Ted Kulfan

The Detroit News

Detroit — After 10 years of fathers joining their Red Wings sons for a trip, there’s been a change.

Mothers get to enjoy life on the road with their sons, and their journey began Tuesday as they enjoyed every minute of being at practice at Joe Louis Arena. They will travel with the Red Wings to Florida for games against the Lightning (tonight) and Panthers (Thursday).

“She’s fired up,” defenseman Kyle Quincey said of his mother, Debbie, who along with several others walked around the locker room, enjoyed brunch, and took a multitude of pictures. “She was obviously around the rink a long time and following me around wherever (me and my brothers) went.

“I’m glad she gets to do this.”

The players also liked the idea of giving their mothers the opportunity to catch a glimpse of NHL life on the road.

This trip will be especially special for defenseman Jonathan Ericsson, whose mother, Susanne, is a five-year throat cancer survivor.

“She’s optimistic about the future,” Ericsson said. “When I told her we were bringing the moms on this trip, she was really happy, very excited. She also gets the chance to see my wife and daughter.”

Coach Jeff Blashill will bring along his sister, Debbie, because his mother was unable to make this trip.

Either way, he sees this trip as an opportunity to thank the mothers.

“I know personally the impact my mom has had,” Blashill said. “One, (this trip is) to say thank you, and two, (it’s to) get an inside glimpse of what the players’ lives are like.

“I don’t know about every other team, but we have an unbelievable bunch of guys that are of great character and great men, and what an unbelievable job they’ve done raising these guys.”

Most players say their moms were the typical hockey mothers — driving kids to and from the rink, making sure they had something to eat in the car on the way to practice (“pizza pockets,” Quincey said), and encouraging them.

“Just seeing her in the stands in an ice cold barn, during games and practices, that’s an overall memory that’s nice to look back on,” forward Gustav Nyquist said of his mother, Eva.

For Brendan Smith’s mother, Deirdre, the game against the Panthers will be an unique experience.

Her other son, Reilly, plays for Florida.

Deirdre has watched her sons play several times in person, but this will be more with an insider perspective.

“The chance for her to come and watch, and then watch Reilly, it’s exciting,” said Brendan Smith, who isn’t sure if mom will be wearing a Panthers T-shirt underneath her Red Wings jersey. “She’s on a Red Wings mothers trip, so you have to be for the Red Wings.”

Ice chips

Riley Sheahan (ill) practiced Tuesday but his status for Wednesday’s game in Tampa Bay will determined after the morning skate.

… Blashill said goalie Petr Mrazek will start against the Lightning and wasn’t sure who’ll start Thursday’s game in Florida.

ted.kulfan@detroitnews.com

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