Although he’s never played for the Detroit Red Wings or been part of the Red Wings organization, the team continually intersects with the life of NHL prospect Austin Roest.
First of all, he’s the son of former Red Wings forward Stacy Roest. The elder Roest played 108 games for Detroit from 1998 through 2000.
Today, Roest, 52, is an assistant general manager for the Buffalo Sabres.
His son, a Nashville Predators prospect, is currently dealing with issues much more challenging than fashioning a pro hockey career. Roest’s girlfriend, Milania Okabe, is battling Stage 4 cancer.
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He’s seeking to raise awareness for a GoFundMe designed to help Okabe defray the costs she’s incurring while fighting her life-threatening illness.
“Milly, I don’t even know what to say. I am so sorry this is happening to you,” Roest wrote on his Instagram account, according to reporting by People Magazine.
“No one deserves to go through this.”
Roest was a teammate of top Red Wings prospect
Last season, Roest played in the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals, Nashville’s top farm club. Before that, he played in the WHL with the Everett Silvertips.
Among his teammates was winger Carter Bear, Detroit’s top pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
The Predators selected Roest, 22, in the 2023 draft. That’s the same class in which Nashville also chose current Red Wings prospects Jesse Kiiskinen and Sutter Muzzatti.
Both players were later traded to the Red Wings in separate deals.
Okabe, 22, was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 adenocarcinoma, a cancer that lives in organ glands.
“I have no doubt in my mind you will beat cancer,” Roest posted on Instagram. “You are the strongest person I know, and I know you will overcome everything that comes your way over the next year.
“I love you so much, and I will be right there with you through all of this.”
The GoFundMe has raised $87,707 toward its goal of $90,000.
