2023-24 Griffiti - Issue #1

2023-24 SEASON ISSUE NO. 1

MINDFUL MENTOR

HEAD COACH DAN WATSON

O F F I C I A L

M A G A Z I N E

O F

T H E

G R A N D

R A P I D S

G R I F F I N S

We’re big fans of the Griffins.

We’re also big fans of their fans.

Huntington is proud to support the Grand Rapids Griffins, through all the wins and losses. No matter the outcome, it’s a joy to watch you from the stands, competing your hearts out. From all your fans at Huntington, go Griffins!

Member FDIC. ®, Huntington® and Huntington. Welcome.® are federally registered service marks of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. ©2022 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated.

Vol. 27, No. 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS STARTING LINEUP 26 ��������HOCKEY TECHNICIAN The son of a small-town mechanic, Dan Watson has learned what makes players tick while doing his best to master the nuts and bolts of coaching hockey.

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32 ��������DESTINY: DETROIT Jackson, Michigan, native Carter Mazur hopes to fulfill his dream of playing for the Red Wings.

42 ��������FEARLESS ATTITUDE Veteran defenseman Josiah Didier is determined to help the Griffins return to their winning ways this season.

50 ��������SILVER LINING After losing his job in Boston, former Griffins head coach Bruce Cassidy rolled the dice by going to Vegas and managed to collect his first Stanley Cup title in the process.

56 ��������BUILDING BLOCKS The Red Wings’ young talent learned some tough lessons during the annual NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City.

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58 ��������RISE AND SHINE Grand Rapids will be one of seven cities represented in the newly formed Pro Volleyball Federation that will showcase some of the world’s top players.

ON THE BENCH 2..........Chalk Talk 4..........Scouting Report 9..........Griffins Schedule 10.......Welcome Letters 12.......AHL Tradition 15.......Charitable Goals 16.......AHL Team Directory 21.......Detroit Red Wings 22.......Promotional Calendar

40.......Meet the Griffins 65.......Griffins Records 68.......Griffins All-Stars 73.......Penalty Calls 74.......AHL Teams Map 76.......It All Starts Here 79.......Kids Page 80.......Parting Shot

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New Griffins head coach Dan Watson has developed a reputation for being a “players’ coach,” motivating his teams to excel while understanding the pressure to succeed.

Photo by Mark Newman Griffiti magazine is published four times a year by the Grand Rapids Griffins, Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49503. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All contents ©2023 Grand Rapids Griffins.

For advertising information, contact Griffins Sales & Marketing, (616) 774-4585.

Unsolicited manuscripts and other materials will not be returned.

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WITH GRIFFINS HEAD COACH DAN WATSON New head coach Dan Watson is excited by the prospect for success in Grand Rapids. He is enthusiastic about the group of prospects and veterans assembled by Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman and Griffins general manager Shawn Horcoff.

That’s why the former Toledo Walleye bench boss is really looking forward to the 2023-24 season.

“There’s an excitement level when I see the potential of our roster,” Watson said as he was making final preparations for the annual NHL Prospects Tournament and the beginning of Red Wings training camp in Traverse City. “I think we’re going to have some horses who are going to hopefully raise some people out of the seats when they play.”

He spoke about the opportunity that awaits in his new position – the challenge of getting the Griffins back to the playoffs while helping the Detroit organization develop the talent necessary to return the Red Wings to the days when the team was regularly competing for Stanley Cup titles.

It’s been four years since the Griffins last played in the postseason – a collusion of the pandemic and poor play – and Watson is anxious to change the club’s fortunes. He is confident that fans will see a different Griffins team, although its identity will likely be a work in progress.

Finding that identity may take a little time.

“I think it’s going to be a group effort – I can’t tell them,” he said. “I know how I want our team to play, but I can’t tell them and it just happens. They have to be able to see it. They have to be able to feel 2 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

it. Because once you can see it, once you feel it, you can do it. And once they have success, now they’re bought into it.”

So Watson will look for support from his new assistants – Steph Julien, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Coach of the Year last season; Brian Lashoff, the recently retired defenseman who spent all or part of 14 seasons on the Griffins’ blue line, including the last three as the team’s captain; and goaltending coach Roope Koistinen. Together, they will be doing all they can to point the players in the right direction.

“We’re going to have a younger group,” Watson said. “There’s going to be a lot of energy, and I want that to be a positive, not a negative. Hopefully, our identity includes us being able to play fast – and that’s with the puck, with our feet, and with how we think.

“We want to be hard on pucks. We want to be relentless. Then again, we want to be hard on everything. If you look at where goals are scored, we want to be harder at our net front. We want to be hard at their net front. In order to do that, you’ve got to be fearless. You’ve got to be relentless. And those are some of the words that we’re gonna be talking about this year.

“We want to be a fearless, relentless type of a team that’s exciting to watch.”

It’s an aggressive style of play that was embraced by prospects like Carter Mazur (70th overall pick in the third round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft) and Amadeus Lombardi (113th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft) during their late-season appearances with the Griffins a

year ago. “I’ve already watched [the video],” he said.

“I’m telling you, they’re going to love it.”

Watson will demand effort, but he concedes that he does not expect perfection.

“My belief is no one’s going out there to try to make a mistake. I believe they’re trying to make the right play. They just didn’t execute. So our whole thing at the start of training camp, the week before we start our home opener, is going to be about execution.

“Let’s make plays, and I’m going to give you the freedom to make them. And if you don’t make the [right] play, you better be the hardest working player to defend and get the puck back because you work so hard to get the puck. Let’s not just give it away as quickly as we get it.

“We’re going to have to allow mistakes. I’m not going to throw a fit about mistakes, but they can’t happen two, three, four or five times. There’s got to be a cutoff or they’re not learning, they’re just doing it. I’m excited about that part of it because that’s part of the process. So everyone’s going to have a little leeway early on. That’s part of growth.”

Watson plans to emphasize puck possession. You can’t score if you don’t have the puck.

“If you look at the skill that we have or could have, it’s exciting,” he said. “We’re going to have speed. We’re going to have guys who can hang

on to the puck. But then it’s about teaching them the right way to do it, the proper time to get rid of it. There are techniques and strategies and systems to follow.

“I know what happened here the last four years, but it might not have been a dump-and-chase mentality as much as that’s what [former head coach] Ben Simon and his staff had to work with.

Given the players that we are likely to start the season with, I’m looking forward to looking at the time of possession stat at the end of each game.”

After coaching 14 years with Toledo, including six seasons as head coach, Watson knows better than to jump to any conclusions, but there is little doubt that he is excited about the potential that exists.

“I can’t wait,” he said. “There’s gonna be that nervousness again, but it’s not a scared nervousness, it’s more anxious. ‘Let’s get going, let’s drop the puck.’ I’ve obviously seen some Griffins games in the past and I know that the show they put on here is spectacular.

“I expect great crowds and the atmosphere is going to be rocking. After COVID and some lean years for a starving fan base, it’s time for the organization to get back to its reputation for winning. I’m anxious for the season to start.”

2023-24 GRIFFINS HOCKEY OPERATIONS STAFF

General Manager Shawn Horcoff

Head Coach Dan Watson

Assistant Coach Steph Julien

Assistant Coach Brian Lashoff

Goaltending Coach Roope Koistinen

Video Coach Erich Junge

Athletic Trainer Austin Frank

Assistant Athletic Trainer Katie Berglund

Physical Therapist Zack Harvey

Equipment Manager Brad Thompson

Asst. Equipment Manager Kyle Hornkohl

Sports Science Data Analyst Jack Rummells

Strength-Cond. Coordinator Marcus Kinney

Massage Therapist Ronald Marckini

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 3

SCOUTING REPORT COLORADO

OCT. 13, OCT. 14 The Colorado Eagles are featured on Grand Rapids’ schedule for the first time ever. Based in Loveland, Colorado, the Eagles joined the AHL in 2018 and are the primary affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche. The Griffins will make their first-ever trip to Colorado on Oct. 20 and will wrap-up the season series against the Eagles on Oct. 21.

CLEVELAND

OCT. 27 Right wing Trey Fix-Wolansky returns to the Monsters for his sixth campaign with the franchise. Last season, FixWolansky ranked seventh in the AHL in points (29-42—71), tied for eighth in assists (42), and tied for 11th in goals (29) en route to being named to the AHL Second All-Star Team. Since the 2019-20 regular season, he has amassed 139 points (60-79—139) in 166 games.

4 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

Colorado has qualified for each of the three AHL postseasons since joining the league and finished the 2022-23 campaign with a 40-22-7-3 record overall (90 pts., .625), which ranked seventh on the circuit.

New Eagles head coach Aaron Schneekloth, an assistant on their staff the last five years, played two seasons (2002-04) with the Griffins as a defenseman.

Trent Vogelhuber enters his second season as head coach for the Monsters after going 3332-5-2 (73 pts., .507) in 2022-23 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. Cleveland has struggled to make the Calder Cup Playoffs since joining the league in 200708. In fact, the Monsters have clinched a playoff berth in just three of their 14 seasons, lifting the Calder Cup in 2016.

TORONTO

NOV. 10, NOV. 11 John Gruden was named head coach of the Toronto Marlies this past offseason after serving as an assistant coach in the NHL from 2018-23. Gruden graduated from Ferris State University in 1994 and later suited up for the Griffins from 1999-2002, helping Grand Rapids win three consecutive division titles and amassing 47 points (10-37— 47) in 141 regular-season games. He earned a

CHICAGO

NOV. 15, NOV. 29 Chicago enters the 2023-24 season as a lone wolf, as it is the only AHL team without an NHL affiliate. The Wolves and Carolina Hurricanes had been in a partnership agreement since the 2020-21 campaign. The Wolves are the first AHL team without an NHL affiliate since the 1994-95 season, when the Worcester IceCats were independent.

MANITOBA

NOV. 24, NOV. 26 Manitoba clinched its second consecutive playoff berth in 2022-23, as it finished in third place in the Central Division with a 37-25-6-4 record (84 pts., .583). In 2021-22, the Moose placed second in the division with a 41-24-5-2 ledger (89 pts., .618). They have been a consistent team since joining the AHL

MILWAUKEE

DEC. 1 Milwaukee’s Luke Evangelista returns to the franchise for his second season. A year ago, the right wing tied for third among AHL rookies with 32 assists and finished the campaign with 41 points (9-32—41) in 49 appearances. He also saw action in 24 NHL games with the Nashville Predators, contributing 15 points (7-8—15).

spot on the AHL’s 2001-02 First All-Star Team and represented the Griffins in both the 2000 IHL All-Star Game and the 2002 AHL All-Star Classic.

Toronto ran away with the North Division a season ago, finishing with a 42-24-4-2 record (90 pts., .625), which was nine points better than second-place Syracuse. The Marlies concluded the regular season ranked sixth in the AHL but were swept in the division finals by Rochester.

The Griffins went 5-3-1-1 (.600) against Chicago a season ago, marking their first winning season against the Wolves since the 2016-17 campaign, when they finished 8-2-0-0 against their rivals. From 2017-22, Chicago had Grand Rapids’ number, going a combined 32-10-2-0 (.750) throughout five campaigns against the Griffins.

and have made the Calder Cup Playoffs in 12 of 16 seasons.

A former first-round draft pick of the Winnipeg Jets, defenseman Ville Heinola returns to Manitoba for his fourth season. Heinola was selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and has compiled 75 points (13-62—75) in 111 AHL contests.

The Admirals had another stellar rookie last year who returns for his sophomore season in goaltender Yaroslav Askarov. In 2022-23, the Russian netminder placed fifth among rookie goaltenders with a 2.69 GAA and tied for second with a .911 save percentage. Askarov was the first goalie taken in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, as he was selected 11th overall by the Nashville Predators.

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 5

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W010834

2023-24 SEASON

Dear Griffins Fans, A new day is dawning for professional sports in Grand Rapids!

For the first time since 2018, the Griffins are embarking on an American Hockey League season under new leadership. The Detroit Red Wings in June named Dan Watson the 12th head coach in our franchise’s illustrious history, and he brings both a wealth of organizational experience and an impressive resume of success from his 14 seasons with our ECHL affiliate, the Toledo Walleye.

Watson never missed the playoffs in six seasons as Toledo’s head coach, reaching the Kelly Cup Finals twice and leading the Walleye to three division titles, three 100-point seasons, and two regular season championships. The fastest coach in ECHL history to reach 100 wins and the winningest head coach in Walleye history, Watson was named the ECHL’s 2016-17 Coach of the Year.

His accomplishments speak for themselves, but it’s his familiarity with Griffins players and Red Wings prospects that give him an edge. Watson coached 56 future or former Griffins as Toledo’s head coach, and we are excited to see what this season has in store for him and his all-new coaching staff, which includes 2022-23 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Coach of the Year Steph Julien, longtime Griffins defenseman Brian Lashoff, and goaltending coach Roope Koistinen.

Watson, though, is not the only new sheriff in town.

West Michigan’s first major-league women’s sports team, the Grand Rapids Rise (grrise.com), will take to the Van Andel Arena floor in January as members of Pro Volleyball Federation. A Rise roster packed with some of the finest volleyball players in the world – including a U.S. Olympian, collegiate national champions, All-Americans, and members of several countries’ national teams – will commence a 24game season under the guidance of head coach Cathy George. The winningest coach in the history of Michigan State volleyball, George led the Spartans for 17 seasons and totaled 35 years as a collegiate head coach, including 11 seasons at Western Michigan. Now she’s preparing to make an even bigger mark on the largest stage the sport of volleyball has ever enjoyed in the United States.

Whether it’s thanks to a Griffins team you’ve loyally supported for 28 seasons or a Rise squad that you will soon fall in love with, there will be no shortage of breathtaking moments and incredible athletes for you to cheer at Van Andel Arena over the next nine months. Enjoy the ride!

Sincerely,

Dan DeVos Chief Executive Officer Grand Rapids Griffins

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2023-24 SEASON

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESID Dear Fans,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2023-24 American Hockey League season, as we continue a tradition of excellence that can be traced back to our league’s founding nearly nine decades ago.

DearThe Fans, AHL is as proud as ever of its role in developing nearly all of the

players, coaches, executives, trainers, broadcasters and officials who

SCOTT HOWSON PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE

TT HOWSON

ND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE

you see throughout the National Hockey League today. Generations It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2023-24 American of our great fans have cheered on future superstars, Stanley Cup champions and Hockey Hallcontinue of Famers asathey have comeof through the League season, as we tradition excellence th AHL. traced back to our league’s founding nearly nine decades a This season is sure to be another memorable one, from the

excitement of opening night to the pageantry of the AHL All-Star The AHL is as proud as ever of its role in developing nearly Classic in San Jose to the thrills and emotion of the Calder Cup players, coaches, executives, trainers, broadcasters and offi Playoffs. you see throughout the National League Ge On behalf of all of our teams, thank you forHockey your continuing supporttoday. of thegreat AHL. fans have cheered on future superstars, Stanle of our champions Sincerely, and Hockey Hall of Famers as they have come AHL.

This Scott season is sure to be another memorable one, from th Howson President & CEO | American Hockey League excitement of opening night to the pageantry of the AHL A Classic in San Jose to the thrills and emotion of the Calde Playoffs.

On behalf of all of our teams, thank you for your continuing the AHL. Sincerely,

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 11

BY THE NUMBERS

A TRADITION OF

87.2% Percentage of all NHL players in 2022-23 who were graduates of the AHL

924 Former AHL players who skated in the NHL last season

THE BEGINNINGS Embarking on its 88th season of play in 2023-24, the American Hockey League is continuing a tradition of excellence that began in 1936 when the Canadian-American Hockey League joined with the International Hockey League to form what is today known as the AHL. Eight teams hit the ice that first season, representing Buffalo, Cleveland, New

Haven, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Providence, Springfield and Syracuse.

Bears captured their league-best 12th championship last spring.

Frank Calder, the National Hockey League’s president at the time, was instrumental in the forming of this new league, and his name would be given to its championship trophy. The first Calder Cup was won by the Syracuse Stars in 1937; the Hershey

From those roots, the American Hockey League has grown into a 32-team, coast-to-coast league that provides fans with exciting, high-level professional hockey while preparing thousands of players, coaches, officials, executives, trainers, broadcasters and more for careers in the NHL.

375 AHL players who also played in the NHL in 2022-23

238 Former 1st- and 2ndround NHL draft picks who skated in the AHL in 2022-23

L . T O R . : A H L G R A D UAT E S M I K KO R A N TA N E N , I G O R S H E S T E R K I N , TAG E T H O M P S O N , J A S O N R O B E R T S O N , L I N U S U L L M A R K

12 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

THE PLAYERS

THE LEGENDS

THE COACHES

In today’s National Hockey League nearly 90 percent of the players are AHL alumni, including 2022-23 Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark, Norris Trophy recipient Erik Karlsson and Selke Trophy winner Patrice Bergeron.

The 2023 Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights were stocked with AHL graduates including captain Mark Stone, goaltender Adin Hill and three-time AHL All-Star and Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Marchessault.

For nearly nine decades, the American Hockey League has been home to some of the greatest players in the history of our sport. In fact, there are 130 honored members of the Hockey Hall of Fame who have been affiliated with the AHL during their careers. All-time greats from Milt Schmidt and Gump Worsley to Roberto Luongo and Martin St. Louis came through the AHL ranks and now find themselves enshrined in Toronto, and the coveted Calder Cup is inscribed with the names of legendary AHL alumni like Johnny Bower, Larry Robinson, Gerry Cheevers, Andy Bathgate, Tim Horton, Al Arbour, Emile Francis, Patrick Roy, Doug Harvey and Billy Smith.

