CELEBRATING 20 PLAYERS AND 20 SEASONS OF GRIFFINS HOCKEY
Dear Griffins Fans Before construction of Mount Rushmore began in 1927, four U.S. presidents – out of the 30 who had served to that point – were selected to have their likenesses carved into the South Dakotan granite. Speaking from experience, choosing the Grand Rapids Griffins’ version of Mount Rushmore was a much more challenging task. In honor of our 20th season, we set out this summer to spotlight 20 players from our franchise’s history within the pages of this commemorative publication. Just from a numbers standpoint it was a nearly impossible task, as 448 players have donned a Griffins jersey since our inaugural 1996-97 season, for anywhere from one to 714 games.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
15
JUSTIN ABDELKADER
3
Undaunted by the responsibility, four members of the Griffins’ staff with a combined 70 years of service to the organization were charged with identifying the 20 most significant players in franchise history. The term “significant” is, well, just that. Very significant. It’s not necessarily the 20 “greatest” players we were looking for, since greatness is a lot like art: you know it when you see it, but it can be hard to define. Our job was tough enough already. Still, this difficult task was also a joyful one, as we had the opportunity to unearth fantastic memories and reflect upon the players and moments that have made the Griffins such a special and integral part of the West Michigan experience. The criteria we used were far-ranging and, admittedly, very subjective, including performance, longevity, leadership, playoff heroics, overall impact, popularity, historic significance, personality, local ties, community work and NHL success. That’s quite a load to consider. By happy accident – and perhaps confirming the validity of our final list – each Griffins season saw at least one of these players take to the ice. Mindful of avoiding a recency bias, we wanted to ensure that stalwarts from the team’s early years received their due. Yes, seven of our 20 were 2013 Calder Cup champions, but that’s certainly justified. Meanwhile, seven members of the 2005-06 regular season championship squad made the cut, as did five players from the 2000 IHL Turner Cup finalists and four from our first season. Overall, the resulting alphabetized list offers a balanced romp through franchise history and honors the players who truly made Griffins Hockey what it is today. Are there deserving players who aren’t within these pages? Of course. Are there players on our list with whom you take issue? We hope so. Given the Griffins’ rich tradition, the number of talented players and incredible people who’ve passed through Van Andel Arena, and the spirit of debate that thrives in the hearts of sports fans, that’s to be expected. But in that disagreement, take heart. If you don’t see your favorite player here, we can assure you that he was No. 21. We hope you enjoy making this trip down memory lane as much as we enjoyed creating it.
DONALD MacLEAN
16
PAVOL DEMITRA
4
PETR MRAZEK
18
MATT ELLIS
6
CHRIS NEIL
19
LUKE GLENDENING
7
TODD NELSON
20
BRYAN HELMER
8
GUSTAV NYQUIST
22
JEFF HOGGAN
10
FRANCIS PARE
23
JIMMY HOWARD
11
MICHEL PICARD
24
JIRI HUDLER
12
TEEMU PULKKINEN
26
DEREK KING
14
TRAVIS RICHARDS
27
Sincerely, NIKLAS KRONWALL
Tim Gortsema President Grand Rapids Griffins
TOMAS TATAR
PAGE 28 GRIFFINS ALL-TIME ROSTER This 20th Anniversary Commemorative Publication is published by the Grand Rapids Griffins, 130 W. Fulton St., Suite 111, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All contents ©2015 Grand Rapids Griffins. Edited by Randy Cleves. Written by Mark Newman and Randy Cleves. Photos by Mark Newman. Graphic design by Jonathan Guinn, Rogers Printing.
QUOTABLE
JUSTIN ABDELKADER
“You could learn a lot from watching veterans like them. It was neat for young guys like me to see NHL veterans come down and be able to learn from their leadership. I remember how excited I was to play in Grand Rapids, after coming from East Lansing and being from Muskegon.” – Justin Abdelkader, on playing with veterans like Chris Chelios, Aaron Downey and Darren McCarty in Grand Rapids
Center 6-2, 215 lbs. Born 2/25/87 Muskegon, Mich.
Detroit’s 2nd choice, 42nd overall, in 2005 NHL Entry Draft CAREER TOTALS
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
GRIFFINS (2008-10)
109
35
NHL (2007-15)
398
61
41
76
188
71
132
297
“Abby brings a little bit of everything. Regardless of where you put him in the lineup, he delivers. He’s one of those guys who doesn’t get all the credit that he deserves. And as a local guy, he’s a pretty incredible story.” – Niklas Kronwall
THROUGH 2014-15
HONOR ROLL 2008-09 AHL All-Rookie Team
FUN FACT Abdelkader, the first native of West Michigan to play for the Griffins, scored the game-winning goal with 18.9 seconds remaining against Boston College to help Michigan State University win the 2007 NCAA title.
WHERE IS HE NOW? Abdelkader is looking to build upon his best year in Detroit, after scoring 23 goals with the Red Wings last season. 2
QUOTABLE
PAVOL DEMITRA
“Whenever I run into someone who is unhappy, I tell them to go to Grand Rapids. To me, it’s the best place to play in the minor leagues. Great organization. Great city. Great fans.” – Pavol Demitra, about his time with the Griffins, in 1999
Right Wing 6-0, 200 lbs. Born 11/29/74 Dubnica, Slovakia Died 9/7/11 Yaroslavl, Russia
“We traded Darin Smith for Demitra in the most one-sided trade we ever made in Grand Rapids. Pavol was so good. He was such a good skater, had great hands and saw the ice so well. It was only a matter of time before an NHL team came knocking on his door. We were fortunate to have him for the time we did.” – Former Griffins GM Bob McNamara
Ottawa’s 9th choice, 227th overall, in 1993 NHL Entry Draft CAREER TOTALS GRIFFINS (1996-97) NHL (1993-04; 05-10)
GP G A PTS PIM 42 20 30 50 24 847 304 464 768 284
HONOR ROLL 2010 Olympian 2006 Olympian 2002 Olympian 2002 NHL All-Star Game 1999-00 NHL Lady Byng Memorial Trophy 2000 NHL All-Star Game 1999 NHL All-Star Game 1996 AHL All-Star Game (Prince Edward Island)
FUN FACT A documentary film, “38,” was produced about Demitra in 2014 by Daniel Dangl, an actor and director who is famous in Slovakia and the Czech Republic for his work in sketch comedy.
WHERE IS HE NOW? Deceased. Sadly, Demitra, who tallied 742 of his 768 NHL points after playing for Grand Rapids, was among the 43 people killed when a Russian plane carrying the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hockey team crashed during takeoff on Sept. 7, 2011. Defenseman Karel Rachunek and goaltender Stefan Liv, both former Griffins, also perished in the crash.
3
QUOTABLE
MATT ELLIS
“It all starts with work ethic. In the game of hockey, you never can stop working.” – Matt Ellis, on his approach
Center 6-1, 210 lbs. Born 8/31/81 Welland, Ontario
CAREER TOTALS
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
GRIFFINS (2003-07)
282
69 84
153
187
NHL (2006-15)
356
21
49
89
28
“Everybody respected Matt because he made more out of his ability than anyone. He was never the best skater, never had the greatest hands, but he made himself a better player. The reason he played so long in the NHL is because he willed himself to be there.” – Former Griffins GM Bob McNamara, on Ellis overcoming the odds to play in the NHL
THROUGH 2014-15
HONOR ROLL Captain: 2005-07 2005-06 AHL Regular Season Champion Griffins career leader in shorthanded goals (12) and playoff overtime goals (2, tied) Griffins single-season recordholder for shorthanded goals (5 in 2006-07)
FUN FACT Ellis was born in Welland, Ontario, home to Canada’s answer to the Erie Canal and also the birthplace of another Griffins captain, Jamie Tardif.
WHERE IS HE NOW? 4
Ellis signed a one-year AHL contract with the Rochester Americans for the 2015-16 season, after appearing in 39 NHL games with the Buffalo Sabres last year.
