 |
|
|
By Sarah Lindenau - www.RedWingsCentral.com July 6, 2007 Justin Abdelkader is hoping to build off the momentum he gained from leading the Michigan State Spartans to an NCAA title. The 6-foot-1, 209-pound forward scored the championship-winning goal with just 18.9 seconds remaining in regulation against Boston University back in April, helping the Spartans capture their third national banner. He was later named the Frozen Four’s most outstanding player. “Obviously the (winning goal) was a big one for my confidence,” said Abdelkader, a hard hitter who tallied 15 goals and 18 points for 33 points in 38 games last season. “Hopefully it will lead me to more next year.” Life has been a whirlwind for Abdelkader since April. He has attended countless alumni events, and earned a recent trip to Washington, D.C., to meet with President George Bush as well as members of the U.S. house of representatives and the U.S. supreme court. This week, he’s attending a summer fitness and development camp with the Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. He has trained five days a week since his season ended, something that is bound to impress the Red Wings, who are watching his development closely. They have until Aug. 15, 2009, to get the 21-year-old under contract, but they may decide to sign him at the end of this coming season if all goes well. “We are taking it year by year,” Abdelkader said. “There is still a long way to go and I am working hard to improve my overall game.” The Muskegon, Mich., native is looking forward to one day playing for the Red Wings, the team he grew up cheering for. “It’s pretty unbelievable,” he said. “Growing up watching guys like (Steve) Yzerman, (Sergei) Fedorov and (Paul) Coffey and then getting drafted by the dream team you want to be on some day — it’s pretty special.” Sarah Lindenau is a contributor to RedWingsCentral.com. |
|