This week’s big National Hockey League game at the Big House in Ann Arbor drew a big crowd.
Federal officials announced today the game also drew a few crooks.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations division says it usually sees an uptick in counterfeit sports merchandise during big events like the NHL’s Winter Classic.
Federal agents seized nearly three quarters of a million dollars worth of counterfeit NHL sportswear and other souvenirs leading up to the game. Five people arrested in Detroit are facing misdemeanor state charges.
More than 6,000 counterfeit NHL jerseys, hats, T-shirts and other gear were seized by federal agents in the three months leading up to the game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
More than 105,000 people braved sub-freezing, snowy conditions to watch the Maple Leafs win the New Year’s Day game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
