Photos: Whalers and Compuware AAA host ‘Try Hockey’ event

By Michael Caples –

PLYMOUTH – Yesterday, the Plymouth Whalers and the Compuware AAA hockey program hosted a Try Hockey For Free event at Compuware Arena in Plymouth.

Whalers players, along with girls from the Compuware 12U team, were on the ice to help kids experience the game for the first time. The event is one of many put on by MAHA’s Ron Hayes and Gordan Bowman, with funding from the Red Wings foundation.

Plymouth goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic said it was a great time getting on the ice with young children anxious for their first hockey experience.

“Whenever you can teach somebody a new sport, especially hockey for me, I love hockey, it’s just incredible to see all the kids out here that want to learn the sport,” said Nedeljkovic, who is one of 40 players invited to the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game later this month. “It’s not only good for them, but it’s good for us. There are kids out there that want to play, and hopefully they can be in the position I’m in and the rest of the team’s in one day.

“It doesn’t seem that long ago now, but if you think about it, it’s been a long time since I was in this position, and I’m sure a lot of guys will say the same thing.”

The event was extra special for Rochester native Mitch Jones, who played at Compuware Arena growing up, both as a member of the Compuware AAA organization, and other top-tier travel programs.

“I played on all the AAA teams and everything growing up,” Jones said, “so you know, I’ve had a couple places to call my home, but having this be my old place to play and a new rink to play at, it’s great.

“It’s nice to get new kids into hockey, getting them out here and hopefully it can bring fans this way, but you know, this is great being on the ice with kids.”