Despite Non-Traditional Path to the Pros, Dominik Shine Is Making an Impact For the Griffins
6 years ago
Dominik Shine has been making waves, courtesy of his now viral “three punch knockout” video. Aside from his obvious seasoned fighting abilities, Shine has a repertoire dripping with elite success and leadership. Having spent four seasons in the USHL and another four with Northern Michigan University, Shine’s record shows a dependable consistency – rare for junior level hockey. Since finishing college at Northern Michigan University, Shine has been logging minutes with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. Signed officially to his first pro season, Dominik is looking to gain some momentum and build his already impressive resume.
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Getting his elite league start in the USHL’s Lincoln Stars, it seemed like Dom spent more time in the penalty box than on the ice. In the 2009-2010 season alone, Shine logged 165 penalty minutes. Despite making the sin bin his home in his first and second seasons, Shine still managed to put up some consistent points. His third season with the Lincoln Stars showed vast improvement. Being chosen for the captaincy in his 11-12 season, Dominik’s numbers reflected his respect for the title. In just 32 games played, Shine tallied 32 points and a significantly reduced 60 minutes of penalty time. Doing his newly acquired position justice, Dominik demonstrated his ability to rise to a challenge. Shine continued the trend until his movement to the WCHA circuit with Northern Michigan University.
Like most junior players moving to a higher league, Dominik had some personal growth to do to meet the challenges of the college world. Riding the coat-tails of a successful captaincy in the USHL, including two playoff runs, Dom was ready for the challenge, “When I was in the USHL, we didn’t have as much structure. Come to college, there’s more, you get to pro and there’s more than what it was in college.” Dom summarized for WingsNation when asked about his personal journey. Shine didn’t miss a beat during his transition. Continuing his impressive trend of averaging almost a point a game played, Dom caught the eye of the coaching staff yet again. Promoted his Junior year to Alternate Captain, Dominik was again given the chance at a leadership role. As expected, he carried it well. Finishing out his senior year with 20 goals and 10 assists in 30 games played, it’s no wonder he caught the eyes of the Detroit suits.
Fast forward to the Red Wings Prospect Tournament, Dom was selected to hit the ice representing Detroit. Showcasing an array of players representing the Original Six NHL teams, the tournament gave Shine the platform he needed. With a fiery, quick-footed style and a Darren McCarty-esque scrap to his game, it was impossible to ignore him. This youngster from NMU skated like he was launched from a cannon, throwing his whole body into every stride. With equal skill and speed, he controlled the puck impressively and stunned his opponents. The Grand Rapids Griffins were sold and invited the tenacious college grad to an amateur tryout. Dominik skated in a total of eight games during his tryout.
Now officially in his first season as a professional in the AHL, Dominik has adjusted rather well. Being used to the demands that come with switching league levels, Shine was prepared for this next step. His biggest challenge now is facing a much wiser opponent, “They’re a lot smarter. Its their job and they do it well. I think that’s the biggest transition coming from college…” Aside from playing against men, in some cases a decade older than himself, it doesn’t seem to phase him on the ice. With the spark that first caught the eye of Griffins staff, Dominik is unencumbered no matter the competition.
In a culture designed by coach Nelson, to develop extraordinary talent, Shine is sure to grow into an exceptional athlete. Structure, something that was lacking in his USHL years, is a quality Shine is looking forward to growing in, “everyone is pretty structured and has their head on right,” he stated. Under the veteran leadership in the locker room and on the ice, Shine will be able to thrive.
Dominik is a profoundly quick skater and consistent to boot. Regularly putting up 25+ points each season, he shows a reliable disposition on and off the ice. Looking at straight numbers, its evident he takes leadership seriously. Earning the Captaincy and an Alternate Captain position at the junior level speaks volumes of his ability to earn the trust of the coaching staff and produce on the ice. He’s sure footed and doesn’t shy away from aggressive plays – in many cases, he creates the aggressive offense. Shine’s puck control and board battle abilities are also worth mentioning. Able to get the puck in deep, he is often the first to go after a dump when his line is out. His tenacious skating shows an enthusiastic drive. Not to mention, the kid can fight.
In his position however, being that he is currently undrafted by the Wings and only a first year pro, Dominik has to work quite hard to maintain a home in Grand Rapids. Well aware of his position, Shine is already gleaning for pointers. Acknowledging that he just recently asked Nellie (Todd Nelson) how he can stay in the lineup, he said, “He just wants me to be the one that’s on the forecheck…(to) do my best to create something out there and energy.” Create energy, he does. The Mini-McCarty seems to thrive on the adrenaline of the game and inevitably, it rubs off on the others. Being entrusted as the go to energy-guy is something Dom does, and does well.
Dominik appears to have all the right goods for Detroit’s “rebuild.” Playing his part in Grand Rapids is just the start for Shine. Though Detroit currently has their eye on other young superstars like Svechnikov and Turgeon, Shine may just yet capture their fancy. Showing intelligence and mature real time decision making ability, Dominik has a fire that is much needed in Detroit. Would it be worth keeping him around? Absolutely. Consistency is a struggle for many teams, and given his age and experience, Shine is proven to be reliable if given the chance.
Earning the ice time is not a new concept in Grand Rapids and Shine is ready and willing. Glove-throwing guys are a dime a dozen. Players like Shine however, clever and scrappy, are not. Given the time, Dominik will prove to be a multi-dimensional player with both skill and cunning whenever he hits the ice.
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