Grand Rapids Griffins forward and Northern Michigan University alumnus Dominik Shine spoke with NMU’s student newspaper, “The North Wind,” regarding making his NHL debut with the Red Wings earlier this season. Here’s what Shine had to say to Lily Gouin:
“I absolutely loved being a student at Northern and living up there in the U.P. …It can humble you, living through those hard winters. It’s not easy and not for everyone. It makes you a better person, makes you appreciate the little things,” Shine said.
After graduation, Shine signed with the Grand Rapids Griffins, the minor league team for the Red Wings. This is Shine’s ninth season with the Griffins.
“You have to play a role, just like on any level…it’s a matter of getting in there, playing your game and playing with confidence,” Shine said.
On Jan. 27, Shine got the call that he would be making his NHL debut at age 31 against the Los Angeles Kings. He is the oldest player to make his NHL debut in over 10 years.
Shine has played his whole career here in the State of Michigan, from his time at NMU all the way to the NHL.
“There was a point where I thought I was done completely. You think about your next steps—I was almost ready to take that leap, and I felt proud of what I did. It’s not often you see a guy play eight seasons with the same team. I never felt I would get a chance to play in the NHL, even just for a game, but to get that call that day—it meant the world to me.”