RICHARDS
KRONWALL
HOWARD
HOGGAN
ABDELKADER GLENDENING
2015-16
SEASON SCHEDULE
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MIL
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Huntington Bank Post-Game Autograph Session
Post-Game Open Skate
7
CHI
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Friends & Family 4-Pack Home Game
14
RFD
BAK
Pepsi Reading Goals Redemption Date
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QUOTABLE
LUKE GLENDENING
“It was so special for me to go back to my hometown and play in front of so many friends and family in the stands every night. Obviously winning the Cup was special, but I’ll always remember my first game there and how we had a great group of players who made me feel I was just as important as the next guy.” – Luke Glendening
Center 5-11, 195 lbs. Born 4/28/89 Grand Rapids, Mich.
CAREER TOTALS
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
GRIFFINS (2012-14)
69
13
25
38
68
NHL (2013-15)
138
13
12
25
56
“Luke has an extraordinary work ethic that goes beyond the norm of most professional athletes. He’s one of those rare people who can get better at things because he has a capacity to learn and his work ethic is supreme. He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever been around.” – Former Griffins head coach Jeff Blashill
THROUGH 2014-15
HONOR ROLL 2012-13 AHL Calder Cup Champion
FUN FACT The only Grand Rapidian to ever play for the Griffins, Glendening was named the fourth best penalty killer in the NHL by The Hockey News in its Aug. 17, 2015 issue.
WHERE IS HE NOW? Glendening, one of Detroit’s top defensive forwards, is in his third season with the Red Wings. 6
QUOTABLE
BRYAN HELMER
“It might have been the water… I guess I was just lucky. I always tried to keep myself in shape, but I have to give credit to (ex-Griffins trainer) Rob Snitzer for keeping me healthy and Dogg (long-time equipment manager Brad Thompson) for taking care of my skates. I have a lot of good memories of my two years in Grand Rapids because there were so many good people there.” – Bryan Helmer, on never missing a game during his two seasons in Grand Rapids
Defenseman 6-1, 210 lbs. Born 7/15/72 Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
CAREER TOTALS
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
GRIFFINS (2004-06)
160
19
62
81
202
NHL (1998-04; 08-09)
146
8
18
26
135
“I’m in my 22nd season as President and CEO of the AHL, and Bryan Helmer stands out as the player that I have most admired for his leadership and competitive qualities. He is what our game and our league is all about.” – AHL’s Dave Andrews
HONOR ROLL 2009-10 AHL Calder Cup Champion (Hershey) 2008-09 AHL Calder Cup Champion (Hershey) 2009 AHL All-Star Game (Hershey) 2005-06 AHL Regular Season Champion 2005-06 AHL Second Team All-Star 2005-06 Griffins Man of the Year 1994-95 AHL Calder Cup Champion (Albany)
FUN FACT Undrafted, Helmer was signed as a free agent by the New Jersey Devils in 1994. Helmer, whose signing bonus was a paltry $2,500, went on to play 20 seasons in the pros, becoming the all-time points leader among AHL defensemen.
WHERE IS HE NOW? Helmer is in his second season as an assistant coach for the Hershey Bears, an organization with whom he won the Calder Cup as a player in 2009 and 2010.
7
QUOTABLE
JEFF HOGGAN
“I want to keep the winning culture in Grand Rapids. I still have that same fire and compete level, but as you get older, you have to prove your worth and show the younger guys that you can still do it. So I’m going to continue to take pride in competing at a high level as long as I play.” – Jeff Hoggan
Left Wing 6-1, 190 lbs. Born 2/1/78 Hope, British Columbia
CAREER TOTALS
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
GRIFFINS (2012-15)
211
48
59
107
101
NHL (2005-10)
107
2
9
11
76
“One quality that makes Hoggie real special is his competitiveness. You could see it every year in the playoffs. Any time we needed to raise our competitive level, he set the pace and the rest of the team followed.” – Former Griffins head coach Jeff Blashill
THROUGH 2014-15
HONOR ROLL Captain: 2012-15 2014-15 AHL Fred T. Hunt Memorial Award 2012-13 AHL Calder Cup Champion 2002-03 AHL Calder Cup Champion (Houston)
FUN FACT Under Hoggan’s captaincy, the Griffins played 50 Calder Cup Playoff games between 2013-15, the most of any AHL team over a three-year span in league history.
WHERE IS HE NOW? 8
Now in his fourth season in Grand Rapids, Hoggan is the longest-serving captain in the history of the Griffins organization.
Family. Friends. Community. We’re all in this together. State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That’s one reason why we’re proud to support Grand Rapids Griffins on their 20th anniversary! Get to a better State®.
Danielle Rowland, Agent 77 Monroe Center St NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Bus: 616-456-0900
Doug Jurgens, Agent 3942 30th St SW Grandville, MI 49418 Bus: 616-531-8561
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Jim L Blaszak, Agent 5315 Alpine Avenue NW Comstock Park, MI 49321 Bus: 616-784-3344
danielle.rowland.rfp4@statefarm.com doug.jurgens.b0rm@statefarm.com marsha.veenstra.cf6c@statefarm.com jim.blaszak.krao@statefarm.com
Dan Koorndyk, Agent 3219 Eastern Avenue SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508 Bus: 616-452-9721
Bill Cole, Agent 2143 Wealthy Street SE East Grand Rapids, MI 49506 Bus: 616-458-4994
Sterling D Massey, Agent 5384 S. Division Avenue Kentwood, MI 49548 Bus: 616-532-6071
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1211008
2015-16
GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS
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APR.
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4.16
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3.12
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MAR.
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3.26
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2.20 2.28
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2.27
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2.6
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POSTER GIVEAWAY
1.29
‘80S NIGHT
Presented by J&H Family Stores
1.27
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1.23
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1.17
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Presented by Huntington Bank
12.5 12.31
JAN.
OPENING NIGHT MAGNET SCHEDULE GIVEAWAY
Presented by Van Andel Institute
11.28
Presented by Flagstar Bank
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12.19
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12.4
‘90S NIGHT
11.20
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Presented by Salvation Army
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10.16
OCT.
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QUOTABLE
JIMMY HOWARD
“Grand Rapids is where I learned to be a pro. I spent four years working on my game and learning about myself and what it takes to succeed day in and day out. It taught me how hard it is to not only get here but also how you have to work even harder to stay here. It allowed me to mature.” – Jimmy Howard
Goaltender 6-1, 208 lbs. Born 3/26/84 Syracuse, N.Y.
“My first year in Grand Rapids was Jimmy’s last season there and you could tell he had really matured. You could see he was confident on and off the ice, which is huge for a goaltender. After four years in GR, he felt like he had conquered the minor leagues and he was ready for the challenge of the NHL.” – Justin Abdelkader
Detroit’s 1st choice, 64th overall, in 2003 NHL Entry Draft CAREER TOTALS
GP
Record
SO
SV%
GAA
GRIFFINS (2005-09)
186
90-73-11
14
0.911
2.67
NHL (2005-06; 07-15)
338 175-99-48 20 0.916
2.42
THROUGH 2014-15
HONOR ROLL 2015 NHL All-Star Game (Selected, DNP) 2014 Olympian 2012 NHL All-Star Game 2009-10 NHL All-Rookie Team 2009-10 NHL Calder Memorial Trophy Runner-Up 2009-10 Detroit Red Wings Rookie of the Year 2008-09 Griffins Man of the Year 2007-08 Griffins Man of the Year 2008 AHL All-Star Game 2005-06 AHL Regular Season Champion 2005-06 AHL All-Rookie Team Griffins single-season recordholder for shutouts (6 in 2006-07; tied)
FUN FACT Howard, the runner-up for the 2010 Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie, is the only NHL goalie to face a penalty shot in each of his first two games.
