“We’re all close and we all hang out, but the younger guys are definitely tight because we don’t have families,” Lombardi said. “We’ll watch movies, and I’ll cook for the guys…I love hanging out with the guys. Even going over to some of the veterans’ houses to play with their kids, all of that is so important for on-ice chemistry because you go to work with these people.”
Indeed, an influential part of the future success for Lombardi, who was selected by the Red Wings in the fourth round (No. 113 overall) of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, and his fellow younger teammates will be the Griffins’ more-experienced skaters helping them grow along the way.
“I’m a bit of a hockey nerd, so I’m going to ask those questions, try to pick their brains and learn from them,” Lombardi said. “Recently, I’ve been focusing a lot on face-offs and the little things that I can do to get every advantage that I can. Even if it’s one percent, I’m going to try to take it. Just talking to those older guys, when they describe what it’s like being in the NHL, it obviously motivates you. It motivates you to want to get there and it excites you for the future.”
