“I’m Going to Try To Represent it Well”, Dominik Shine Taking Role of Griffins Captain Seriously

Photo Credit: Nicolas Carrillo

Family is important to Dominik Shine.

So, it’s fitting he was surrounded by his second family, the Grand Rapids Griffins, when he was named the 19th captain in franchise history. 

The team opened the season on the road in Texas, and the captaincy was announced during a team meeting. Shine had a small heads up before it was announced to the group, but to share that moment with his teammates was special.

For Shine, being Captain is an honor he doesn’t take lightly. “It means a lot,” said Shine. “Just the respect of the group, and the staff, and everyone, it means a lot to me. I’m going to try to represent it well.”

It was an easy decision for Head Coach Dan Watson to make. In fact, it was one he could have made earlier. Unfortunately, the team Watson inherited was in desperate need of a culture change. “Now, fast forward two years, I think that we’ve got the room where we need it to be in terms of the culture,” explained Coach Watson. “Now it’s going to be Shiner’s.”

Waiting to name Shine captain turned out to be the best decision by Coach Watson. 

“And, for him being here for 10 years, seeing the ups, seeing the downs, and now going through this part of it with all the young guys developing,” said Coach Watson. “I think it’s the perfect time for him.” He expanded upon this saying, “This is going to develop him as a person, as well, off the ice. How to lead a team. How to lead a group of men.”

After the home opener, when we (the media) walked into the locker room, there were kids everywhere. Austin Watson and his kids were milling about, a youth hockey team with their dads were waiting to meet some of the team, and Coop Shine was an integral part of the post-game presser. Honestly, it was one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen in the 10 years I’ve been covering the AHL. 

This is the vibe Shine brings to the locker room as a captain this year.

This is how he’s leading a group of men.

With fun, family, and good hockey.