Justin Abdelkader
Red Wings' Abdelkader keeps promise by graduating college
Justin Abdelkader

Red Wings' Abdelkader keeps promise by graduating college

Published Dec. 18, 2015 11:55 a.m. ET

Detroit Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader traditionally has been intent on finishing what he starts.

With that in mind, Abdelkader concluded what had become an unintentional 10-year journey by receiving his college degree from Michigan State University last month. The 28-year-old Michigan native, who netted the clinching goal against Boston College in the 2007 NCAA final, didn't finish college on time after signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Red Wings.

Via DetroitRedWings.com:

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So much so that Abdelkader spent his summer on campus as he kept up with both his academic responsibilities and his training regimen. In time, Abdelader secured the remaining credits to pick up his diploma.

Abdelkader has scored 10 goals and set up eight others in 31 games this season. The second round pick of the 2005 draft, Abdelkader has collected 71 tallies and 79 assists in 429 career contests.

"It was something that I kind of promised my parents when I left (home) that I would get my degree. It's something that I've always wanted and I think it's a huge accomplishment, something that you’ll need one day whether it’s in the business world or coaching college hockey. To me, the degree is important."




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