Transition Time: Athanasiou Ready to Start Pro Career
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Not much intimidates Andreas Athanasiou including transitioning to professional hockey after four OHL seasons. the 6-foot-2, 200 pound forward had his most successful campaign last season with 49 goals and 95 points in 66 games for Barrie.
“I think it was a good year,” Athanasiou said. “I was coached by Dale Hawerchuck and he taught me a lot. I had the opportunity to play and be the turn to guy.”
Despite struggling early in the season, the 20 year-old signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Red Wings in November. The deal gave Athanasiou the boost of confidence he needed as he tallied 41 goals in the final 45 games of the season.
“I was excited to get the deal done early,” he said. “I was a little more comfortable after signing the contract. I settled down a bit and took my game to another level.”
After Barrie’s second round playoff exit, Athanasiou joined the Grand Rapids Griffins for the remainder of the year. The London, Ontario native played in eight AHL games (two regular season and six playoff games) scoring his first professional goal.
“Getting my chance at pro hockey for the first time was unbelievable,” he said. “Some of the guys are so hard to play against, but I tried to make the most of the opportunity. It gave me a taste of being a pro and showed me how hard I have to work.”
Athanasiou, who has been suffering from flu-like symptoms all week, is using this week’s NHL Prospect tournament as a warm-up to the main training camp and ultimately the season. Through three tournament games he is tied for second on the Red Wings in scoring with two goals and three points. His goal and assist in Monday’s contest against Minnesota helped the Red Wings advance to the third place game on Tuesday.
“We played a great team game,” he said. “For me personally, I just tried to work hard every shift and I was lucky enough to get some good passes at the right time with some speed.”
After Tuesday, the emphasis shifts to Red Wings training camp and establishing the organizational depth chart. For Athanasiou, this camp is particularly important and will help determine whether he spends the season in Detroit or Grand Rapids.
“I am just going to play my game and not think too far ahead,” Athanasiou said. “Detroit is such a smart organization so wherever they choose to put me I am going to be happy with it. One day I want to be a Red Wing whenever that is and whatever road they take me down I will be happy to do it so that I can get to the NHL.”