WHERE IS HE NOW? Howard enters his seventh full season in Detroit, having appeared in net an average of nearly 55 games every year since 2009-10. 10
QUOTABLE
JIRI HUDLER
“Hockey is not about size. If you play smart, if you play with good players, you can play with anybody.” – Jiri Hudler, on overcoming his short stature
Left Wing 5-10, 180 lbs. Born 1/4/84 Olomouc, Czech Republic
“He’s just a happy guy and when you’re around him, you get the same feeling. He was always fun to be around. As a player, he is a smaller guy, but his skill set really is incredible.” – Niklas Kronwall, on his former teammate in Grand Rapids and Detroit
Detroit’s 1st choice, 58th overall, in 2002 NHL Entry Draft CAREER TOTALS GRIFFINS (2003-06) NHL (2003-04; 05-09; 10-15)
GP G A PTS 185 65 114 179 604 145 226 371
PIM 112 212
THROUGH 2014-15
HONOR ROLL 2014-15 NHL Lady Byng Memorial Trophy 2007-08 NHL Stanley Cup Champion 2006-07 Detroit Red Wings Rookie of the Year 2005-06 AHL Regular Season Champion 2005-06 AHL Second Team All-Star 2006 AHL All-Star Game (Starter) 2004 AHL All-Star Game Griffins career leader in overtime goals (4) Griffins single-season recordholder for assists (60 in 2005-06) Griffins single-playoff recordholder for assists (16 in 2006) and points (22 in 2006)
FUN FACT One of Hudler’s favorite dishes in his native Czech Republic is tatarsky biftek, which sounds like it’s named for Red Wings forward Tomas Tatar but is actually a meat dish made from minced raw beef.
WHERE IS HE NOW? Hudler is expected to be one of the leaders in Calgary during the 2015-16 season after leading the Flames in scoring a year ago and winning the NHL’s Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for “sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.”
11
QUOTABLE
DEREK KING
“My biggest memory is getting to the Days Inn hotel and my wife telling me that she’s pregnant with our first child. After that, everything about the town was just really good. I had a good feeling that this was a place where I could play my game and just be me. I felt very comfortable there.” – Derek King, on coming to Grand Rapids after 830 games in the NHL
Left Wing 6-0, 205 lbs. Born 2/11/67 Hamilton, Ontario
“I have so much respect for Kinger, just the way he approached the game when he was finishing up his career in Grand Rapids after all that he accomplished in the NHL. He still worked hard, did all the right things and never had the attitude that he shouldn’t be here. I may have been the captain, but he ran our team. He was the leader.” – Travis Richards
NY Islanders’ 2nd choice, 13th overall, in 1985 NHL Entry Draft CAREER TOTALS
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
GRIFFINS (1999-01; 02-04)
264
73
130 203
83
NHL (1986-00)
830 261 351 612
417
HONOR ROLL 2000-01 IHL Regular Season Champion 2000-01 IHL Scoring Champion (co-winner) 2000-01 IHL First Team All-Star 1999-00 IHL Turner Cup Finalist Griffins career playoff leader in assists (25) and points (41)
FUN FACT A three-time 30-goal scorer (including one 40-goal season) with the New York Islanders, King scored the last Maple Leafs goal in Maple Leaf Gardens in 1999.
WHERE IS HE NOW? 12
King, an assistant coach with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies the past six seasons, is now the assistant coach for the Owen Sound Attack in the Ontario Hockey League.
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QUOTABLE
NIKLAS KRONWALL
“When I came over here (from Sweden), I wasn’t good enough to play with the big guys in Detroit. I realized I had to work on my game and the lockout year (2004-05) was the best thing that could have happened to me because it meant lots of ice time and I got to play in all situations and was able to gain confidence. I learned how to play, how to practice, how to workout, how to eat and sleep. I needed my time in Grand Rapids.” – Niklas Kronwall
Defenseman 6-0, 187 lbs. Born 1/12/81 Stockholm, Sweden
Detroit’s 1st choice, 29th overall, in 2000 NHL Entry Draft CAREER TOTALS
GP
G
A
PTS
GRIFFINS (2003-06)
102
15
51
66
73
NHL (2003-04; 05-15)
674
71 268 339
426
“From the very first day, Nik had a certain maturity to his game that other rookies didn’t. He approached every practice and the games as a professional – ‘this is my career, this is how I work my craft’ – and you could see that he was going to get to the NHL sooner than later and that he was going to stay there a long time.” – Former Griffins head coach and player Danton Cole
PIM
THROUGH 2014-15
HONOR ROLL 2014 Olympic Silver Medalist 2010 Olympian 2007-08 NHL Stanley Cup Champion 2006 Olympic Gold Medalist 2004-05 AHL Outstanding Defenseman 2004-05 AHL First Team All-Star 2005 AHL All-Star Game (Starter) 2003-04 Detroit Red Wings Rookie of the Year 2004 AHL All-Star Game (Selected, DNP)
FUN FACT The veteran Red Wings defenseman has his own entry in the online Urban Dictionary. Kronwalled is “a sudden change in orientation from vertical to horizontal, due to contact with a body or substance of great influence.”
WHERE IS HE NOW? Now in his 12th season in Detroit, Kronwall is a Red Wings assistant captain, the team’s top defenseman and one of the leaders alongside Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk. 14
QUOTABLE
DONALD MacLEAN
“It’s hard to explain, but for that one year, the stars aligned. I remember the team set it up where I would give $100 per goal to a school for their gym clock. When I went there at the end of the season to present a check for $5,600, they were like, ‘WOW!’ Needless to say, they were pretty happy.” – Donald MacLean, on scoring 56 goals during 2005-06
Left Wing 6-3, 215 lbs. Born 1/14/77 Sydney, Nova Scotia
“He was gifted with this amazing shot. He had this crazy hook on his stick so when he shot the puck, it was more off the heel twist than the middle of the blade, which enabled him to get the puck up quick and fast. That year he could shoot from anywhere and it went in. He couldn’t miss.” – Former Griffins GM Bob McNamara, on MacLean’s MVP season
Los Angeles’ 2nd choice, 33rd overall, in 1995 NHL Entry Draft CAREER TOTALS
GP
G
A
PTS
PIM
GRIFFINS (1998-99; 05-06)
104
62
45
107
71
NHL (1997-98; 00-02; 03-04; 05-07)
41
8
5
13
6
HONOR ROLL 2005-06 AHL Regular Season Champion 2005-06 AHL MVP 2005-06 AHL Top Goal Scorer (co-winner) 2005-06 AHL First Team All-Star 2006 AHL All-Star Game 2001-02 AHL Top Scorer (St. John’s) 2002 AHL All-Star Game (St. John’s) Griffins career leader in shooting percentage (0.188) Griffins single-season recordholder for goals (56 in 2005-06), hat tricks (5 in 2005-06), consecutive games with a goal (8 in 200506), consecutive games with a point (19 in 2005-06), power play goals (21 in 2005-06), unassisted goals (5 in 2005-06) and shooting percentage (0.207 in 2005-06)
FUN FACT MacLean and his wife Suzanne bought their Daisy pup in Grand Rapids and named their pet, now 10 years old, Charlie Griffin.
WHERE IS HE NOW? MacLean is in his first season as an assistant coach for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the Ontario Hockey League after coaching the past three years in Eastern Europe. 15
QUOTABLE
PETR MRAZEK
“I think it helped my career. I think the Red Wings organization looked at me differently after that. It was like, ‘Here’s a kid who won a Cup - maybe he’ll be an NHL goalie in a couple of years.’” – Petr Mrazek, on the impact of winning the Calder Cup as a rookie
Goaltender 6-1, 187 lbs. Born 2/14/92 Ostrava, Czech Republic
“In the most pressurized moments, Petr doesn’t get nervous. He’s confident and he just plays. In fact, he enjoys the pressure, and that’s a rare quality in human beings.” – Former Griffins head coach Jeff Blashill
Detroit’s 5th choice, 141st overall, in 2010 NHL Entry Draft CAREER TOTALS
GP Record SO SV% GAA
GRIFFINS (2012-15) 87 54-27-3
7 0.920 2.21
NHL (2012-15)
5 0.920 2.23
40 19-14-0
THROUGH 2014-15
HONOR ROLL 2014-15 Detroit Red Wings Rookie of the Year 2013-14 AHL Second Team All-Star 2012-13 AHL Calder Cup Champion 2013 AHL All-Star Game Griffins career playoff leader in goalie games played (34), minutes (2030:50), wins (20), shutouts (4) and saves (891) Griffins single-playoff recordholder for goalie games played (24 in 2013), minutes played (1431:18 in 2013), wins (15 in 2013), shutouts (4 in 2013) and saves (603 in 2013)
FUN FACT Mrazek’s goaltending coach in junior hockey was Tom Dempsey, who mentored not only former Griffins netminder Marc Lamothe, but also Stanley Cup winners Marc-Andre Fleury and Dominic Hasek.
