Detroit Hockey Now’s Tim Robinson posted a profile of Grand Rapids Griffins right wing Joel L’Esperance, who hails from Brighton, Michigan:
“It was a good move for Joel,” says his mom, Julie. “Getting closer was great so that I could get out to his games and he could come to my house on Sunday afternoons when he didn’t have a game or whatever. Being with the Red Wings was great, too.”
L’Esperance, one of 10 children, has tickets for family at most Griffins games and others within driving distance in the Midwest.
He’s had a taste of the NHL, scoring five goals over 33 total games in three seasons with the Dallas Stars. He is hoping to earn more.
“I think every player at the American League level still has aspirations of making it again or getting a chance again at the NHL,” L’Esperance said. “Having an American League contract, it isn’t in your mind as much. I focus on helping the young guys, teaching them what you know and try to be helpful that way. And then, hopefully, your chance comes.”
As far as playing in Grand Rapids is concerned, “I would have to say that of all the arenas in the (AHL) it’s one of the best as far as fans go,” he said. “I feel the fans understand the game more than some of the places that have (AHL) teams.”
