{"id":58034,"date":"2025-08-04T16:22:12","date_gmt":"2025-08-04T16:22:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/58034\/"},"modified":"2025-08-04T16:22:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T16:22:12","slug":"former-red-wings-player-thriving-in-germany","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/58034\/","title":{"rendered":"Former Red Wings Player Thriving in Germany"},"content":{"rendered":"

Maybe Taro Hirose<\/a> didn\u2019t wow you during his time with the Detroit<\/a> Red Wings. Regardless, you can\u2019t help but be impressed by his attitude, his general approach to life.<\/p>\n

That he was able to reach the NHL at all as an undrafted college free agent is an achievement the 5-foot-10, 162-pound Hirose wears proudly as a badge of honor.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaking it to the NHL and the AHL despite this is special,\u201d Hirose, 29, told the Red Bull Munich website<\/a>. \u201cLooking back, it\u2019s a great achievement that I can be proud of.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a junior, the NHL wasn\u2019t really my goal. It wasn\u2019t until after college that I felt I could make it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hirose An Early Red Wings Hit<\/p>\n

Playing at Michigan State, Hirose<\/a> jumped right into NHL action after signing with the Red Wings on March 12, 2019. Debuting at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers, he\u2019d collect an assist in his first period of NHL action. Hirose would garner assists in each of his first five NHL games.<\/p>\n

However, there would be just 15 points over his remaining 55 NHL games, and only four goals. Hirose became a mainstay with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins. In 248 games at GR, he would account for 201 points. During the 2022-23 season, Hirose led the Griffins in scoring with 57 points.<\/p>\n

#CHIvsGR<\/a> | Taro Hirose finishes the beautiful passing play on the doorstep and the Griffins have tied this one up! pic.twitter.com\/S4FCk5ZADm<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Andrew Rinaldi (@GR_Rinaldi_) March 9, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cI play the game in my head and like to think my way through the game,\u201d Hirose said. \u201cI can be creative with the puck offensively and set up my teammates, but I also want to take care of the defensive end of the ice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Out of contract following the 2023-24 season, Hirose would answer a call he\u2019d always been curious about.<\/p>\n

\u201cEurope wasn\u2019t the most obvious decision,\u201d Hirose admitted. \u201cBut I\u2019ve always said that I\u2019d like to play here someday. I wanted to have this experience and get to know other cultures.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tor durch Taro Hirose zum 2-1 in der #PENNYDEL<\/a> Partie EHC Red Bull M\u00fcnchen vs Schwenninger Wild Wings \ud83d\udea8<\/p>\n

Alle Spiele der @DELoffiziell<\/a> gibt es live bei #MagentaSport<\/a> \ud83d\udcfa#redbulls<\/a> #miiinga<\/a> #hockey<\/a> #gameday<\/a> #goal<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/gyM2hpGCw1<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 EHC Red Bull M\u00fcnchen (@RedBullMuenchen) November 26, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n

He started in the DEL with the same level of fire as Hirose<\/a> began his NHL career. It took him just 126 seconds to register his first point. He scored a goal and two assists in his debut and nine points through his first 10 games. He finished second on the team in assists (28) and points (43) and third overall in goals (15).<\/p>\n

Readying for his second season in Germany, Hirose\u2019s excitement level is palpable. He\u2019s embracing the chance to be a leader for Red Bull Munich.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just want to make the most of every day,\u201d Hirose said. \u201cI take it one day at a time and have fun along the way.<\/p>\n

\u201cBesides, you don\u2019t get this chance every day. I\u2019m very happy with my decision.\u201d<\/p>\n

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