Former Trail Smoke Eater Dan DeKeyser played in his first National Hockey League game with the Detroit Red Wings on Friday.
DeKeyser, 23, penned a deal with the Red Wings Mar. 29 after completing his junior season at Western Michigan University. The Detroit product skated with the Smoke Eaters during the 2008-09 season, tallying 25 points in 58 games played. Seven of his eight goals that season were scored on the power-play. During his collegiate career with the Broncos, DeKeyser was twice named the CCHA’s Top Defensive Defenseman in 2012 and 2013.
“We’re extremely proud of everything Dan has accomplished so far in his career and wish him all the best of luck in Detroit,” stated Smoke Eaters president Tom Gawryletz. “To see one of our alumni reach the National Hockey League is a bright spot for our program and it highlights the opportunities the BCHL has to offer.”
DeKeyser dressed Friday in Detroit’s game at Colorado. He joins Shawn Horcoff, Garrett Burnett, Steve McCarthy, Travis Roche, Wade Dubielewicz and Brett Skinner as former junior “A” Smoke Eaters to have played at least one game in the NHL.