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McIntyre, who graduated from Colgate with a bachelor’s degree in educational studies, is considered a smart, tenacious player.
out because of how hard he played and how hard he was to play against.” McIntyre registered 15 goals and 18 assists playing for the Minnesota Wild’s American Hockey League affiliate last season. More signifi antly, his plus-minus was an impressive +19, by far the best number on a strong team. It showed that he could be responsible defensively as well as a threat on offense. With the Aeros relocating to Iowa during the off- eason, McIntyre was already prepared to move. The idea of playing for the defending Calder Cup champions was appealing, and the chance to come to the Detroit Red Wings organization made his decision that much easier. “Detroit is an organization that every other team would like to emulate. They have a history of winning and a history of developing their players, and I think they both go hand-in-hand,” McIntyre said. “When I came to this organization, I came for two reasons: I want to win and I want to develop 44
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as a player. My experience here is only going to better me as a player and as a person. Hopefully, it’s a way to get me back to where I want to be, and that’s the NHL.” McIntyre saw action in seven NHL games two seasons ago when he tallied a goal and assist for the Wild. “It was bittersweet for me, because after you play seven games, you want to play many, many more than seven,” he said. He hopes hard work will help him graduate to the NHL again. “The one thing my father always told me was ‘If you work hard, good things will happen.’ In other words, if you want something bad enough, then go out and get it. That’s the message I grew up with and that’s how I live now.” Growing up in Pefferlaw, a small town about 90 kilometers northeast of Toronto, McIntyre had the concept of dedication, commitment and hard work ingrained into his very being. “My parents demanded good grades, and it was something they preached to my sister and
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2013 Calder Cup Champions
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