In an exciting twist of fate, the Detroit Red Wings found themselves with a unique connection to the University of Michigan’s Big Ten Championship victory. This connection wasn't just about future talent scouting; it was personal. Both of Detroit’s assistant general managers, Kris Draper and Shawn Horcoff, watched their sons make their mark in the Wolverines’ commanding 7-3 win against Ohio State.
Will Horcoff, a towering 6-foot-5 left winger and a Pittsburgh Penguins’ first-round draft pick in 2025, found the back of the net for Michigan’s second goal. Meanwhile, Kienan Draper, a seventh-round pick by the Red Wings in 2020, contributed with an assist.
This family affair adds an extra layer of pride as the Wolverines advance to the NCAA tournament, with the brackets set to be revealed today. Not to be outdone, Michigan State, featuring Red Wings goaltending prospect Trey Augustine, will also compete in the tournament.
The post-game celebration was capped off with a heartwarming moment between Kienan Draper and his dad, Red Wings legend Kris Draper, capturing the essence of what makes sports so special.
Turning to the Red Wings’ recent performances, the team let a game slip away against the Boston Bruins, a contest they arguably should have clinched. Veteran J.T. Compher has been stepping up, elevating his game as the Red Wings battle for a playoff spot.
In other Red Wings news, Lucas Raymond and Ben Chiarot faced challenges against Boston, ending the game with a minus-3 and minus-2 rating, respectively. However, Alex DeBrincat continues to shine, netting his 35th goal of the season.
This achievement makes him the first Red Wing to hit at least 35 goals in the first 70 games since Marian Hossa in the 2008-09 season. DeBrincat also extended his point streak to six games, tallying an impressive 10 points in that span.
Over in the AHL, John Leonard of the Grand Rapids Griffins has been lighting up the scoreboard. Despite a 5-2 loss to the Milwaukee Admirals, Leonard scored his 29th goal of the season, tying him for second in the AHL goal-scoring race. His efficiency is noteworthy, achieving this feat in just 36 games, compared to his competitors’ 61.
As the hockey season heats up, these stories remind us of the thrill and unpredictability of the sport, with personal triumphs and team dynamics playing out on the ice.