WHERE IS HE NOW? 16
Mrazek, who in 2012-13 became the second goalie in history to win his NHL, AHL and ECHL debuts in the same season, is poised to challenge for the No. 1 goaltending job in Detroit this season after serving as the Red Wings’ starter during the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Congratulations Grand Rapids Griffins, Ludwig Family Dentistry is looking forward to caring for the Griffins for the 20th straight year!
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MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES: • One Upper Level Ticket • VIP Wrist Band • Kids Club T-shirt & Lanyard With Badge • Official Kids Club Parties • VIP Perks & Benefits The Chance to WIn Autographed Items • Specials from Local Businesses
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QUOTABLE
CHRIS NEIL
“There was an older group of guys like Derek King, Ed Patterson, the Millers (Kip and Kevin) and Travis Richards who took you under their wing and showed you the ropes. Those guys were good role models for me. I loved playing there. You could see how the team and organization had helped revive the city. It was an incredible spot to play.” – Chris Neil, on what Grand Rapids meant early in his career
Right Wing 6-1, 213 lbs. Born 6/18/79 Markdale, Ontario
Ottawa’s 7th choice, 161st overall, in 1998 NHL Entry Draft CAREER TOTALS GRIFFINS (1999-01) NHL (2001-04; 05-15)
“He was raw, a little young and rambunctious. There were moments where I just shook my head. At one point, I told him, ‘If you’re back in this league next year, I’m going to kill you myself.’” – Derek King, on Neil’s unbridled exuberance for dropping his gloves
GP G A PTS PIM 129 24 31 55 655 893 106 127 233 2,294 THROUGH 2014-15
HONOR ROLL 2000-01 IHL Regular Season Champion 1999-00 IHL Turner Cup Finalist
FUN FACT Neil’s 893 NHL games played are the most accumulated by any player after his days as a Griffin. He and his wife, Caitlin, are honorary co-chairs for Roger’s House, a pediatric care facility in Ottawa.
WHERE IS HE NOW? 18
Neil, currently in his 14th season with the Ottawa Senators, entered 2015-16 with 2,294 penalty minutes, tied for 34th among the NHL’s all-time penalty minutes leaders. The only other active player in the Top 100 is Zdeno Chara (#97, 1,638 PIM).
QUOTABLE
TODD NELSON
“The first season in Grand Rapids was just electric. Being part of bringing pro hockey back to the city was really special. We had sellout crowds almost every night – the fan support was just unbelievable. My time playing in Grand Rapids was nothing but fun.” – Todd Nelson
Defenseman 6-0, 200 lbs. Born 5/15/69 Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
“I knew him from his one year in Cleveland and he was a qood puck-moving defenseman, but the important thing to me was his character. When you think about building a team, you want to build it around good citizens and quality people and he was the very first guy that I thought of. For us, he was a good fit on the ice and an even better fit off the ice.” – Former Griffins GM Bob McNamara, on signing Nelson
Pittsburgh’s 4th choice, 79th overall, in 1989 NHL Entry Draft CAREER TOTALS GP GRIFFINS (1996-98; 236 99-00; 01-02) NHL (1991-92; 3 93-94)
G 11
A 56
PTS 67
PIM 123
1
0
1
2
HONOR ROLL 1999-00 IHL Turner Cup Finalist 1999-00 IHL Plus/Minus Player of the Year 1993-94 AHL Calder Cup Champion (Portland)
FUN FACT The first player signed by the Griffins for their inaugural season in 1996-97, Nelson is said to be able to do a mean impression of Quint, the seasoned shark hunter from the movie “Jaws.”
WHERE IS HE NOW? Nelson became the 10th head coach in Griffins history this summer after spending the previous five seasons in the AHL behind the bench with the Oklahoma City Barons. He finished last season as the interim head coach of the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers.
19
QUOTABLE
GUSTAV NYQUIST
“To become a Red Wing, you got to learn how to win. When you talk to guys who have played in the league 10-12 years and never been close to winning a championship, you realize how tough it is to win, so it was a great experience for us young guys. There were lots of great times. I’ll never forget the year that we won the Cup. It’s something I’ll remember forever.” – Gustav Nyquist, on the Griffins’ 2012-13 Calder Cup season
Left Wing 5-11, 185 lbs. Born 9/1/89 Halmstad, Sweden
Detroit’s 3rd choice, 121st overall, in 2008 NHL Entry Draft CAREER TOTALS GRIFFINS (2010-14) NHL (2011-15)
GP 137 179
G 53 59
A PTS 90 143 56 115
PIM 60 44
“When Nyquist was sent back to Grand Rapids (to start the 2013-14 season), he handled it with great class. He was a great example for the rest of our team about how to be selfless and show great character. As a result, he really earned the respect of his teammates.” – Former Griffins head coach Jeff Blashill
THROUGH 2014-15
HONOR ROLL 2014 Olympic Silver Medalist 2012-13 Detroit Red Wings Rookie of the Year 2012-13 AHL Calder Cup Champion 2012-13 AHL First Team All-Star 2013 AHL All-Star Game 2011-12 AHL All-Rookie Team 2012 AHL All-Star Game
FUN FACT Nyquist’s overtime game-winning goal against the Ottawa Senators, in which he circled the zone three times for 28 seconds, was named TSN’s Play of the Year for 2014-15. He finished second in voting behind teammate Tomas Tatar a year earlier.
WHERE IS HE NOW? 20
The Red Wings signed Nyquist to a four-year, $19 million contract this summer, citing his homegrown talent as a building block to cement Detroit’s future.
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QUOTABLE
FRANCIS PARE
“You want to be remembered as a hockey player, but more importantly as a good human being. After staying with the same team for five years, hopefully I did something good. The city will always be in my heart.” – Francis Pare, on what Grand Rapids means to him
Right Wing 5-10, 191 lbs. Born 6/30/87 Lemoyne, Quebec
CAREER TOTALS GRIFFINS (2008-13)
GP G A PTS 363 102 135 237
“Frankie was one of the most passionate players I’ve ever played with. Everybody loved him. During our playoff run, he had that fire of emotion, but he was focused.” – Jeff Hoggan
PIM 138
THROUGH 2014-15
HONOR ROLL 2012-13 AHL Calder Cup Champion 2011-12 Griffins Man of the Year
FUN FACT After winning the Calder Cup with the Griffins, Pare lifted the Gagarin Cup as a member of the 2014 KHL champion Metallurg Magnitogorsk.
WHERE IS HE NOW? Pare, who ranks among the Griffins’ top-three all time in games played, goals, assists and points, is enjoying his third KHL season in Russia. He now plays for Chelyabinsk Traktor. 22
QUOTABLE
MICHEL PICARD
“When I get done playing hockey, I want to be able to say that I did my best for the team. I want people to say that when Picard was on our team, he did everything he could. He played well for us.” – Michel Picard, about his approach to the game, in 1999
Left Wing 5-11, 190 lbs. Born 11/7/69 Beauport, Quebec
“I used to marvel at Pic in practice. He was an absolute, 100% natural goal scorer. He would score and score and score. He could score goals, period. He was so fun to watch. He was my roommate for a long time. He didn’t say much, but when he did, it was really, really funny or really, really important.” – Former Griffins captain Travis Richards
Hartford’s 8th choice, 178th overall, in 1989 NHL Entry Draft CAREER TOTALS GP G A PTS GRIFFINS (1996-00; 364 158 222 380 02-04) NHL (1990-93; 166 28 42 70 94-96; 97-01)
PIM 221 103
HONOR ROLL 2002-03 AHL Second Team All-Star 1999-00 IHL Turner Cup Finalist 1998 IHL All-Star Game 1996-97 IHL First Team All-Star 1997 IHL All-Star Game (Starter) 1996 AHL All-Star Game (Prince Edward Island) 1995 AHL All-Star Game (Prince Edward Island) 1993-94 AHL Calder Cup Champion (Portland) 1990-91 AHL Calder Cup Champion (Springfield) Griffins career leader in goals (158), assists (222), points (380), power play goals (40), game-winning goals (26), first goals (39), unassisted goals (10, tied) and shots (1,057) Griffins single-season recordholder for games played (82 in 1996-97, tied), points (101 in 199697) and game-winning goals (12 in 1996-97)
FUN FACT Picard played hockey for five more seasons after his final year in Grand Rapids (2003-04), playing in a professional league in Quebec until he was nearly 40.
