Actual Hockey Coverage! PG Marsh's Frkwatch Begins

[Ed Note: What follows is an excerpt from a blog posted by PG Marsh over at The Wizard of Os. This excerpt, as well as the picture used is taken with permission from Marsh, who retains all rights to the content provided]

Admittedly gun-shy at the idea of putting a heavy microscope over a very green, very inexperienced professional athlete, I came to terms with the fact that my work here at The Wiz is no going to generate interest outside of the Wings bloggers. My objective isn't to criticize Martin Frk so much as excitedly document his 2012-13 season as he strives to become the next Johan Franzen or Valtteri Filppula. With that said, if I see something I perceive (in my limited knowledge) as a mistake, I'll do my best to shed some light on it. I can't wait to watch this kid grow into a superstar and I'm lucky enough to get to see him grow into a Red Wing right before my very eyes, which is a rare opportunity for a Cape Bretoner living "abroad".

With the genesis of the project put forth, here we go with Game Zero of Frkwatch. The zero, for what it's worth, is because my first report is based on what I saw today at an exhibition game. Hope you enjoy!

September 9th 2012: Exhibition Game vs. Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
Result: A very chippy 5-3 loss against provincial rivals. An ejection. A disappointment.

It was a muggy day in Halifax Regional Municipality. As I left my apartment I took note of the threatening skies, hoping the rain would subside until I made it home from the game. I found myself frazzled shortly before leaving my place, noticing the game was not to be played at the home arena of the Halifax Mooseheads, the Metro Centre. I grabbed a cab to the out-of-the-way arena in the north end, the Halifax Forum, and settled in with plenty of time to scan the program for "FRK Martin" in the program. As my luck would have it, number 91 was suiting up for his first preseason game of the season.

Frk was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft in the second round, 49th overall. Touted early in 2011 as a top pick, Frk's concussion last season knocked him back near the bottom of the first round, most likely an early pick in the second. As luck would have it, Detroit snagged him and signed him to a three year entry level deal on July 31st. Frk then had a minor knee surgery in August, and as I mentioned this was his first game back.

Read the rest of the story (including the game analysis and full story of why Frk was ejected) over at Wizard of Os.