GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.,-- If there's one thing you can say about Grand Rapids Griffins captain Dominik Shine, it's that he's selfless.
When asked about his record-breaking four-goal night against the Texas Stars, Shine had nothing but praise for his teammates. "It's honestly a testament to our team," he said. "We play well and match up well against them. I give all credit to them."
Shine's 104 career AHL goals put him second in team history behind Michel Picard (158). This is his fourth hat trick he's recorded in a year; funny enough, three of them have come against the Stars.
"They're a great first period team," Shine remarked. "When you play a team like that, you have to play a simple game and try to avoid bad bounces or turnovers."
Shine, 33, has played 11 seasons for the Griffins. He leads the team with nine goals and 15 points in 11 games. His style of play - a physical, relentless game - is infectious, spreading across all four lines.
Last season, Shine played 18 games for the Detroit Red Wings, scoring his first career NHL goal at 32 years of age. His perserverance and dedication to his team continues to have a ripple effect on his players and onward.
What Shine brings to the Red Wings organization
It isn't often that a player on the Red Wings skips time with the Griffins. The only one to do so in recent memory is Lucas Raymond, who came into the league at just 19 years of age. Everyone from Moritz Seider to Albert Johansson has spent some time in the AHL. Each of them have had a chance to play with Shine. Each have left with his impact -- whether they realized it or not.
"That's what I love about him," Griffins head coach Dan Watson said. "He comes to work. He knows his role. He does it and does it well. There's a reason he's captain...and now he's being rewarded for the work he puts in. Young guys watch him and go 'yeah, this is what I can do', and I think it's his perserverence, his work ethic, the care and passion for this organization that sets him apart."
Watson said it best: Shine's passion and perserverance are what sets him apart from other AHLers. He's made it to the NHL before. He knows what it takes and the pace the teams set. There are few, if any, players in the AHL better built to be a role model for young players.
"I'm sure there are multiple places he could have gone in the past, but he hasn't," Watson added. "He's stuck it out and I think he's getting rewarded it for it. The young guys have a good person to follow and watch."
Closing his thoughts on Shine, Watson grinned proudly.
"We're blessed to have him as our captain."
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