NHL Draft Diaries: Equipment Edition - John Whipple

The Detroit Red Wings have a reputation for identifying and nurturing talent, and they sure hope to continue that with their fifth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, John Whipple. An 18-year-old defenseman hailing from Morristown, New Jersey, Whipple is set to begin his collegiate career with the University of Minnesota, where he will continue to develop into a player that the Red Wings hope can make an impact at the professional level in the years to come.

Whipple spent the last two seasons honing his skills with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP) in Plymouth, Michigan. Known for producing NHL-ready talent, the NTDP provided Whipple with the perfect platform to refine his game before taking the next step into college hockey. Though he doesn’t flash high-end offensive numbers, his true value lies in his ability to control his team’s defensive zone. Described as an intimidating presence on the ice, Whipple excels at shutting down opposing attacks, a critical skill for a defenseman in today’s fast-paced game. His aggressive play and relentless work in his own end of the ice make him a nightmare for opposing forwards.

Whipple’s role as a defensive specialist bodes well for his development within the Red Wings’ system. With the team already having a franchise defenseman in Moritz Seider, there will be no immediate pressure for Whipple to evolve into that level of a player. Instead, he will have the freedom to grow at his own pace, focusing on what he does best—defending and breaking up the play in the defensive zone. In a way, Whipple’s defensive mentality complements Seider’s more two-way game, potentially creating a formidable defensive pairing in the future.

One of the exciting aspects of Whipple’s development is his affinity for hockey equipment. Whipple is a dedicated CCM user, which makes his transition to the University of Minnesota even smoother, as the Golden Gophers have a longstanding partnership with CCM. This alignment will ensure Whipple remains comfortable in his gear, allowing him to focus entirely on his performance on the ice.

“I love CCM gear and the comfort it gives me on the ice,” Whipple told GearGeek via an Instagram message. “I can rely on their equipment in all areas and trust that I’m using the right skates, sticks, and protective (equipment) every time I touch the ice.”

 
Last season with the NTDP, Whipple was wearing True gloves, a Bauer helmet, and Bauer skates, due to the program’s partnerships. However, his personal preferences came through with his choice of skates and stick, both CCM products. Whipple gained a unique honor toward the end of the 2023-24 season when he became one of the first players, professional or not, to debut CCM’s new Tacks XF Pro stick and skates. For a young prospect to be chosen for such an opportunity is a testament to his rising profile in the hockey world and CCM’s recognition of his potential.

As Whipple heads into the competitive environment of college hockey, there’s much to look forward to for Red Wings fans. The University of Minnesota is a powerhouse in NCAA hockey, consistently competing for national championships. This high-stakes environment will serve as the perfect incubator for Whipple’s development, as he will face top-tier competition while surrounded by a culture of excellence. For a player with his defensive instincts and grit, this collegiate journey will likely be a pivotal period in his growth.

Steve Yzerman and Red Wings' management can be optimistic about what lies ahead for Whipple. With a clear path for his development, both on and off the ice, he is in an ideal situation. For now, Whipple will focus on strengthening his defensive prowess and maturing as a player at the University of Minnesota. His story, filled with promise and potential, will be an exciting one to watch as the Red Wings continue to build their future.

Photo Credit: Michael Miller/ISI Photos