When the 2017 NHL playoffs begin, there will be a familiar team missing. The Detroit Red Wings’ 25-year playoff streak will likely come to an end as the team sits with just a 0.2% chance of making the playoffs. The Red Wings have succeeded over the past-quarter century by developing the organization’s young talent in the minor leagues and bringing in NHL superstars from Free Agency. The foundation for the last 25 years of success started with drafting Steve Yzerman in 1983 and building the team around him. To return to their former glory, the Red Wings need a new star draft pick to lay a new foundation for the next 25 years: a new Steve Yzerman.
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Michael Babcock III is a collegiate hockey player at Merrimack College. Michael is the son of Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Michael Babcock. He played three years of prep hockey at Detroit Catholic Central. Following this, he spent two years in the United States Hockey League for the Fargo Force where he was named captain in his second season. He has just completed his sophomore season with the Merrimack College men’s hockey program. Our conversation discusses his upbringing in hockey along with his experience in prep and junior levels of hockey.
Sean Kageff: First off, how did you get started in hockey and what led you along the way to where you are now at Merrimack? Michael Babcock III: I got involved in hockey when my dad coached. That obviously helped, I was around the rink quite a bit growing up, you just go to work with your dad. It was definitely a kid friendly environment when I was growing up. I was always allowed to be there. Being around the guys and stuff like that. So, I definitely learned to love the game through just going to the rink with my dad. And then growing up, obviously, my passion for it grew more and more each year it seemed. As you play and get older, some kids continue to love it, some kids don’t. I was very fortunate that my passion just always increased it felt with each time I touched the ice. I was fortunate enough to move into good areas where hockey was a big hub. Like Detroit, it is a great spot for youth development in hockey. I was fortunate enough to play in AAA and then play high school at CC [Detroit Catholic Central], and again fortune enough to play juniors and now college. It’s been a really good ride for me. |
Sean KageffSenior at the University of Michigan studying Actuarial Math CategoriesArchives |