The Left Wing Lock

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Despite the fact that he’s been in the organization for over a year, this is Mitch Wheaton’s first training camp with the Red Wings. Last season he could only watch while he recovered from shoulder surgery. He also didn’t participate in the development camp earlier this summer while he recovered from surgery on the opposite shoulder.

“My first year after the draft I had shoulder surgery and couldn’t play at development camp or training camp,” Wheaton said. “Last year my other shoulder felt a little bit sore throughout the season and I … Continue Reading

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The Detroit Red Wings have announced the intrasquad teams for the the 2014 training camp. These teams will take effect September 19th beginning at 9:30 am for the first practice at Centre I.C.E. Arena in Traverse City, MI. Each team will practice daily but only two teams will scrimmage. Below is a breakdown of the teams as well as the schedule for the scrimmages.

For a completed schedule and other details please visit the LWL Training camp page.

Scrimmaging Teams

September 19: Lindsay Vs. Howe

September 20: Delvecchio Vs. Lindsay

 … Continue Reading

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There isn’t anyone more disappointed in his first professional hockey season than Martin Frk. Big things were expected from the 49th overall selection in the 2012 NHL entry draft, but spending significant time in Toledo of the ECHL was not one of them. Frk was demoted after having difficulty cracking the Griffins lineup and spent 15 games with the Walleye before returning to Grand Rapids to finish the season.

“It was a hard year for me,” Frk said. “I don’t know if I didn’t come ready for the whole season, but I … Continue Reading

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A second book signing with Hall of Fame defenseman Mark Howe will be held on September 19, 2014 beginning at 8:30 am until 9:30 am in the upper concourse at Centre I.C.E. Arena. Howe’s book, Gordie Howe’s Son: A Hall of Fame Life in the Shadow of Mr. Hockey, will be available onsite at a cost of $16 (unsigned) and $30 (signed) with a limit of two signed books per person. No other memorabilia will be signed at this event.

Mark Howe is a three-time NHL first-team All-Star defenseman and three-time Norris … Continue Reading

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Not much intimidates Andreas Athanasiou including transitioning to professional hockey after four OHL seasons. the 6-foot-2, 200 pound forward had his most successful campaign last season with 49 goals and 95 points in 66 games for Barrie.

“I think it was a good year,” Athanasiou said. “I was coached by Dale Hawerchuck and he taught me a lot. I had the opportunity to play and be the turn to guy.”

Despite struggling early in the season, the 20 year-old signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Red Wings in November. The deal gave … Continue Reading

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I appeared on the Vic McCarty Show on September 11, 2014. We discussed the NHL prospect tournament and Red Wings training camp. To listen to the podcast click here.

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 Mattias Backman isn’t getting the same fanfare as other Detroit prospects, but it’s not because he’s underperforming. The 6-foot-2, 176 pound defenseman has an assist and is a plus-1 through two NHL prospect tournament games for the Red Wings.

“I feel comfortable out there,” Backman said. “The rink size here is smaller, but I am learning every day. That is why I am here.”

This isn’t Backman’s first North American experience after he came over at the end of last season to finish the year with Grand Rapids of the AHL. The … Continue Reading