The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan touched upon some old topics and some new ones in an afternoon notebook article, discussing big Elmer Soderblom’s adjustment to North American hockey, Cross Hanas’ performance at the Red Wings’ prospect tournament, and the ways in which Eemil Viro has impressed the man who will probably be his coach, Griffins bench boss Ben Simon:
Interestingly, there’s also defenseman Eemil Viro, who is listed at 6-feet, 176 pounds and could get lost standing behind Soderblom. But Viro, who had a goal and was plus-3 in Monday’s 4-1 victory over Toronto in Traverse City, has caught Simon’s attention in several ways.
“You notice he’s a great skater and I like his competitive nature,” Simon said. “He has a good motor to him and a high battle level.”
Viro, a 2020 third-round pick, will also be making the transition to North American pro hockey for the first time. Viro has seen some subtle differences from the European game already.
“The game is faster,” Viro said. “Sometimes you have to chip it (the puck) out and if you don’t have a play, just respect the game. There’s a lot of battles, more battles, and you have to be awake all the time.”
Viro is another young player likely ticketed to Grand Rapids. Viro gained knowledge from the prospect tournament and feels better heading into the Wings’ training camp.
“I’m getting more confidence in the game and reading the game better,” Viro said. “It’s been a real important week for me.”
