Character addition

TRAVERSE CITY, MICH. — Just because the Red Wings have put more emphasis on getting bigger doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate fast, skilled, smaller players.

In July’s development camp at Centre Ice in Traverse City, Kyle Criscuolo was one of just three players listed under 6-feet. The other two were Vili Saarijarvi and Joe Hicketts.

But at 5-foot-9, 175 pounds, Criscuolo stood tall when he played for Harvard University, becoming the first two-time captain in 92 years.

Criscuolo’s teammates also voted to give him the coveted Ralph “Cooney” Weiland Award for “devotion to the game” and “aggressive and spirited play and by selfless contribution to the total team effort” every season he was there.

At Harvard, Criscuolo might have been overshadowed by flashy linemate and co-captain Jimmy Vesey, but the Wings took notice.

That led to Criscuolo signing with the Wings’ AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, after his college career concluded.

“(Assistant general manager) Ryan Martin saw me play last year,” Criscuolo said. “He came and talked to me. I actually went and played a few games there at the end of last season and decided it was the best option for me.”

However, it wasn’t Criscuolo’s only option.

“I had one other option I was considering,” Criscuolo said. “That was in Wilkes-Barre. It would have been a little closer to home for me. I would have been East Division, I’m from New Jersey. …

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