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Dennis Cholowski during last summer's development camp.

(Sam Iannamico | Griffins)

GRAND RAPIDS - Dennis Cholowski didn't expect to be with the Grand Rapids Griffins right now, but the Detroit Red Wings' first choice in the 2016 entry draft is ready to learn - even if it means mostly from the sidelines.

The defenseman has practiced twice with a group of other, younger members of the Griffins since he signed a three-year entry-level contract April 5 following his freshman season at St. Cloud State.

Cholowski has embraced the new level of hockey even if he was surprised by the Red Wings' interest to turn pro.

"Detroit offered me the contract and it was kind of out of the blue, but it was very exciting at the same time," he said. "They said they wanted me to come down here and see what it was like and get acclimated a little bit and I said, 'let's do it.' Playing pro hockey is the goal."

Cholowski, the 20th overall pick, played 36 games at St. Cloud State University this season with one goal, 11 assists and 14 penalty minutes. The Huskies finished the season in mid-March with a disappointing 16-19-1 record.

His junior rights are held by Prince George in the Western Hockey League, but the Cougars' postseason ended April 3.

The 6-foot-1, 176-pound Cholowski, considered a smooth skater and strong passer, said his season at St. Cloud State went "pretty good."

"Obviously, you expect more and I expected more out of myself this year," Cholowski said. "But I was just working hard and trying to play my game. It wasn't as great as I would have liked but nothing you can do now. Just keep going."

He joins a team that's stuffed with players. Between the return of four from the Red Wings, others from juniors (including second and third draft picks Givani Smith and Philip Hronek) and recalls from Toledo, the Griffins has locker stalls for 31 players. So, for now, Cholowski has practiced with the second group.

"He's here to be part of our playoff run and get a chance to see how things are run," coach Todd Nelson said. "He's a player that obviously has to mature, get stronger. But he might get in a game depending on how we sit in the standings. More than anything, though, he's here for the experience."