Downey
"A two-way deal gives them a little more flexibility in case some time down the road things don't work out. Being around the game a long time now, I understand the situation. But it's an opportunity and it's a tremendous feeling now."
"I'm going to call my dad this afternoon first, then we'll call back Kenny (Holland). … A chance to play for a team like this is an amazing feeling rather than a team like someone at the bottom of the league. … This is the Detroit Red Wings. To be able to make this hockey team is a special feeling."

Meech
"It's pretty unbelievable. (Sunday) I was hearing things from family and friends, but I didn't know. Today, I got the word. It's pretty exciting."
"They called me and said congrats. But I was, 'Glad you guys know, but I haven't heard it yet.'"
"I get to call my dad now and tell him."
"Last year, I played a bigger role in Grand Rapids that I settled into and I had a good season. This year, I was determined to stay here (in Detroit) all year. Right now, I'm on the right track, but I'm on edge all the time. I don't want to get comfortable."

Ellis
"You never know for sure until you hear it."
"I figured this morning would be the day to find out for sure. Over breakfast, (I) kind of had those feelings in the stomach not knowing what to expect."
"I'm going to make a couple of calls right now to let my wife know and my parents know. I'm sure I'll be on the phone a lot today."
"Mentally this year has been a little bit easier for me. I was one step closer to earning a position here than I had been in the previous years. By being around this locker room and being around these guys last year, it took the initial nerves and tightness away. I was just able to come in and be part of things and be comfortable and confident."
"It's a little different this year having a wife and baby involved. It's my first time going through this with a family."