WHERE IS HE NOW? Picard is an amateur scout for the St. Louis Blues. 23
QUOTABLE
TEEMU PULKKINEN
“I lived at home when I played for Jokerit (Helsinki), so it was my first time away from Finland. It was exciting. Grand Rapids was great for me because I was learning how to play North American hockey on the smaller ice surface.” – Teemu Pulkkinen, on making the transition to the AHL
Right Wing 5-10, 185 lbs. Born 1/2/92 Vantaa, Finland
“Teemu loves to score but he also loves to win. Goal scorers can sometimes be selfish and care more about their personal success, but Teemu is the opposite. Certainly he wants to be a factor in hockey games, but ultimately he wants to win.” – Former Griffins head coach Jeff Blashill, on Pulkkinen’s love of the game
Detroit’s 4th choice, 111th overall, in 2010 NHL Entry Draft CAREER TOTALS GRIFFINS (2012-15) NHL (2013-15)
GP 119 34
G 65 5
A 56 3
PTS 121 8
PIM 66 12
THROUGH 2014-15
HONOR ROLL 2014-15 AHL Top Goal Scorer 2014-15 AHL First Team All-Star 2015 AHL All-Star Game (Starter) 2013-14 AHL All-Rookie Team 2012-13 AHL Calder Cup Champion Griffins career playoff leader in goals (22) and power play goals (9)
FUN FACT Pulkkinen adopted Toto’s “Africa” as his theme song. “Everybody always asks, but there is no story,” he says. “It’s a good song, and I think it’s worked well for me.”
WHERE IS HE NOW? 24
Pulkkinen, who last year became the first player since 2009-10 to lead the AHL in goals during both the regular season and playoffs, is expected to establish himself as a full-time Red Wing during the 2015-16 campaign.
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101
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QUOTABLE
TRAVIS RICHARDS
“I tried to do things the right way – work hard, be professional. When I got to be age 27 or 28, I became the old veteran guy who (former Griffins general manager) Bob McNamara wanted around to help the younger players. And then, I was that guy for a long time. I never entertained the idea about going any place else because Grand Rapids is the best city in minor league hockey.” – Travis Richards, on playing 655 games in a Griffins jersey
Defenseman 6-1, 195 lbs. Born 3/22/70 Crystal, Minn.
Minnesota North Stars’ 6th choice, 169th overall, in 1988 NHL Entry Draft PTS
PIM
GRIFFINS (1996-06) 655
CAREER TOTALS
GP
56 182 238
502
NHL (1994-96)
0
3
G
A 0
0
“There’s only one jersey hanging in the rafters (of Van Andel Arena) and that speaks volumes for his play. The reason he had such a long tenure here was not only was he a consistent, steady hockey player but he was also a leader and a glue-guy in the room. Richie had great character – a lot of players looked up to him – and that’s why he stuck here as long as he did.” – Griffins head coach Todd Nelson, on Richards’ longevity
2
HONOR ROLL Only Griffin to have his jersey number (24) retired Captain: 2001-04 2005-06 AHL Regular Season Champion 2003-04 Griffins Man of the Year 2004 AHL All-Star Game (Captain) 2000-01 IHL Regular Season Champion 2000-01 IHL Second Team All-Star 2001 IHL All-Star Game (Selected, DNP) 1999-00 IHL Turner Cup Finalist 1994 Olympian Griffins career leader in games played (655) and plus-minus rating (+131) Griffins career playoff leader in games played (59) Griffins single-season recordholder for games played (82 in 1998-99, tied) and shootout attempts (16 in 1997-98)
FUN FACT His brother, Todd Richards, is the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
WHERE IS HE NOW? Richards manages and is co-owner of Southside Ice Arena in Byron Center, Mich. 26
QUOTABLE
TOMAS TATAR
“At 18, I was the youngest player in the league and life in the U.S. was something new for me. Looking back, Grand Rapids was the best for me. Over the years, I met a lot of great people there. It felt like home. Even now, I miss the city.” – Tomas Tatar, on joining the Griffins in 2009-10 as a teenager from Slovakia
Left Wing 5-10, 186 lbs. Born 12/1/90 Ilava, Slovakia
“Tomas is a special person. He enjoys being a professional hockey player and he has a great energy level about him. For a guy who’s a little undersized, he has a real toughness. He’s highly competitive and he wants the puck on his stick. His skill set is elite and I’ve enjoyed watching him bring his game to a high level on a consistent basis.” – Former Griffins head coach Jeff Blashill
Detroit’s 2nd choice, 60th overall, in 2009 NHL Entry Draft CAREER TOTALS GP GRIFFINS (2009-13) 265 NHL (2010-11; 12-15) 182
G A PTS 87 109 196 53 50 103
PIM 152 62
THROUGH 2014-15
HONOR ROLL 2014 Olympian 2012-13 AHL Calder Cup Champion 2012-13 AHL Playoff MVP Griffins single-playoff recordholder for goals (16 in 2013), power play goals (7 in 2013), first goals (3 in 2013) and shots (78 in 2013)
FUN FACT Not yet the Giorgio Armani of hockey, he launched his own Tomas Tatar Signature Series, a collection of custom-designed hockey fashion items and accessories.
WHERE IS HE NOW? Now in his third full season in Hockeytown, Tatar – who became the first Detroit draft pick to begin the season with the Griffins in the same year he was drafted – hopes to increase the team-leading 29 goals he scored during the Red Wings’ 2014-15 campaign.
27
GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS ALL-TIME ROSTER PLAYER............................POSITION.................SEASONS Abdelkader, Justin.............................. C........................................ 2008-10 Adams, Bryan......................................LW...................................... 2002-03 Adams, John.........................................D....................................... 2005-06 Adams, Kevyn....................................... C........................................ 1996-97 Afanasenkov, Dmitry.......................LW...................................... 2001-02 Alban, Chad...........................................G...........................2000-01;02-03 Aldridge, Keith.....................................D....................................... 2000-01 Allison, Scott........................................LW...................................... 1996-97 Almquist, Adam*................................D....................................... 2011-14 Amadio, Greg.......................................D..........................2004-06;10-12 Andersson, Joakim*.......................... C...........................2008-09;10-13 Angel, Brett............................................D....................................... 2005-06 Armstrong, Bill....................................LW...................................... 1996-97 Armstrong, Riley............................... RW...................................... 2009-10 Ashe, Tom...............................................D....................................... 1997-99 Athanasiou, Andreas......................... C........................................ 2013-15 Atherton, P.J..........................................D....................................... 2008-09 Aubry, Louis-Marc*............................ C........................................ 2011-15 Avery, Sean............................................ C........................................ 2002-03 Axelsson, Dick.....................................LW...................................... 2009-10 Ayers, Mike.............................................G........................................ 2004-05 Backman, Mattias...............................D....................................... 2013-15 Bala, Chris..............................................LW...................................... 2001-02 Ballantyne, Paul...................................D....................................... 2002-05 Barnes, Ryan.........................................LW...................................... 2002-05 Barnes, Tyler...........................................F........................................ 2014-15 Barney, Scott....................................... RW...................................... 2006-07 Baseggio, Dave....................................D....................................... 1999-00 Batyrshin, Ruslan................................D....................................... 1997-98 Baxter, Jim..............................................D....................................... 2003-04 Bayrack, Mike.......................................LW...................................... 2001-02 Beaubien, Frederick...........................G........................................ 1999-00 Beckett, Jason......................................D....................................... 2006-07 Bednar, Jared........................................D....................................... 1998-99 Berens, Sean.......................................... C........................................ 2000-01 Berkhoel, Adam...................................G........................................ 2007-08 Berschbach, Shane.......................... RW...................................... 2014-15 Bertuzzi, Tyler......................................LW...................................... 2014-15 Bicanek, Radim....................................D....................................... 1998-99 Billins, Chad*.........................................D....................................... 2012-13 Bilotto, Nic..............................................D....................................... 2003-04
TOP 10
GRIFFINS BY COLLEGE
28
16
MICHIGAN STATE
13
MICHIGAN
9
NOTRE DAME
7
BOSTON COLLEGE
7
COLORADO COLLEGE
7
FERRIS STATE
7
MIAMI U.
