Dominik Shine’s dream came true last season when he signed an NHL contract and made his NHL debut with the Detroit Red Wings.

That isn’t why he’s being recognized, though.

Shine, 31, of the Grand Rapids Griffins, is the inaugural winner of the AHL’s Bruce Boudreau Award. The new award is the brainchild of AHL writer Stephen Meserve of 100 Mile Hockey, who covers the Texas Stars. He created an award to honor long-serving players performing in the league on AHL contracts. A panel of AHL scribes votes to select the winner.

Ian Mitchell finds Dominik Shine with a beautiful pass! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/5Js4IJow7q

— NHL (@NHL) September 30, 2025

Up until his late-season pact with the Red Wings, that was Shine. He spent eight seasons and 843 games with the Griffins, all of it on AHL deals.

“I love it in Grand Rapids,” Shine said. “It’s become home for me. I just want to be that guy that makes guys want to be a part of the organization.”

Red Wings Farmhand Sought to Plant Roots in Grand Rapids

Shine knew early in his pro career that staying in Grand Rapids was going to be a priority for him.

“I’m from Detroit,” Shine said. “I love the Red Wings, I love the organization. But also, I think the biggest thing was I wanted to plant some roots for my family and not have to bounce around American League teams.

“My wife (Taylor) ended up, she was my girlfriend at the time, but moved to Grand Rapids to be with me. She found a great job, so she was comfortable, and I just wanted to have a good life in that sense.”

Shine was a popular winner among his teammates.

DYLAN LARKIN GOAL ✔️
DOMINIK SHINE FIRST NHL POINT ✔️ pic.twitter.com/KWJfJ9IVCg

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 2, 2025

“I feel everybody who knows him and plays with him is so happy for him right now,” said Red Wings forward Elmer Soderblom, who played with Shine on the Griffins. “So yeah, it’s just a really heartwarming story to hear.”

Boudreau, who played 695 AHL games and also coached for nine years in the league, felt that Shine was a worthy first winner of the award.

“What makes winning AHL teams good is good American League leadership,” Boudreau said. “I’ve found that in every team that I’ve had.”