Red Wings prospect Carter Mazur grateful for past, excited for future

GRAND RAPIDS -- After completing his sophomore campaign at the University of Denver in 2022-23, Carter Mazur was tempted to return to play for the Pioneers next fall.

But Mazur said opting to forgo the final two seasons of his NCAA eligibility to start a professional hockey career with the Detroit Red Wings was an opportunity he simply could not resist.
"That was a very hard decision because I do wanna get my degree," Mazur, who
signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Red Wings on March 28,
recently told
DetroitRedWings.com
. "I still plan to get my degree and being at Denver was the best two years of my life. They did everything for me to be able to be in this position - signing an NHL contract.
"It just came down to talking with my family, support system, Detroit and determining what's best for me. I felt I was ready to play pro hockey and came to the decision that I was ready to join the Red Wings organization."
Mazur said representing Team USA at the 2022 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, which ran from Aug. 9-20 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, helped kickstart his second season at Denver.

"I felt my season took off at the start of the year, especially coming off the World Juniors and having success there," the 21-year-old forward said. "That gave me the confidence to come into the year and dominate."
Mazur went on to record 22 goals, 15 assists and 37 points in 40 games with the Pioneers this past season, helping the program clinch its second consecutive Penrose Cup.
"It was a really fun year," said Mazur, who was also named to the National Collegiate Hockey Conference's Second All-Star team. "I knew I had the right people, teammates and family around me. I enjoyed the two years I had at Denver. That place is somewhere I will forever call home and I'm grateful I went to that school."
A native of Jackson, Mich., Mazur made his professional debut with the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins on March 29. In six games with the Griffins, Mazur had three goals and three assists.
"With the travel, signing on my birthday and being around friends as well as family, it was a whirlwind," Mazur said. "I haven't had much time to think about how my dream is really coming true. I know the work is just starting, but it's awesome for me to say that I'm part of the Red Wings organization."
Adjusting to the AHL, according to Mazur, will take time.
"What really stands out is just being in the right spot at the right time," Mazur said "Everyone is a good player in the AHL, so you know if you're in the right spots that you'll get the puck and make plays with it. It's about being in those spots and knowing when too."

Fortunately, Mazur said his Grand Rapids teammates will continue to provide a helping hand.
"The guys are unbelievable here and helping me acclimate to the pro game," Mazur said. "Taking things away from players like (Taro) Hirose and (Danny) O'Regan, who have been through the AHL grind. I can watch what they do, learn how to take care of my body and all that stuff."
Making the Red Wings' roster is the ultimate goal for Mazur, who aims to maximize every opportunity he can to show he can thrive at the highest level.
"It's really just sticking with what I know," Mazur said. "The way I play is how I got myself here, so there's no point in changing that. It's just sticking to the script and playing my game day in and day out. I wanna be myself around the rink and everyone."