At the start of the 2023-24 season, the National Hockey League featured 22 head coaches who were former AHL bench bosses, including Bruce Cassidy of the 2023 Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights and newcomers Greg Cronin of the Anaheim Ducks, Ryan Huska of the Calgary Flames and Spencer Carbery of the Washington Capitals.

Tampa Bay’s Jon Cooper, Toronto’s Sheldon Keefe, Minnesota’s Dean Evason, Edmonton’s Jay Woodcroft and Detroit’s Derek Lalonde are also among the current NHL coaches who spent time in the American Hockey League before making the jump.

During the 2022-23 season, a total of 924 AHL alumni played in the National Hockey League. There were 375 players who skated in both leagues last year alone, and 238 former first- and second-round NHL draft picks developed their skills in the AHL last season, including Simon Nemec, David Jiricek, Jiri Kulich, Lukas Reichel, William Eklund, Jesper Wallstedt, Thomas Harley and Calder Cup champions Connor McMichael and Hendrix Lapierre.

J O N AT H A N M A RC H E S SAU LT 3-TIME AHL ALL-STAR 2023 STANLEY CUP CHAMPION

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 13

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WHEN THE GRIFFINS SCORE, OUR COMMUNITY WINS Through the Griffins’ long-running Charitable Goals program, local companies team up with Griffins players to help raise money for various charities. Every time the player scores a goal or makes a save, the company makes a donation toward a mutually agreed upon charity.

2023-24 CHARITABLE GOALS PARTNERSHIPS SPONSOR Acrisure

BHS Insurance

Centennial Securities

Consumers Credit Union

Fox Motors

Kilwins

Meijer

Planet Fitness

Tito’s

PLAYER

DONATION

JOEL L’ESPERANCE

$100

CROSS HANAS

$100

DOMINIK SHINE

$50

AUSTIN CZARNIK

$100

CARTER MAZUR

$100

GRIFFINS GOALTENDERS

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital

PER GOAL

Feeding America West Michigan

PER GOAL

Kids’ Food Basket

PER GOAL

Fostering Futures Scholarship Fund

PER GOAL

Griffins Youth Foundation

PER GOAL

$1

Kids’ Food Basket

PER SAVE

TARO HIROSE

$50

TYLER SPEZIA

$50

GRIFFINS HOME PENALTY KILL

CHARITY BENEFITED

PER GOAL

Jamie Daniels Foundation Boys & Girls Clubs

PER GOAL

$25

Kids’ Food Basket

PER PENALTY KILL Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 15

A H L D I R EC TO RY

EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION: Bridgeport, Charlotte, Hartford, Hershey, Lehigh Valley, Providence, Springfield, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton NORTH DIVISION: Belleville, Cleveland, Laval, Rochester, Syracuse, Toronto, Utica

HARTFORD WOLF PACK

NHL Affiliation:........................... New York Rangers Home Ice:....................................XL Center (15,635) General Manager:................................ Ryan Martin Head Coach:..................................... Kris Knoblauch Entered AHL:...............................................1997-98 Calder Cups:........................................... One (2000) Seasons in Playoffs:..................................... 16 of 24 2022-23 Record:...................35-26-4-7, 81 pts./.563 Website:............................... hartfordwolfpack.com

PROVIDENCE BRUINS

NHL Affiliation:..................................Boston Bruins Home Ice:.Dunkin’ Donuts Center Providence (11,273) General Manager:............................................. TBD Head Coach:....................................Ryan Mougenel Entered AHL:...............................................1992-93 Calder Cups:........................................... One (1999) Seasons in Playoffs:..................................... 24 of 29 2022-23 Record:...................44-18-8-2, 98 pts./.681 Website:................................providencebruins.com 16 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

BRIDGEPORT ISLANDERS

NHL Affiliation:..........................New York Islanders Home Ice:.................. Total Mortgage Arena (8,412) General Manager:.......................... Chris Lamoriello Head Coach:.......................................Rick Kowalsky Entered AHL:...............................................2001-02 Calder Cups:.................................................... None Seasons in Playoffs:..................................... 10 of 20 2022-23 Record:...................34-30-7-1, 76 pts./.528 Website:............................bridgeportislanders.com

HERSHEY BEARS

CHARLOTTE CHECKERS

NHL Affiliation:..............................Florida Panthers Home Ice:..................... Bojangles’ Coliseum (8,500) General Manager:....................... Gregory Campbell Head Coach:................................... Geordie Kinnear Entered AHL:...............................................2010-11 Calder Cups:........................................... One (2019) Seasons in Playoffs:....................................... 7 of 11 2022-23 Record:...................39-25-5-3, 86 pts./.597 Website:............................... charlottecheckers.com

LEHIGH VALLEY PHANTOMS

NHL Affiliation:....................... Washington Capitals Home Ice:...............................Giant Center (10,500) GENERAL MANAGER:..........................Bryan Helmer Head Coach:..........................................Todd Nelson Entered AHL:...............................................1938-39 Calder Cups:....... 12 (1947, 1958, 1959, 1969, 1974, 1980, 1988, 1997, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2023) Seasons in Playoffs:..................................... 70 of 83 2022-23 Record:...................44-19-5-4, 97 pts./.674 Website:......................................hersheybears.com

NHL Affiliation:..........................Philadelphia Flyers Home Ice:....................................PPL Center (8,420) General Manager:.............................Chuck Fletcher Head Coach:.......................................Ian Laperriere Entered AHL:.. 1996-97 (as Philadelphia Phantoms) Calder Cups:..................................Two (1998, 2005) Seasons in Playoffs:..................................... 13 of 25 2022-23 Record:...................37-29-3-3, 80 pts./.556 Website:................................phantomshockey.com

SPRINGFIELD THUNDERBIRDS

WILKES-BARRE/ SCRANTON PENGUINS

NHL Affiliation:................................. St. Louis Blues Home Ice:...................... MassMutual Center (6,793) General Manager:.............................Kevin Maxwell Head Coach:.................................... Drew Bannister Entered AHL:...............................................2016-17 Calder Cups:.................................................... None Seasons in Playoffs:.........................................2 of 5 2022-23 Record:...................38-26-3-5, 84 pts./.583 Website:..................... springfieldthunderbirds.com

NHL Affiliation:........................Pittsburgh Penguins Home Ice:.................................Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza (7,500) GENERAL MANAGER:.............................Erik Heasley Head Coach:............................................J.D. Forrest Entered AHL:...............................................1999-00 Calder Cups:.................................................... None Seasons in Playoffs:..................................... 18 of 22 2022-23 Record:...................26-32-8-6, 66 pts./.458 Website:......................................wbspenguins.com

2023-24

BELLEVILLE SENATORS

NHL Affiliation:..............................Ottawa Senators Home Ice:.................................... CAA Arena (4,400) General Manager:.............................Ryan Bowness Head Coach:.............................................David Bell Entered AHL:...............................................2017-18 Calder Cups:.................................................... None Seasons In Playoffs:.........................................1 of 4 2022-23 Record:...................31-31-6-4, 72 pts./.500 Website:......................................bellevillesens.com

CLEVELAND MONSTERS

NHL Affiliation:.................... Columbus Blue Jackets Home Ice:................... Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (18,277/9,447 lower bowl) General Manager:................................... Chris Clark Head Coach:..................................Trent Vogelhuber Entered AHL:..........2007-08 (as Lake Erie Monsters) Calder Cups:........................................... One (2016) Seasons in Playoffs:....................................... 3 of 14 2022-23 Record:...................33-32-5-2, 73 pts./.507 Website:............................. clevelandmonsters.com

LAVAL ROCKET

NHL Affiliation:........................ Montreal Canadiens Home Ice:....................................Place Bell (10,043) General Manager:................................Kent Hughes Head Coach:............................. Jean-Francois Houle Entered AHL:...............................................2017-18 Calder Cups:.................................................... None Seasons In Playoffs:.........................................2 of 4 2022-23 Record:...................33-29-7-3, 76 pts./.528 Website:..........................................rocketlaval.com

THE ROAD TO THE CALDER CUP

ROCHESTER AMERICANS

NHL Affiliation:.................................Buffalo Sabres Home Ice:.......................................Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial (10,662) General Manager:..........................Jason Karmanos Head Coach:..........................................Seth Appert Entered AHL:...............................................1956-57 Calder Cups:..........................Six (1965, 1966, 1968, 1983, 1987, 1996) Seasons in Playoffs:..................................... 48 of 65 2022-23 Record:...................36-27-6-3, 81 pts./.563 Website:............................................... amerks.com

TORONTO MARLIES

NHL Affiliation:........................Toronto Maple Leafs Home Ice:...................... Coca-Cola Coliseum (7,851) General Manager:..................................Ryan Hardy Head Coach:.........................................John Gruden Entered AHL:...............................................2005-06 Calder Cups:........................................... One (2018) Seasons in Playoffs:..................................... 12 of 16 2022-23 Record:...................42-24-4-2, 90 pts./.625 Website:...................................................marlies.ca

SYRACUSE CRUNCH

NHL Affiliation:...................... Tampa Bay Lightning Home Ice:.........Upstate Medical University Arena at Onondaga County War Memorial (6,110) General Manager:..................................Stacy Roest Head Coach:.......................................Joel Bouchard Entered AHL:...............................................1994-95 Calder Cups:.................................................... None Seasons in Playoffs:..................................... 17 of 27 2022-23 Record:...................35-26-7-4, 81 pts./.563 Website:...................................syracusecrunch.com

UTICA COMETS

NHL Affiliation:............................New Jersey Devils Home Ice:.................Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium (3,917) General Manager:...........................Dan MacKinnon Head Coach:........................................Kevin Dineen Entered AHL:...............................................2013-14 Calder Cups:.................................................... None Seasons in Playoffs:.........................................5 of 8 2022-23 Record:...................35-27-6-4, 80 pts./.556 Website:........................................uticacomets.com

A total of 23 teams will qualify for the AHL’s 2024 postseason, with five rounds of playoffs leading to the crowning of a Calder Cup champion.

The playoff field will include the top six finishers in the eight-team Atlantic Division, the top five finishers each in the seven-team North and Central Divisions, and the top seven teams in the 10-team Pacific Division.

First Round matchups will be best-ofthree series. The two highest seeds in the Atlantic, the three highest seeds in each of the North and Central, and the first-place team in the Pacific will receive byes into the best-of-five Division Semifinals, with the First Round winners re-seeded in each division. The Division Finals will also be best-of-five series, followed by best-ofseven Conference Finals and a best-ofseven Calder Cup Finals.

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 17

A H L D I R EC TO RY

WESTERN CONFERENCE PACIFIC DIVISION: Abbotsford, Bakersfield, Calgary, Coachella Valley, Colorado, Henderson, Ontario, San Diego, San Jose, Tucson CENTRAL DIVISION: Grand Rapids, Chicago, Iowa, Manitoba, Milwaukee, Rockford, Texas

CALGARY WRANGLERS

NHL Affiliation:................................Calgary Flames Home Ice:.............Scotiabank Saddledome (19,289) General Manager:.................................Brad Pascall Head Coach:..............................................Trent Cull Entered AHL:...............................................2022-23 Calder Cups:.................................................... None Seasons in Playoffs:.........................................1 of 1 2022-23 Record:.................51-17-3-1, 106 pts./.736 Website:................................ calgarywranglers.com

HENDERSON SILVER KNIGHTS

NHL Affiliation:......................Vegas Golden Knights Home Ice:................. The Dollar Loan Center (5,567) General Manager:................................... Tim Speltz Head Coach:............................................Ryan Craig Entered AHL:...............................................2020-21 Calder Cups:.................................................... None Seasons in Playoffs:.........................................1 of 2 2022-23 Record:...................29-38-0-5, 63 pts./.438 Website:......................hendersonsilverknights.com 18 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

ABBOTSFORD CANUCKS

BAKERSFIELD CONDORS

NHL Affiliation:..........................Vancouver Canucks Home Ice:........................Abbotsford Centre (7,073) General Manager:..............................Ryan Johnson Head Coach:.....................................Jeremy Colliton Entered AHL:...............................................2021-22 Calder Cups:.................................................... None Seasons in Playoffs:.........................................2 of 2 2022-23 Record:...................40-25-3-4, 87 pts./.604 Website:............................ abbotsford.canucks.com

NHL Affiliation:..............................Edmonton Oilers Home Ice:................. Mechanics Bank Arena (8,751) General Manager:...............................Keith Gretzky Head Coach:......................................... Colin Chaulk Entered AHL:...............................................2015-16 Calder Cups:.................................................... None Seasons in Playoffs:.........................................3 of 6 2022-23 Record:...................37-31-2-2, 78 pts./.542 Website:.............................bakersfieldcondors.com

COACHELLA VALLEY FIREBIRDS

COLORADO EAGLES

NHL Affiliation:.................................Seattle Kraken NHL Affiliation:.........................Colorado Avalanche Home Ice:............................Acrisure Arena (10,100) Home Ice:..............Budweiser Events Center (5,073) Asst. General Manager:.........................Ricky Olczyk General Manager:.......................... Kevin McDonald Head Coach:..........................................Dan Bylsma Head Coach:...............................Aaron Schneekloth Entered AHL:...............................................2022-23 Entered AHL:...............................................2018-19 Calder Cups:....................................................

None REIGN Calder Cups:.................................................... None ONTARIO Seasons in Playoffs:.........................................1 of 1 Seasons in Playoffs:.........................................3 of 3 PRIMARY MARK 2022-23 Record:.................48-17-5-2, 103 pts./.715 2022-23 Record:...................40-22-7-3, 90 pts./.625 SAN DIEGO GULLS Website:...........................................cvfirebirds.com Website:................................... coloradoeagles.com PRIMARY MARK

ONTARIO REIGN

NHL Affiliation:............................Los Angeles Kings Home Ice:................................Toyota Arena (9,491) General Manager:.............................Richard Seeley Head Coach:.........................................Marco Sturm Entered AHL:...............................................2015-16 Calder Cups:.................................................... None Seasons in Playoffs:.........................................5 of 6 2022-23 Record:...................34-32-5-1, 74 pts./.514 Website:....................................... ontarioreign.com PANTONE 429 C

PROCESS BLACK

WHITE

SAN DIEGO GULLS

NHL Affiliation:............................... Anaheim Ducks Home Ice:.........Pechanga Arena San Diego (12,920) General Manager:..................................Rob DiMaio Head Coach:......................................Matt McIlvane Entered AHL:...............................................2015-16 2015-16 Calder Cups:.................................................... None Seasons in Playoffs:.........................................4 of 6 2022-23 Record:...................20-49-2-1, 43 pts./.299 Website:.....................................sandiegogulls.com PANTONE 1655 C

PANTONE MEDIUM BLUE C

PANTONE 5455 C

PROCESS BLACK

WHITE

2023-24

SAN JOSE BARRACUDA

NHL Affiliation:............................... San Jose Sharks Home Ice:...............................Tech CU Arena (4,200) General Manager:........................................Joe Will Head Coach:......................................John McCarthy Entered AHL:...............................................2015-16 Calder Cups:.................................................... None Seasons in Playoffs:.........................................4 of 6 2022-23 Record:...................31-34-2-5, 69 pts./.479 Website:.........................................sjbarracuda.com

CHICAGO WOLVES

NHL Affiliation:............................................... None Home Ice:.............................Allstate Arena (16,692) General Manager:............................Wendell Young Head Coach:........................................ Bob Nardella Entered AHL:...............................................2001-02 Calder Cups:......................Three (2002, 2008, 2022) Seasons in Playoffs:..................................... 14 of 20 2022-23 Record:...................35-29-5-3, 78 pts./.542 Website:....................................chicagowolves.com

MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS

NHL Affiliation:......................... Nashville Predators Home Ice:..............................Panther Arena (9,450) General Manager:.................................Scott Nichol Head Coach:............................................ Karl Taylor Entered AHL:...............................................2001-02 Calder Cups:........................................... One (2004) Seasons in Playoffs:..................................... 17 of 20 2022-23 Record:...................41-24-5-2, 89 pts./.618 Website:............................milwaukeeadmirals.com

TUCSON ROADRUNNERS

NHL Affiliation:...............................Arizona Coyotes Home Ice:................................Tucson Arena (6,521) General Manager:.............................John Ferguson Head Coach:.........................................Steve Potvin Entered AHL:...............................................2016-17 Calder Cups:.................................................... None Seasons in Playoffs:.........................................2 of 5 2022-23 Record:...................30-33-8-1, 69 pts./.479 Website:.............................tucsonroadrunners.com

IOWA WILD

NHL Affiliation:...............................Minnesota Wild Home Ice:.........................Wells Fargo Arena (8,356) General Manager:........................... Michael Murray Head Coach:........................................Brett McLean Entered AHL:...............................................2013-14 Calder Cups:.................................................... None Seasons in Playoffs:.........................................2 of 8 2022-23 Record:...................34-27-6-5, 79 pts./.549 Website:.............................................iowawild.com

