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    RED WINGS PROSPECTS
September 10, 2009

Emmerton hopes to realize dream

BY DENNIS CHASE

TRAVERSE CITY -- Cory Emmerton says he's a patient person.

That's a good thing because the young forward is a prospect for the Detroit Red Wings, an organization that does not promote players to the National Hockey League until they are ready.

So for Emmerton, who made his professional debut with the Grand Rapids Griffins last season, it most likely will mean more seasoning, more developing in the American Hockey League.

And that's just fine with the 21-year-old Ontario native.

"It's a slow process," Emmerton said, "but in the end it's very healthy for you as a player. It gives you time to mature."

Emmerton saw last season how the system works. During its run to the Stanley Cup finals, Detroit called up Darren Helm, Ville Leino, Jonathan Ericsson and Justin Abdelkader from its minor league affiliate. All paid their dues, all contributed, and all are expected to vie for increased roles with the Wings this season.

"Obviously, you think about playing in the NHL," Emmerton said. "It's been a dream all my life. And as you get closer you wonder when it's going to come. But at the same time you look at the Detroit roster and you think, 'Who am I going to beat out for playing time?'

"You just have to work your way up and keep improving every day, every season, and eventually it's going to come. They (Wings) want you to be 100 percent ready. They want guys they can plug right into the lineup and help the team."

It's a philosophy Griffins' coach Curt Fraser supports.

"The Red Wings like their players to gain a lot of experience before they bring them up," Fraser said. "It's the right way to do it. The players are prepared, they're ready, so when they get called up they can contribute right away. It's a good plan. It's no accident Detroit's in first place all the time, and playing for the Stanley Cup. Ken Holland (general manager) and Jim Nill (assistant general manager) have a fantastic plan that they put into place a long time ago. It works very well."

Emmerton, who chalked up 10 goals and 25 assists in 69 games last season in his first year as a professional, is hoping to improve his overall game and put himself in position for a call up, if the situation arises. To do that, however, he knows he knows he'll need to be consistently good.

"If there's an injury, and a call up, you have to be playing your best or you're not going to be called up," he said. "It's who's playing the best and who's the most consistent.

"They (Wings) don't want to just fill a roster spot. They want someone who can play and not have an issue out there."

Developing consistency is Emmerton's goal this season. He started strong a year ago, but tapered off in the second half.

"All young players are going to do that," Fraser said. "They're going to have their ups and downs, maybe get a little tired. It's a tough schedule.

"And it's a tough jump -- juniors to the American Hockey League. I thought Emmerton came in and played very well for us last year. He got a good year under his belt and we're looking for big things from him."

Fraser firmly believes Emmerton's time will come with the Wings.

"Absolutely," he said. "But Cory has to put in the time and make sure that he's well prepared when he gets that opportunity.

"I see good things ahead for Cory Emmerton," he added. "He can skate, he has great skill, he competes hard. And he's not only a good player, he's a character kid, a good leader. He has all the tools. He made the jump to the American Hockey League last year and did a good job. Now, he's got to be one of the best players in the league."

Emmerton said his skating's improved every season and he's worked hard in the weight room to improve his strength.

"I'm not a tall guy. I'm not a real big guy," the 6-foot, 190-pounder said. "Some of the guys (in the league) are 220 to 230 pounds. So if they weigh 30 pounds more than you it's tough to take some of those hits. But that's why you work in the weight room -- to build strength and durability to take that constant pounding."

Fraser said it's a necessity.

"All the young kids find out quick that it's a man's game," he said. "There are no shortcuts. You better work hard in that gym to make sure you're strong enough to battle with these guys."

So far, Fraser likes what he sees from Emmerton in the Prospects Tournament at Centre ICE.

"He came to training camp in great shape," Fraser said. "It looks like he's matured a little, he's a little bigger. It looks like he's ready to go."

Emmerton, though, is not the only prospect eying a future with the Wings.

Among the others trying to improve their stock are forwards Francis Pare, Mattias Ritola and Jan Mursak and defenseman Jakub Kindl. Pare, 22, scored 24 goals in 63 games for the Griffins last season.

Then there's Abdelkader. With the signings of Todd Bertuzzi, Mike Eaves and Jason Williams, Abdelkaber could return to Grand Rapids.

"Abby is going to give Mike Babcock (Wings coach) a tough decision," Fraser said. "This kid is ready to play. He's the real deal. But if he has to wait, it's OK because he'll gain more experience and he'll be able to work on his game a little more."

Prospects Tournament

Today's Games
Atlanta vs. Columbus, 2:30
Detroit vs. Dallas, 3
NY Rangers vs. St. Louis, 6
Carolina vs. Minnesota, 6:30

Wednesday
NY Rangers 4, Detroit 3
Dallas 4, Columbus 3
Atlanta 7, Carolina 3
St. Louis 4, Minnesota 3 (SO)

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