DETROIT – It’s homecoming weekend for Justin Abdelkader, who will be honored by his former Tier 1 junior hockey team.
Abdelkader, his girlfriend, and his parents will attend a very special night – in Iowa, where his former USHL team, the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, plan to honor the Red Wings’ forward at the 4,000-seat Cedar Rapids Ice Arena on Saturday.
“I was really surprised,” Abdelkader said about getting the phone call. “I don’t think they’ve retired any numbers, so it’s really unique.”
Prior to the game against Omaha, the RoughRiders will pay tribute to Abdelkader at center ice, where he will also participate in a ceremonial puck drop.