Whalers' alumni game goes Aug. 7

An event that started last season to celebrate the start of the franchise's 20th season is picking up major steam this year.

The Plymouth Whalers will play their second annual alumni game on Saturday, August 7 at Compuware Arena. Much like last season, the game will feature alumni from all eras of the team, going back to the team’s early days as the Detroit Compuware Ambassadors and Detroit Junior Red Wings to the Detroit and Plymouth Whalers.

The Whalers’ second annual alumni game will feature the return of several alumni with local ties now playing in the National Hockey League. Canton native James Wisniewski (2000-04) – now with the Anaheim Ducks – will be joined by Fraser native Chad LaRose (2000-03; Carolina Hurricanes) and Grosse Pointe Woods native David Legwand (1997-99; Nashville Predators) in the game.

Other Whalers alumni who have committed include former captains Mike Morrone (1994-97), Randy Fitzgerald (1996-00), John Vigilante (2002-06) and Chris Terry (2005-09), as well as J.D. Eaton (1990-93), Kevin Paden (1992-94), Jeff Mitchell (1992-95), Mike Rucinski (1992-96), Dan Pawlaczyk (1993-97), James Ramsay (1998-01), Damian Surma (1998-02), Gino Pisellini (2003-06) and Scott Fletcher (2008-09). More alumni are expected to commit to the game as the summer rolls on.

Last year’s first game featured 26 players in a game that ended 12-11 for the Whites over the Blues.