“This is just another chapter in his story that he’ll be able to tell when he’s done,” Watson said of Shine. “He made his NHL debut last season, a new contract [in January] and now, finally, after ten seasons in the American League and transforming from a fourth-line player into a first-line player, he makes his AHL All-Star debut. I’m really excited for him and his family. He means so much to our organization.”
Producing as he always has, while embracing the additional leadership responsibilities that come with wearing the ‘C’, Shine’s play makes this campaign that much more impressive.
“It means the world,” Shine said of becoming the 19th captain in franchise history. “Obviously you have the respect of your coaches and teammates, so that really means a lot to me. But responsibility-wise, it’s just business as usual. I’m just trying to be a role model on the ice, I’m just really trying to do my thing.”
Shine believes he has developed his leadership style significantly during his time in Grand Rapids, especially in his role as a mentor to his younger teammates over the years.
“I remember what it was like to be younger and one of the maybe less experienced guys,” Shine said. “I’m just trying to have fun with that and make our locker room a room that you want to be in, you know what I mean? Make it a place that you want to go and that you’re excited to go to because the AHL is hard. If you come into a room where you feel welcome, that’s all I want for our guys.”
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