7
MINNESOTA
7
NORTH DAKOTA
7
WISCONSIN
PLAYER............................POSITION.................SEASONS Bjork, Anders........................................ C........................................ 1998-99 Black, James........................................ RW...................................... 2001-02 Blanchard, Sean...................................D....................................... 2000-01 Blouin, Jean......................................... RW...................................... 1996-97 Boileau, Patrick....................................D....................................... 2002-03 Boisvert, Hugo..................................... C........................................ 2001-04 Boivin, Claude.....................................LW...................................... 1997-98 Bonello, Brad......................................... C........................................ 2005-06 Bonis, Kyle...............................................F........................................ 2014-15 Bonni, Ryan...........................................D....................................... 2003-04 Bootland, Darryl................................ RW...................................... 2002-07 Bouchard, Joel.....................................D....................................... 2000-01 Bouchard, Robin............................... RW...................................... 2004-05 Brimanis, Aris........................................D....................................... 1998-99 Brisson, David..................................... RW...................................... 2003-04 Brookbank, Sheldon.........................D....................................... 2001-03 Brookbank, Wade...............................D....................................... 2001-02 Brooks, Brendan................................ RW...................................... 2006-07 Brown, David........................................G........................................ 2010-11 Brule, Eric................................................D....................................... 2000-01 Brunnstrom, Fabian..........................LW...................................... 2011-12 Bruton, Chris........................................LW...................................... 2014-15 Buckberger, Ashley.......................... RW...................................... 1998-99 Bullock, Greg......................................... C........................................ 1997-98 Burke, Gerry..........................................D....................................... 2006-07 Butsayev, Slava..................................... C........................................ 1999-01 Callahan, Mitch*............................LW/RW................................. 2011-15 Cameron, Scott...................................LW...................................... 2005-06 Campbell, Colin................................. RW...................................... 2013-15 Campbell, Ed.........................................D....................................... 2002-03 Campbell, Jeff......................................LW...................................... 2006-07 Charleston, Dan....................................F........................................ 2008-09 Chaulk, Colin......................................... C........................................ 2001-02 Chelios, Chris........................................D....................................... 2008-09 Chouinard, Joel....................................D....................................... 2014-15 Chouinard, Mathieu..........................G........................................ 2000-02 Ciernik, Ivan..........................................LW...................................... 1999-02 Cipruss, Aigars...................................... C........................................ 1996-97 Clancy, Greg.......................................... C........................................ 1997-98 Clark, Neil..............................................LW...................................... 2007-08 Coetzee, Willie.................................... RW...................................... 2009-13 Colaiacovo, Carlo................................D....................................... 2012-13 Cole, Danton.....................................RW/C................................... 1996-00 Coles, Bruce..........................................LW...................................... 1998-99 Collins, Rob........................................C/RW................................... 2001-03 Conklin, Ty..............................................G........................................ 2011-12 Conner, Chris...................................... RW...................................... 2011-12 Corazzini, Carl..................................... RW...................................... 2007-08 Coreau, Jared........................................G........................................ 2013-15 Cornforth, Mark...................................D....................................... 1997-98 Corpse, Keli............................................ C........................................ 1996-97 Crosty, Paul..........................................D/F..................................... 2009-10 Crowley, Mike.......................................D....................................... 2000-01 Cullen, Mark.......................................... C........................................ 2007-08 Curtin, Luke..........................................LW...................................... 1998-99 Cyr, Ryan.................................................G........................................ 2006-07 Czarnowczan, Scott...........................D....................................... 2014-15 Daavettila, Trent.................................LW...................................... 2009-11 DaCosta, Jeff.........................................D....................................... 2000-01 Dahlman, Toni.................................... RW...................................... 2001-02 Daigle, Sylvain......................................G........................................ 2000-01 DeKeyser, Danny*...............................D....................................... 2012-13 Delmore, Andy.....................................D....................................... 2009-10 Demidov, Ilja.........................................D....................................... 2000-02 Demitra, Pavol.....................................LW...................................... 1996-97 DeSantis, Mark.....................................D....................................... 1998-99 DiCasmirro, Nate............................... RW...................................... 2005-06 Dobbin, Brian..................................... RW...................................... 1996-97 Doig, Jason............................................D....................................... 2001-02 Dolyny, Rustyn................................... RW...................................... 2002-03 Downey, Aaron.................................. RW...................................... 2008-09
DRAFTED GRIFFINS BY NHL TEAM
TOP 10 71
DETROIT
23
OTTAWA
13
PHILADELPHIA
10
EDMONTON
9
BUFFALO
9
HARTFORD
9
LOS ANGELES
9
ST. LOUIS
8
VANCOUVER
7
PITTSBURGH
PLAYER............................POSITION.................SEASONS Drevitch, Scott.....................................D....................................... 1997-98 Eaton, Mark...........................................D....................................... 2004-05 Eaves, Patrick...................................... RW...................................... 2013-14 Edwardson, Derek.............................. C........................................ 2004-05 Ehrhardt, Travis....................................D....................................... 2009-12 Eldred, Matt...........................................D....................................... 2002-03 Elick, Mickey..........................................D....................................... 1998-99 Ellis, Matt................................................LW...................................... 2003-07 Emmerton, Cory.............................. C/LW.......................2006-11;13-14 Emmons, John..................................... C........................................ 1999-01 Engelhardt, Brett............................... RW...................................... 2007-08 Ericsson, Jonathan.............................D....................................... 2006-09 Estoclet, Adam....................................LW...................................... 2011-12 Evans, Brennan*..................................D....................................... 2012-15 Exelby, Garnet......................................D....................................... 2011-12 Fair, Quinn..............................................D....................................... 1996-97 Feasby, Scott.........................................D....................................... 1997-98 Ference, Brad........................................D....................................... 2007-08 Ferraro, Landon*.............................RW/C......................2009-10;11-15 Fiebelkorn, Jed................................... RW...................................... 1998-99 Filppula, Ilari.......................................... C........................................ 2010-11 Filppula, Valtteri................................... C........................................ 2005-07 Fojtik, Josef...........................................LW...................................... 2007-08 Fountain, Mike.....................................G........................................ 1999-01 Fournier, Gleason*..............................D....................................... 2011-14 Frappier, Shawn...................................D....................................... 1996-97 Frederick, Joe...................................... RW...................................... 1998-99 Frk, Martin............................................ RW...................................... 2013-15 Gagnon, Aaron.................................... C........................................ 2008-09 Gagnon, Sean.......................................D....................................... 2000-01 Galvin, Tom............................................D....................................... 2006-10 Gelech, Randall.................................. RW...................................... 2007-09 Gervais, Victor....................................... C........................................ 1996-97 Giroux, Alexandre............................... C........................................ 2001-02 Glendening, Luke*............................. C........................................ 2012-14 Goldmann, Erich.................................D....................................... 1999-00 Gordon, Ian............................................G........................................ 1996-99 Gorovikov, Konstantin...................... C........................................ 1999-01 Goulet, Stephane.............................. RW...................................... 2006-07
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GRIFFINS BY BIRTH COUNTRY 448 Players
Canada..................................257 (57.4%) United States........................117 (26.1%) Sweden..................................... 19 (4.2%) **Czech Republic..................... 11 (2.5%) *Russia...................................... 11 (2.5%) **Slovakia................................ 11 (2.5%) Finland........................................ 7 (1.6%) *Belarus...................................... 2 (0.4%) Germany..................................... 2 (0.4%) Norway....................................... 2 (0.4%) *Ukraine..................................... 2 (0.4%) France......................................... 1 (0.2%) *Kazakhstan............................... 1 (0.2%) *Latvia........................................ 1 (0.2%) Poland......................................... 1 (0.2%) ***Slovenia................................. 1 (0.2%) South Africa............................... 1 (0.2%) Switzerland................................ 1 (0.2%) * Includes those born prior to the dissolution of the Soviet Union (Russia – 10, Belarus – 2, Ukraine – 2, Kazakhstan – 1, Latvia – 1) ** Includes those born prior to the dissolution of Czechoslovakia (Slovakia – 10, Czech Republic – 9) ***Born prior to the dissolution of Yugoslavia
TORONTO, ONT.
