from Mike G. Morreale of NHL.com,

Dennis Cholowski got into top shape over the summer and is reaping the benefits as a rookie defenseman with the Detroit Red Wings.

Cholowski said scheduled workouts under the close watch of Red Wings trainers and coaches during the past two summers after his one season at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota in 2016-17 may turn out to be the best decision he's ever made.

The training not only provided a peek into the offseason regimen of an NHL player but gave him an idea of the work and commitment needed to succeed at the top level.

"They wanted me to come out to Detroit because they wanted to keep an eye on me all summer," the 20-year-old said. "I was training at a gym they requested and was also skating at the rink. I was working out two hours a day, every morning, building strength and speed.

"I got in the best shape of my life the past two summers and it really helped me. This past summer was the toughest for sure."

Cholowski (6-foot, 195 pounds) is tied for second among NHL rookies (Brett Howden, New York Rangers; Henri Jokiharju, Chicago Blackhawks) with eight points (two goals, six assists) and is fourth in average ice time (20:50) in 12 games for Detroit (4-8-2).

continued