Former Lakehead Thunderwolves goaltender Chris Whitley pieced together a strong effort at the Detroit Red Wings prospects camp last week in Traverse City, Michigan, and was rewarded with a spot at the 11-time Stanley Cup winners main training camp beginning September 13th in Traverse City.
The 62, 215 lb. athlete from Oshawa, Ontario made his professional debut Wednesday in an exhibition game against the New York Rangers at Centre Ice Arena in Traverse City, also known as Camptown. Despite falling 4-3 to the Rangers, Whitley looked good in his first game since last suiting up for the Thunderwolves at the CIS Cavendish University Cup last March.
I was pretty nervous. Its the first game Ive played in five months or so, but I was looking forward to getting back on my feet, Whitley said in an article posted on the Allen Americans website.
Whitley is currently under contract with the Allen Americans, the CHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars, but was first invited to compete at the Red Wings prospects game on the advice of Americans part owner and former Red Wing Steve Duschesne.
Now, the former OUA West MVP will share the ice with members of last seasons Presidents Trophy winners including Pavel Daytsuk, Henrik Zetterberg and Niklas Lidstrom. Off the ice, Whitley cites his meeting with the great Steve Yzerman as a highlight of his NHL training camp experience. The highlights continue for Whitley on Sunday at Traverse City.