Talk about an ugly thing that turned into a happy scene!
Detroit Red Wings prospect Givani Smith met with a young fan following the Grand Rapids Griffins game at Van Andel Arena against the Iowa Wild. Ty Cornett, a young African American hockey player from Metro-Detroit, has faced racial taunts in the past. Smith treated him and his family to the ultimate hockey experience!
Last night Ty Cornett, a young Detroit hockey player who has been subjected to racial bullying, was invited by our own @givanismith24 for him and his family to come enjoy a Griffins game. The two met post-game, where Smith encouraged him to never quit. Thanks for coming, Ty! pic.twitter.com/ty9TTMeFgy
— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) March 9, 2019
You may remember, he's the same young fan who got a message of support from Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban.
Selected 46th overall by the Red Wings in the 2016 NHL Draft, Smith is playing his first full year of professional hockey in the AHL. He's been active in promoting hockey to kids in the community, especially during Black History Month.
"You don't have to be a certain skin color or certain person to play the game of hockey… It's a game and if you love it, it'll love you back."https://t.co/ccP8AVS0AK
— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) February 5, 2019
Keep up the good work, Givani!
BONUS CONTENT:
Chris Ilitch responds to potential Steve Yzerman reunion
Ever since it was announced that Steve Yzerman was stepping down as general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning despite having one year on his contract left, speculation has run rampant that a return to the Detroit Red Wings was in the works. He is still with the Lightning as an advisor.
http://gty.im/874354282
Yzerman still maintains a home in the metro-Detroit area, and his family remained here even as he worked in Florida. Meanwhile, current general manager Ken Holland still has one year remaining on a two-year pact he agreed to this past offseason.
While discussing the Detroit Tigers on Saturday, Tigers chairman and CEO Chris Ilitch was asked about the potential return of Yzerman. However, he kept things simple when asked if he's reached out to the former captain.
“No, we have not done that,” Ilitch responded. “He is under contract and we generally have a rule within our organization not talking about executives or others who are under contract with another organization.”
“There’s not a lot I can say about that other than I know his contract is expiring this summer, and leave it at that.”
