Red Wings vs. New Jersey Devils 12-31-14

Stephen Weiss played three seasons for the Plymouth Whalers, who are moving to Flint.

(AP File Photo)

DETROIT – Stephen Weiss was sad to hear that his old junior team is moving but he's happy the Plymouth Whalers are moving to Flint.

The Detroit Red Wings forward spent three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League playing for the Whalers, who were sold to IMS USA Inc. this month and will move to Flint's Perani Arena providing the sale is approved by the OHL's Board of Governors Feb. 2.

Weiss enjoyed his time in Plymouth, where he had 89 goals and 134 points in 172 games from 1999-2002 before beginning his pro career with the Florida Panthers, who selected him in the first round (fourth overall) of the 2001 NHL entry draft.

"I don't know about disappointed I just have a soft spot for that area," Weiss said upon hearing the news that the Whalers would be moving north. "I think it's just such a great area for young guys to move away from home and go to. Great host families and really nice place to be.

"I don't know much about Flint but anytime you spent a lot of time in one place it's sad to see them go."

Weiss was happy to hear that that Whalers would be staying in Michigan, where they'll be surrounded by rivals such as the Saginaw Spirit, Windsor Spitfires, Sarnia Sting, London Knights and Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

"For sure," said Weiss, 31. "Hopefully, that team now can develop their own identity and develop a little bit of a rivalry with the Michigan teams. But like I said, I don't know much about that area.

"Hopefully it develops into something. But I was sad to see them go for sure."

Weiss is in his 12th NHL season and second with the Red Wings after signing a five-year, $24.5 million deal in 2013 as a free agent.

He has five goals and nine assists in 24 games this season after injuries sidelined him for much of last season, when he had two goals and two assists in 26 games.

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