ROCKFORD ICEHOGS

NHL Affiliation:........................Chicago Blackhawks Home Ice:............... BMO Harris Bank Center (5,895) General Manager:..............................Mark Bernard Head Coach:.................................. Anders Sorensen Entered AHL:...............................................2007-08 Calder Cups:.................................................... None Seasons in Playoffs:....................................... 8 of 14 2022-23 Record:...................35-28-5-4, 79 pts./.549 Website:...............................................icehogs.com

GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS

NHL Affiliation:........................... Detroit Red Wings Home Ice:.........................Van Andel Arena (10,834) General Manager:.............................Shawn Horcoff Head Coach:..........................................Dan Watson Entered AHL:...............................................2001-02 Calder Cups:..................................Two (2013, 2017) Seasons in Playoffs:..................................... 13 of 20 2022-23 Record:...................28-36-4-4, 64 pts./.444 Website:.....................................griffinshockey.com

MANITOBA MOOSE

NHL Affiliation:..................................Winnipeg Jets Home Ice:....................... Canada Life Centre (7,808) General Manager:............................Craig Heisinger Head Coach:......................................Mark Morrison Entered AHL:.................... 2001-02 (played through 2010-11; re-entered 2015-16) Calder Cups:.................................................... None Seasons in Playoffs:..................................... 12 of 16 2022-23 Record:...................37-25-6-4, 84 pts./.583 Website:......................................moosehockey.com

TEXAS STARS

NHL Affiliation:......................................Dallas Stars Home Ice:........... H-E-B Center at Cedar Park (6,779) General Manager:..................................Scott White Head Coach:.........................................Neil Graham Entered AHL:...............................................2009-10 Calder Cups:........................................... One (2014) Seasons in Playoffs:....................................... 9 of 12 2022-23 Record:...................40-20-9-3, 92 pts./.639 Website:........................................... texasstars.com Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 19

STRONGER TOGETHER WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL AGES & EXPERIENCE LEVELS

GRAND RAPIDS | HOLLAND | ROCKFORD

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20 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

Photo credit: Getty Images

DETROIT RED WINGS

T

he only former Grand Rapids Griffin to be named captain of the Detroit Red Wings, Dylan Larkin is leading the resurgence

TOP AFFILIATE: Grand Rapids Griffins • 22nd Season ARENA: Little Caesars Arena • Seating Capacity: 19,515 CONTACT: (313) 471-7000 • detroitredwings.com STANLEY CUPS: 1936, 1937, 1943, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2008

in Hockeytown. Now in their second season

MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE VP/GENERAL MANAGER: Steve Yzerman ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGERS: Shawn Horcoff, Kris Draper

boast a wealth of prospects and made several key

COACHING STAFF HEAD COACH: Derek Lalonde ASSISTANT COACHES: Bob Boughner, Alex Tanguay, Jay Varady GOALTENDING COACH: Alex Westlund VIDEO COORDINATOR: LJ Scarpace ASSISTANT VIDEO COORDINATOR: Jeff Weintraub

under head coach Derek Lalonde, the Red Wings offseason roster additions that have them poised for a return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

GRIFFINS WHO HAVE EARNED THEIR WINGS Justin Abdelkader Adam Almquist Joakim Andersson Andreas Athanasiou Sean Avery Riley Barber Ryan Barnes Jonatan Berggren Tyler Bertuzzi Patrick Boileau Darryl Bootland Madison Bowey Mathias Brome Fabian Brunnstrom Mitch Callahan Jake Chelios Alex Chiasson Dennis Cholowski Ty Conklin Chris Conner Jared Coreau Kyle Criscuolo Austin Czarnik Danny DeKeyser Aaron Downey

2008-09 2013-14 2011-12 2015-16 2002-03 2021-22 2003-04 2022-23 2016-17 2002-03 2003-04 2019-20 2020-21 2011-12 2013-14 2018-19 2022-23 2018-19 2011-12 2011-12 2016-17 2021-22 2022-23 2013-14 2008-09

Patrick Eaves Simon Edvinsson Christoffer Ehn Matt Ellis Turner Elson Cory Emmerton Jonathan Ericsson Adam Erne Landon Ferraro Valtteri Filppula Martin Frk Luke Glendening Mark Hartigan Darren Helm Joe Hicketts Taro Hirose Jimmy Howard Filip Hronek Jiri Hudler Matt Hussey Doug Janik Nick Jensen Tomas Jurco Jakub Kindl Tomas Kopecky

2013-14 2022-23 2018-19 2006-07 2021-22 2010-11 2007-08 2022-23 2013-14 2005-06 2017-18 2013-14 2007-08 2007-08 2017-18 2019-20 2005-06 2018-19 2003-04 2006-07 2009-10 2016-17 2013-14 2009-10 2005-06

Niklas Kronwall Marc Lamothe Josh Langfeld Dylan Larkin Brian Lashoff Brett Lebda Ville Leino Gustav Lindstrom Matt Lorito Matt Luff Joey MacDonald Donald MacLean Anthony Mantha Alexey Marchenko Darren McCarty Tom McCollum Dylan McIlrath Derek Meech Wade Megan Drew Miller Kevin Miller Mark Mowers Petr Mrazek Jan Mursak Anders Myrvold

2003-04 2003-04 2006-07 2015-16 2012-13 2005-06 2008-09 2019-20 2016-17 2022-23 2006-07 2005-06 2015-16 2013-14 2007-08 2010-11 2018-19 2006-07 2018-19 2016-17 2003-04 2003-04 2012-13 2010-11 2003-04

Alex Nedeljkovic Andrej Nestrasil Kris Newbury Tomas Nosek Gustav Nyquist Xavier Ouellet Chase Pearson Calvin Pickard Matt Puempel Teemu Pulkkinen Kyle Quincey Michael Rasmussen Dan Renouf Mattias Ritola Jamie Rivers Nathan Robinson Stacy Roest Robbie Russo Moritz Seider Riley Sheahan Brendan Smith Givani Smith Elmer Soderblom Ryan Sproul Garrett Stafford

2022-23 2014-15 2009-10 2015-16 2011-12 2013-14 2021-22 2019-20 2018-19 2013-14 2005-06 2018-19 2016-17 2007-08 2003-04 2003-04 2002-03 2016-17 2021-22 2011-12 2011-12 2019-20 2022-23 2013-14 2007-08

Ben Street Libor Sulak Evgeny Svechnikov Eric Tangradi Tomas Tatar Jordin Tootoo Dominic Turgeon Joe Veleno Jakub Vrana Jason Williams Luke Witkowski Filip Zadina

2016-17 2018-19 2016-17 2015-16 2010-11 2013-14 2017-18 2020-21 2022-23 2002-03 2021-22 2018-19

* not including conditioning stints for Curtis Joseph (2003-04), Chris Osgood (2005-06), Manny Legace (2005-06), Chris Chelios (2008-09), Andreas Lilja (2009-10), Jonas Gustavsson (2012-13), Carlo Colaiacovo (2012-13), Stephen Weiss (2014-15), Gemel Smith (2021-22) and Magnus Hellberg (2022-23).

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 21

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 2023-24

SEASON SCHEDULE OCTOBER

NOVEMBER cle 7:00pM

col col 7:00PM 7:00PM col col 9:05PM 9:05PM cle rfd 7:00PM 8:00PM

chi 11:00am

mb

mil 7:00pM tor tor 7:00pM 8:00pM tex tex 8:00pM 8:00pM mb 7:00pM

DECEMBER tor 7:00pM tex 7:00pM tex tex 8:00pM 8:00pM rfd 8:00pM

tor 4:00pM

chi 7:00pm

5:00pM

mil mil 7:00pM 7:00pM bel bel 7:00pM 7:00pM tex 7:00pM chi 8:00pM

cle 6:00pM

FEBRUARY

january ia ia rfd rfd 7:00PM 7:00PM mb mb 8:00pM 7:00pM bel bel 7:00PM 7:00PM 8:00pM 7:00pM

mil 7:00PM rfd 7:00PM

cle 7:00pM tex 7:00pM ia 7:00pM

mil 5:00pM

APRIL chi 7:00PM chi 4:00PM mil 5:00PM

ia 8:00PM

home

rfd rfd 7:00PM 8:00PM chi rfd 7:00PM 8:00PM ia 8:00PM

rfd 8:00pM mb mb 7:00pM 7:00pM cle rfd 7:00pM 8:00pM tex 7:00pM

march cle 7:00pM cle 7:00pm 7:00pM mb mb 11:30aM 8:00pM cle 7:00pM

ia rfd 7:00pM 7:00pM mil chi 7:00pM 7:00pM ia ia 7:00pM 8:00pM rfd 8:00pM chi mil 8:00pM 7:00pM

away

ALL TIMES EASTERN. DATES, OPPONENTS, AND TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

WATCH LIVE ON LISTEN LIVE ON

griffinshockey.com to purchase tickets or for more info

1.800.2.HOCKEY

OCT. 13 Opening Night presented by Huntington Bank/Magnet Schedule Giveaway

OCT. 14 Calendar Giveaway presented by Fox Motors

NOV. 26 Hispanic Heritage Night presented

by Patron/Sugar Skull Bobblehead Giveaway (ages 21+)/Hispanic Heritage Jersey/ 5 p.m. Start

2023-24

DEC. 11 15th Annual Tip-A-Griffin at Peppino’s, benefiting the Griffins Youth Foundation

DEC. 15 A Griffins Christmas Vacation presented by Centennial Securities/ Cousin Griffy Bobblehead Giveaway

NOV. 11 Military Appreciation Night presented

by DTE/Bucket Hat Giveaway/Snow Camo Jersey Auction NOV. 15 22nd Annual School Day Game presented by Consumers Credit Union/11 a.m. Start NOV. 24 23rd Annual Teddy Bear Toss Game presented by J&H Family Stores 22 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

DEC. 1 Eighth Annual Red Kettle Game presented by The Salvation Army/Red Kettle Jersey Auction

DEC. 31 26th Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration presented by Captain Morgan/Post-Game Fireworks/6 p.m. Start

FEB. 16 Friends Night presented by Adventure Credit Union/Friends Hat Giveaway/Couch from Friends at Arena

JAN. 13 Heroes vs. Villains Night presented

by Michigan First Credit Union/ Character Appearances

MARCH 2 Salute to Badges Night presented by Comerica Bank/Belt Bag Giveaway

MARCH 13 10th Annual Hockey, Hops & Hope, benefiting Easterseals MORC FEB. 22 17th Annual Griffins & Sled Wings Sled Hockey Game at Griff’s IceHouse at Belknap Park, benefiting the Grand Rapids Sled Wings and the Griffins Youth Foundation MARCH 15 12th Annual Purple Community Game presented by Van Andel Institute/Purple Jersey Auction

JAN. 27 What Could’ve Been Night presented

by Acrisure/Adult Flying Toasters Jersey Giveaway/Flying Toasters Jersey Auction FEB. 24 Hockey Without Barriers & Sensory Friendly Game presented by University of Michigan Health-West/Sensory & Mental Health Awareness Jersey Auction

MARCH 16 Star Wars Night presented by DTE/ Character Appearances/8 p.m. Start JAN. 27-28 19th Annual Great Skate Winterfest at Rosa Parks Circle, benefiting the Griffins Youth Foundation FEB. 10 Princess Night presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union/Character Appearances/Pre-Game Tea Party

APRIL 12 HOPE Network Night presented by HOPE Network/HOPE Network Jersey Auction FEB. 25 Jake Engel Memorial Dog Game presented by Nestle Purina/5 p.m.

Start

APRIL 21 Fan Appreciation Night presented

by Huntington Bank/Mystery Bag Giveaway/5 p.m. Start Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 23

G N O -L N O S A E S E S E H T T U O CK CHE

S N O I T O PROM

urring promotioenasdovcc se e th tage f n o a te o n k Ta ake ! n so a se e th ry Be sure rltoy m t a roughoudogs, free tickets, milit and regula p th eer and discounts and more! of chea bst udent

$2 BEERS AND $2 HOT DOGS

LIBRARY NIGHTS

POST-GAME OPEN SKATES

Every Friday, enjoy $2 domestic drafts and $2 hot dogs from 6-8 p.m., at select stands while supplies last.

For all Wednesday and Sunday games, fans can present their Grand Rapids Public Library card or Kent District Library card at the Van Andel Arena box office on the night of the game or at The Zone anytime during the store’s regular business hours to purchase an Upper Level Faceoff ticket for $17 (regularly $23), an Upper Level Center Ice ticket for $20 (regularly $26), or a Lower Level Faceoff ticket for $24 (regularly $29). Limit four tickets per card per person, subject to availability.

Bring your skates to the rink and take to the ice for a post-game open skate on Oct. 13, Nov. 11, Dec. 31 and Feb. 10. As a reminder, Van Andel Arena has a no-bag policy, but security will allow fans to use bags to bring in their skates.

MILITARY NIGHTS

Every home game, current members of our military can purchase up to four Upper Level Faceoff or Crease tickets for $13 each, four Upper Level Center Ice tickets for $16 each, or four Lower Level Faceoff tickets for $20 each with a valid military ID. The offer also extends to veterans who present a VA ID or discharge papers.

FREE RIDE FRIDAY ON THE RAPID

Ride the Rapid to and from any Friday game and enjoy a complimentary fare by showing your ticket to that night’s game. Visit ridetherapid.org for schedule information, routes and maps.

WINNING WEDNESDAYS

Presented by Michigan First Credit Union, every time the Griffins win at home on Wednesday, each fan in attendance will receive a free ticket to the next Wednesday game. To redeem a Winning Wednesday ticket, please visit the box office following the Winning Wednesday game, The Zone during normal business hours, or the Van Andel Arena box office prior to the next Wednesday game beginning at 5:30 p.m. Fans who exchange their Winning Wednesday ticket at The Zone on a non-game day will receive 20% off the purchase of one item (excluding jerseys).

One discount per person present.

FRIENDS & FAMILY 4-PACKS

These packs are available for all Saturday games during the 2023-24 season and include four or more game tickets, and $20 or more in concession cash. Visit griffinshockey.com/tickets or call (616) 774-4585 ext. 2.

SUNDAY IS FUN DAY

For all Sunday games except for New Year’s Eve, enjoy $1 small Pepsi drinks and $1 small ice cream cups from 4-6 p.m.

PEPSI READING GOALS

Children with Griff’s Reading Goals bookmarks who have completed the required three hours of reading can redeem their bookmark for two free Upper Level tickets to any of the following games: Bookmark #1 – Nov. 24, Nov. 26, Nov. 29 and Dec. 13; Bookmark #2 – Feb. 21, Feb. 25, March 27 and April 3.

POST-GAME AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS

Select players will sign autographs from the Griffins’ bench after the games on Jan. 13, March 2 and April 21.

APPLIED INNOVATION ISLAND

Presented by Applied Innovation, this section, located on the terrace level above section 118, provides the best seats in the house for groups of up to 40 people, with La-Z-Boy chairs and an array of unprecedented amenities. Call (616) 744-4585 ext. 4.

COLLEGE DISCOUNT

College students can buy online using their school .edu email address or show their ID at every Friday game to purchase an Upper Level Faceoff or Crease ticket for $13, an Upper Level Center Ice ticket for $16, or a Lower Level Faceoff ticket for $20. Limit one ticket per ID if purchasing in-person. Visit griffinshockey.com/tickets to purchase College Night tickets and sign up for text alerts.

All promotions and dates subject to change. • For more information, visit griffinshockey.com.

24 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

TECHNOLOGY

AU T O M AT I O N

IMAGING

The son of a smalltown mechanic, Dan Watson has learned what makes players tick while doing his best to master the nuts and bolts of coaching hockey.

Story and photos

by Mark Newman

HOCKEY

TECHNICIAN

26 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

He was invited to practice with the local junior B If you want to understand new Griffins head coach team in nearby Strathroy when he was about 14 or 15.

Dan Watson, a little trip to the town of Glencoe, "They came looking for kids who could maybe play Ontario, might tell you all you need. and I went to a couple of their practices and realized If you journeyed to the village located in Middlesex that only a couple of kids had been invited. I thought County between Chatham and London, Ontario, you hockey could be a route I might go," he said. "Certainly, might start with the story of Don Webster. pro hockey wasn't even in the picture at that point."

Webster was the town barber for 75 years until At that early age, Watson said he was more worried he retired two years ago. "He's a local legend there," about winning championships than what he might Watson said of his 94-year-old grandfather. Webster accomplish alone. began cutting hair with his father, who started "When I got to Strathroy, it was 'just be great' and Webster's Barbershop in 1927. "He had the same cash hopefully I might get the opportunity to play major register, same chairs, practically the same spot for all junior, college, or whatever," he those years," said Watson.

Photo Credit: Nicolas Carrillo said. "That's kind of the mentality Next door was a flower shop I took. My parents had never owned by Watson’s grandmother, been through it and I didn't know mother and aunt. "I had two much about the OHL growing older sisters and they worked up, to be honest with you. I knew there as well, so we could do the London Knights and the the things that we wanted to Sarnia Sting, but I didn't know do," he recalled. "I didn't work much about them until I actually there, but I went on deliveries at got into it." times. The Christmas holidays Watson became a defenseman were extremely busy, and so almost from the start. was Mother's Day, and all of the "I could skate and I was good major holidays. When I got older, positionally," he said. "For some I'd go for rides and carry some of reason, even in soccer, I was a the heavier flowers." defender more than I was on the His father, meanwhile, was a offense. I wasn't someone who mechanic in Glencoe. had to be the guy to score goals.

