Detroit City Wire

DETROIT -- Shai Buium experienced his first professional hockey game during the 2023-24 season, playing one game on an amateur tryout with the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins after concluding his junior year at the University of Denver.

With insights gained from his brief AHL stint, the Detroit Red Wings defenseman prospect feels more prepared for the upcoming 2024-25 campaign.

“The game gets faster and guys are stronger,” Buium said during the Red Wings’ 2024 Development Camp last month. “Really just skating and building strength, they come together. When you have good strength and your edgework is getting better, it’ll come together and you’ll become a better skater.”

Buium earned National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) Second All-Star Team honors last season after achieving NCAA career-highs in goals (seven), assists (29), points (36), and games (43) at the University of Denver, contributing to the Pioneers' second NCAA Division 1 national championship in three years.

The No. 36 pick of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft by Detroit said he made significant progress during his time at the University of Denver.

“I think I’ve gotten a lot better defensively,” Buium said. “You learn new things every year. I like to be a sponge, just take it all in. Good defense just generates more offense for me. I like to be on the offensive side of things, and playing good defense helps with that.”

Buium noted the heightened competition level at the AHL last season.

“I was already in playoff hockey in the NCAA, so I would say [the AHL] is similar in that style of play,” he said. “I just think guys are probably faster, stronger and smarter.”

With last season’s experiences and another Red Wings Development camp completed, Buium is eager to establish his professional career with the Griffins this season.

“I really like the coaching staff,” Buium said. “[Grand Rapids is a] great city. I really liked getting to know the players, coaches, facilities and the city. I’m just excited for what’s to come.”