J.T. Compher explains Red Wings fit; Avalanche fall 2-1 in overtime

DETROIT, MI – It’s strange to see J.T. Compher wearing a Red Wings jersey.

Compher played seven seasons for the Avalanche, and Thursday night in Detroit, he faced his old team. Compher played 20:57 of ice time with the Red Wings beating the Avs, 2-1, in overtime.

Compher still appreciates how the Avalanche and coach Jared Bednar shaped his NHL journey.

“He stuck with me and believed in me. He taught me the details and all the things it takes to be a good hockey player,” Compher said at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit before the game. “It wasn’t just him, though. It was the coaching staff and the other players on the team. The leaders like Gabe (Landeskog), Nate (MacKinnon), Mikko (Rantanen) and (Erik Johnson). Those guys all take it so seriously and treat hockey the right way. The way that it takes to win. … I’m super proud of my time there.”

Respect is mutual.