EMMITT FINNIE LEADING THE WAY FOR BLAZERS
By Colton Davies – Follow Colton on X
Kamloops Blazers forward Emmitt Finnie is off to a phenomenal start this season, racking up 23 goals and showing no signs of slowing down.
It wasn’t always an easy path for Finnie, though. The Detroit Red Wings prospect was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft and made his WHL debut the following season. During the 2021-22 campaign, Finnie appeared in 48 games, not scoring a single goal. He would go on to score his first WHL goal in 2022-23, the same season that he would go on a 15-game point streak that saw him tally eight goals and 14 assists in that frame.
One Red Wings scout told me, “Finnie is a player who is always in the right place at the right time.” That’s a big reason why the Lethbridge, Alberta product has been able to develop into the player he is today.
When asked about his impressive performance this season, Finnie emphasized the work he put in during the offseason. “Coming into the season, I wanted to score more, so that was obviously a big focus. I’ve been shooting a lot of pucks and just trying to score as much as possible,” he explained.
Finnie also reflected on his brief stint with the Grand Rapids Griffins in the AHL last season, an experience he described as invaluable. “That’s one of the best leagues in the world. Just being able to see where I need to get my game was a huge experience for me. I’m looking forward to getting back there and hopefully sticking in that league,” he said.
When asked about feedback from the Detroit Red Wings organization, Finnie said they’ve emphasized the importance of becoming bigger, stronger, and faster. “Playing in those AHL games, you see the size and speed of the league. I’ve been focused on getting my game there and being as big and fast as I can,” he noted.
Scouts have praised Finnie for his ability to always be in the right place at the right time, a skill he attributes to the team’s structure and his commitment to positioning. “Our coaches always talk about positioning, and I try to take pride in that. Being in the right spots defensively helps me transition to offence—breaking pucks out and getting things going,” Finnie explained.
Finnie also reflected on the unforgettable moment of being drafted by the Detroit Red Wings. “I wasn’t expecting it too much, but when it happened, it was the best feeling of my life,” he said. He also looked back fondly on his team’s experience hosting the Memorial Cup that same year. “It was amazing to see the fan base get behind us. We had lots of great players on that team, including guys who’ve played in the NHL, so I just tried to learn from them. Playing in a tournament like that, with all the media and attention, was a huge learning experience.”
Now serving as captain of the Blazers, Finnie is taking his leadership role seriously. “I’m trying to be a vocal guy in the locker room and help our younger players, but I also want to lead by example on the ice—playing the right way and showing the way for the young guys,” he said.
With his sights set on continued improvement and an eventual return to Grand Rapids, Finnie’s dedication and drive are sure to take him far.