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#8 Willie Coetzee Pos: Right Wing D.O.B.: 11/7/90 From: Johannesburg, South Africa Height: 5'10 Weight: 183 Shoots: Right Drafted: Undrafted Acquired: Signed by Detroit (NHL) 9/18/09 Personal: Plus: Competitive player with good skills... Plays bigger than his size... Great work ethic... Sees the ice well... Minus: Undersized... Offensive game has not matured, may not translate to the next level... Organizational Comments: “Willie has worked exceptionally hard. When he came to training camp this year, he looked like a totally different guy. He’s stronger, faster, more confident and much more prepared – and it’s shown on the ice.”Griffins Coach Curt Fraser What GRC says: 2010-11: Didn’t show much in very limited action the second half before being assigned to Toledo (ECHL). Much like Mursak a few years ago, Coetzee should benefit from his trial by fire and make more of an impact next season. 2009-10: After an MVP worthy season of junior, Willie got his feet wet with a couple of games at the end, showing he can generate offense with four shots on goal in that span. He has put himself in a good position to make this team next season with a strong camp and needs to add some strength to his frame. Fall 2009: Coetzee, a teammate of the Wings first pick in 2009 Landon Ferraro, was invited to camp as a tryout. The 18 yr old didn't disappoint and bucked the odds to earn a three-year entry level contract with Detroit. He still has a couple more years of junior left before trying his luck at the pro level. Role: Two-way forward Projection: NHL 2nd or 3rd liner Statistics: Transactions 9/18/09 Signed to 3-yr contract by Detroit (NHL) 3/30/10 Assigned to Grand Rapids (AHL) 4/12/10 Assigned to Red Deer (WHL) 9/29/10 Assigned to Grand Rapids (AHL) 10/1/10 Recalled by Detroit (NHL) 10/3/10 Assigned to Grand Rapids (AHL) 12/2/10 Assigned to Toledo (ECHL) 12/6/10 Recalled by Grand Rapids (AHL) 1/28/11 Assigned to Toledo (ECHL) 4/4/11 Recalled by Grand Rapids (AHL) 9/8/11 Attended Red Wings Training Camp 9/27/11 Assigned to Grand Rapids (AHL)