Red Wings prospect and incoming University of Michigan freshman JP Hulrbert is taking part in the World Junior Summer Showcase in Windsor this week. He’s from Allen, Texas, but his father and grandfather are from Michigan, and, as such, the American forward told SI.com’s Jennifer Streeter that being drafted by his “hometown team“–by extension–means he world to him:
“The Red Wings were how I got into hockey. I think my very first jersey was a Red Wings jersey,” J.P. said in an exclusive. “Once I got drafted by them, it was kind of like a dream come true. The little kid in me would just be through the roof; I am so excited to be a part of Detroit.”
Known for his competitive nature, J.P. spent a lot of time developing his shot and offensive production over the years.
That development clearly paid off, leading him to take to the stage at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y., on June 26 at the aforementioned draft. However, his down time was often spent with his family in Michigan.
“Ever since he was little, we would typically go up for an extended period of time. He would love to go fishing and tubing and all the fun Michigan lake activities. We’ve got the majority of my family on his paternal side up in Michigan, so I’ve probably got 15 cousins up there,” Jeffrey Paul Hurlbert II also said.
J.P. would spend his time growing up split between Texas and Michigan. The former member of the Dallas Stars Elite and WHL First All-Star Team selection was recently announced on July 23 as one of the seven incoming players who will make up Head Coach Brandon Naurato’s freshman class for the Wolverines’ 2026-27 season.
In addition to J.P. having a clear love for [the University of] Michigan, the Wolverines love him right back.
“What drove me to J.P. is his passion for the game. He’s a student of the game, people that want to be the best versions of themselves — but don’t just talk about it like they put in the work. That’s what really drove me to him,” Naurato said of J.P. “He’s a game breaker, an elite offensive talent playmaker, an elite scorer, and he’s proven that at the junior level. We’re excited to put him in a position to perform to his strengths.”
