At age 31, former Lincoln Stars forward Dominik Shine finally got the call every hockey player dreams about.
It’s been a long climb to the top for Dominik Shine.
The former Lincoln Stars forward spent four years in the USHL, another four with Northern Michigan University in the NCAA, and over eight seasons in the AHL.
Finally, at age 31, Shine made his NHL debut Monday night with the Detroit Red Wings. It was especially gratifying considering the 5-foot-11, 181-pound right-shot forward is a Detroit-area native, hailing from Pinckney, Mich.
“It was amazing,” Shine told reporters after the game. “I got the call around 10:30 Am. I was driving my son to get some ice cream, actually was kind of ironic. It was so crazy. Just so thrilled for myself, but also my parents and everyone who put in hard work to get me to where I’m at.”
Shine logged 9:50 of ice time in the Red Wings’ 5-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings at Little Caesars Arena Monday night. He became the oldest player in franchise history to make his debut in the League since 1977, when Vaclav Nedomansky made his at age 33.
Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan didn’t know Shine’s story until Monday, but said after the game it was a big motivation for the entire team.
“He earned the contract, his way here and his keep tonight,” McLellan said. “We’re pretty excited about winning that game, but we’re really excited that he was part of it.”
Shine isn’t new to the Wings’ organization. He’s toiled for the club’s AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, since 2016-17. It wasn’t until Monday, however, that he signed a full standard contract with Detroit.
He has certainly earned that honor. In 462 AHL games, all with the Griffins, Shine has recorded 170 points (72-98-170) over eight-plus seasons after signing a free agent deal with the club following four seasons at Northern Michigan University.
This season, Shine has 32 points in 40 games. He achieved his career high in points as a pro last season, when he scored 33 in 65 games.
At NMU, he posted 97 points (48-49-97) and 185 penalty minutes over 131 games. He also served as an alternate captain during his junior and senior seasons.
In 188 USHL games with the Stars, Shine registered 134 points (64-70-134) from 2009-13. His leadership qualities were apparent even then, serving as Lincoln’s team captain his final two seasons.
Shine’s contract with the Red Wings runs through the 2025-26 season. Since Grand Rapids released him from his AHL contract, the Red Wings would have to put him through waivers before they could send him back down.
Regardless of what happens from here on out, Shine can now say he has made it to The Show.