Red Wings prospects enjoy bonding during Detroit Tigers game

DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings prospects are making special memories on and off the ice throughout 2023 Development Camp.

On the Fourth of July, after completing Day 4 of on-ice instruction at Little Caesars Arena's BELFOR Training Center, 46 Red Wings prospects settled in at Comerica Park to cheer on the Detroit Tigers against the visiting Oakland Athletics.

"It's pretty cool," Nate Danielson, Detroit's ninth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, told DetroitRedWings.com. "Coming to see a Tigers game is fun. It's nice to be able to do it with all the guys and get to know them more."

After arriving at Comerica Park, the players headed to their designated suite and enjoyed a pre-game buffet featuring plenty of ballpark-themed food.

"It's different showing up in a team environment like this," said Carter Mazur, the Red Wings' 70th overall pick in 2021. "I'm coming with my family most of the time, but it's been a fun time so far at this camp. All these guys are just unbelievable human beings and were all drafted for a reason."

Mazur, a Jackson, Mich., native, said that his favorite Tigers player growing up was center fielder Austin Jackson. But for Trey Augustine, a South Lyon, Mich., native, his childhood Tigers fandom revolved around two all-time Tigers greats.

"I grew up watching Tigers games," said Augustine, Detroit's 41st overall selection on June 29. "I've been here a good number of times. I grew up watching (Miguel) Cabrera play when he was a little bit younger, even (Justin) Verlander."

Axel Sandin Pellikka said his only experience with Major League Baseball to this point had been visiting Dodger Stadium with his agent. According to Sandin Pellikka, the Swedish bat-and-ball game brännboll is comparable to American baseball.

"But it's not something you watch," said Sandin Pellikka, the Red Wings' 17th overall pick in 2023. "You do it during school when you have gym class. Here, I am just waiting for the home runs."

Marco Kasper, drafted No. 8 overall by Detroit in 2022, said experiencing the sights and sounds of Comerica Park with his fellow Development Camp attendees helped build chemistry.

"Even if you just met some of the guys a few days ago, we're really close," Kasper said. "We are having a fun time. It's cool to be here to watch the game."

These young players are hoping to share the ice together soon as Red Wings teammates, but for now, they are cherishing the opportunity to create lasting friendships.

"These are the times when you are really building relationships around the group and with the guys," said Sebastian Cossa, Detroit's 15th overall pick in 2021. "When you have time away from the rink, you can really bond outside of something other than hockey and just relax."