA great crowd was on hand to see the Wings and Rangers game. Thanks for the shots, Dave!
MeltdownIt was great to see Vladimir Konstantinov back on the ice. This was after the game.
Dave ReginekAnother shot of the crowd at Big Boy Arena. The Wings would go onto victory, 10-7.
Dave ReginekOne of the highlights was the return of #16 to the ice. Everyone was excited to see Vladdy.
Dave ReginekThis is probably one of the few times these guys didn't get boo'ed. Yes, every the crowd gave the refs some love.
Dave ReginekDMac celebrating one of his goals. The Wings defeated the Rangers 10-7.
Dave ReginekA great shot of Mickey Redmond rushing the puck. He's still got it and loves to play!
Dave ReginekRon Duguay and Patrick Eaves. This was the first time I'd seen Ron since we played in a Dave Coulier charity game in 1998.
Dave ReginekBig John Scott had a couple of goals. Including one top shelf!
Dave ReginekRon Duguay told me he loved playing in front of the Detroit fans. He played over 220 games as a Wing.
Dave ReginekHere's a group shot after the game. Everyone had a blast!
MeltdownA great time was had by all. The players and fans alike. Thank you for a great day!
Jason HartlessAlways a blast seeing Darren McCarty and Jason Hartless. True Detroit institutions.
Dave ReginekThe game was played for a great cause, the GH Pastor Foundation.
