Planning for the 2013 Winter Classic is continuing, and it's becoming clearer and clearer that Comerica Park will be involved in the event even though the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs likely won't play there. That particular game is slated for Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, but Detroit will get plenty of hockey of its own, according to Bob Duff.
For starters, Duff reports that the AHL affiliates for the Red Wings and Maple Leafs -- the Grand Rapids Griffins and Toronto Marlies, respectively -- are set to meet at Comerica Park as part of the Winter Classic festivities. Also, there are plans for a doubleheader involving teams from the OHL to be played at Comerica Park. Earlier this month rumors swirled about the doubleheader taking place at Michigan Stadium, but it appears the Tigers' stadium will be the venue.
It also looks like the 2012 Great Lakes Invitational will be moved to Comerica Park. Joe Louis Arena is the home of the GLI, which features Michigan, Michigan State, Michigan Tech and a fourth college team each year, but with a rink in Comerica, it would make sense for the tournament to be moved there.
Duff also reports that high school games will be played at Comerica Park, meaning there will be a whole lot of hockey in Detroit even though the main event will be played in Ann Arbor. As Duff said, it will essentially be a two-week-long hockey festival for Detroit.
An official announcement on the 2013 Winter Classic and the festivities surrounding it is expected to happen next week, according to Duff.