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Mike Modano Skates With Wings For First Time

Newly acquired center Mike Modano fulfilled a life-long dream today when he skated with his Red Wings teammates for the first time.

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Modano is a Westland native and grew up watching the Red Wings take on opponents at Joe Louis Arena, so today's skate was quite a thrill, even for a 40-year-old veteran.

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“It’s a total big change for me,” he said. “It’s like you’re starting over, so you get a little bit of enthusiasm, a little excitement getting out there.

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“It felt good. I felt better than I thought I would. I’m just glad to finally get here and get situated and get settled in, get used to the lay of the land.”

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The Red Wings signed Modano last month after the 20-year Dallas Stars mainstay was told the franchise didn't want him back. As  Modano found out, playing with the Red Wings is a completely different experience.

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“It felt like what I thought it would be – pretty easy,” Modano said. “They’re a talented group of guys – carefree and good puck moving guys who enjoy the game. To get those nice passes – I mean, he (Lidstrom) just looks like he’s still effortless out there, he still moves as well as he ever has. It’s kind of nice to finally have a chance to play with one of the all-time greats."

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