Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen reviews the comments made by Steve Yzerman and Alex DeBrincat to the media this morning, discussing DeBrincat’s Michigan ties:
“It’s super exciting obviously,” said DeBrincat. “Growing up here and rooting for the Red Wings when I was younger, it’s definitely a dream come true. I do have to say I don’t think anyone’s happier than my parents. It’s the whole family. Everyone’s happy. It’s a good spot for me. ”
DeBrincat grew up in Farmington Hills and that’s where he started playing youth hockey.
“I played for the Farmington Hills Fire for quite a few years at Farmington Hills Ice Arena, so that rink is pretty special,” DeBrincat said. “Then I moved on to play for Victory Honda, which I’ve trained at for the past couple of years, too. Going to that gym and skating there. Those rinks are obviously special to me. I’ve had a lot of good memories there. It’s just nice to be back here and enjoy this.”
Among DeBrincat’s favorite childhood memories was watching his favorite player Pavel Datsyuk and rooting for the Red Wings when they won the Stanley Cup in 2008. He was 11 then.
His Red Wings fandom also included the latter stages of Steve Yzerman’s career. That’s why it was special when Yzerman called him yesterday after the negotiations with the agent had been completed.
“It was awesome,” DeBrincat said. “Obviously we found out everything was going to be done. He called me a little later last night and we just chatted for a couple of minutes. I just told him I’m really excited to be here. I’m excited for the opportunity that this team is giving me. He just kind of went through what would kind of be our team, what it’s like. It was a good chat.”
