An outline of where an ice surface will sit at Comerica Park, during the 2012 Sirius-XM Hockeytown Winter Festival in December
/ Jamie Edmonds
Though it's not the late 90's, fans will get to see the famous "Grind Line" once again on the ice, at the 2012 Sirius-XM Hockeytown Winter Festival to count down to the NHL Winter Classic.
Preliminary rosters for the 2012 Maple Leafs vs. Red Wings Alumni Showdown have been announced, with grind line members Kris Draper, Joey Kocur, Darren McCarty, and Kirk Maltby set to play the new year's eve matchup.
The "Grind Line" was an essential part of four Stanley Cup championships for Detroit, coming in 1997, 1998, 2002, and 2008.
Other former Red Wings who have committed to the alumni game include Chris Osgood, Dino Ciccarelli, Chris Chelios, Mark Howe, John Ogrodnick, Mickey Redmond, and Gordie Howe. Red Wings such as recently retired Niklas Lidstrom and long-time captain Steve Yzerman have not yet committed.
Because of the vast number of Maple Leafs and Red Wings alumni over the years, two different alumni games will take place on new year's eve in Comerica Park, to make sure all deserving players are able to take part.
Some of the members of Toronto's alumni roster will include Wendel Clark, Mike Palmateer, Dave Andreychuk, Doug Gilmour, Curtis Joseph, and Darcy Tucker.
2012 Sirius-XM Hockeytown Winter Festival schedule
December 15-26
"Celebration of Hockey" - amateur games, corporate outings and open skates.
December 27-31
"Outdoor Festival" - featuring interactive games, autograph signings, face painting, ice sculpture exhibits, musical performances and live entertainment.
December 27-28
"Great Lakes Invitational" featuring Michigan, Michigan State, Western Michigan and Michigan Tech.
December 29
Ontario Hockey League double-header
Windsor Spitfires vs. Saginaw Spirit
Plymouth Whalers vs. London Knights
December 30
American Hockey League game
Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Toronto Marlies
December 31
2012 Maple Leafs vs. Red Wings Alumni Showdown double-header