15
CALGARY, ALTA.
10
MONTREAL, QUE.
7
DETROIT, MICH.
5
1996
6
1995
REGINA, SASK.
1994
6
1993
6
1992
BRAMPTON, ONT. EDMONTON, ALTA.
1991
1990
GRIFFINS TOP BIRTHPLACES
1989
1988
1987
1986
1985
1984
1983
1982
1981
1980
1979
1978
1977
1976
PLAYER............................POSITION.................SEASONS Kochan, Dieter.....................................G........................................ 1999-00 Kolanos, Krys......................................... C........................................ 2006-07 Kolosov, Sergei....................................D....................................... 2008-11 Koopmans, Logan..............................G........................................ 2005-06 Kopecky, Tomas.............................LW/RW................................. 2002-06 Kordic, Dan............................................D....................................... 1998-99 Kroll, Johann.........................................D....................................... 2009-10 Kronwall, Niklas...................................D....................................... 2003-06 Kruppke, Gord......................................D....................................... 1998-99 Kuparinen, Mikko...............................D....................................... 1998-99 Kwiatkowski, Joel................................D....................................... 2000-02 Lacher, Blaine........................................G........................................ 1996-97 LaFleur, Brian........................................D....................................... 1998-99 Lajeunesse, Simon.............................G........................................ 2001-02 Lalime, Patrick......................................G........................................ 1997-98 Lambert, Judd......................................G........................................ 2000-01 Lamothe, Marc.....................................G........................................ 2002-04 Lampl, Cody..........................................D....................................... 2012-13 Landry, Jon............................................D....................................... 2010-11 Langfeld, Josh.................................... RW.........................2001-02;06-07 Larkin, Dylan......................................... C........................................ 2014-15 Larsson, Daniel.....................................G........................................ 2008-10 Lashoff, Brian*......................................D..........................2008-13;14-15 Lavigne, Eric..........................................D....................................... 1997-98 Lebda, Brett...........................................D....................................... 2003-06 Legace, Manny.....................................G........................................ 2005-06 Legault, Jay.......................................... RW...................................... 2004-05 Leino, Ville.............................................LW...................................... 2008-09 Lemieux, Francis............................LW/RW................................. 2007-10 Lepine, Jason........................................D....................................... 2010-11 Leroux, Francois.................................LW...................................... 1998-99 Lilja, Andreas.........................................D....................................... 2009-10 Lindberg, Chris....................................LW...................................... 1997-98 Linden, Jamie..................................... RW...................................... 1996-98 Little, Neil................................................G........................................ 1998-99 Liv, Stefan...............................................G........................................ 2006-07 Lojkin, Alexei........................................LW...................................... 1998-99 Luciuk, Andrew.................................... C........................................ 2002-03 Lundbohm, Bryan.............................. C........................................ 2004-05 MacDonald, Joey................................G...........................2002-07;10-12 MacIntyre, Drew..................................G........................................ 2004-06 MacLean, Cail...................................... RW...................................... 2000-01 MacLean, Donald............................ LW/C.......................1998-99;05-06 Manlow, Eric.......................................... C........................................ 2004-06 Manning, Blair...................................... C........................................ 1996-98 Mantha, Anthony..............................LW...................................... 2014-15 Marchenko, Alexey............................D....................................... 2013-15 Martens, Nick........................................D....................................... 2005-06 Martins, Steve....................................... C........................................ 2001-02 Mason, Wes..........................................LW...................................... 2001-02 Matzka, Scott........................................ C........................................ 2001-02 Maurice, Mike....................................... C...........................1996-97;99-01 May, Brad...............................................LW...................................... 2009-10 Mazzoli, Pat............................................G........................................ 1996-97 McBain, Jason.......................................D....................................... 1999-00 McCann, Sean......................................D....................................... 1996-97 McCarthy, Jeremiah...........................D....................................... 2002-03 McCarty, Darren................................ RW...................................... 2007-09 McCollum, Tom*.................................G........................................ 2009-15 McDonell, Kent.................................. RW...................................... 2005-06 McGrath, Evan...................................... C........................................ 2006-10 McIntyre, David................................... C........................................ 2013-14 McSorley, Marty..................................D....................................... 2000-01 McSween, Don.....................................D....................................... 1996-98 Meech, Derek.......................................D..........................2004-08;10-11
1975
1974
1973
1972
1971
1970
1969
1968
1967
1966
1965
1964
1963
1962
1961
PLAYER............................POSITION.................SEASONS Gove, David........................................... C........................................ 2001-02 Grant, Triston*.....................................LW...................................... 2012-14 Greenough, Nick............................... RW...................................... 2002-03 Greig, Mark.......................................... RW...................................... 1997-98 Grigorenko, Igor................................ RW...................................... 2007-08 Grimes, Kevin........................................D....................................... 1999-01 Groulx, Danny......................................D....................................... 2002-05 Gruden, John........................................D....................................... 1999-02 Gustavsson, Jonas..............................G...........................2012-13;14-15 Hachborn, Len..................................... C........................................ 1996-97 Hackert, Michael................................LW...................................... 2005-06 Hall, Mike................................................ C........................................ 2000-01 Hankinson, Ben................................. RW...................................... 1996-97 Harrold, Josh.........................................D....................................... 2000-01 Hartigan, Mark..................................... C........................................ 2007-08 Hartlieb, Ernie......................................LW...................................... 2004-05 Hay, Darrell............................................D....................................... 2007-08 Haydar, Darren................................... RW...................................... 2008-09 Hedden, Mike......................................LW...................................... 2010-11 Helm, Darren........................................ C...........................2007-09;13-14 Helmer, Bryan.......................................D....................................... 2004-06 Henkel, Jim............................................ C........................................ 2003-04 Himelfarb, Eric...................................... C........................................ 2003-07 Hirschfeld, Alden................................ C........................................ 2013-15 Hlushko, Todd.....................................LW...................................... 1998-99 Hnidy, Shane.........................................D..........................1997-98;00-01 Hocking, Justin....................................D....................................... 2000-01 Hoggan, Jeff*.......................................LW...................................... 2012-15 Howard, Jimmy....................................G........................................ 2005-09 Hudler, Jiri...............................................F........................................ 2003-06 Huffman, Kerry....................................D....................................... 1997-99 Hull, Jody.............................................. RW...................................... 2001-02 Hurd, Kelly............................................ RW...................................... 1996-97 Hurme, Jani...........................................G........................................ 1999-00 Hussey, Marc.........................................D....................................... 1998-99 Hussey, Matt........................................LW...................................... 2006-07 Hutchins, Jeff.......................................LW...................................... 2004-05 Hymovitz, David.................................LW...................................... 2001-02 Insana, Jon.............................................D....................................... 2004-08 Jackson, Jim..........................................D....................................... 2006-07 Jackson, Todd..................................... RW...................................... 2004-06 Janik, Doug............................................D....................................... 2009-12 Janmark, Mattias................................. C........................................ 2013-14 Jarnkrok, Calle...................................... C........................................ 2012-14 Jasecko, Stanislav...............................D....................................... 1996-97 Jensen, Nick..........................................D....................................... 2013-15 Johansson, Jonas.............................. RW...................................... 2006-07 Johnson, Cory.....................................LW...................................... 1996-98 Johnson, Jamie.................................... C........................................ 2010-12 Jorde, Ryan............................................D....................................... 2005-06 Joseph, Curtis.......................................G........................................ 2003-04 Jozsa, Jason...........................................D....................................... 2007-09 Jurco, Tomas*.................................LW/RW................................. 2012-14 Kaminsky, Yan......................................LW...................................... 1998-99 Karlander, Kory................................ LW/C..........1998-00;03-05;07-08 Keefe, Adam........................................ RW.........................2006-08;10-11 Keller, Ryan.......................................... RW...................................... 2005-07 Kelly, Brent............................................. C........................................ 2004-05 Kelly, Chris.............................................. C........................................ 2001-02 Kenny, Shane........................................D....................................... 1999-00 Kindl, Jakub...........................................D..........................2005-11;14-15 King, Derek...........................................LW.........................1999-01;02-04 Kinley, Cleve..........................................D....................................... 2006-08 Knox, Ryan.............................................D....................................... 2001-03 Knuble, Mike....................................... RW...................................... 2012-13
GRIFFINS BY BIRTH YEAR
1 1 2 2 2 3 6 5 14 14 11 27 13 30 28 22 22 22 23 19 23 14 16 31 10 13 12 7 13 11 13 7 6 2 2 1
BY BIRTH MONTH JANUARY 51 (11.4%) FEBRUARY 51 (11.4%) MARCH 53 (11.8%) APRIL 50 (11.2%) MAY 40 (8.9%) JUNE 33 (7.4%) JULY 30 (6.7%) AUGUST 23 (5.1%) SEPTEMBER 34 (7.6%) OCTOBER 30 (6.7%) NOVEMBER 30 (6.7%) DECEMBER 23 (5.1%)
CADILLAC CHARLEVOIX CHICAGO GRAND RAPIDS MARQUETTE NEGAUNEE TRAVERSE CITY
Congratulations Griffins on 20 remarkable years.