"If something was broken, he I actually wanted to help and not could fix it because that's what let the other team score goals. he did – that's what he did best," "To this day, if I'm watching said Watson, who never learned a sport, I'm trying to figure out to turn a wrench like his father. where every person has to be "I learned a few things, mainly Watson was named the 12th for their position, whether it's life lessons, but outside of that, I head coach in Griffins franchise football on TV or watching didn't, because he did it all. My history last June. my daughter play volleyball. mom retired in March 2022, the In hockey, I was the same way as a defenseman. I same time as my grandfather, and my dad retired in wanted to know where every forward needed to be, September 2022." where every defenseman needed to be, and I just Everyone worked because Watson was showing stuck with it." promise as an athlete.

He was also a good backward skater, an invaluable "Living in a small town, to have a team in any sport, skill for a budding defenseman. all the kids had to play," he said. "So all the boys my age, "Jack MacKinnon taught everybody in Glencoe, we played soccer and baseball. We were on the swim Ontario, how to skate," Watson said. "If you ask players team and we played volleyball and basketball, too. And, who came from there, they'll tell you how good he was. of course, we played hockey, which was not cheap. It's He was kind of ahead of the curve in terms of balance, an expensive sport. So I grew up playing a multiple edge work, skating on one foot, and using your inside amount of sports." and outside edges. No one else taught that unless you It was in his early teens that he became serious went to hockey school. about hockey.

"Most minor hockey teams were working on your "When I was 12 or 13, I started to play summer passing, shooting, and scoring, but we used to just hockey," he said. "You start going to all these skate, no pucks. It was edge work, it was balance, it tournaments and things like that, and that's when it was everything. He was more worried about skating started to get real, when I saw how hard my parents because if you can't skate, you're not gonna play. That worked to provide for us kids. And I think that's sort was his whole thing. of where I get my work ethic from, that commitment "When we got older, he wanted us to have the ability level, the dedication to get up and do your job the best to play hockey for a long time. Even my friends growing that you can every day."

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 27

up, they're all really, really good skaters. It's unbelievable to see. He was phenomenal at teaching kids to skate. He set the foundation."

Watson also gives credit to Pat "Whitey" Stapleton, who played 15 seasons in the NHL and the World Hockey Association, most notably for the Chicago Blackhawks. Father of longtime NHL center Mike Stapleton, Whitey was the first of many mentors who would not only help shape Watson's playing ability but also his coaching philosophy once his playing days were over.

"He was my coach in Strathroy," Watson said.

"He passed away a few years ago and they named an arena in Sarnia after him last year. He taught me a lot about the mental side of the game, how you feel about yourself, and the importance of having a positive attitude. I'm forever grateful to him, obviously."

Watson said there wasn't much to his decision to play in Strathroy. "It boiled down to proximity to our house," he said. "It was 50 minutes away, so my parents could still get to see every game, home and away, which was important."

He was chosen by Sarnia in the seventh round of the OHL draft. "Back in 1996, college hockey wasn't like college hockey is today, where guys sign big deals and get drafted out of college to play NHL," he said. "If you wanted to play pro hockey, if you wanted to play in the NHL, you played major junior."

From 1996 to 2000, Watson played for the Sarnia Sting, where Mark Hunter was his head coach for three full seasons. Watson learned a lot from Hunter, who played 12 NHL seasons with Montreal, St. Louis, Calgary, Hartford, and Washington.

"He was a demanding coach, but if you worked hard and competed, he left you alone. He didn't care about anything else," Watson said. "If you made a mistake because you were working hard, competing, he could live with it. But if you were lazy, not being a good teammate, not being a good person, that's when he'd be in your face. I respected him a lot. I think I was a good player for him because of my work ethic, just that discipline of showing up every day and working hard."

Watson was not even sure he would get the chance to play pro hockey.

"I went to Montreal's NHL training camp my overage year, but nothing came out of that," he recalled.

"I started talking to Canadian college teams because I thought that would be the route. And then out of the blue, my agent called one day and said Columbus is going to offer you a three-year deal.

"I went from nothing to signing a contract in 24 hours. I think I was the first free-agent defenseman that they signed out of college or junior and it was cool to get my start with a new franchise, a new team. I was there there from the beginning."

Watson spent most of his first three pro seasons in Syracuse, playing for Gary Agnew, who later became an NHL assistant coach with Columbus, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh. Agnew is currently an associate coach with 28 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

the AHL's Abbotsford Canucks.

"He's a very good technical coach who taught me a lot about the ins and outs, how to manage and talk to people," Watson said. "I didn't play every game – I was a guy in and out of the lineup at times – but the way he handled me showed me that he cared and that he wanted the best for me."

Injuries would ultimately derail Watson’s playing career. After Syracuse, he would play only four more seasons, splitting his time between the AHL, ECHL, and UHL. "I'm very proud of my playing career," he said.

"There's no looking back saying, 'What if I would have done this or that?' I'm very proud that I made it to the American League because I wasn't overly skilled, but I think I was a great teammate. I think I did my job to the best of my ability."

After splitting most of the 2003-04 season between Kalamazoo and Columbus in the UHL, Watson landed a spot with the ECHL's Long Beach Ice Dogs.

"Going to Long Beach was a big decision," he said.

"I had just gotten married and it was one of those points where I had to ask, 'What do I want to do?' I was recruited to be the captain of that team, so I thought that it would be a good thing to try to lead a group of people to see how it went."

In the first of his two seasons as captain, Watson led the Ice Dogs to one of the biggest turnarounds in the history of professional hockey. "We went from being the worst team to one of the best," Watson said. "We went from 51 points (23-44-0-5) to 95 points (43-20-0-9) in one year."

It was a memorable season for more than one reason.

"I had never played out west and 2004-05 was also the year of the NHL lockout," he said. "We played on blue ice the entire year. We were one of the teams that they chose to try to feature blue ice to see if people could see the puck better on blue ice versus white ice.

"We had light blue ice with dark blue lines and a yellow line that served as our red line. You didn't think about it when you went to play because after a while you didn't notice it. You got used to it, but it was a very interesting experiment."

By then, Watson realized that his NHL dream was just that – a dream.

"At some point as a hockey player, you understand that you're not a prospect anymore. There are younger guys who can do what you do and because they're younger, they're going to get the opportunity. Then it becomes a situation where you do whatever you can to teach these young guys to be pros every day."

In Long Beach, Watson was fortunate to play for Malcolm Cameron, who had been his head coach in Columbus the previous season before the team folded in midseason, which is how he ended up playing for the Kalamazoo Wings for half of a season.

"I was out west, my wife wasn't there and I was hurt," he said. "During my injuries, he allowed me

Photo Credit: Toledo Walleye

In Toledo, Watson never missed the playoffs as head coach, reaching the Kelly Cup Finals twice (2019 and 2022).

to jump behind the bench with him, to help lead the defensemen. At times, we did video together. I was out on the ice with him for practice. He kind of steered me into coaching, even though I didn't know I wanted to be a coach yet.

"I appreciated him doing that because a lot of coaches would be like, 'Just sit in the stands, show up, get your therapy, and go home.' He cared enough to allow me to do more. He was a big believer in showing up and doing your best every day."

Unfortunately, Watson's playing days were nearly over. "Three straight surgeries for labral tears in my left shoulder and that was it," he said.

He played his final season as a member of the ECHL’s Toledo Storm. In 2006-07, he tallied a careerbest 25 points in 66 games, but his body told him that it was time to hang up the skates. "When I had my final shoulder injury, I knew that was it," he said. "I was calling it a career."

Watson was at a crossroads, but his future path was clear. "I remember my exit meeting," he said. "Nick Vitucci was my head coach, and he said, 'Do you want to be an assistant coach? There's a new team, the Toledo Walleye, coming here in two years and I want you on my bench.' And right from that day, I was like, ‘I'm in.’"

He spent the next two seasons preparing for the transition. "I went to a ton of coaches clinics, and former NHLer Mike Wilson owned a place in the Cleveland area that was called Puckmasters. It was on

synthetic ice, and it was all individual skills or small group training," Watson said.

"That time in skills development I thought would help prepare me to become a good assistant coach, knowing that the work would be part of my future job.

I worked with Mike as his head coach, teaching kids hopefully to play good hockey."

It was in Cleveland, where Watson and his family still live, that he played 30 games over the course of two seasons (2002-04) for Roy Sommer, the legendary AHL head coach who retired after last season with an 828-770-110 record, making him the league's all-time leader in wins and games coached (1,814) in addition to helping develop more than 150 NHL players.

"He liked to be around the guys, to be part of the dressing room atmosphere. He wanted to make sure that it was a team. And he let the guys play. He wasn't a stickler for X's and O's, in terms of you have to be here when the puck's here or there. For him, it was all about reading the play. Be your own player," Watson said.

"Roy treated me like I was another one of his prospects and he helped me to continue to get better.

He was a good players coach and he showed me things that have stuck with me today."

Having played for nine teams during his pro career, Watson learned the value of developing a good coach/ player relationship.

"To be a players’ coach, you have to understand each individual, so that's where you start," he said. "How do Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 29

these individuals fit into a group? I want to care about each guy personally so they can be successful on and off the ice. Once a player understands that you have their backs – that you really do have their personal interests at heart – that's when we start to talk about going through the wall and playing hard for their coach."

Watson was an assistant coach to Vitucci in Toledo for five seasons. Despite all his earnest preparation, he admits his transition to coaching was not immediate.

"Those first couple months where you think you can still play are hard," he said. "You're thinking, ‘I might be better than this guy or that guy,’ but then you quickly realize, no, your playing days are over. You jump out in a practice drill and you're huffing and puffing, and suddenly, you're thinking, 'Oh boy, I can't do this anymore.'

"The quicker you realize that and that you've already made your decision, the better off you'd be. It's tough because it is the closest thing to playing. You still have the emotion, you still get up for games. You still get that nervousness before a game starts, so all that intensity is still there. You can feel it."

Watson is thankful for the confidence that Vitucci showed in his abilities.

"He let me do everything and didn't micromanage me," he said. "He let me learn on the fly, where other coaches might say, you have to do this, you have to do that. He would say, 'Dan, it's your penalty kill. You run it how you think, you use the players you want.'

The fastest coach in ECHL history to reach 100 wins and the winningest head coach in Walleye history, Watson was chosen to coach in the ECHL All-Star Game in both 2017 and 2022.

30 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

"So he gave me the freedom to do what I wanted within his structure. And the more I wanted to do, the more he allowed me to do. If I wanted to grow, he would add more to my plate."

After Vitucci, Watson spent two seasons working with future Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde.

Watson had wanted Toledo's head coaching position but the organization opted to hire Lalonde, who had won a championship as the head coach of the USHL's Green Bay Gamblers after spending five years as an assistant coach at the University of Denver and three years as an assistant at Ferris State University.

"For Derek to want to hire me, that was a big decision," he said. "I thought I was 100% ready. I thought, 'I can run this team, we'll win championship after championship.' So I wasn't sure coming back was a good idea. But learning from Derek for two years made me a better coach."

Every coach has a different philosophy, so Watson did what he always did and learned everything he could, making mental notes of things he could use himself someday.

"Nick grew up learning from John Brophy and John Marks, who were legends at that level, guys who were 'old-school' disciplinarians in the way they ran things. Derek was more cutting-edge. There were more slides before the game for meetings, lots of video, things like that.

"They were definitely different, but the one thing

assistant general managers Shawn Horcoff and Kris they both wanted was they wanted close teams and they Draper, and assistant director of player development both won championships. It's not easy to do because Dan Cleary. There were several individual phone you're dealing with a revolving door. Some months you calls as well. almost feel like you have to wear name tags. We joke "It was a lengthy process, but it was a great process, about it, but it's serious. to be honest. I did a lot of talking. I answered a lot of "When you have that many guys going in and out questions. They learned a lot about me, but I think at – you're talking 40, 50, and 60 players sometimes – it's the end of the day, I know what they want and what not always easy. You might have three new guys show they expect." up to the hotel on a Monday and suddenly you see Watson is eager to rebuild the them and you're like 'Who's that? winning environment that has Which guy is that?' And now distinguished the Red Wings/ you're trying to understand and Griffins affiliation for many years. learn who they are.

"Listen, hockey is a fun game.

"In Toledo, it became a It should be fun every time you seamless process. We built a come to the rink, and winning culture where if a new guy comes makes everything that much in, he's welcomed and fits right more fun. You can see the teams into what Toledo Walleye hockey that have success, and how is all about. That's the way it was much fun they're having. But there and that's the way it will be there's a lot of work that goes in Grand Rapids." into it as well.

When Lalonde left the "If you put the work in, you're Walleye to become the head not winning, that can be doom coach of the AHL's Iowa Wild, and gloom. But if you're not Watson was ready and his working and you're not winning, record in Toledo underscores that's a total disaster. For us, it's his success. During his six years about playing important games. as a head coach, Watson's teams It's wanting to play in pressure posted a 272-112-22-13 (.691) situations. That's what grows you ledger. The Walleye never missed as a person. That's what grows the playoffs during his tenure in you as a hockey player. And we Toledo, reaching the Kelly Cup In six seasons as the head coach of want all our young guys to go Finals twice (2019 and 2022). the Toledo Walleye, Watson compiled through that this year. Success "I think the more people you a record of 272-112-22-13. builds your resume and adds to can learn under, the better coach you'll become because you can take bits and pieces and parts and kind of mold yourself to how you want to be," he said. "By the time I took over, I had a good idea of how I wanted to manage, not just the hockey side of it, but also the GM side."

Managing people became Watson's forte. Not every player who came to Toledo was excited about being there, but Watson learned how to heal bruised egos. He was able to motivate players who felt they deserved to be anywhere but Toledo.

"Going to Toledo is not a death sentence. You're not going down to rot. That's not what Toledo is there for.

You're going down to get better at your game, get more time on the ice. It's a place to hone your craft, get better at your game, and get back to where you need to be to help the organization."

And now Watson, age 44, will be on the other side. In June, the Red Wings made him the 12th head coach in Griffins history. Like the players he mentored the past six seasons, he believes he is ready to take the next step.

Watson shared his passion and enthusiasm for the job during his interview with the Red Wings. He spent 2-1/2 hours on a Zoom call with Steve Yzerman,

your character."

Watson is eager to make a positive impression. He is looking forward to further developing those personal relationships that have earned him a reputation as the kind of coach that players will play their hardest for.

"For me, it's dealing with them as people first, players second," he said. "I will be working with guys who are on that cusp of making the NHL and I want to help them get there. I want them to know that I have their interests at heart.

"I think if you have a 'people first' mentality, you're managing people, not a hockey team. That's the culture I want to build here, and you do that by showing that you care about them first. That's just understanding your players as individuals.

"Some guys need love and some guys may need a kick in the rear end. You have to figure out who they are and that takes time, but that's why we're here. We're going to celebrate when guys get called up and I want the other guys to feel like they're next. I'm excited about helping all of our guys reach their full potential, first as people and then as players.

"If we manage that, our [locker] room is going to be an unbelievable place to be."

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 31

Story and photos by Mark Newman

32 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

Jackson, Michigan, native Carter Mazur hopes to fulfill his dream of playing for the Red Wings.

Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.

– William Jennings Bryan For some, life is what happens when you are busy making other plans. There is a presumption of inevitability. The French phrase fait accompli literally means "an accomplished fact" -- it's the term applied to an irreversible event or situation that cannot be changed. In other words, a done deal.

Nothing, however, is guaranteed. Stars sometimes do align, but often the tides turn in an unpredictable fashion. What one expects to occur never happens.

Destiny is the promise of fate.

Growing up in Jackson, Michigan, Carter Mazur was a Red Wings fan. His dream was to become an NHL player, specifically for his favorite team. At the age of 8, he made his intentions clear in a drawing, adding the declaration that doing so would allow him to "give money to the poor and hospitals."

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 33

Mazur expressed his dream in this drawing when he was 8 years old.

Mazur at age 10

Mazur doesn't recall creating the colorful artwork that his mom saved and framed for his bedroom wall as a harbinger of his fate. "My mom is like, ‘I'm putting it there so you can look at it every morning.’"

He is, however, mindful of his good fortune of having played in the Little Caesars hockey program as a youth.

"My earliest memory of hockey would be probably playing with my brother, Spencer, when I was 6 and he was 8," Mazur said recently while relaxing at a busy Starbucks in Jackson. "We were playing out of Optimist Ice Arena, which is right down the street. I remember our team jerseys were yellow and my dad was the coach."

Now retired, his father, Jeff, was a police officer for the city of Jackson. His mom, Erin, now an associate professor at Jackson College, was a practicing nurse. Carter and his brother attended Catholic schools, but discipline in the home was decidedly relaxed.

"My dad was actually pretty laid-back," Mazur said. "He felt like as long as you got good grades, when you did homework didn't 34 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

matter. Finish it on your time. Just make sure you get good grades."

Mazur played other sports – golf, tennis, a little baseball – but it was clear that his destiny resided in hockey.

"Hockey was everything to me," he said.

"Everything I wanted to do seemed to revolve around hockey, from mini-sticks in the basement to watching anything hockey-related.

I went to a lot of Red Wings games. Darren Helm was my favorite player growing up because I liked how he played. I got a signed stick from him for my birthday."

