LSSU’s Alex Globke talks Red Wings development camp, Lakers hockey

Photo by Nick Barnowski/MiHockey

 

By Nick Barnowski – 

After an excellent freshman season at Lake Superior State, Alex Globke got the chance to showcase his skills for the team he grew up watching.

The Waterford native was a free agent invite to the Detroit Red Wings’ summer development camp, which took place from July 4-8 in Traverse City.

“It’s definitely a dream come true,” he said. “It’s definitely fun to play for a team I’ve been watching my whole life.”

Globke said he received offers from other NHL teams to participate in their development camps, but Detroit was his top choice all along.

It’s easy to see why the Red Wings invited the 6-foot-3 forward to camp.

Globke was one of the top freshmen in the WCHA last season and led the Lakers in points with 36. He went on a seven-game point streak three games into the season and earned playing time on a line with seniors Colin Campbell and Dan Radke.

“I’ve been fortunate,” he said. “I played with two seniors last year which helped and they really helped me develop. Coach [Jim Roque] gave me the opportunity to play with them and I took it.”

The Red Wings signed Campbell to a two-year, entry-level contract back in March, and Globke said playing on a line with Lake State’s alternate captain propelled his game.

“He’s a good player, he’s a shooter,” Globke said. “I like to give him the puck and go to the net. I’m the kind of guy who likes to get to the net so it was good to play with him. I would be there for anything left behind.”

Photo by Nick Barnowski/MiHockey

 

Development camp was another opportunity for Globke to leave his hockey mark on the state of Michigan. Aside from a stint with the Carleton Place Canadians of the CCHL in 2012-13, every one of his home rinks has been in the Mitten State.

He got his start with Belle Tire Bantam Minor AAA in 2006-07 where he thrived, putting up 25 points in 32 games. The next season he played for the Detroit Falcons U16 squad, and returned to Belle Tire in 2010 to play with their U18 team.

“Being in Michigan, you’re up against a lot better competition than most,” said Globke, whose favorite player is Pavel Datsyuk. “I think Detroit’s the main [hockey] hub in America. It’s definitely good because I’m playing against extremely good players all of the time.”

Globke also spent a season with the Port Huron Fighting Falcons of the NAHL (now the Keystone Ice Miners in Pennsylvania) where he further garnered interest. He tallied 42 points on a team that finished first in its division.

“The Falcons gave me a great opportunity to play so I enjoyed it up in Port Huron,” he said. “It was close to home so I enjoyed that as I was still in high school.”

After seeing what is required to make it in the NHL, Globke will return to Sault Ste. Marie in the fall with his sights set on topping his output from last season.

“Obviously, I set the bar high so I’m going to have the answer next year,” he said. “Right now I’m just focusing on the next time I play. I’m hoping to be at the top next year but you never know what can happen.”