Jared Coreau: Rounding into Form
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Jared Coreau has come a long way since being called a ‘stylistic mess’ by the Red Line Report. The 6-foot-5, 207 pound goalie has worked tirelessly with his goalie coach to improve his game and get ready for the next level.
“I think that comment was mostly referring to my game in tight,” he explained. “They say big guys have big holes so I was really opening up and making snow angels. My goalie coach in Ottawa and the coaches I have had throughout the years have worked with me on being compact and staying tight.”
The hard work paid off for Coreau who posted significantly better numbers in his final two seasons with Northern Michigan University. In 38 NCAA games last year, the undrafted free agent netminder had a 2.70 goals against and a.919 save percentage while showing he could be take on increased workload and play consistently. His efforts were rewarded with NHL contract offers from at least seven teams including the Red Wings.
“I had offers from other teams, but the Red Wings are an original six team,” he said. “The history is extremely rich and it goes pretty deep. They develop their players and I know I am a project and I need a lot of work.”
If his play during the NHL prospect tournament is any indication, Coreau was a solid addition to the Wings goaltending depth chart. The 21 year-old finished fourth among tournament goaltenders stopping 40 shots and recording a 2.00 goals against and .909 save percentage in two games and helped Detroit earn their first ever tournament championship.
“I thought Coreau was ahead of where I thought he would be,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “He hasn’t been part of the organization very long so he needs every chance he gets to make a good impression. I know management was real impressed with him this week. I think he’s someone who is just going to get better and better.”
Coreau, who is coming off a shoulder injury, has a battle ahead of him once main camp opens on Thursday to earn an AHL roster spot. He’ll face competition from Thomas McCollum to serve as Petr Mrazek’s backup this season. He’s focused on using training camp and exhibition season to help him make successful transition from college to professional hockey.
“Coming from college, I thought that was fast but this week has been pretty quick,” he said. “I know it is going to get even tougher, but I really look forward to working with the guys every day to get better. The Red Wings have a track record of development and whether it takes two, three, four, five years in the ECHL or the AHL, they are always working with you.”
The Pirth, Ontario native is looking forward to being on the ice with newly acquired Daniel Alfredsson. Coreau, who grew an Ottawa Senators fan, already had a chance to meet his long time idol when the two were skating in Detroit prior to the NHL prospects tournament.
“He was a huge idol for me growing up,” Coreau said. “Last week when we were in Detroit, I thanked him for all the years in Ottawa. I have a stick he signed for me when I was seven years old. I might bring it down for him to sign the other side. I am really excited about skating with all the NHL guys and getting a chance to learn from them.”