MLive’s Ansar Khan filed a notebook article in which he discusses Red Wings prospect Amadeus Lombardi’s attempt to develop a “shooter’s mentality” as he prepares to turn pro with the Grand Rapids Griffins this fall:
Lombardi had a breakout season with the Flint Firebirds, third in the OHL with 102 points, sixth with 45 goals. The offensive skills are why the Red Wings him in the fourth round in 2022 (113th overall).
“I had great teammates, great linemates and it all kind of clicked together,” Lombardi said. “I’m a fast-paced player, more of a playmaker than a shooter, but this year I really tried to (hunker) down and shoot more, be more deceptive. I think that helped, especially having a few weeks last summer (training) with the Red Wings. That just gave me a lot of confidence going into the season to try to have a good year.”
He worked extensively on his shooting last summer.
“I shot a lot of pucks, did a lot of skating, did a lot of drills off the ice to help that,” Lombardi said. “Even if it didn’t make me 10 times stronger, it put the confidence in my mind. Going into the season I was more eager to shoot the puck. It made me more of a threat as a passer, too, because people don’t have to just take away the pass, they can take away the shot. That’s when my passing can thrive a little bit more.”
Lombardi got a brief taste of pro hockey at the end of last season, playing two games with the Griffins (one assist).
“After the season ended, I was a little down, but once I got there, I realized what a cool place this would be to play possibly next year,” Lombardi said. “What I took from them is how prepared they are; even with two games left everyone is preparing very well. I definitely have to get a lot stronger at that level, especially for face-offs and the corners, so it’ll be an adjustment, but I’m excited to try to make that.”
