Rename this newsletter ✍️

I happened to stumble upon the first "Mighty Ducks" movie on TV this past weekend.

It's been a few years since I've seen it. Normally, I might not stop to watch it because I was always a bit disturbed by the wildly inaccurate depiction of youth hockey and downright bad acting throughout the film. But, now I have two young kids at home who are just starting to get into movies and sports. I can't exactly show them "Slap Shot" or "Goon," although I did let my daughter watch "Youngblood" one night on NHL Network. Oops.

Anyway, they were totally in love with "The Mighty Ducks," of course. When Charlie takes that penalty shot to win the game and everyone is chanting "Charlie! Charlie!" you better believe my 3-year-old son was chanting right along. My heart was full! 😊 You got me again, Disney.

Still, I don't understand why Gordon's missed penalty shot resulted in him losing the game for the Hawks all those years before. Why would missing a penalty shot in sudden-death overtime mean you lose? I can't get over how inaccurate this is. In fact, later in the movie Gordon explains to Charlie that they lost in overtime after he missed the penalty shot, but the scene showed the other team celebrating as if they won and the Hawks acting like they lost. My head hurts. Is there something I am missing here?

The point? I guess my point is we're all super excited (desperate) for hockey season to get going. I plan to build a rink in my backyard this year so the kids can learn to skate. Because in the end, as it was at the start, this is just a kids' game meant to be played outdoors in the elements. 🦆 🏒 🌲

Let's hope for a good winter! 🤞 I'll keep everyone updated on how this goes! 

Cheers!

- Dave

P.S. - If you have experience in building backyard ice rinks, feel free to send any tips my way. 

Give this newsletter a name ✍️

Now on to business matters: I want a new name for this "Red Wings Newsletter" -- something less generic then, uh, "Red Wings Newsletter."

Please help me!

It has to be a name with meaning -- a name we can all be proud of ... something that captures the true essence and theme of this thing. I have some ideas, but I'd really like to know what my loyal readers think/want.

Seriously -- start sending me your ideas: dbartkowiak@wdiv.com | @DaveBartko ✍️

If I get enough naming ideas, I'll put some to a vote.

Training camp this weekend 💪

While you're thinking about that newsletter name, and sending me all of your good (and even bad) ideas, remember we're just a week away from the preseason (Tuesday, Sept. 17 -- Red Wings host Blackhawks). That means training camp is this weekend in Traverse City.

• Friday, Sept. 13 -- 9:30 a.m. practice
• Saturday, Sept. 14 -- 9:30 a.m. practice
• Saturday, Sept. 14 -- 6 p.m. Alumni and Celebrity Game
• Sunday, Sept. 15 -- Red and White Game
• Monday, Sept. 16 -- 9:30 a.m. practice

The Red Wings have been streaming the prospect tournament games on Facebook, and I suspect they will be doing some streaming during training camp.

But I'm more excited to see what some of the prospects will do in the preseason against other teams. The schedule starts with a couple games against Chicago, a team I think could start making some noise again in the Central.  

Preseason schedule 📅