GLI to be part of Hockeytown Winter Festival

July 11, 2012 04:31 PM

Detroit, MI…  Former Notre Dame player and head coach Dave Poulin, currently the Toronto Maple Leafs Vice President of Hockey Operations, was at Detroit’s Comerica Park on July 11 to help announce details of the Maple Leafs vs. Red Wings Alumni Showdown games on December 31^st as part of the two-week long Hockeytown Winter Festival and just before the 2013 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on January 1.

"I am thrilled to be part of this," said Poulin. "And we’re all looking forward to a terrific event."

The Hockeytown Winter Festival will also include the 48^th annual Great Lakes Invitational tournament on December 27-28 at Comerica Park, the first time that the event will be played outdoors. This year, CCHA schools Michigan State and Western Michigan will meet in game one of the GLI on Dec. 27, while Michigan will take on host Michigan Tech of the WCHA in game two that evening.  Both the GLI third-place and championship games will take place on Dec. 28 at Comerica Park.

When the GLI kicks off on Dec. 27, two of the parking lots adjacent to the ballpark will be converted to host interactive games, ice sculpture exhibits, face paintings, musical performances and live entertainment.  Open skating and a "Skate with Santa" will be also be available.

"We are incredibly proud to be part of this great sports town and our organization is committed to making the 2013 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic the best ever," said Olympia Entertainment President and CEO Tom Wilson. "The announcements made today revealed some of the… exciting games to be played at Comerica Park. We are confident that everyone will be able to join in this wonderful celebration of the great sport of hockey and the city of Detroit."

Tickets for the 48^th Annual GLI go on sale on August 1.

48^th Annual Great Lakes Invitational Tournament
Dec. 27  
Game 1 - Michigan State vs. Western Michigan
Game 2 - Michigan vs. Michigan Tech

Dec. 28
Game 3 - Consolation Game
Game 4 - Championship Game