A disciplined two-way player, Emmerton was whistled for only four penalty minutes in 48 games last season.
every day,” he said. “In pro sports, winning is everything. They won it all last year, and the team has continued that trend this year by continuing to play good hockey and be successful. “When you don’t make the playoffs, hat’s a long summer of missing hockey at a time when other young players are getting to play and develop in hard situations. The best thing you can do is win and learn what it takes to win. “When you have people who like what they’re doing and are happy to be a part of a team, it makes for a good environment, and that’s going to be good for the development of young hockey players who are trying to learn what it takes.” On a team already blessed with a number of veterans – Jeff oggan, Nathan Paetsch, Brennan Evans and Triston Grant – Emmerton was happy to assume a quiet leadership role. “The biggest thing for me after coming here was to do my part. Those guys were here last year, and they know what they’re doing and what they’re talking about. I don’t have to be necessarily verbal. For me, it’s more of an on-ice
thing – doing the right things and showing it on the ice.” Emmerton credits the Griffins’ coaching staff with making sure the team is prepared for every game. “You look at Jimmy Paek and you can see why he’s been coaching here so long. He’s such a good person. He cares about everyone. He’s out there every day teaching, pulling people aside. He did that with me when I was younger.” Emmerton had a similar experience during Blashill’s one season as an assistant coach in Detroit. “He helped me a lot my fi st year, talking to me and helping me do the right things,” he said. “We had a good relationship in Detroit, and that was good for me when I came back to Grand Rapids. He’s in a different role now, and you can see that he’s a big reason why this team has had so much success. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that there’s a lot of talent here, too. “As a head coach, you still have to put players in the right situations and get them to perform. I think he’s done a good job of figu ing out what
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2013 Calder Cup Champions
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