Torquato steps up Injuries to Helm, McGrath help Torquato post two-point game ... By Sarah Lindenau - www.RedWingsCentral.com September 12, 2007 Zack Torquato has something to prove to the Detroit Red Wings and 29 other NHL teams who let him slide in the NHL entry draft in June. The 6-foot, 195 pound forward was rated the 61st North American skater by the Central Scouting, but slipped to 178th overall. That’s where the Red Wings stepped up and grabbed him, saying they couldn’t resist. Skating was one of the big concerns with Torquato. He called draft day “uncomfortable,” but said he put the disappointment of sliding in the draft behind him as soon as he was selected. “The Red Wings were confident enough to draft me and I have to prove they made the right pick,” said Torquato, who is a gifted offensive player. “I have to work on my skating and things will happen.” Torquato, who plays for the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters, enjoyed a one-goal, one-assist, eight-shot performance for the Red Wings at the prospects tournament in Traverse City, Mich., on Tuesday. The Red Wings lost 5-3 to the St. Louis Blues in the fifth-place game. The 18-year-old finished fourth in team scoring with a goal and two assists in four games and took advantage on Tuesday with top forwards Darren Helm (shoulder) and Evan McGrath (finger) missing time. “Those were big losses, but everyone had to pick up the slack,” Torquato said. “The tournament has been really exciting. It has been a big adjustment. The play is a lot faster and quicker but it’s really fun.” With his first prospects tournament behind him, Torquato is focused on the main training camp, which opens on Friday. “I am looking forward to playing with all the pros and to see what they are like (to play against),” Torquato said. “I want to get the experience, but I know I have to work hard and keep my feet moving.” — Evan McGrath had a rough outing on Tuesday. Although he scored and padded his team-leading offensive stats (five points in four games), the 6-foot, 195 pound center took a nasty hit from behind in the second period and was sent head-first into the end boards. Then, in the third period, the 21-year-old took a vicious slash and lost a chunk of his finger. He didn’t return and will need to consult with a surgeon before he can be cleared to play in Detroit’s main camp. — Two-time free-agent tryout David Jarram was named assistant captain in place of the injured Helm for Tuesday’s game. — The Red Wings had trouble getting pucks out of their own end and didn’t offer much support for free-agent tryout goaltender Pier-Olivier Pelletier, who stopped 31 shots in the loss. — Swedish forward Mattias Ritola looked like he had turned the corner on Tuesday when he made a nifty defensive play to strip the puck from the Blues. The 6-foot, 198-pound winger’s strides were wiped away when he took back-to-back undisciplined penalties in the second period. — Defenseman Jakub Kindl is thrilled to be in the pros this season after capping a stellar OHL career with the Kitchener Rangers. “I am so excited to turn pro,” the Czech Republic native said. “It is my dream to make the NHL and I will do whatever the coaches want.” The 20-year-old put up strong numbers with Kitchener last season and finished second in the voting for the OHL’s outstanding defenseman behind New York Ranger prospect Marc Staal. Despite his succes, Kindl had to deal with being booed by his hometown crowd in late February. “That has never happened to me before in my life,” he said. “I didn’t play the way I should, but who cares. It’s over and I believe we still won the game and I got two assists (on the game-tying and -winning goals).” He’s hoping to play well enough for a shot at Detroit’s seventh defensive spot. “All I can do is play my best,” the 6-foot-3, 202-pounder said. “Hopefully I can get closer to (making) the Red Wings. I know I am only 20 years old and there is still tons of time (to make the NHL). It’s going to be a big step to make even the AHL so I will be OK if that’s where I end up.” — Cory Emmerton and Logan Pyett attended Tuesday’s game against St. Louis having just competed for Canada in the Super Series against Russia. Both will take the ice when the Red Wings’ main camp opens on Friday. — Free agents Patrik Magnusson and John Kurtz sat out as healthy scratches. Jarram and Cleve Kinley returned to the lineup. The Blues held top pick Erik Johnson out of the lineup to avoid a possible injury. Sarah Lindenau is a contributor to RedWingsCentral.com. RELATED LINKS: Plus-Minus | Boxscore | Photos | Team Stats