The game report for the Grand Rapids Griffins on Saturday night (oct 26) was a welcome sight. Griffins overcome 3-0 deficit and win, in regulation, 6-4. The Grand Rapids squad is off to a 5-2-0-1 start, their best since 2008-09. You can read the game recap here
My purpose here is not just to be the bearer of good news, but to offer affirmation for the development of our players. Being in a winning environment, feeling like you can overcome as a group, those things add to the composition of a player. The situation in Detroit requires a strong constitution, and a high degree of confidence and self awareness. Dylan Larkin wants to win, he wants to carry the team. Anthony Mantha and Tyler Bertuzzi have grown “thicker skins… as well. For them, losing is an obstacle that they believe they can over come. It does not define them or the organization. It takes a lot of internal fortitude to function on that level at 23, 24 or 25. This is where our leadership is being groomed in the fires of adversity.
In Grand Rapids, there is less pressure. It is a chance for prospects to compete at a high level without bearing the full weight of an NHL franchise and the spotlight that comes with it. The club asks them to dominate. Perform at a level that forces the team to call you up because when the roster is full, you have to take someone’s job. You need confidence and compete.
It has become difficult to talk about “beating someone for a job…. The culture doesn’t really support that narrative right now. We accept there can only be one champion, but are grooming young athletes to believe that all they have to do is be their best and have fun. When dollar signs get involved, you have to beat someone else. It is unpleasant to think about. Jiri Fischer has done a tremendous job instilling this in the younger players. For every position in the NHL there are at least 4 guys in the minors that want it. Only one gets to have it. It takes a thick skin to face that head on and embrace it.
Grand Rapids is seeing success. The kids are aware that call ups will happen. They have to want it more than the other 3 guys who want the same thing. That is the great mystery in sport. Coming together as a team while still competing against each other.
Here is a look at the team stats Griffins stats Looking at the top 4 points producers you can see who is going to get a call up at some point. Rasmussen has 2 goals and 5 assists in 6 games. Puempel has 5 goals and 4 assists in 8 games. Terry has 4 goals and 7 assists in 8 games. Joe Hicketts, who i feel is severely underrated, has 7 assists in 8 games. When Hicketts comes up, he throws hits, he skates, and he stirs the pot in a way that belies his 5’8… frame. I am hard pressed to think that he couldn’t challenge for a 3rd pairing spot and win.
Joe Veleno scored his first of the season recently. Zadina has a goal and 2 assists. Seider has 2 assists. The kids are working at finding their place. All 3 of those prospects want to make the club. They just have to find their game against AHL players. For now, I believe the organization is giving them their best chance of long term success in letting them play in Grand Rapids.
Thanks to everyone who stops by to read and comment. Keep them coming!
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