The Free Press’s Helene St. James posted an early-morning article discussing Eemil Viro’s performance at the Red Wings’ prospect tournament, and his acclimation to North American hockey as he “turns pro” with Swedish defenders Simon Edvinsson and Albert Johansson:
“You can tell those guys have played at a high level,” Griffins coach Ben Simon said. “It’s fun to see those guys because of how they apply what we’re trying to teach them and learn and get better. They were very receptive to that and were able to apply that. For me as a coach that’s very important, that they were very receptive.
“It can be chaotic at times because you don’t have a lot of preparation and play three games in four days. You’re looking for guys that are consistent. Coaches love guys that are consistent, dependable, accountable and do learn from their mistakes. You are inevitably going to make mistakes, but when you see the growth and learning and not repetitive mistakes, that’s what you like to see.”
What stands out about Viro is his skating and his competitiveness.
“He’s got a high battle level,” Simon said. “He’s not afraid to get his nose dirty in the corner, so that’s a pretty good set of attributes to have and to work with and see how he’s going to continue to develop.”
