The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan wrote a notebook article in which he discusses turning-pro prospect Cross Hanas’ experiences at the Wings’ summer development camp:
Few Red Wings prospects appreciated this summer’s Red Wings development camp like Cross Hanas did. Because of the pandemic, the Wings canceled the camp the past two years. So, Hanas, a 2020 second-round draft pick, actually met many of his fellow prospects in the Wings’ organizations for the first time during July’s camp. It was nice to put an actual face to a name.
“You’re drafted with these guys, but you haven’t met them yet,” Hanas said during the camp. “You’re all in the same situation, trying to make the team and what (staff members) were saying in our meeting is that we’re all pretty much future teammates. So, build some relationships and you’ll have them for a long time.”
That “team” feeling will be in full force this week when the Wings participate in the Prospects Tournament at Traverse City’s Centre Ice Arena. The five-team tournament (Detroit, Toronto, Columbus, St. Louis, Toronto) actually begins Thursday, but the Wings don’t begin playing until facing Columbus at 3 p.m. Friday.
Hanas will be one of the forwards the Wings look to for offense in a lineup that looks deep on defense, but somewhat unproven up front.
A good tournament, plus showing progress during the main training camp and possibly some Wings exhibition games, could set up Hanas, 20, in Grand Rapids to begin his pro career. If there’s no room on the Griffins’ roster, or the organization sees benefit for Hanas to play more junior hockey, then being sent to Portland (WHL) for a fifth junior year is the alternative. Hanas has a plan in his mind for where he wants to be in October.
“I’m going to work toward playing in the AHL,” Hanas siad. “If they (the Wings) end up not wanting me there then I’ll get sent back to Portland for my 20-year-old year. (But) I’m determined to play in the AHL next year for Grand Rapids. I’m ready for that next step coming into pro hockey.”
