Grant Gabriele talks Wings’ development camp, NTDP experience and joining Western Michigan program

Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey
Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey

 

By @MichaelCaples –

TRAVERSE CITY – Grant Gabriele knows he’s in a spot most Michigan hockey players could only dream of finding themselves in.

The Brighton native was one of a select few invited to the Detroit Red Wings’ annual prospects development camp, where he’s getting a chance to learn from the coaching and management staff of his hometown Original Six team.

“Unbelievable feeling, you know,” Gabriele said. “We work all these years to get this opportunity in such a great organization, it’s unbelievable.”

Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey
Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey

It’s the latest stop on a hockey journey that has been rather unique for Gabriele. A product of the Belle Tire and Compuware youth organizations, Gabriele ended up splitting the 2013-14 season between USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program Under-17 Team and Victory Honda midget major club. Last year, he was on a full-time basis with the NTDP Under-18 Team. That means competition against United States Hockey League teams, NCAA programs and international opponents.

Needless to say, he had nothing but good things to say about his time with the NTDP in Ann Arbor.

“It was awesome,” Gabriele said. “The camaraderie with the guys, you’re probably never going to be able to play with those guys again, so the two years flew by. If anybody ever gets that opportunity, make sure you cherish it. It goes by fast, but it’s an unbelievable experience.”

When the Wings’ development camp comes to a close, Gabriele will become a full-time Bronco. The defenseman will join the Western Michigan hockey program, and he’s anxious to start playing for coach Andy Murray.

“It’s awesome,” Gabriele said. “I’m so excited to play for Coach Murray and the Broncos. I met a couple of the kids up there while I was skating; it’s been awesome. The workout facilities…the practices are going to be tough, on-ice is tough as well, but I’m really looking forward to it.”

Between his upcoming NCAA career and his time with the development camp, Gabriele knows that he has plenty of opportunities to pursue his dream of a professional hockey career.

“I’m just looking to get more educated on things, you know,” he said of what he wants to take out of development camp. “What it takes to make it to the next level. Coming off the NTDP, we did some stuff, but this takes it to a whole ‘nother level. I’m just looking to get those steps on what it takes to get to the next level.”

Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey
Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey

 

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Grant Gabriele talks Wings’ development camp, NTDP experience and joining Western Michigan program