Plymouth Whalers Spend Tuesday Practicing at Joe Louis Arena

The Plymouth Whalers and Detroit Red Wings play in different leagues and have similar streaks in appearing in playoffs in their respective leagues. For one rainy Tuesday, both teams practiced at the same building.

The Red Wings hosted the Whalers at the Joe Louis Arena. Plymouth practiced first, then the Whalers watched how the Red Wings do their work.

Afterwards, the Red Wings, cordial as always, hosted the Whalers to lunch.

Although the Whalers have eight NHL drafts picks on their roster (several already signed) and a couple of free agents who have opened the eyes of NHL teams, the trip to the Joe is a reminder that many players still have work to do. If nothing else, the size, stamina and work ethic of the Red Wings is obvious.

“It’s an exciting time,” said Plymouth goaltending coach Stan Matwijiw, no stranger to the Joe. “It’s great to be able to skate on the same ice as the Red Wings, in a building with a lot of history.”

Many of the Whalers have played at the Joe with various youth teams.

“I’ve played four or five times here, with the Pittsburgh Hornets,” said J.T. Miller (from East Palastine, OH).

“I played a couple of times here,” said Matt Mahalak, a graduate of the Monroe, MI youth system.

Veteran Andy Bathgate is new to the Whalers, but he has a wealth of experience growing up in a hockey family. Bathgate’s grandfather, Andy, played with the Red Wings from 1965-67. The younger Bathgate saw photos of his grandfather hanging from the Joe's walls Tuesday morning.

“When I played in junior, we played at HSBC Arena (in Buffalo),” said Bathgate. “Obviously playing in Plymouth and being so close to the Joe, it was really cool. It was also cool meeting some of the people associated with the Red Wings – seeing Ken Holland, Johan Franzen and how big he is. It’s a great experience and a great ice opener as to what we all aspire towards.

“Every time you go back to a place like the Joe, it’s something you dream about when you’re a kid. I spent time in Maple Leaf Gardens and now the Joe, so getting back there is really cool to see. It would be sweet to play in a game there once.”

Plymouth players had good-natured fun showing Andy the photos of his grandfather.

“I was walking around and – thinking that my grandfather played here only a couple of years – I didn’t think I’d see any photos,” Bathgate said. “But I walked around after practice, and – there he is. Then, there’s a big photo in the media room. It’s cool anytime I've seen him with anything having to do with the NHL. And it was cool for the guys to see, too.”

The Whalers return to their normal practice sessions Wednesday and Thursday from 1:45-3:15 p.m. at .

Plymouth is home both Friday and Saturday at 7:05 at this weekend, hosting Sault Ste. Marie on Friday (6:45 p.m., WSDP-FM 88.1) and Guelph on Saturday (6:45 p.m., WSDP-FM 88.1).

WHALERS HOST BLOOD DRIVE ON FRIDAY: When the Whalers bring in Sault Ste. Marie on Friday, it will be another $5 Fridays, sponsored by MYCD-FM 99.5. Certain sections of are offered for $5 every Friday regular season home game.

The Whalers also are teaming up with the Amercian Red Cross for their annual blood drive at Compuware Arena from Noon-6 p.m.. Anyone who attempts to give blood will receive a free ticket to any upcoming Whalers game - a great bonus.

The Red Cross is looking for blood donations during the holidays as many donors get busy with other commitments. We hope you can lend a helping hand in sharing this blood drive information with others so we can reach our goal of 48 pints that the Red Cross is hoping for.

TEDDY BEAR TOSS ON SATURDAY: The Whalers are teaming up with the Plymouth Community United Way for their annual Teddy Bear Toss on Saturday against the Guelph Storm. The first time the Whalers score on Saturday (and Alex Aleardi scored at 3:44 of the first period last season against London), thrown the stuffed animal on the ice and we'll find a good home for it.