From Underdog to Top Talent

Story by Derek Patterson

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Back in the fall of 2016, Taro Hirose first arrived in the state of Michigan, where he attended and played college hockey for the Michigan State Spartans. After his college career concluded in 2019, he stayed in the Great Lakes State, as he signed a two-year entry-level contract as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Red Wings.

The Calgary, Alberta, native is currently in his third full season with the Red Wings organization and has been with Detroit’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, for 30 games this season.

Hirose has called Michigan his home for the last five and a half years and has had nothing but a positive experience. The one thing that has stuck out to him is that everyone is passionate about the sport, from the players to the coaches and even the fans.

“It's been very positive, in the state of Michigan, you can tell they love their hockey,” Hirose said. “Things have been great whether I’ve been with the Red Wings, the Griffins or at Michigan State, everyone’s very passionate. Nothing but great things to say about Michigan as far as hockey goes.”

When he finished his playing career at Michigan State, Hirose was considered an underdog talent. From then on, he has risen to become one of the best players on the Griffins and a top skater in the AHL. Currently, Hirose leads the Griffins in points (8-19—27) and is tied for 17th on the circuit. After leading the Griffins in assists a year ago with 23, Hirose has bagged 19 helpers in the opening 30 games, which is a team high and tied for ninth in the league.

“I wasn’t highly talented or expected to be drafted. I didn’t let it affect my game or anything I was doing,” Hirose commented. “I took it as it was and didn’t let it get to me going forward.”

After he didn’t hear his name called in the NHL Draft, Hirose focused on the basics. He hoped his persistence and what he has always done on the ice would fulfill his dream of becoming an NHL player.

“I stuck to what I was doing and continued to do the things I was good at that got me through college,” Hirose said. “From college to pro, I think just sticking to my game was the biggest success point for me.”

Never losing confidence and learning from his teammates and coaches is how the left winger grew from being an undrafted free agent to one of the most skilled players in the AHL. Having great coaches at every level is one of the biggest things that has helped Hirose on the ice.

“Having confidence in myself and my game, just trying to learn from my teammates and coaches has been a big thing for me,” Hirose explained. “I’ve been blessed to have great coaches at Michigan State and then in the pros with the Griffins and Red Wings. Taking their knowledge and applying it to my game has been a big part in helping me grow as a player.”

The 25-year-old has a lot more hockey left in him. Hirose continues to work hard to improve his game and help his team reach the promised land. Hirose also strives to connect with rookies to mentor them to make them the best they can possibly be. The former Spartan has enjoyed his career thus far and continues to try and make a name for himself in Detroit’s prospect pool.

Photo by Nicolas Carrillo/Griffins