At age 10, Mazur was invited to play in an international tournament in Edmonton, Alberta, where he played on a team coached by former Red Wings center Kris Draper.

"I feel like I was always a little more competitive because I was the smallest kid on the ice. I always had to find a way to get involved, especially with how small I was, so I feel like having that edge helped me a lot in my hockey career," Mazur said.

"It was crazy that Kris Draper was one of my coaches, how much he knows about hockey

Mazur played minor hockey in the Little Caesars program with former Red Wings center Kris Draper as his coach.

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 35

Mazur was chosen in the third round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

and just the people he brought out to skate with us -- guys like [Henrik] Zetterberg and [Pavel] Datsyuk. [Dylan] Larkin came out too, which is weird because I just skated with him two hours ago."

Even before his teens, Mazur was being taught what being a pro meant.

"I would say the best advice from Draper was just how to carry yourself away from the rink," Mazur said. "He wanted everyone to play the game the right way, but he was more focused on how you are as a person outside of the rink. He valued the idea of spending time with your teammates and growing that connection because that will make you better on the ice."

At age 17, Mazur left Jackson to play for the USHL's Tri-City Storm in Kearney, Nebraska.

Suddenly, Detroit seemed a long way away.

"It was probably the hardest year of hockey in my life,” Mazur said. "I went there thinking I'm one of the best players in AAA to being the 13th forward and getting scratched my first game. I had a lot to learn."

But the experience helped make him a better, well-rounded player. "It was a big 36 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

change but I think it helped me grow as a player," he said. "I had to play different roles and not just be a skilled player. That's when I learned to penalty kill and use my other aspects of my game, building on my skills, and I think that was huge for me."

Mazur made significant inroads during his second season in the Cornhusker State. After recording only 13 points in 47 games during the 2019-20 season, his numbers jumped to 20 goals and 24 assists for 44 points in the same number of games.

Ironically, the aftermath of COVID-19 saw Mazur get bigger and stronger as he put on nearly 30 pounds while adding a few inches to his frame. "It was kind of a blessing for me because staying at home allowed me to benefit from my mom's cooking – she's a really good chef – while relaxing and working out like I do during the offseason."

His blossoming boosted his draft capital heading into the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. He was beyond thrilled when the Red Wings selected him in the third round with the 70th overall pick.

"I had talked to 23 teams and the Wings

Mazur played two years of college hockey at the University of Denver, winning an NCAA championship during his freshman season in 2022.

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 37

Mazur had a 10-game stint with the United States National Team during the 2023 Men's Ice Hockey World Championship, where he scored a goal and added three assists for four points.

were probably the shortest interview," he said.

"It was a weird feeling, just knowing that one of my dreams might come true. And then to see it was Detroit made it even more special, without a doubt."

Congratulatory calls soon followed.

"The first person to call me was Darren Helm,' Mazur said. "It's pretty awesome that I got a call from my favorite Detroit Red Wing welcoming me to the organization. Less than a week later, he signed with Colorado, but I'm going out to Colorado, too, which was weird but pretty awesome."

In a serious show of serendipity, Mazur had chosen to attend the University of Denver after previously committing to Michigan State University.

"I wanted to pick a school pretty quickly after I de-committed from Michigan State," he said. "I knew I had options. I already had my top five dialed in when my old assistant coach with Little Caesars reached out to me."

Craig Roehl, a long-time coach in the Little Caesars program, was an alumnus of Denver's 1978 WCHA championship team.

"He said, ‘Would you ever think about 38 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

going to Denver?' I'm like, 'I have my top five, but yeah, if they want to talk to me, I'll talk.’

And then they reached out and I hopped on a Zoom call with them and right after the Zoom, I called my parents and told them that I was going to school in Denver."

Mazur went to Denver hoping to win a championship, and the Pioneers granted his wish. Denver won the 2022 NCAA Division I title by beating No. 1-ranked Michigan 3-2 in overtime, then crushing Minnesota State 5-1 in the title game. It was the ninth national championship in program history at Denver.

Two months later, Mazur watched the Colorado Avalanche win the Stanley Cup by ousting the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games.

"I saw a couple of Avalanche games, so to see Helm win a Cup with them was pretty cool," Mazur said. "I got to meet him with the Stanley Cup at one of their parties, which was pretty awesome. He's still one of my favorites, probably because of how hard he played, and that's how I like to play, too."

Mazur prides himself in being a 200-foot player who is strong at both ends of the ice.

He's not afraid to go to the so-called "dirty

areas" where scorers risk getting an elbow, shoulder, or stick to the chops. "I'm better when I'm playing physical, attacking the net and scoring down low. That's when I'm at the top of my game.

"I'm also a gritty player, someone who likes to get under people's skin. I don't care who you are. I love chirping. It's something I enjoy doing and it makes playing hockey a lot of fun."

Last season, Mazur returned to Denver for his second year at the school. After posting a 30-10-0-0 record in the regular season, the Pioneers got bumped out of the opening round of the NCAA tournament when Cornell shut them out 2-0.

The early exit meant that Mazur, who had upped his season goals from 14 to 22, could get a brief audition in Grand Rapids at the end of a disappointing campaign for the Griffins, who missed the playoffs for the second straight season.

Mazur was impressive, tallying three goals and three assists in six games with the Griffins.

"It was a different look at hockey for me because I walked into a locker room with people who had families and lives outside the rink, which was way different because I'm usually walking into the locker room with teammates who I’m hanging out with all the time. Now these guys have kids and all that goes with it.

"To get those six games under my belt was massive. I enjoyed playing back in my home state and having family around me, which is another plus for playing in Grand Rapids. I was there for three weeks and I had a blast, even though we were out of the playoff race. You got that vibe in the locker room, but I know this year will be a lot different with how many young guys we have and a new coach, so it'll be exciting."

Mazur is enthused about what lies ahead.

"My goal is to be in the NHL," he said. "My lifelong dream has been to play for the Detroit Red Wings. I know I'm close to it, but it's still far, far away. I want to be a really good player in the NHL. I don't want to be somebody who just sticks around for a couple of games and then is sent down. If I'm in Grand Rapids, I know I'm in a good spot because I want to be a player who sticks with the Red Wings for a long time."

Whether it's his destiny or not, getting to wear the fabled Winged Wheel is something he longs to experience.

"I can't even put into words what it would mean. That would be pretty special to do, especially for my hometown and everyone who supports me here in Jackson. It would be cool to give something back."

Mazur suffered a lower-body injury during the NHL Prospects Tournament, which wasn't quite the way he wanted to start the 2023-24 season. But fate doesn't always play nice with one's plans.

"I know that I've got to keep putting in the work," he said. "You've got to take everything day by day. Eventually, I know my opportunity will come and once I get that opportunity, I'm going to do my best to take advantage of it.

"I'm getting paid to play hockey, so I can't make any excuses if I'm not giving my all. I want to be one of the best and that's just how I have to play, that's how my mindset has to be.

The work just started, but that's the good part because that's what I like.

"As long as I'm a hard worker, I think everything else will take care of itself."

Mazur is a gritty forward who enjoys getting under the skin of opponents.

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 39

2023 - 24 GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS ROSTER

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33 TRENTON BLISS Forward 6-1, 195 lbs.

Born: 3/16/98 Appleton, Wis.

SEBASTIAN COSSA Goaltender 6-6, 225 Born: 11/21/02 Hamilton, Ont.

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ALEXANDRE DOUCET

SIMON EDVINSSON

Forward 6-0, 187 lbs.

Born: 1/12/02 Sherbrooke, Que.

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Defenseman 6-6, 215 lbs.

Born: 2/5/03 Onsala, Sweden

23 TARO HIROSE

Forward 5-10, 170 lbs.

Born: 6/30/96 Calgary, Alta.

40 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

ALBERT JOHANSSON Defenseman 6-0, 185 lbs.

Born: 1/4/01 Karlstad, Sweden

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AUSTIN CZARNIK

JOSIAH DIDIER

Forward 5-8, 170 lbs.

Born: 12/12/92 Washington Twp., Mich.

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Defenseman 6-3, 223 lbs.

Born: 4/8/93 Littleton, Colo.

71 TIM GETTINGER

Forward 6-6, 218 lbs.

Born: 4/14/98 Cleveland, Ohio

92

CROSS HANAS

Forward 6-1, 180 lbs.

Born: 1/5/02 Highland Village, Texas

11 MARCO KASPER

Forward 6-1, 183 lbs.

Born: 4/8/04 Innsbruck, Austria

JOEL L’ESPERANCE Forward 6-2, 210 lbs.

Born: 8/18/95 Brighton, Mich.

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11 JOEL L'ESPERANCE g r i f f i n s h o c k e y. c o m

from the biggest of the big, to the littlest of the little.

Whenever you shop Meijer, you help support the Grand Rapids Griffins and hundreds of local sports teams across the Midwest.

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31

93

JOHN LETHEMON

Goaltender 6-3, 190 lbs.

Born: 8/15/96 Farmington Hills, Mich.

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9

AMADEUS LOMBARDI

CARTER MAZUR

Defenseman 6-1, 197 lbs.

Born: 3/27/00 Truro, N.S.

65

RILEY SAWCHUK

DOMINIK SHINE

Forward 5-11, 181 lbs.

Born: 3/18/99 Prince Albert, Sask.

Forward 5-11, 180 lbs.

Born: 4/18/93 Detroit, Mich.

4

NOLAN STEVENS Forward 6-3, 195 lbs.

Born: 7/22/96 Brantford, Ont.

Forward 6-3, 215 lbs.

Born: 5/5/97 Windsor, Ont.

40 JARED McISAAC

Forward 6-0, 175 lbs.

Born: 3/28/02 Jackson, Mich.

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MATT LUFF

Forward 5-11, 171 lbs.

Born: 6/5/03 Aurora, Ont.

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90

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25

WYATT NEWPOWER

BROGAN RAFFERTY

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Defenseman 6-4, 210 lbs.

Born: 12/9/97 Hugo, Minn.

Defenseman 6-5, 205 lbs.

Born: 1/20/01 Pori, Finland

Defenseman 6-1, 203 lbs.

Born: 5/28/95 West Dundee, Ill.

ELMER SODERBLOM

TYLER SPEZIA

Forward 6-8, 249 lbs.

Born: 7/5/01 Goteborg, Sweden

5 ANTTI TUOMISTO

ALEX LYON

Goaltender 6-1, 195 lbs.

Born: 12/9/92 Baudette, Minn.

Forward 5-10, 175 lbs.

Born: 6/7/93 Detroit, Mich.

22 EEMIL VIRO

Defenseman 6-1, 183 lbs.

Born: 4/3/02 Vantaa, Finland

WILLIAM WALLINDER Defenseman 6-4, 190 lbs.

Born: 7/28/02 Solleftea, Sweden

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 41

Story by Mark Newman

FEARLESS ATTITUDE Veteran defenseman Josiah Didier is determined to help the Griffins return to their winning ways this season.

42 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

In Marvel movies, superheroes often show uncommon bravery, a willingness to put themselves in perilous situations where they might be outmatched and outnumbered but can show themselves to be fearless in the face of insurmountable odds.

Josiah Didier is no superhero, but he continues to show the perseverance and resilience that distinguish the kind of fearless and unselfish players who put the team’s fortunes ahead of themselves.

Whether he is blocking shots or killing penalties, Didier is determined to make a difference. It’s how he spent the past two seasons as captain of the Providence Bruins and it’s what led the Griffins to sign the nine-year AHL veteran from Littleton, Colorado, to a two-year contract.

Didier is nothing but a winner.

He captured a U16 AAA Hockey Club national championship as a member of the Colorado Thunderbirds in 2010. He helped his University of Denver team take the inaugural National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) championship in 2014, securing the Pioneers’ seventh-consecutive NCAA tournament bid. He won the Calder Cup in 2019 as a member of the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers.

Didier is excited about coming to Grand Rapids and becoming a leader at the minor league level in the Red Wings organization.

“I felt Grand Rapids was the best fit for me, and I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about the city and the organization in Detroit,” he said. “It’s something I wanted to be a part of and help lead this team and teach these young guys to win. That’s what I want to do. I want to win another championship.”

Didier knows there is a lot of work ahead, but he’s never hesitated to do whatever it takes. On skates by the time he was 18 months old, he has always been steadfast in his effort to leave nothing to chance. If you want something, you have to work for it.

It’s a single-minded, strong-willed philosophy that was ingrained in Didier, who was born between two volleyball-playing sisters. His father was a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service while his mother was a youth director at church in addition to a volleyball coach.

He was taught to always do your best and try to excel at everything you do.

“School was the most important thing,” he recalled. “If I didn’t get my homework done, I couldn’t go to practice or stuff like that because good grades will lead to success in whatever you do. So just always be the hardest working guy out there.”

Didier grew up an Avalanche fan – his family had season tickets – and Joe Sakic was his favorite player until he switched from forward to defense when he was about 12. “My coach switched me to defense, I

think, because I was one of the bigger guys, and I fell in love with the position. Nicklas Lidstrom became my favorite player.”

He became enamored with the defensive side of the game. “I enjoyed trying to keep the puck out of the net,” he said. “Even from an early age, I loved blocking shots and I still do to this day. It hurts a little more now, but I just love being physical and trying to keep the puck out of the net. Everyone always says defense wins championships, and that’s what I wanted to do.”

His first title came in AAA, which is the highest level of youth hockey in the U.S. “I think we lost less than 10 games the whole year,” said Didier, who wore number 5 in honor of his favorite player after having worn 19 earlier in honor of Sakic.

“We were just kind of dominant and it was fun traveling the country every weekend. We had great coaches and a great group of guys. I think over half of the team went on to play Division I hockey and a couple of guys ended up playing pro as well. It was just a great team and a fun year.”

Didier headed to the USHL for one season with the Cedar Rapids Roughriders in 2010-11.

“I don’t remember too much, but I think moving from home was pretty easy for me,” he said. “I’m a pretty driven person and I just wanted to play, and I knew that the USHL was the next step to help my development as well as improve my exposure to NHL scouts.

“In Cedar Rapids, I had a great billet family and a great coach with Mark Carlson. There have been a ton of former players who have played for him and he’s still there coaching. He’s a great guy and a great mentor, so I definitely learned a lot there.”

Didier was tenacious in trying to prove that he was good enough.

“I think I was just driven in everything I did, whether it was getting my schoolwork done, doing extra work on the ice after practice, or getting up in the gym, going the extra mile,” he said. “Instead of just sitting around at home in the summer, I’d go for a run or a workout, or I’d shoot pucks or practice stick handling. I was always working, trying to do whatever I could to get better.”

Didier felt incredibly honored when he was drafted by Montreal, one of the Original Six franchises. The Canadiens selected the big defenseman in the fourth round (97th overall pick) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

He knew he was on the radar of several teams but wasn’t certain where he might go.

“I was just outside the rankings, so I didn’t go to the NHL Combine, but I went to Montreal’s own combine where they brought in some guys, and I Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 43

Photo Credit: Charlotte Checkers

Didier became a Calder Cup champion as a member of the Charlotte Checkers in 2019.

went through all their tests, workouts, and all that stuff,” Didier recalled.

His efforts to make a good impression were slightly hampered. On his way there, the airline lost all his luggage. “I had no equipment, so I had to wear all new stuff to skate. I’m surprised they had a pair of skates my size [13],” he said. “It wasn’t easy, but I ended up doing great on the testing. I got my luggage about a week later.

“When Montreal drafted me a couple of weeks later, it was a really special moment for me and my family.”

Didier was equally thrilled when he was recruited to play college hockey.

“It was always my dream to go to the University of Denver,” Didier said. “I grew up going to games there and when I knew I wanted to play college hockey, that was my No. 1 school. A couple of other schools were interested in me, but once Denver came along, it was the easiest ‘yes’ in my life.”

Playing major junior hockey had been a possibility, but Didier never gave serious consideration to that option.

“I did think about it a little bit,” he said. “Seattle had protected me in the WHL and I thought about it, but school was really important to me and I wanted to make sure I got my degree. I felt I needed 44 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

more time to develop, too, because I was kind of a late bloomer. I knew the extra four years would allow me to get bigger and stronger and help me get to the next level.”

Didier has nothing but fond memories of college.

“Those four years at Denver were some of the best years of my life,” he said. “When I look at the group of guys we had there, the family that’s created, and all the alumni – it’s just a special place in my heart.”

Didier said his time at Denver was invaluable.

“Just in terms of my development, it was huge,” he said. “In the gym, I put on 50 pounds in two years, plus I got a lot stronger and faster. I had all these great teachers: George Gwozdecky, Jim Montgomery, Steve Miller, and David Carle, who was an assistant and is currently the head coach there.

“The resources we had at the University of Denver were just phenomenal and definitely a reason why I’m here today. I was never a flashy, skilled guy, but I bought into my role as a player and just continued to build my style of play from there.”

Didier, who graduated a quarter early with a bachelor’s degree in business, got his first taste of pro hockey at the end of the 2014-15 season.

He appeared in eight games with the AHL’s

Photo Credit: Charlotte Checkers

A nine-year AHL veteran, Didier is a dependable, stay-at-home defenseman who excels at blocking shots and killing penalties.

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 45

Photo Credit: Providence Bruins

Didier served as captain of the Providence Bruins the past two seasons.

Hamilton Bulldogs.

