Kevin Porter talks about signing with Red Wings, playing in Wolverines’ alumni game

By Stefan Kubus (@SKubus) –

Northville native Kevin Porter had some new equipment to break in Friday night.

After signing a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings on July 1, Porter used the University of Michigan alumni game as an opportunity to begin breaking in his new red gloves, helmet and pants. But before he can wear the Winged Wheel on his chest to complete the uniform, the 28-year-old former Hobey Baker Award winner knows that’s a right he needs to earn.

“I grew up watching the Red Wings, so hopefully I get a chance to play for them, but if I’m back and forth, that’s the way it goes sometimes,” Porter said.

After six professional seasons, Porter will get the opportunity to play in his home state for an organization he grew up watching. While he said there’s a lot of factors that go into the decision of where to sign, the hometown allure certainly was a big one.

“I get to stay at home for training camp, which will be really cool,” Porter said. “I mean, we go to Traverse City for a while, but it’s just nice to stay at home.”

Porter, a Hobey Baker winner, supplied the offense for the Wolverines from 2004-2008, amassing 183 points in 162 collegiate games. Being able to take the ice once again at historical Yost Ice Arena was something he said instantly brought back memories. Those who returned participated a week-long, on-ice pro camp prior to the alumni game and attended a Wolverines football game on Saturday before wrapping it all up with a round of golf on Sunday.

“This is always a fun game; it’s good that we had enough guys come back to have a game,” Porter said of the experience. “There’s a lot of good players out here. I’m most impressed with the guys that haven’t played in five or six years, that come out here and can still play with us. That’s pretty impressive.”

Though he was a constant offensive threat around the CCHA, Porter’s professional role hasn’t been quite as clear cut, having bounced back and forth quite a bit between the NHL and AHL ranks since entering the leagues in 2008.

Of his six years with the Phoenix, Colorado and Buffalo organizations, the 2010-11 campaign with Colorado was his only full NHL season, where he tallied 14 goals and 25 points in 74 games, primarily in a bottom-six role. But at the AHL level, Porter has experienced some consistent success, having recorded 156 points in 196 career games. He most recently wrapped up the 2013-14 season with the Rochester Americans – New York-based AHL affiliate to the Sabres – as team captain, racking up 19 goals and 36 points in 50 games.

Prior to joining the professional ranks, Porter honed his skills with the Little Caesars, Honeybaked and Ice Dogs AAA programs as a youth. From there, he moved onto the U.S. National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor. With the University of Michigan practically next door, he virtually stayed in the same area throughout his entire career up until leaving for the NHL.

That’s rather ironic, too, considering all he has known thus far in his professional career is bouncing around from city to city. But it appears Porter has found a new home within his home.

At least for now.

“A lot of guys are packing up their stuff and getting ready to leave, and I don’t have to, which is really nice.” Porter said.