Notes: First timers, veterans enjoy trip with dads, mentors and friends

DETROIT - There's something special when the Red Wings get to take their dads with them on the road.
These are the people that helped them reach the NHL and now they get to show them what their lives are truly like when they take a trip.

For David Booth, who grew up in Detroit but spent most of his NHL career with other organizations, it's an incredible opportunity to share this experience with his dad, Michael.
"This is something I know he's probably extremely excited for," Booth said. "I don't know how to describe it for him. To see what I've done my whole career, just traveling and going on the road, it's just as much a part of our daily job as being here at home, so it's going to be fun for him to kind of see the ins and outs, the part that most people don't see. The part that people don't really know about.
"It's great that the organization is doing this. I've only done it once in my 10-11-12 years and that was in Toronto, and it was just a one-day trip to Pittsburgh and back. To be on the Red Wings plane, staying the cities we are, it's just awesome that the management decides to do this for the families. I think that speaks volumes for this organization."
It's an organization that Booth's family loved long before he became a part of it, especially his dad.
"I think he's going to be living his dream more than anyone else," Booth said. "He's the biggest Red Wings fans there is. I think he's made almost every game this year. Whether I'm playing or not, he's here. He loves it. I think he's making the most of this year, knowing that it's most likely going to be one of my last. He's very encouraging and just behind me my whole career. As the season is kind of winding down a little bit, I think this is a cool way to kind of just enjoy the last little bit of the season."
Tyler Bertuzzi is at the beginning of his career so he's excited to be able to bring his dad, Adrian Gedye, along with him.
"He's really excited," Bertuzzi said. "It's kind of a little vacation for both of us. You get to watch two games live. It's good to meet everyone and everyone's dad. It's going to be a fun trip."
It's Martin Frk's first opportunity but his dad had to remain home in the Czech Republic to work so he couldn't make it this time. So Frk is bringing his former teammate from the Halifax Mooseheads, Luca Ciampini.
"We won the championship there together (in 2012-13)," Frk said. "We are still close to each other so we keep talking so I asked him. For my dad it's a long flight and he has to work so he cannot take that much time off. I just bring my friend. There will be next time, hopefully this is not my last time for dad road trip so hopefully I can bring him next time."
Frk said his family lives near the border of the Czech Republic and Germany and his dad has a relatively new job in Germany.
Wings coach Jeff Blashill was excited that he gets to bring his father, Jim, along for another trip.
"My dad is not getting any younger. He's still spry, but to be able to share these kind of moments is real special," Blashill said. "I think most of our guys understand it. But certainly as you get older, your parents get older and your kids get older, you gain a greater appreciation. I don't know if you truly know what a parent's love is until you have one of your own. For me personally, I said, 'Now I get it.' The crap they had to put up forever, you just love them intrinsically. I think it's a great thing. Some guys have their dads, some guys have mentors, some guys have friends. To be able to share the NHL experience with other people is an awesome thing."
Danny DeKeyser's dad, Mick, is now a veteran of the Fathers' trip.
"My favorite part is probably getting with all the dads that I've come to know from the past trips," DeKeyser said. "So anytime I get together with them, they're all great. We have a great time."
DeKeyser said he has especially bonded with the dads of the other players from Michigan, Luke Glendening, Justin Abdelkader and Dylan Larkin.
They will now welcome Michiganders Michael Booth and Luke Witkowski's dad, John.
"He's been getting along through the whole season with the guys," Booth said. "He's been here every game, so he's met some of the other dads along the way. This is just something that he'll hopefully make friends for a lifetime."
GREEN OUT, ATHANASIOU BACK: Blashill told reporters in Nashville that Mike Green will miss the game against the Predators due to an upper-body injury and will likely also miss Sunday's home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Witkowski will draw into the lineup to play defense in Green's spot and Trevor Daley will take Green's role on the second power-play unit.
Blashill also said Andreas Athanasiou, who missed Thursday night's game in Tampa due to illness, will play against the Predators.