Michi-gamer: Pride of the Mitten (Week of April 7, 2014)
Welcome to another season of MiHockey’s Michi-gamer!
We take great pride in our homegrown talent. Whether they grew up in the Mitten or we welcomed them here for college or juniors, they are our own. They represent the best place in the world for hockey.
Every morning, we pick one Michi-gamer from the previous night’s slate of games across all professional levels of hockey – one Michigan player who stood out above the rest.
APRIL 9 – DAVID LEGWAND
Game-winning goal for the Red Wings to move them one step closer to another postseason appearance? That definitely means Michi-gamer status for David Legwand. The Grosse Pointe Woods native scored Detroit’s third goal in their game against the Sabres last night, and it turned out to be the game-winner. Out on the ice with fellow Michigan natives Drew Miller and Luke Glendening, the Wings forced a turnover in the Buffalo end. Miller stole the puck, chipped it up to Legwand, and the Wings’ No. 17 fired a shot through the five-hole of Matt Hackett. It was Plymouth Whalers alum vs. Plymouth Whalers alum on the goal, by the way; Legwand played for the OHL franchise from 1997-99 and Hackett did the same from 2007-10. It was also Legwand’s 14th goal of the season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for his new team.
The goal:
More MiHockey articles on Legwand:
Legwand scores first Red Wings goal in 7-4 win over New Jersey
David Legwand talks about his Red Wings debut
Red Wings acquire Grosse Pointe Woods native David Legwand in trade with Nashville
APRIL 7 – LUKE GLENDENING
Luke Glendening had quite a weekend. While his Red Wings may not have been able to pull off a win out in Montreal, Glendening had some personal accomplishments worthy of a celebration. The East Grand Rapids native signed a three-year extension with the Red Wings, which was announced on Saturday morning. That means the former Wolverines captain be a member of his hometown team through the 2016-17 season – a three-year extension for a guy who continues to surpass expectations. He walked on at the University of Michigan, signed an AHL contract with the Griffins after his senior season, and now he’s worked his way into a permanent gig with the Original Six franchise. Glendening celebrated in fine form, too – he finally scored his first goal later that day. After 51 scoreless outings, the former high school hockey standout chipped in a backhander – while skating with an all-Michigan line of himself, Drew Miller and Justin Abdelkader – to earn that first goal every young hockey player dreams about. Congrats to Glendening, who continues to serve as an example for athletes everywhere.
Here’s the goal:
More MiHockey articles on Glendening:
Luke Glendening plays in fifth outdoor game at 2014 NHL Winter Classic
A Christmas sing-a-long with the Griffins
Luke Glendening talks about his NHL debut with the Red Wings
Luke Glendening talks about his whirlwind 2012-13 season
Luke Glendening proves high school hockey works
This week’s Michi-gamer list assembled by MiHockey’s Michael Caples.