Red Wings prospect Ryan Kuffner spoke with Princeton’s “Town Topics” newspaper’s Bill Alden regarding his debut with the Wings last season and his preparations for his first full pro campaign:
Staying in Detroit this summer, Kuffner focused on sharpening the fine points of his game.
“The biggest part this summer was working on my skating, having a bit more power out of uncomfortable positions around the net or in the corner, stuff that you don’t really focus on during the season because you know have a job to do,” said Kuffner.
“When I get on one-on-one time with skills coaches and skating coaches, you get to really focus on that kind of stuff, working on my shot and my passing. Getting into the gym everyday is gigantic, but it is that skating and quickness around the puck that is really going to make the difference.”
Taking part in the Red Wings Development Camp in late June, Kuffner saw that work pay dividends.
“I think even the first few months of my training really helped and having gone through the month that I did when our season was over at Princeton, I was able to learn a lot and figure out what I needed to work on, which was gigantic for my development,” said Kuffner.
“I think for me personally, it showed what kind of progress I was making, just feeling a bit more comfortable on my skates. I felt a lot stronger so I think that was a stepping stone for what is ahead in the future.”
