Detroit — Dominik Shine kept going, not giving up, always keeping his eyes on the dream of making the NHL.
It was Shine’s goal, but he was also realistic. Maybe that intention wasn’t going to happen.
It did, though, last season, after 462 games in the minor leagues. Shine finally received the phone call from the Red Wings and was recalled to be in the lineup Jan. 28, 2025, against Los Angeles.
Detroit right wing Dominik Shine high fives his teammates after scoring a goal during the second period of a game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Ottawa Senators at Little Caesars Arena, in Detroit, March 24, 2026.
“To get that call was something I’ll never forget,” Shine said.
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Shine, 32, went on to play nine games last season and has played in 16 this season after being recalled from Grand Rapids.
For his perseverance and dedication to hockey, Shine has been nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy by the Detroit chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
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The Masterton is presented to the player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication of hockey.” The winner will be announced at the NHL Awards Show in June. Two Wings have won the Masterton: Brad Park (1984) and Steve Yzerman (2003).
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There were times along the way Shine thought his career may be over. The NHL seemed so far away.
But his wife, Taylor, continued to push him, and Shine kept going.
He’s thrilled he did.
“If I’m being honest, I thought it was over,” said Shine of making the NHL. “I love Grand Rapids and my family loves Grand Rapids. I was okay with just finishing my career there and giving it my all there.
“(But) I was playing good and thought maybe they’d give me a game at the end of the season, but to get that call is something I’ll never forget.”
Shine was in the car with his son, Cooper, age two at the time, and getting Cooper his first pair of skates when the call from the Wings came.
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Shine scored his first NHL goal last month when the Wings were in New Jersey.
“Awesome, it’s something you dream about as a kid,” said Shine, a Pinckney native. “I used to watch the Wings my whole life. I was a huge fan. To be out here is amazing.
“I’m so grateful for the organization and everyone involved who has given me the chance.”
tkulfan@detroitnews.com
@tkulfan
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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Detroit Red Wings forward Dominik Shine nominated for NHL award