DETROIT — Dylan Larkin has always been the heartbeat of the Detroit Red Wings on the ice — but today, he’s become something even greater: a hometown hero off it.
In a powerful and emotional announcement Thursday morning, Larkin pledged $3.5 million toward the creation of a first-of-its-kind homeless youth shelter affiliated with the Detroit Red Wings Foundation, aimed at providing shelter, support, and opportunity for vulnerable young people across the city.
The new facility, expected to open in 2026, will be called “The Wing House” — a name chosen by Larkin himself to symbolize “hope, flight, and second chances.”
> “Detroit gave me everything,” Larkin said, standing in front of a crowd at Little Caesars Arena, flanked by his family, teammates, and local leaders. “Now it’s my turn to give back in a way that really matters. No young person in this city should have to sleep on the streets.”
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A Vision Beyond Hockey
The Wing House will offer not just beds, but life skills training, mental health counseling, educational resources, and job placement services — all under one roof. According to early plans released by the Red Wings Foundation, the shelter will be able to house up to 75 youth at a time, with programs geared toward long-term self-sufficiency.
Red Wings General Manager Steve Yzerman praised Larkin’s leadership, saying, “This is legacy work. Dylan is setting a new standard not just as our captain, but as a person. He’s leading the Red Wings into a future that goes far beyond hockey.”
Mayor Mike Duggan, also present at the press conference, called the project “a transformational gift to the city,” and announced that Detroit would fast-track permits and provide city support for the shelter’s development.
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From Waterford to Wings Legend
Larkin, a native of Waterford, Michigan, and a University of Michigan alum, has long spoken about his love for Detroit and his desire to uplift the community. He’s been involved with youth charities for years, but this marks the largest and most ambitious project of his philanthropic career.
> “I know how close some kids are to falling through the cracks,” Larkin said, visibly emotional. “If this shelter gives even one of them a path forward, then every penny will be worth it.”
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Teammates Rally Around the Cause
In the wake of the announcement, several of Larkin’s teammates — including Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider — pledged to support the shelter through future charity events and fundraisers. Word also spread quickly across the league, with players like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews praising Larkin’s “leadership beyond the rink.”
The NHL is reportedly in talks with the Red Wings to feature The Wing House as part of its Hockey is for Everyone campaign during the 2025–26 season.
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A New Chapter in the Captain’s Legacy
At just 28 years old, Dylan Larkin is already etched into Detroit sports lore — not just for his speed and skill, but for his soul.
And while he continues to lead the Red Wings toward a return to playoff glory, it’s clear that his biggest assist yet may not come from a pass on the ice — but from a promise that will change lives far beyond it.