Jeff Riger: What's the 'Mr. I' Philosophy?
Thursday afternoon, the NHL's worst-kept secret was revealed at the Comerica Park Tiger Club. The secret, which comes as a shock to nobody, is that the Detroit Red Wings will face the Toronto Maple Leafs at Michigan Stadium on New Year's Day 2013 in the annual Winter Classic. In addition to the big game at the Big House, there will also be an alumni, college and minor league hockey games at Comerica Park along with various other hockey, fan friendly events in downtown Detroit leading up to the Winter Classic. After the official announcement was made, I was able to catch up with Wings and Tigers owner Mike Ilitch who spent about seven minutes with the media addressing various topics.
Ilitch discussed whether he was willing to fight to have the actual game at Comerica, what he thinks he means to the legacy of Red Wings hockey and the No. 1 thing he has learned about sports throughout his years being an owner.
Watch the video below and be on the lookout for the 'Mr. I philosophy.' You will know it when you hear it! When I heard it, I was reminded why Ilitch is truly one of the best owners in sports.