“Those games were pretty important for me because the general manager in Montreal who drafted me wasn’t there anymore by the time I got out of college,” he said. “With a new GM and new management in Montreal, I needed to prove myself to them.

“To get eight games during those couple weeks in Hamilton, I think was a huge kickstart to my career, just to show them what I could bring to the table.”

He spent his first two full pro seasons mostly in St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador province on Canada’s Atlantic coast.

“I loved my time in St. John’s,” Didier said. “It was cold, really cold, and you never saw the sun, but you got close with the guys, and the fan base there is incredible. They’re very passionate about supporting the IceCaps. Our teams weren’t great, but it was a fun place to live and a cool experience to have.”

In a way, it was the perfect place for Didier to mature as a young hockey player.

“The speed of the game was a lot faster and you had less time to make decisions with the puck,” he said. “One of the big things that I took time adjusting to was just trying to get rid of the puck quicker and make faster plays.”

He also was exposed to the hard lessons of pro hockey. In addition to being a healthy scratch on occasion, he played a few games in the ECHL, which 46 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

is a step below the AHL. Like most young players, he learned that nothing is handed to you and that your position in the draft matters little.

“I’m not going to lie – it was tough not being in the lineup every night,” he said. “For me, it was important to stay positive every single day and keep working so I could show the coaches and my teammates what I could do and show them that I deserve to be in the lineup.”

The experience helped harden his resolve to be the best player he could be.

“I think those two years helped build me into the player I am today,” he said. “You know, it’s never going to be easy. And I think, I don’t want it to be easy. I like the challenge. I like it being tough. And so to battle through all that, I think definitely helped.”

When Montreal didn’t offer another contract, he signed a two-way deal with Charlotte. He was undeterred when he started his first season in the Checkers organization with the ECHL’s Florida Everblades.

“I spent the first month of the season in the East Coast League, but I thought, ‘just keep grinding, and I’ll find a way to break my way in,’” he said. “I knew that I could play in the American League and it was just a matter of showing them what I got.”

Didier was confident that he would get his chance.

“In that situation, you’ve just got to stay positive,” he said. “Over the course of my career, I’ve seen too many guys who once they get sent down or they get scratched, they just go the opposite way.

They become very negative and very whatever and they just don’t put in the work and soon they aren’t playing anymore.

“You’ve got to turn the ‘downs’ into a positive and find a way to work your way through it.”

Didier ended up playing 54 games with the Checkers during the 2017-18 season when the team made it to the division finals. Charlotte was even better the next year.

“We kind of knew fairly early in the year how good we actually were,” he said. “We won over 50 games in the regular season that year and we had this confidence that we knew we were going to win.

If we were down in games, we were like, ‘We’ll come back,’ and we’d come back and win. That was an incredible year with an incredible team.”

Didier missed nine weeks of the season with a broken hand.

“It happened while blocking a shot on the penalty kill,” he recalled. “I came back and ended up rebreaking it in practice, but I was like, ‘I’m playing the rest of the year.’ So I played the rest of the year with a broken hand.”

Didier signed a twoyear contract with the Griffins over the summer.

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 47

He continued playing with the help of a modified glove. “Two of the fingers were sewn together and there was extra padding inside the glove,” said Didier, who also broke a rib that year blocking a shot.

Amazingly, Didier was one of only five Charlotte players to appear in all 19 games of the team’s postseason.

The Checkers’ Calder Cup-winning roster featured several past and future Griffins, including Tomas Jurco, Zach Nastasiuk, and Dan Renouf.

He was roommates on the road with goalie Alex Nedeljkovic. “We wouldn’t have won the Cup that year without him. Ned was incredible for us and it was a good feeling to have him behind you.

“Winning that championship is something I’ll never forget.”

Didier parlayed his Calder Cup achievement into a new contract with a new organization. He signed a deal to play in Providence, where he played the past four seasons, including the last two as the team’s captain.

He battled his way back from a torn MCL and torn Achilles to play a career-high 69 games last season with the Bruins’ top farm club.

“It took four-and-a-half months to come back from my Achilles injury,” he said. “There was some heavy rehab and you’ve got to be really dedicated and push yourself. I think being patient with it is what helped me come back faster than most.

“The doc thought I was done for the year, but I ended up playing 40 games that year.”

Which meant he was especially pleased to set a career-high total for games played last season.

“It felt great, especially it being my first full season after tearing my Achilles,” he said. “There were people saying I’m not durable enough and I wanted to prove them wrong and be able to play a full year without injury.”

In Providence, Didier became a leader both on and off the ice. He was the first winner of the Colby Cave Memorial Award for his dedication to the community and charitable organizations. Didier won the award named in honor of Cave, who spent parts of five seasons with the Bruins organization before passing away in April 2020 following a brain bleed.

“My parents raised me to be a good person and treat everyone the way I would want to be treated,” he said. “As professional athletes, we’re so fortunate to be able to play a game for a living and to have fun out there when you know there are a lot of people who need help.

“To be able to spend time in the community is something I enjoy. I’ve been given so much and there have been so many people who have helped 48 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

Didier played a career-high 69 games a year ago.

me along the way, so for me to be in a position to give back is really important.”

Didier also enjoys being in a position where he can pass along his experience to prospects who are almost a decade younger.

Although he has yet to appear in an NHL game, he has the knowledge and natural gravitas that allow him to be a leader in the locker room as well as on the ice. As a reliable and dependable defenseman, he provides the kind of veteran presence that coaches crave.

“I really enjoy playing with younger players,” he said. “Over the years I’ve changed my game, but I’ve also changed my leadership style. I was never the most vocal guy growing up. I want the young kids to see what I’m doing so I can try to help build their confidence so they can have success.

“These young kids can do things with the puck that I didn’t even know you could do, but if we can get everybody playing their best and having success together, we’re going to enjoy success as a team. And that’s going to lead us to winning – and, hopefully, to winning divisions and winning championships.”

Signing a two-year deal with the Griffins provides Didier with some stability. He is excited about what lies ahead.

“I’m excited for what we’re going to build in Grand Rapids this season,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for me and a great opportunity for a lot of the guys on the team to take that next step and win a championship. That’s my goal every year and I want to help this team accomplish that.

“I hope we have a great year.”

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 49

SILVER LINING Photo Credit: Getty Images

Story by Mark Newman

After losing his job in Boston, former Griffins head coach Bruce Cassidy rolled the dice by going to Vegas and managed to collect his first Stanley Cup title in the process.

Ask Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy about his summer and his response is entirely predictable for something that, at least in his case, seemed so short and sweet.

Needless to say, Cassidy was overjoyed that he was able to bring the Stanley Cup home to his Cape Cod summer getaway, especially after spending the previous 14 seasons in the Boston Bruins organization.

"Yeah, it was pretty good – no complaints," said Cassidy, in an obvious understatement. "You never know how things are going to work out, but things worked out pretty well. It was the best thing that ever happened to me.

"You don't know what's in front of you sometimes and here we are talking about the Stanley Cup a year later. I'm very proud to be the first coach to bring the Stanley Cup to Vegas."

At age 58, Cassidy became the oldest head coach to win his first Stanley Cup, edging out John Muckler, who won the Cup at age 56 with the Edmonton Oilers in 1990. Barry Trotz, the third-oldest, was just short of his 56th birthday when the Washington Capitals captured the Cup in 2018.

50 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

"I was surprised when I read that because I don't feel that old," Cassidy said "I mean, it was satisfying, but I don't know if it really matters what age you are when you win it. It has been a quest, certainly a long quest, let's put it that way."

Cassidy became the first former Griffins head coach to win hockey's most coveted chalice. It's been more than two decades since Cassidy was learning the ropes in Grand Rapids, where he posted a 95-49-11-7 record in two seasons (2000-01 and 2001-02).

"It's extremely satisfying," he said, reflecting on his route to becoming a Stanley Cup champion. "You never know if you're ever going to see the finish line, so I would say it's been very, very satisfying."

His journey to the Cup was hardly a straight line.

Following his stint with the Griffins, he lasted less than a season and a half in his first go-round as an NHL head coach, with Washington. He spent a season as an NHL assistant with the Chicago Blackhawks, then decided to reboot his Cup dreams by going back to junior hockey.

Cassidy was head coach of the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs (2006-08) before becoming an assistant

coach with the AHL's Providence Bruins. After three years as an assistant, he served as the head coach for the next five in Providence.

He was promoted to the NHL as an assistant in Boston for 2016-17, becoming a mid-season replacement as head coach that same year. He proceeded to take the NHL's Bruins to six straight playoff appearances, including the Stanley Cup Final in 2019.

When Boston got knocked out of the first round of the 2022 playoffs, Bruins management decided a change was needed and gave Cassidy his walking papers. The Vegas Golden Knights, meanwhile, fired coach Peter DeBoer after failing to make the playoffs for the first time in their short five-year history.

For Cassidy, going to Vegas presented an opportunity for a fresh start with an organization that had been able to reach the Stanley Cup Final in its very first season but had failed to get that close again.

"We both had some unfinished business," he said.

"I lumped myself in with them because I lost in the Final in Game 7 the year after them. I think we shared that 'close but not good enough' mentality. That was part of it."

One of Cassidy's first moves after landing the job was to reach out to Vegas superstar Jack Eichel, who had been acquired by the Golden Knights in a blockbuster trade with Buffalo. Eichel had grown disgruntled in Buffalo after the Sabres had refused to allow him to have disk replacement surgery for a neck

injury he had suffered the previous year.

"It was a matter of Jack had been the centerpiece of a big move by the organization the year before," Cassidy said. "He had his surgery and although it wasn't his start with the team, it was going to be the start of a new year.

"I knew him a bit from Boston because he had skated with some of our guys, so I knew him to say hello. We met at a coffee shop in the middle of nowhere, so we could just sit and talk as equals – obviously, 'I'm your coach, you're a star player' – but it was an opportunity to get to know each other a little and talk about expectations."

Cassidy felt it was important to take the first step to make sure they were on the same page. He had done something similar before taking the Washington job years earlier, when he flew to the Czech Republic to meet with Capitals star Jaromir Jagr.

He felt Eichel could be the cornerstone of what he was looking to build in Vegas.

"I thought it'd be important that we sit down and talk about what we could do for each other because I felt we were tied together," Cassidy said. "I was new there and he was basically new, too, so what does he need from me and 'here's what I expect from you.' It was two hockey guys talking."

Cassidy convinced Eichel that it would be in his best interest to become a solid 200-foot center. Getting Eichel to augment his playmaking skills with sound, defensive hockey would help Cassidy sell his defensefirst philosophy to the rest of the team.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Cassidy guided Boston to the 2019 Stanley Cup Final, where the Bruins lost in Game 7 to the St. Louis Blues.

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 51

Strong defensive play had long been a hallmark of Cassidy-coached teams, even back to his years in Grand Rapids. The 2001-02 Griffins allowed the fewest goals in the AHL and his 2000-01 team had finished with the second-fewest in the IHL, just three goals more than the league leader.

"I was an offensive defenseman when I played and I certainly love that part of the game, but I also won two championships as a player. In Ottawa with the 67s, we had a high-end offensive coach in Brian Kilrea, yet we won because we had a really good, stout defense, and the same was true with Darryl Sutter when we won in Indy.

"I had learned that even though offense is a lot more fun, you're not gonna win if you can't defend, so I've always carried that with me. I've always felt that if you play good defense, you're in the game because good defense leads to good offense.

"It was a big reason why we were successful in Boston and it's why we won it all last year."

The 2022-23 Vegas Golden Knights got off to an impressive 13-2 start under Cassidy, who quickly managed to get his message across.

"First of all, you have the players' attention because the previous coach got fired and they missed the playoffs, right? So they're looking at you as the new voice," he said. "As a team, they knew they didn't meet their own expectations, no matter who the coach was.

"Secondly, I think there was a mutual respect – for the team, for what they'd accomplished and, as a coach,

because they respected the success we had in Boston.

So it was probably like, 'Okay, we want to hear him out. We want to hear what he has to say and how he wants to play.'

"Typically, you need to have success early. Otherwise, they're going to look at you like, 'well, this isn't working.' And so when we started 13-2, they were like, 'OK, this is working for us. We can do this,' and off we went from there."

Cassidy referred to the Golden Knights as an "imperfect team" at different times throughout the season, but they were close enough to perfect when it counted.

Vegas had finished the regular season with the fifth-best record in the league. The team was 14th in scoring and 11th in goals against. The team's power play ranked 18th and the penalty kill was 19th. The Golden Knights didn't have a player inside the top 70 for league-wide scoring.

"As a coach, you’re always thinking you have to be up here all the time [but] there are a lot of highs and lows," Cassidy said. "You just have to find your game at the right time, and we were able to do that. What we did very well was we made the plays we needed to make at just the right times.

“We were close to perfect in the second period of Game 5 [to clinch the Stanley Cup against Florida],” he said. “Game 6 in Dallas. The second period in the clinching game in Edmonton. The third period [of Game 5] in Winnipeg. All four clinching games, I

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Cassidy led the Golden Knights to their first Stanley Cup championship in only their sixth season.

52 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

Cassidy has many fond memories of coaching in Grand Rapids.

thought we dominated.”

Indeed, the Golden Knights outscored their opponents in close-out games by an astounding 24-6 margin.

"We didn't get lucky," Cassidy said. "No team could say, 'Oh, there's a bad call. They scored a lucky one.' We didn't luck out in any of those games because when it was time to put the hammer down, we did. We could really be dominant at the times we needed to be and it showed in those lopsided games."

Of course, Cassidy knows things don't always work out the way you planned.

Cassidy, who was coaching the Griffins during the organization's three-year affiliation with the NHL's Ottawa Senators, believes both of his teams in Grand Rapids were capable of winning it all. The Griffins claimed the IHL's final regular season championship in 2000-01 before losing in the conference finals, then won a second straight division crown in 2001-02 during the team's inaugural AHL campaign.

"I had two good situations with two different teams," he said, giving credit to the rosters built those years by Senators general manager Marshall Johnson in tandem with Griffins general manager Bob McNamara.

"That first year we had a veteran team but Orlando beat us, and that always bothered me because I thought we had the team to win and I always wonder what I could have done differently. The next year we had a younger team and I felt like I did a lot to get them

to play together. We had a good year, but we lost to Chicago when they got all those players back from their Atlanta affiliation, and that changed the whole dynamic of the series."

Cassidy said he has many good memories of being in Grand Rapids.

"I enjoyed coaching there," he said. "When the team was going to [an affiliation with] Detroit, my situation was coming up –– was I going to stay with Ottawa or was I going to go to Detroit – but then I got hired by Washington, so in the end, it didn't matter."

He has stayed in contact with a number of Griffins over the years.

"One of the guys I've kept in touch with a lot is Rob Snitzer, our medical therapist, because I spent a lot of time with Snitzy there," Cassidy said. "I still talk to Danton Cole and Gene Reilly, the two assistants during my time there.

"I still talk to Derek King, who is now an assistant coach in Chicago. I always have lots of time for him. I always enjoyed coaching Travis Richards. He worked hard with the younger guys and I know he's running a rink back in Grand Rapids now.

"Hugo Boisvert reached out to me because he got into coaching. When your players start getting into coaching, that's when you know you're getting old. Petr Schastlivy was a young guy when I coached him and he still texts me a lot. He's in Florida now. I wrote a letter on his behalf to help him with his citizenship.

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 53

Cassidy led the Griffins to first-place finishes during his two seasons in Grand Rapids.

54 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

"You cross paths with different guys over the years and some you talk to more than others, but I have good memories of both teams." Coincidentally, he shared the Cup victory with Vegas head equipment manager Chris Davidson-Adams, a West Michigan native who served as Grand Rapids' assistant equipment manager during Cassidy's second season with the Griffins.

Cassidy admits that while his coaching philosophy has generally stayed the same over the years, his coaching style may have changed.

"I used to demand a lot from myself, to get the team to play a certain way, and I learned you don't have to be perfect to win all all the time. If you play well at the right moments and dig in when you start to slip, it's OK. "I had to learn to be a little more understanding and show patience that these things happen. You have to keep working through it. In the moment, as a coach, you don't always like what you see but you have to be able to see the big picture.

"I've learned to become a little less affected by what's immediately going on. You still let the players know that certain things are unacceptable, but you also understand as a coach that they're human. You're not going to get everything you want all the time.

That's just life.

"As you get older, you tend to roll with things a little better, I guess."

And now, Cassidy is facing a whole new challenge.

For the first time, he is in the enviable position of leading a team that is the defending Stanley Cup champion.

"I've talked to a few coaches, but at the end of the day, I think we have a good plan in place," Cassidy said.

"You hear people talk about teams having 'a window' but I do not believe that for one second.

"We're an experienced team, but I wouldn't consider us an old team. We're not this cap-mangled team – we have been able to retain most of our guys, so let's just roll right into it like two seasons into one. We have the right people in place, so let's keep the same winning mentality.

"There are always situations where you overestimate how good you are. Everyone usually feels good about their team in September. I think it's going to play out well for us, but we won't know for sure until we start playing.

"We didn't miss a beat last year and that's a credit to everybody. We didn't luck our way through any of the series. I thought we were the better team in every series. And I think if you ask the people we played against, they would say the same. I thought we earned our way."

So if the hockey gods have his back, Cassidy will be happy to celebrate another feat – becoming the oldest coach in NHL history to win back-to-back Stanley Cups in his first try.

