Red Wings swing man Luke Witkowski took part in the team’s youth hockey camp on Tuesday, and after working with the kids, Witkowski spoke with the Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan regarding battling for a spot on the team’s roster…
“Nobody is guaranteed a spot, that’s just how it is,” Witkowski said of the battle for jobs. “It’s going to be competitive. Guys are worried about their jobs. Coaches, the organization, the Red Wings have a history of winning and we want to get back to the playoffs.
“That’s the number one goal. You look at that locker room, everyone is a competitor and we want to be in the playoffs. We were right there in so many games. We have the players, the ability to do so (make the playoffs).”
What may help Witkowski (6-foot-2, 217 pounds) in his attempt to the make the roster is not just his willingness to protect teammates but also his versatility.
The Holland, Mich., native, who played for coach Jeff Blashill at Western Michigan, is capable of manning a fourth-line forward spot along with playing defense.
In essence, Witkowski’s ability to play both spots saves them a roster spot in a way.
“I’m a guy, I’m not going to be complaining about not being in the lineup,” Witkowski said. “But I want to get back into the lineup so they have some options with me.”
And Witkowski also spoke with DetroitRedWings.com’s Dana Wakiji:
Now that the calendar has changed to August, Witkowski said it’s time to get even more serious.
“It’s go time,” he said. “Every day you’re thinking you’re going to get the email for camp and then it’s right around the corner. There’s a month and a half left of our summers so those are key days to get ready for camp.”
For today, Witkowski was happy to back on the ice with players who are a little smaller than his Wings teammates. They’re fun to be around and always have some interesting questions for him.
“A lot of it has to do with my beard,” Witkowski said with a laugh. “‘Can I touch your beard? Can I pull your beard? Is that beard real? Are you related to Santa Claus?’ A lot of beard questions.”
But that’s not all. Many of the young campers know of Witkowski’s pugilistic prowess.
“Those are the other questions,” Witkowski said. “‘How many fights have you been in? How many have you won? How many have you lost?’ So either beard or fighting questions, those are probably the top two.”
He is terrible. Couldn’t cracks the Lightning lineup when they were as bad as we are.