Cross Hanas took a significant step during his fourth season in juniors and hopes to show the Detroit Red Wings he is ready for the AHL.
“I’m going to work toward playing in the AHL,” Hanas said. “If they end up not wanting me there then I’ll get sent back to Portland for my 20-year-old year. I’m determined to play in the AHL next year for Grand Rapids. I’m ready for that next step coming into pro hockey.”
That will be determined at Red Wings training camp next month.
Hanas (6-1, 171), a right wing selected 55th overall (second round) in 2020, had 26 goals and 86 points in 63 games for Portland in the WHL. He had just five goals and 20 points in 33 games between Lincoln (USHL) and Portland in the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season.
“Being 19 in the WHL is a big step,” Hanas said. “They rely on you a lot, so I got to be first power play, got to be on the PK. They trusted me defensively because I’ve been working on that. Playing PK this year was one of the first times I was doing that, so I think I grew a lot there.
“Being out there and playing with confidence, knowing you’re going to get ice time and knowing I can do stuff out there to produce for our team and win.”
The native of Highland Village, Texas sees himself as a playmaker more than a goal-scorer.
“I think I use my hockey sense, my vision on the ice to my advantage,” he said. “One (area) I’ve grown over the past few years is my two-way side of hockey, always becoming more responsible in my D-zone and knowing what do to without the puck.”
Hanas and other prospects attended their first development camp last month at Little Caesars Arena, an event canceled the previous two years due to the pandemic.
“It’s been really cool just meeting (other prospects),” Hanas said. “You’re drafted with these guys, but you haven’t met them yet. You’re all in the same situation. You’re all trying to make the team and what (staff members) were saying in our meeting is that we’re all pretty much future teammates. Build some relationships now and you’ll have them for a long time.”
Prospects learn what it takes to become a good pro at this camp.
“I come from a great organization where they stress that a lot and they teach us that there, so I think I have what it takes to get to the next level,” Hanas said.
“The goal for me is to make the Red Wings roster before my entry level deal is up (in 2025). Just kind of stay focused on growing my game and developing my game the way they want me to. Just putting the work in, putting the time in for whatever it takes to make that roster someday.”
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