DETROIT – Kris Draper went from the Grind Line to the Detroit Red Wings' front office, where he is enjoying a front-seat perspective of construction on the new Little Caesars Arena and its attached practice facility.
On Wednesday, Local 4's Guy Gordon toured the construction site with Draper, who also coaches Little Caesars Hockey amateur teams. Draper said he's thrilled the amateur players will get to skate right next to the professional arena.
"If you're talking Little Caesars (Hockey) alone, probably about 22 to 25 teams just in AAA," said Draper. "Then on weekends we'll try to run tournaments and showcases. We're going to try to use this as much as we possibly can."
Draper is excited at the prospect of kids growing up at the new facility.
"You're looking at some kids that are 8, 9, 10 years old, they might be able to play all of their minor hockey right next to the Detroit Red Wings," he said. "It's so cool and such a unique opportunity."
Draper admitted he's a bit jealous.
"It's a huge competitive advantage for Little Caesars (Hockey). You walk in here and there's that wow factor," he said.
Draper, who is now a special assistant to Red Wings GM Ken Holland, said he grew up at Joe Louis Arena. As much as he loves the memories at The Joe, he knew it was time for the organization to move on.
"Joe Louis Arena, you know, I love it. We won Stanley Cups there. I grew up in that rink. But, for me, you still realize it's time," he said.
Moreover, the practice arena, along with its new workout facility, should be able to attract Red Wings prospects and NHL free agents.
"I think this is going to be great for us ... when you look at free agents ... they get to see this -- not only what the rink is, but also the growth of what's going on in Detroit," he said.
The arena is set to open in time for the 2017-18 NHL season. That means this coming season will be the final one for the Red Wings at The Joe.