Red Wings prospect Michael Rasmussen has put his two-day stay in Zurich’s airport behind him, and he spoke with the Kronen Zetiung’s Christoph Kothgasser regarding his travel troubles and his hopes for his upcoming campaign with the Graz 99ers. What follows is roughly translated from German:
After his odyssey, the new 99ers star Rasmussen is excited to play!
After his travel odyssey, the new Graz 99ers star received “Krone” for an interview after his arrival in Graz. The NHL forward, who is in Graz on loan from Detroit, chatted before today’s debut in the home game vs. Dornbirn.
On his turbulent journey: “I’ve been on my way to Graz since Monday–over two days in total. The problem is that I flew in via Zurch, and due to coronavirus regulations, I was never allowed to enter [Switzerland]. But then I wasn’t allowed to travel any further, either. I was locked in at the airport in Switzerland and couldn’t go to any hotel. I only had a day room at the airport with a bed. I actually felt a bit like Tom Hanks in the movie “Terminal.” He too was stuck at the airport in the film.”
New in Austria: “I actually have no history with Austria, I’ve neer been here before. I didn’t even know that Thomas Vanek was from Graz. I played with him in Detroit, he assisted on my first goal in the NHL. Maybe I should give him a call right away. Maybe he’ll have a few tips for me.”Thomas Vanek: “Playing with him on the Red Wings was great. He had great skills as a pro with a strong shot.”
Graz as a stop-over: “After the NHL wasn’t going to play for a long time, I looked for opportunities to gain practical experience. There were a couple of options. When I heard about Graz’s interest, I got on the plane. I don’t know how long I’ll be here, but I want to help the team quickly.”
The premiere against Dornbirn: “I haven’t played since March. But I’m fully fit and I’m dying to play again. I have a good physique: I can set picks on the power play and can also score goals. I’m ready for my debut with the Graz 99ers!”
From Western Canada, I 1st though Ras would be a welcome addition to the Wings, Big, Net front presense, good hands to score goals in the Top 6. Well, he was part of the WHL Team tat played the Russians. By the 3rd Period, the Ruskies were heckling him as he skated by, odd, even his stick looked like it might be breathing. Ras wasn’t on the PP or any of the Two top lines. By then I gave him an excuse, that his wrist might still be hurt still. Sort of a feeble effort, a wrist doesn’t stop his heart. TWO games and nothing changed it might even gotten worse. I decided to wait until he left Junior for NHL prospects and training camp. Was he there?? Only George knows? So he survived all the cuts and made the Wings Roster, WAIT?? WHY????
When he finally got some ice time, he might have been born without a Heart. But he is not the 1st Big talented player who would rather knit while waiting on the bench. Really no hard feelings but Who drafted this guy. Nothing much has changed and he is sent somewhere to get Ice Time (a bit late) but he finally got to another Country. As far as I know he hasn’t played yet and may have played and not be seen. This is typical Ras. I will give him a few more chances but until decides to play with some heart, Veleno, and others (this years draft picks, next years draft picks, any draft pick at any position are rated far above him. He sure doesn’t seem to be a fit at Center. Will see what position he plays after finally finding the rink over seas. Even Frank Mahovolich could skate and score an above average amount of goals but he was also as soft as melted butter on popcorn. I will loosely refer to him as still a prospect. He should be in GR for a couple of seasons and get his butt kicked. I hope he turns his game around (Had to say that to be a little bit nice)!