Detroit Red Wings players Joe Veleno and Jake Walman visited the Lloyd H. Diehl location of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) to spend time with youth members and check out the club’s Esports Lounge. They were also joined by Fred Durhal, Detroit City Council Member for District 7. 

In March 2022, the Detroit Red Wings Foundation and The Children’s Foundation unveiled the Esports Lounge as part of a $300,000 investment between the Red Wings Foundation and Children’s Foundation to strengthen the career and entrepreneur pipeline for youth in the sports and Esports industries – a core component of the Red Wings’ groundbreaking Learn, Play, Score platform.

Established during the 2019-20 season as part of a $1 million commitment from the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Red Wings Foundation, and NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund, the Learn, Play, Score platform is breaking down systemic barriers by introducing equitable access to hockey in various forms for thousands of children across the city of Detroit. In partnership with respected local organizations and revered Detroiters, children of all ages and abilities are now experiencing the social, emotional, and educational benefits of hockey – many of them for the first time.