"That," Cassidy smiled, "would be nice."

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Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 55

BUILDING BLOCKS Story and photos by Mark Newman

The Red Wings’ young talent learned some tough lessons during the annual NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City.

Things didn’t go exactly as planned for the Detroit Red Wings during the four-team NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City held Sept. 14-17.

The Red Wings’ prospects were outscored 20-15 in the process of dropping three straight games to Dallas, Columbus and Toronto.

Detroit led in all three contests, including twogoal advantages in two of the games, but too many mistakes and penalties proved costly.

“I thought our guys came to work every day,” said Griffins head coach Dan Watson, who was behind the bench for the Red Wings. “This was a great learning experience for them. It’s a character test. Let’s see what they’re made of.”

Watson saw the Red Wings’ play as a foundational test for the upcoming season.

“Part of the whole process is making sure the

Nate Danielson, the ninth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, tallied five assists in two games during the tournament.

guys understand how hard it is from game to game,” Watson said. “These are hard lessons for them to learn, and tomorrow they will be better for it.”

Despite being on the wrong end of the final scores, there were positives.

“It was a great learning experience for myself and our staff,” Watson said. “It’s important to get to know our players, from top to bottom, no matter who it is. We want our guys to have success, and we will put players in spots where they can succeed.

“Sure, there were lapses, [but] these are young kids and that’s going to happen. It’s hard to make the NHL. We want to make sure our guys are developing in the right areas, so when they get that call, they’re prepared and they’re ready.

“For the most part, I liked the way they competed during the tournament.”

Marco Kasper showed considerable tenacity during tournament play despite being limited to a pair of assist in three games.

Red Wings defensive prospect William Wallinder attempts to dislodge the puck from Columbus’ Adam Fantilli, the third overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.

Red Wings goalie prospect Sebastian Cossa makes a timely save of a shot by Columbus’ Denton Mateychuk, the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.

Columbus prospect Cameron Butler tries to intimidate free agent invitee Connor Punnett.

Highly touted prospect Adam Fantilli and his Columbus teammates did a good job of crashing the Red Wings’ net.

Marco Kasper, the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, fires a shot past Columbus defenseman David Jiricek, the sixth overall selection in 2022.

Cross Hanas, who missed most of last season with an injury, had a pair of two-goal games during the four-day tournament.

Prospect Tnias Mathurin, a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, digs the puck away from a Columbus defender.

Antti Tuomisto (#38) will be making his North American pro debut this season after playing in Finland a year ago. Tuomisto played two prior seasons at the University of Denver.

RISE AND SHINE Grand Rapids will be one of seven cities represented in the newly formed Pro Volleyball Federation that will showcase some of the world's top players.

Claire Chaussee, the Atlantic Coast Conference’s 2022 Player of the Year, recently completed her rookie pro campaign in Italy with CBF Balducci HR Macerata. In 2022, Chaussee garnered spots on the AVCA All-American First Team and the Final Four All-Tournament Team, and she was named the AVCA All-East Region Player of the Year.

58 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

It was nearly 700 miles from where the Grand Rapids Rise will begin play in January 2024, but the reverberations were so remarkable that it felt like it had been held in the future pro volleyball franchise's backyard.

A total of 92,003 fans – the largest crowd ever to witness a women's sports event – filled Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Aug. 30, 2023, to watch a volleyball match hosted by the five-time NCAA champion Nebraska Cornhuskers.

The previous record for a women's sporting event in the U.S. was the crowd of 90,185 who attended the Women's World Cup soccer final between Team USA and China at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on July 10, 1999.

News of the attendance record brought a smile to Scott Gorsline, the DP Fox Sports & Entertainment executive who has overseen the launch of the pro volleyball franchise for owner Dan DeVos, whose interests include the Griffins and the former Arena Football League (AFL) champion Grand Rapids Rampage.

It was a validation of his efforts that began a couple of years earlier, when DeVos was informally approached with two very different sports-related propositions: one, to revive the AFL, and the other, to start a new professional volleyball league for women. The former elicited a "been there, done

Scott Gorsline

GRAND RAPIDS RISE Symone Abbott Outside Hitter Northville, Mich.

Northwestern University 2017 AVCA All-American Honorable Mention

Ashley Evans Setter Liberty Township, Ohio Purdue University Member of Team USA

Kayla Caffey Middle Blocker Chicago, Ill. University of Texas 2022 NCAA National Champion

Alyssa Garvelink-Jensen Middle Blocker Holland, Mich.

Michigan State University Two-time AVCA Second-Team All-American

Claire Chaussee Outside Hitter Sun Prairie, Wis. University of Louisville 2022 ACC Player of the Year

Camila Gomez Libero Cali, Colombia Texas A&M University Member of Team Colombia

Emiliya Dimitrova Opposite Shumen, Bulgaria Member of Team Bulgaria

Nia Grant Middle Blocker Warren, Ohio Penn State University Two-time NCAA National Champion

2024 PLAYER SIGNINGS

Marin Grote Middle Blocker Burbank, Calif.

University of Washington 2021 AVCA Second-Team All-American

Sarah Sponcil Setter/Libero Phoenix, Ariz.

UCLA U.S. Olympian in Beach Volleyball

Erika Pritchard Outside Hitter Middletown, Md. Penn State University Two-time First-Team All-Big Ten

Holly Toliver Outside Hitter Berrien Springs, Mich.

Michigan State University 2017 AVCA All-American Honorable Mention

Shannon Scully Outside Hitter Huntington Beach, Calif.

USC 2022 NCAA Beach Volleyball National Champion

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 59

that" response, but the latter idea instigated intrigue.

DeVos has family ties to the sport of volleyball, and the concept of a women’s professional league proved sufficiently enticing. Gorsline, along with DeVos’ son Cole, DP Fox's director of strategic investments, and Griffins president Tim Gortsema, began exploring the concept advanced by Pro Volleyball Federation founders Dave Whinham and Stephen Evans, a duo who boast many combined years of experience in building and managing professional sports leagues, including the AFL. The nascent league attracted some well-known founding partners from inside and outside the sport of volleyball, including Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and his parents, pop star Jason Derulo, and Super Bowl Champion Trent Dilfer, the latter being the father of three volleyballplaying daughters.

"What captivated all of us was the growth of the sport in general," Gorsline said. "I think we all embraced the merits of creating a league like this, because we felt it was important that the league not play second fiddle to the men's version of the sport.

"As evidenced by the Nebraska game, the sport is growing, not just at the college level but also from a youth perspective. The Big Ten, in particular, has done a nice job of growing their attendance through

their television presence, but we could also see it locally in the growing interest in volleyball and women's sports, generally.

"From the attention garnered by women's soccer via the success of the U.S. National Team to the growth of women's tennis, it was obvious there was a market for this. And we were excited that this new league will offer an opportunity for many of the world's top women players to continue to ply their trade at the highest level here without having to go overseas."

The enterprise attracted the attention of some heavy hitters within the volleyball world, including two legends of the sport – Dr. Cecile Reynaud and Laurie Corbelli – who became intimately involved from the start.

Reynaud, who is serving as the league's vice president of volleyball operations, is a member of the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame who spent 26 seasons as head coach at Florida State, served as Chair of the USA Volleyball Board of Directors, and is a former president of the American Volleyball Coaches Association. Corbelli, who is acting as a consultant in the development of the league's operations, is a Hall of Fame coach with more than 600 career victories inclusive of her tenure at Texas A&M (1993-2017).

Camila Gomez most recently competed for EC Pinheiros in Brazil during the 2022-23 season after playing her rookie pro campaign with Sesc Flamengo in Brazil in 2020-21. In 2019 with the Colombian National Team, Gomez was named the Best Libero at the Pan American Games and the Best Digger at the Pan American Cup. 60 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

Symone Abbott has spent the past seven years playing professionally in Italy, France, Turkey, Greece and Puerto Rico. During her senior year at Northwestern, Abbott paced the Big Ten with 10.72 attacks per set, ranked third with four kills per set and fourth with 4.49 points per set.

Emiliya Dimitrova comes to Grand Rapids with 14 years of professional experience throughout Europe and Asia. Dimitrova has captured five medals, including two gold, for the Bulgarian National Team.

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 61

Grand Rapids' league entry found its own ace when Gorsline met with recently retired Michigan State University volleyball coach Cathy George shortly after the West Michigan pro volleyball franchise was announced in December 2022.

"Honestly, the stars aligned for us because Cathy had stepped away from MSU because of her mother's illness, and when her mother passed away several months later she became interested in getting involved again," Gorsline said. "We were incredibly lucky to land someone with her credentials."

Hired to become the first coach of the newly named Rise, George brings instant credibility to the new franchise with decades of experience coaching at the collegiate level. She coached 11 seasons at Western Michigan before coming to MSU, where she spent 17 seasons.

As the first woman to coach in the NCAA Division I Final Four, in 1989 with Texas-Arlington, George was the perfect ambassador for the sport.

"The coaching ranks in women's volleyball are still very male-dominated, so we feel very fortunate to have someone of Cathy's caliber and reputation to help us build our team," Gorsline said.

In early August, the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel hosted about 50 representatives from the ownership

groups of the seven teams that will play during 2024, along with several more committed for 2025. Among the attendees was three-time Olympic gold medalist and San Diego team owner Kerri Walsh Jennings.

Joining Grand Rapids in the inaugural Pro Volleyball Federation season will be the Atlanta Vibe, Columbus Fury, Omaha Supernovas, and Orlando Valkyries, along with franchises in San Diego and Las Vegas. Teams consisting of 14 players will play a 24-game schedule from January to May, with playoffs following a Final Four-style format.

"As an organization, we are super excited that the league is attracting high-caliber players who will provide our fans with some of the best volleyball on the planet," said Gorsline, who was anxious for the league to hammer out all of the remaining details before the first Rise game is played at Van Andel Arena.

"As someone who was there at the beginning of the Griffins, I can say this league has the potential to grow the sport well beyond its current fan base," he said. "With the Griffins, we set the tone in the market right away and we're doing everything at a similarly high level with the Rise.

"We're looking forward to creating that same kind of excitement here for our new volleyball team, too."

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Marin Grote, a 6-foot-4 blocker, captured two Pac-12 championships at the University of Washington reached the Final1 Four twice. In9:52 2021, 2023and Griffiti ad1.pdf 9/29/23 AMGrote became the first Husky middle blocker since 2015 to be named an AVCA Second-Team All-American.

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Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 63

RECORD BOOK AND LEADERS GAMES PLAYED

All-Time Active Leader Single-Season 2022-23

Travis Richards Dominik Shine (7th) 5 players tied Joel L’Esperance GOALS

655 357 *82 *72

All-Time Active Leader Single-Season 2022-23

Michel Picard Dominik Shine (T25th) Donald MacLean (2005-06) Joel L’Esperance ASSISTS

158 51 *56 25

All-Time Active Leader Single-Season 2022-23

Michel Picard Taro Hirose (6th) Jiri Hudler (2005-06) Taro Hirose POINTS

222 124 60 41

All-Time Active Leader Single-Season 2022-23

Michel Picard Taro Hirose (10th) Michel Picard (1996-97) Taro Hirose PLUS/MINUS

380 165 101 57

All-Time Active Leader Single-Season 2022-23

Travis Richards Amadeus Lombardi (T242nd) Ivan Ciernik (2000-01) Alex Chiasson PENALTY MINUTES

+131 0 *+41 +6

All-Time Active Leader Single-Season 2022-23

Darryl Bootland Dominik Shine (10th) Darryl Bootland (2005-06) Wyatt Newpower

1,164 404 390 68

Dominik Shine

Donald MacLean

Joey MacDonald

Tom McCollum

Taro Hirose

GOALIE GAMES PLAYED All-Time Active Leader Single-Season 2022-23

Tom McCollum John Lethemon (35th) Joey MacDonald (2004-05) Alex Nedeljkovic GOALS AGAINST AVERAGE

263 9 *66 26

All-Time Active Leader Single-Season 2022-23

Martin Prusek John Lethemon (n/a) Martin Prusek (2001-02) Alex Nedeljkovic WINS

1.83 3.88 *1.83 2.71

All-Time Active Leader Single-Season

Tom McCollum Sebastian Cossa/John Lethemon (T40th) Joey MacDonald (2004-05) Mike Fountain (2000-01) Alex Nedeljkovic SHUTOUTS

123 1

All-Time Active Leader Single-Season 2021-22

Joey MacDonald n/a 6 players tied Alex Nedeljkovic/Jussi Olkinuora SAVES

20 n/a 6 1

All-Time Active Leader Single-Season 2022-23

Tom McCollum John Lethemon (35th) Joey MacDonald (2004-05) Alex Nedeljkovic SAVE PERCENTAGE

6,640 202 1,785 681

All-Time Active Leader Single-Season 2022-23

Martin Prusek John Lethemon (n/a) Joey MacDonald (2003-04) Alex Nedeljkovic

0.930 0.878 0.936 0.912

2022-23

Michel Picard

* = Led League

34 *34 13

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 65

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The AHL All-Star Classic was not held in either 2020-21 or 2021-22 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

GRIFFINS IN THE ALL-STAR GAME 2022-23 2019-20 2018-19 2017-18 2016-17 2015-16 2014-15 2013-14 2012-13 2011-12

Brian Lashoff (captain) Matthew Ford, Chris Terry Chris Terry Matt Lorito, Matt Puempel Matt Lorito, Robbie Russo, Todd Nelson (head coach) Jeff Hoggan (captain), Xavier Ouellet Xavier Ouellet, Teemu Pulkkinen Alexey Marchenko, Jeff Blashill (co-coach) Chad Billins, Petr Mrazek, Gustav Nyquist Gustav Nyquist

2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 2005-06 2004-05 2003-04

2002-03

Ilari Filppula, Brendan Smith Patrick Rissmiller Jakub Kindl, Daniel Larsson Jonathan Ericsson, Jimmy Howard Derek Meech, Kip Miller (captain) Valtteri Filppula, Jiri Hudler, Donald MacLean Niklas Kronwall, Joey MacDonald Jiri Hudler, Niklas Kronwall, Travis Richards (captain), Nathan Robinson Marc Lamothe, Mark Mowers

2001-02

2000-01 1999-00 1998-99 1997-98 1996-97

Chris Bala, John Gruden, Kip Miller, Martin Prusek, Petr Schastlivy, Bruce Cassidy (head coach), Gene Reilly (asst. coach) Mike Fountain, Joel Kwiatkowski, Travis Richards, Todd White, Bruce Cassidy (co-coach) John Gruden, Jani Hurme, Kevin Miller, Petr Schastlivy Robert Petrovicky, Maxim Spiridonov Ian Gordon, Kerry Huffman, Michel Picard Jeff Nelson, Michel Picard, Pokey Reddick

2023 - Brian Lashoff

2020 - Chris Terry

2020 - Matthew Ford

2019 - Chris Terry

2018 - Matt Puempel

2018 - Matt Lorito

2016 - Jeff Hoggan and Xavier Ouellet

2015 - Teemu Pulkkinen

2014 - Alexey Marchenko

2013 - Chad Billins

2013 - Petr Mrazek

2013 - Gustav Nyquist

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PENALTY CALLS BOARDING Called for any action which causes an opponent to be thrown violently into the boards.

HIGH STICKING Making contact with an opponent while carrying the stick above shoulder hight.

MISCONDUCT 10-minute or disqualification penalty for excessive or additional misbehavior on the ice.

TRIPPING Called for using the stick, arm or leg to cause an opponent to trip or fall.

CHARGING Taking a run at an opposing player using more than three strides to build up speed.

HOLDING Clutching an opposing player’s body with the hands, arms or legs.

ROUGHING Called for engaging in fisticuffs or shoving.

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT Called for unsportsmanlike actions such as disputing an official’s decision, grabbing the face mask of a player, etc.

CROSS CHECKING A check or block delivered by a player with both hands on the stick and no part of the stick on the ice.

HOOKING The use of the stick or blade to impede the progress of an opponent.

SLASHING Striking an opposing player with the stick.

DELAYED PENALTY Referee extends his arm and points to the penalized player until the penalized team regains possession of the puck.

INTERFERENCE When a player impedes the progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the puck.

SPEARING Called for using the stick like a spear.

ELBOWING Called when a player uses an elbow to impede an opponent.

KNEEING Called when a player uses a knee to impede an opponent.

WASH-OUT When used by the referee, it means goal disallowed. When used by linesmen, it means there is no icing or no offside.

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 73

2023-24 AHL TEAM MAP

ABBOTSFORD CANUCKS BAKERSFIELD CONDORS BELLEVILLE SENATORS BRIDGEPORT ISLANDERS CALGARY WRANGLERS CHARLOTTE CHECKERS CHICAGO WOLVES CLEVELAND MONSTERS COACHELLA VALLEY FIREBIRDS COLORADO EAGLES GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS HARTFORD WOLF PACK HENDERSON SILVER KNIGHTS HERSHEY BEARS IOWA WILD LAVAL ROCKET LEHIGH VALLEY PHANTOMS MANITOBA MOOSE MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS ONTARIO REIGN PROVIDENCE BRUINS ROCHESTER AMERICANS ROCKFORD ICEHOGS SAN DIEGO GULLS SAN JOSE BARRACUDA SPRINGFIELD THUNDERBIRDS SYRACUSE CRUNCH TEXAS STARS TORONTO MARLIES TUCSON ROADRUNNERS UTICA COMETS WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PENGUINS

74 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

GRIFFINS Photo Credit: Getty Images

IN THE NHL IT ALL STARTS HERE

Since their inception in 1996, the Griffins have sent 203 players to the National Hockey League, and 19 former players or coaches have gone on to win the Stanley Cup. In fact, a Griffins alumnus has had his name engraved on Lord Stanley’s chalice in each of the last four years, 10 times in the last 16 years, and 12 times in the last 19 seasons. In chronological order, here are the 26 goalies and 177 skaters who have worn an NHL sweater after playing for Grand Rapids, along with the dates of their NHL debuts/returns.

