It's going to be a milestone night at Little Caesars Arena tonight, as it will mark the NHL debut of forward Carter Mazur.
Born in Jackson, Michigan, Mazur grew up a Red Wings fan and played for the AAA Hockey Club of Little Caesars Hockey before later playing for the Tri City Storm.
Needless to say, he's beyond excited for his debut tonight against the Utah Hockey Club (7:00 PM, FanDuel Sports Detroit, 97.1 The Ticket) and will have hundreds of family and friends in the crowd.
My dad knows enough people who are his friends, and (Mom) spread the news, too; I think everyone knows. They've been part of the journey. I'm going to have 200 to 300 friends and family, and it's going to be pretty exciting.
He'll be wearing sweater No. 43 in honor of former Red Wings Stanley Cup-winning forward Darren Helm, who was Mazur's favourite player growing up.
It's crazy. It's my third time wearing the Wings' jersey in a way (Little Caesars, Griffins, Wings). It's kind of special to me. And wearing No. 43 as well is also very special. Getting to wear his number and honor him, honestly, it's pretty awesome.
In 20 games with the Griffins this year, Mazur has 15 points (8G, 7A).