The donation from the Red Wings and DTE Energy will allow both metro Detroit hockey facilities to install brand-new, energy-efficient LED lighting and additional enhancements, with upgrades at both facilities beginning this summer.
"At the Detroit Red Wings, we recognize the importance of utilizing the latest technologies to ensure energy efficiency on and off the ice," said Ilitch Sports + Entertainment director of Community Impact Kevin Brown. "That's why we're so excited to partner with DTE Energy, offering game-changing grants to East Side Hockey Ice Arena and Dearborn Ice Skating Center so they can upgrade to LED lighting systems and continue hosting youth programs at their facilities.
"Together with DTE, we're proud to provide energy-saving enhancements that keep our community, and the game of hockey, growing for generations to come."
The energy-efficient LED lighting will help these local rinks continue to secure the future of amateur hockey in metro Detroit by hosting programs like Little Wings, which provides children an opportunity to learn and experience hockey at a low cost.
The donations follow similar energy-saving enhancements from the Red Wings and DTE, including a 2021 contribution to upgrade East Side Hockey Ice Arena's nearly 50-year-old transformer. DTE has installed nearly 900 outdoor lights in neighborhoods and businesses throughout the City of Detroit over the past two years. All lights installed were energy-efficient LEDs which use up to 90% less energy, last at least 15 times longer and can save about $55 in electricity costs over their lifetime.
"Michiganders are passionate about their sports teams, and our continued partnership with the Detroit Red Wings to update neighborhood arenas shows our support and passion for future athletes," said John Boladian, director of Energy Efficiency at DTE. "The LEDs we're installing in these sports venues is our way of encouraging these kids to push themselves to do the best they can. DTE believes that their success on the ice will crossover into academic achievement and help them to grow into leaders of our community, as well."
DTE offers energy-saving tips, tools and rebates to help customers lower energy bills, reduce carbon footprints and contribute to a better environment for generations to come.
The Red Wings will host the Florida Panthers for Green Night at Little Caesars Arena, presented by DTE Energy, on Sunday, April 17. Puck drop for the Easter Sunday matinee is set for 1 p.m.