76 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

1............Pavol Demitra............................3/17/97 STL at PHX 2............Kevyn Adams...........................10/1/97 TOR vs. WSH 3............Tyler Moss................................10/28/97 CGY vs. PIT 4............Michel Picard..................................1/6/98 STL at SJ 5............Jeff Nelson.............................10/10/98 NSH vs. FLA 6............Patrick Traverse.......................10/10/98 OTT at COL 7............Mark Greig...................................1/7/99 PHI vs. NYI 8............Radim Bicanek............................2/1/99 OTT at VAN 9............Robert Petrovicky........................2/15/99 TB at NYI 10..........Andrei Vasilyev...........................3/5/99 PHX vs. DET 11..........Todd Hlushko...............................4/25/99 PIT vs. NJ 12..........Patrick Lalime............................10/2/99 OTT at PHI 13..........Glen Metropolit......................10/2/99 WSH at FLA 14..........Kevin Miller.............................10/31/99 OTT at ATL 15..........Karel Rachunek.......................10/31/99 OTT at ATL 16..........Erich Goldmann....................11/11/99 OTT vs. NSH 17..........Yves Sarault...............................11/20/99 OTT at NJ 18..........John Gruden...........................11/30/99 OTT vs. CHI 19..........Mike Fountain..............................12/3/99 OTT at NJ 20..........Dave Van Drunen....................12/13/99 OTT at TOR 21..........Petr Schastlivy..............................1/3/00 OTT vs. NJ 22..........John Emmons............................1/6/00 OTT vs. PHX 23..........Slava Butsayev..........................1/28/00 OTT at BUF 24..........Aris Brimanis.............................2/13/00 NYI at NYR 25..........Dieter Kochan............................3/28/00 TB vs. DAL 26..........Jani Hurme....................................4/9/00 OTT vs. TB 27..........Shane Hnidy.............................10/5/00 OTT at BOS 28..........Donald MacLean...................10/14/00 TOR vs. OTT 29..........David Oliver...............................11/4/00 OTT vs. CBJ 30..........Jamie Rivers............................11/12/00 OTT at CAR 31..........Sean Gagnon.........................11/26/00 OTT at NYR 32..........Joel Bouchard........................11/29/00 PHX at COL 33..........Mike Crowley..........................12/8/00 ANA at MIN 34..........Ivan Ciernik.................................1/23/01 OTT at NYI 35..........Darren Rumble..............................2/6/01 STL at COL 36..........Joel Kwiatkowski......................2/19/01 OTT at BUF 37..........Todd White................................2/19/01 OTT at BUF 38..........Chris Neil....................................10/3/01 OTT at TOR 39..........Toni Dahlman..........................1/3/02 OTT vs. WSH 40..........Steve Martins............................1/11/02 OTT at FLA 41..........Kip Miller.......................................1/17/02 NYI at SJ 42..........Jody Hull.........................................2/4/02 OTT at TB 43..........Dmitry Afanasenkov.......................2/6/02 TB at FLA 44..........Simon Lajeunesse..........................3/7/02 OTT at SJ 45..........Martin Prusek...........................3/23/02 OTT vs. ATL 46..........Chris Bala....................................3/27/02 OTT at NYI 47..........Neil Little...................................3/28/02 PHI at CAR 48..........Josh Langfeld..............................3/30/02 OTT vs. TB 49..........Gaetan Royer...............................4/1/02 TB vs. NYR 50..........Jason Spezza...........................10/24/02 OTT at BOS 51..........Sean Avery................................10/29/02 DET vs. SJ 52..........Jason Doig.................................12/3/02 WSH at PIT 53..........Jason Williams.........................12/5/02 DET at PHX 54..........Patrick Boileau......................12/19/02 DET vs. DAL 55..........Stacy Roest...............................2/20/03 DET vs. EDM 56..........Wade Brookbank..................10/9/03 NSH vs. ANA 57..........Julien Vauclair........................10/25/03 OTT at MTL 58........ Jiri Hudler............................10/29/03 DET vs. STL 59..........Curtis Joseph..........................10/30/03 DET at NSH 60..........Darryl Bootland......................11/8/03 DET vs. NSH 61..........Mark Mowers........................11/19/03 DET vs. CBJ 62..........Nathan Robinson..................11/28/03 DET vs. NYI 63..........Blake Sloan.................................12/4/03 DAL at LA 64........ Niklas Kronwall...................12/10/03 DET at BUF 65..........Ryan Barnes...........................12/15/03 DET vs. FLA 66........ Chris Kelly............................... 2/5/04 OTT vs. TOR 67..........Marc Lamothe.........................2/23/04 DET at EDM 68..........Anders Myrvold........................2/26/04 DET at CGY 69..........Mathieu Chouinard...................2/29/04 LA at ANA 70..........Brett Lebda..................................10/5/05 DET vs. STL

71..........Mark Eaton..................................10/5/05 NSH vs. SJ 72..........Chris Osgood.............................10/29/05 DET at CHI 73..........Kyle Quincey..........................11/25/05 DET at ANA 74..........Jimmy Howard.........................11/28/05 DET at LA 75..........Valtteri Filppula.........................12/15/05 DET at FLA 76..........Rob Collins..............................12/17/05 NYI vs. COL 77..........Manny Legace............................1/5/06 DET vs. STL 78..........David Gove...............................1/31/06 CAR at MTL 79..........Tomas Kopecky..............................2/28/06 DET at SJ 80..........Alexandre Giroux........................3/25/06 NYR at TB 81..........Joey MacDonald........................10/19/06 DET at SJ 82..........Derek Meech...............................12/7/06 DET vs. STL 83..........Matt Ellis...................................12/18/06 DET at CBJ 84..........Matt Hussey...............................1/26/07 DET at STL 85..........Sheldon Brookbank.......................2/6/07 NSH at PIT 86..........Danny Syvret..........................2/27/07 EDM vs. PHX 87..........Mark Hartigan.........................11/29/07 DET vs. TB 88..........Drew MacIntyre........................12/13/07 VAN at SJ 89..........Peter Vandermeer..................2/10/08 PHX vs. NSH 90..........Jonathan Ericsson.....................2/22/08 DET at CGY 91..........Garrett Stafford.........................2/23/08 DET at VAN 92.......Darren Helm....................3/13/08 DET vs. DAL 93..........Mattias Ritola..........................3/15/08 DET vs. NSH 94..........Clay Wilson................................3/25/08 CBJ at NSH 95..........Darren McCarty..........................3/28/08 DET vs. STL 96..........Krys Kolanos.................................11/4/08 MIN at SJ 97..........Landon Wilson.....................11/22/08 DAL vs. ANA 98..........Bryan Helmer.....................11/28/08 WSH vs. MTL 99..........Chris Chelios ..........................12/13/08 DET at PHX 100........Aaron Downey.........................1/29/09 DET vs. DAL 101........Justin Abdelkader..................1/31/09 DET at WSH 102........Ville Leino................................1/31/09 DET at WSH 103........Aaron Gagnon......................10/16/09 DAL vs. BOS 104........Scott Parse................................10/24/09 LA at PHX 105........Doug Janik...............................11/3/09 DET vs. BOS 106.........Ryan Keller................................11/25/09 OTT at NJ 107........Jakub Kindl.............................12/3/09 DET vs. EDM 108........Kris Newbury........................12/14/09 DET vs. PHX 109.........Darren Haydar...........................2/10/10 COL vs. ATL 110........Andreas Lilja................................3/1/10 DET at COL 111.........Jeremy Williams......................10/24/10 NYR vs. NJ 112........Jan Mursak..............................12/27/10 DET at COL 113........Chris Mueller.........................12/28/10 NSH vs. DAL 114........Tomas Tatar......................12/31/10 DET vs. NYI 115........Cory Emmerton........................1/22/11 DET vs. CHI 116.........Patrick Rissmiller......................2/23/11 ATL at BUF 117 .......Tom McCollum .........................3/30/11 DET vs. STL 118 ......Gustav Nyquist ...............11/1/11 DET vs. MIN 119 ........Fabian Brunnstrom....................11/5/11 DET vs. ANA 120.......Brendan Smith..................11/17/11 DET at SJ 121......Mark Cullen.................11/29/11 FLA at CAR 122........Chris Conner..............................12/2/11 DET at BUF 123........Joakim Andersson.................12/27/11 DET vs. STL 124.......Ty Conklin ..........................3/21/12 DET at NYR 125.......Riley Sheahan......................4/7/12 DET vs. CHI 126........Brian Lashoff..............................1/21/13 DET at CBJ 127........Mike Knuble...............................1/26/13 PHI at FLA 128........Jamie Tardif.................................2/2/13 BOS at TOR 129........Petr Mrazek ...........................2/7/13 DET at STL 130........ Jonas Gustavsson...................2/19/13 DET at NSH 131........Carlo Colaiacovo.........................4/1/13 DET vs. COL 132........Danny DeKeyser......................10/2/13 DET vs. BUF 133.......Luke Glendening...........10/12/13 DET vs. PHI 134........Xavier Ouellet............................10/21/13 DET vs. SJ 135........Adam Almquist .....................11/4/13 DET at WPG 136........Chad Billins...............................11/5/13 CGY at MIN 137........Patrick Eaves............................12/14/13 DET vs. PIT 138........Tomas Jurco..............................12/15/13 DET vs. TB 139........Jordin Tootoo..........................12/19/13 DET vs. CGY 140........Alexey Marchenko......................1/4/14 DET at DAL

141........Teemu Pulkkinen ..................3/14/14 DET vs. EDM 142........Landon Ferraro........................3/18/14 DET vs. TOR 143.......Calle Jarnkrok....................3/21/14 NSH at CGY 144........Mitch Callahan...........................3/25/14 DET at CBJ 145........Ryan Sproul................................4/13/14 DET at STL 146........Andrej Nestrasil.......................10/9/14 DET vs. BOS 147........Stephen Weiss.......................11/24/14 DET vs. OTT 148.....Mattias Janmark............10/8/15 DAL vs. PIT 149.......Dylan Larkin.....................10/9/15 DET vs. TOR 150...... Kevin Porter...........................10/10/15 PIT at ARI 151.......Andreas Athanasiou......11/8/15 DET vs. DAL 152.....Tomas Nosek...............12/26/15 DET at NSH 153........Eric Tangradi...............................1/25/16 DET at NYI 154.......Anthony Mantha..............3/15/16 DET at PHI 155........Alan Quine...................................4/9/16 NYI vs. PHI 156........Martin Frk..............................10/18/16 CAR at EDM 157.....Tyler Bertuzzi.................11/8/16 DET at PHI 158........Jared Coreau...............................12/3/16 DET at PIT 159.......Nick Jensen........................12/20/16 DET at TB 160........Drew Miller...............................2/28/17 DET at VAN 161........Robbie Russo..............................3/7/17 DET at TOR 162.....Dan Renouf.................. 3/27/17 DET at CAR 163........Ben Street..................................3/28/17 DET at CAR 164.....Evgeny Svechnikov.........4/3/17 DET vs. OTT 165........Matt Lorito.................................4/8/17 DET vs. MTL 166.....Kyle Criscuolo.............. 11/17/17 BUF at DET 167........Dominic Turgeon.......................1/14/18 DET at CHI 168........Joe Hicketts..................................1/22/18 DET at NJ 169.....Dennis Cholowski..........10/4/18 DET vs. CBJ 170........Libor Sulak................................10/4/18 DET vs. CBJ 171.....Filip Hronek...................10/4/18 DET vs. CBJ 172........Wade Megan..............................11/1/18 DET vs. NJ 173........Christoffer Ehn........................11/6/18 DET vs. VAN 174........Eddie Pasquale............................12/4/18 TB at DET 175.....Michael Rasmussen........2/7/19 DET vs. VGK 176.....Filip Zadina......................2/24/19 DET vs. SJ 177........Matt Puempel..........................3/23/19 DET at VGK 178.....Dylan McIlrath..................3/25/19 DET at SJ 179........Jake Chelios.................................3/29/19 DET vs. NJ 180.....Givani Smith.............. 10/25/19 DET vs. BUF 181........Calvin Pickard..........................11/29/19 DET at PHI 182........Madison Bowey.....................12/14/19 DET at MTL 183.....Taro Hirose...................... 2/6/20 DET at BUF 184.....Gustav Lindstrom........... 2/6/20 DET at BUF 185.....Joe Veleno..................... 4/27/21 DET at CBJ 186........Mathias Brome............................5/7/21 DET at CBJ 187.....Moritz Seider................10/14/21 DET vs. TB 188........Riley Barber..............................12/18/21 DET vs. NJ 189........Gemel Smith................................2/2/22 DET vs. LA 190........Luke Witkowski.........................3/12/22 DET at CGY 191........Chase Pearson............................3/24/22 DET at NYI 192........Harri Sateri.................................4/7/22 ARI vs. VAN 193........Turner Elson..............................4/26/22 DET at TOR 194.....Matt Luff..................... 10/27/22 DET at BOS 195.....Austin Czarnik............... 11/6/22 DET at NYR 196.....Jonatan Berggren...... 11/10/22 DET vs. NYR 197.....Magnus Hellberg........12/14/22 DET at MIN 198.....Elmer Soderblom........12/14/22 DET at MIN 199.....Jakub Vrana................. 2/21/23 DET at WSH 200.....Adam Erne......................3/2/23 DET vs. SEA 201.....Alex Chiasson................... 3/4/23 DET at NYI 202.....Simon Edvinsson..........3/18/23 DET vs. COL 203.....Alex Nedeljkovic............3/23/23 DET vs. STL Bold = Played in the NHL during the 2022-23 season Italics = Had name engraved on the Stanley Cup after playing for Grand Rapids All photos by Getty Images Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 77

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TECHNOLOGY

78 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

AU T O M AT I O N

IMAGING

KIDS PAGE WHAT’S IN A NAME? William Shakespeare penned the above quote in Romeo and Juliet. While the famous bard had the misfortune to have never played ice hockey, he’d probably fare pretty well at your challenge: identifying words that can be spelled by the eight letters in G-R-I-F-F-I-N-S. (You can use I and F twice per answer, if necessary, but G, R, N and S only once.) GOOD LUCK! 1.

2.

3.

4.

Brian Lashoff earned two _ _ _ _ _ by winning Calder Cups with the Griffins.

No _ _ _, ands or buts.

Your eye’s _ _ _ _ controls the diameter and size of your pupil. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ happen to some coaches of poorly performing teams at the end of each season.

5. People who like to _ _ _ _ often join a choir.

6. As they continue to improve on the ice, the Red Wings’ playoff hopes are _ _ _ _ _ _.

7. Eli Whitney invented the cotton _ _ _.

8. Dogs _ _ _ _ _ your hand to learn about you.

9. A forward’s job is to put the puck _ _ the net.

10. Some families decorate a _ _ _ tree at Christmastime.

11. Saying things like “Yes, _ _ _” and “No, ma’am” shows courtesy and respect.

12. There are 18 wheels on a big _ _ _.

13. Improvising, by musicians, is also called _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

14. The penalty box is also known as the _ _ _ Bin. 15. _ _ _ _ was one of Jimmy Buffett’s most popular songs.

(It’s OK to ask your parents on this one.)

16. To _ _ _ _ like a Cheshire cat means to smile broadly.

17. A driver should never run a stop _ _ _ _.

18. I wonder if Isaac Newton ever ate a _ _ _ Newton?

Stay in college a little longer before turning pro.

4-6: You’ve made the roster out of training camp.

HOW DID 0-3: 7-9: Starting lineup YOU DO? 10-12: Rookie of the Year candidate 13-15: 16-18:

AHL All-Star Pack your bags: You’re getting called up to Detroit!

ANSWERS: 1) RINGS; 2) IFS; 3) IRIS; 4) FIRINGS; 5) SING; 6) RISING; 7) GIN; 8) SNIFF; 9) IN; 10) FIR; 11) SIR; 12) RIG; 13) RIFFING; 14) SIN; 15) FINS; 16) GRIN; 17) SIGN; 18) FIG

(Number of correct answers)

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 79

PARTING SHOT

Visitors to the capital of Northern Ireland will notice a large banner hanging outside The SSE Arena, home of the Belfast Giants, who became the first professional ice hockey team on the Emerald Isle in 2000.

In the center of the celebratory banner is head coach Adam Keefe, who played five seasons in Grand Rapids and Toledo between 2005-06 and 2010-11. The physical, disruptive winger played the last 300 games of his career in Belfast, where he 80 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

became a captain and eventually the team’s bench boss in 2017.

Keefe, who led the Giants to their third consecutive Elite League championship last spring, is the younger brother of Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe and a good friend of Griffins head coach Dan Watson.

Photos by Mark Newman

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