Abdelkader scores game-tying goal for Red Wings in his first outdoor experience


Photo by Jen Hefner/MiHockey

By Michael Caples – 

ANN ARBOR – He missed the Cold War at Spartan Stadium by four years. He missed the 2009 Winter Classic at Wrigley Field by one year.

This time, the years lined up for Justin Abdelkader, and he made it count.

Skating in his first outdoor contest, the Muskegon native and Red Wings forward scored the game-tying goal at Michigan Stadium in front of a record crowd for a hockey game.

At the 14:28 mark of the third period, Abdelkader – the former Michigan State Spartan and Grand Rapids Griffin – managed to get his stick on the puck after defenseman Brendan Smith sent it towards the Toronto goal.

The goal evened the score at 2-2, and eventually forced overtime for the Red Wings.

Just really fortunate and blessed to be here today, and to play in this game,” Abdelkader said. “The puck kind of got wrapped around, Smitty got on the wall, and I was just trying to fight for position in front of the net. We talked about getting pucks to the net, and making simple plays because with the snow on the ice, it wasn’t easy. I knew he was going to try to get it to the front there, and I was just trying to get in position and get my stick on it.”

Abdelkader was four years away from joining Michigan State’s roster in time to play in the outdoor game that started it all – 2001’s Cold War at Spartan Stadium. Then, he watched the Red Wings play in the 2009 NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field as part of the organization, but as a member of their AHL team in Grand Rapids. The Muskegon native only spent one full season with the Griffins; he began full-time duty with the Wings in the 2009-10 season.

To play in the 2014 NHL Winter Classic – which is expected to break the record for attendance for a hockey game after an announced 105,491 fan count – was a moment Abdelkader took a moment to appreciate during the contest.

“You had to,” he said. “This is a game where, obviously you’re going to play hard, but at the same time, you have to enjoy it, because this is a once-in-a-lifetime deal here, 105,000 fans, it was just packed. Toronto had good support, we had good support, it was just a great experience overall.”

Abdelkader said playing outside brought back memories to his youth days, because that’s the time players get to experience outdoor hockey.

“Oh yeah, absolutely, because you know, in our game, we’re not playing outdoors,” Abdelkader said. “This is something you do when you’re real young, when you’re growing up. It takes you back to all the times in your youth days and playing outside, it’s snowing, it’s cold, but you’re having fun. I think both teams enjoyed it…it’s something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.”

Coach Mike Babcock praised Abdelkader’s work ethic after the outdoor contest when asked about the crucial goal for his club.

“He’ll make big plays,” Babcock said. “He is a big player.  Brings it every day to practice and games. He’s just going to get better.  He’s got a reasonable skill set.  But his determination is so good, his skill set is going to grow.  He’ll be a real important part for the team.

“We don’t have a lot of big heavy forwards, and he’s one for us.  He’s growing into his body, growing into his game, and he’s an important player for us.”

Abdelkader said it was one of his more significant goals in his career, especially coming in one of the buildings centered around the college rivalry he grew up in.

“Yeah, it goes up there,” Abdelkader said. “It’s one of my bigger goals. It’s one to remember, for sure. It’s unfortunate that it didn’t come in a win, but it was definitely a memorable goal. Playing in the state of Michigan, playing in the rivalry with Michigan and Michigan State, it was great to play here in the Big House, and it was a lot of fun. Glad I got the opportunity to come out and do it.”