Justin Abdelkader

Red Wings' Abdelkader keeps promise by graduating college

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

foxsports

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:

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."

Congrats, Abby! ? - https://t.co/87VXr4Pvdd pic.twitter.com/QukoosVR0Q
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) December 17, 2015

It's time! Go green pic.twitter.com/0wMczNcyZA
— Justin Abdelkader (@justinabss) September 13, 2015

Get more from Justin Abdelkader Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Justin Abdelkader

Detroit Red Wings

National Hockey League