Ambitious goals make for remarkable achievements.
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THE AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE WESTERN CONFERENCE CENTRAL DIVISION
EASTERN CONFERENCE
PACIFIC DIVISION
ATLANTIC DIVISION
NORTH DIVISION
Grand Rapids Griffins (DET)
Charlotte Checkers (CAR)
Bakersfield Condors (EDM)
Ontario Reign (LA)
Bridgeport Sound Tigers (NYI)
Hartford Wolf Pack (NYR)
Albany Devils (NJ)
Binghamton Senators (OTT)
Chicago Wolves (STL)
Iowa Wild (MIN)
San Antonio Rampage (COL)
San Diego Gulls (ANA)
Hershey Bears (WSH)
Lehigh Valley Phantoms (PHI)
Rochester Americans (BUF)
St. John’s IceCaps (MTL)
Lake Erie Monsters (CBJ)
Manitoba Moose (WPG)
San Jose Barracuda (SJ)
Stockton Heat (CGY)
Portland Pirates (FLA)
Providence Bruins (BOS)
Syracuse Crunch (TB)
Toronto Marlies (TOR)
Milwaukee Admirals (NSH)
Rockford IceHogs (CHI)
Springfield Falcons (AZ)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (PIT)
Texas Stars (DAL)
Utica Comets (VAN)
PLAYER............................POSITION.................SEASONS Metcalfe, Jason....................................D....................................... 1999-00 Metropolit, Glen.................................. C........................................ 1997-99 Miele, Andy............................................ C........................................ 2014-15 Millar, Craig............................................D....................................... 2000-01 Miller, Kelly............................................LW...................................... 1999-00 Miller, Kevin.......................................C/RW......................1999-00;03-04 Miller, Kip................................................ C..............2000-02;04-05;06-07 Minard, Chris........................................LW...................................... 2010-12 Mitera, Mark..........................................D....................................... 2012-13 Moss, Tyler..............................................G........................................ 1996-97 Mowers, Mark...................................C/RW................................... 2002-04 Moyer, Russ............................................D....................................... 2007-08 Mrazek, Petr*........................................G........................................ 2012-15 Mueller, Chris.........................................F........................................ 2007-08 Muller, Mike...........................................D....................................... 1996-97 Murphy, Joe......................................... RW...................................... 2001-02 Mursak, Jan*....................................RW/LW....................2006-07;08-13 Myrvold, Anders..................................D....................................... 2003-04 Nagle, Pat...............................................G........................................ 2014-15 Nastasiuk, Zach.................................. RW...................................... 2013-15 Naumenko, Nick..................................D....................................... 2006-07 Nedomansky, Vashi......................... RW...................................... 1997-99 Nedomlel, Richard.............................D....................................... 2013-14 Neil, Chris.............................................. RW...................................... 1999-01 Nelson, Jeff............................................ C..............1996-97;03-04;05-06 Nelson, Todd.........................................D.............1996-98;99-00;01-02 Nestrasil, Andrej*............................C/RW................................... 2011-14 Newbury, Kris....................................... C........................................ 2009-10 Nicastro, Max........................................D....................................... 2012-13 Nightingale, Jared..............................D....................................... 2014-15 Nolan, Tom............................................. C........................................ 1998-99 Norris, Warren....................................... C........................................ 1998-00 Norton, Brad.........................................D....................................... 2006-07 Nosek, Tomas........................................ C........................................ 2014-15 Novak, Travis..........................................F........................................ 2013-14 Novotney, Landon............................LW...................................... 2007-08 Nylander, Michael............................... C........................................ 2009-10 Nyquist, Gustav*...........................RW/LW................................. 2010-14 O’Leary, Mark.......................................LW...................................... 2007-08 Oliver, David........................................ RW...................................... 2000-01 Osgood, Chris.......................................G........................................ 2005-06 Oslund, Nick........................................ RW...................................... 2011-12 Ouellet, Xavier......................................D....................................... 2013-15 Oulahen, Ryan.....................................LW...................................... 2005-09 Owens, Jordan....................................LW...................................... 2009-11 Paetsch, Nathan*................................D....................................... 2012-15 Panzer, Jeff............................................. C........................................ 2004-05 Pare, Francis*...................................... RW...................................... 2008-13 Parillo, Nick.............................................F...........................2002-03;04-05 Parkes, Trevor..................................RW/LW................................. 2011-14 Parse, Scott.............................................F........................................ 2006-07 Patterson, Ed....................................... RW.........................1997-98;99-01 Pavlikovsky, Rastislav.......................LW...................................... 1999-01 Pearce, Jordan*....................................G........................................ 2008-13 Peterson, Brent...................................LW...................................... 1998-99 Peterson, Brett.....................................D....................................... 2008-09 Petrovicky, Robert.............................. C........................................ 1998-00 Picard, Michel......................................LW.........................1996-00;02-04 Piche, Sebastien..................................D....................................... 2009-12 Pinfold, Dennis.....................................D....................................... 1999-00 Plante, Philippe....................................D..........................1999-03;06-07 Porter, Kevin.......................................... C........................................ 2014-15 Prusek, Martin......................................G........................................ 2001-02 Pulkkinen, Teemu*........................... RW...................................... 2012-15 Pyett, Logan..........................................D....................................... 2008-12 Quincey, Kyle........................................D....................................... 2005-08 Quine, Alan............................................ C........................................ 2011-12 Rachunek, Karel...................................D....................................... 1999-00 Radunske, Brock.................................LW...................................... 2006-07 Raedeke, Brent..................................... C...........................2008-09;10-13 Ramsay, Bruce.....................................LW...................................... 1996-99 Rankin, Evan........................................ RW...................................... 2010-11 Reddick, Pokey.....................................G........................................ 1996-98 Redenbach, Tyler................................ C........................................ 2007-08 Reid, Shawn...........................................D....................................... 1997-98 Remackel, Chad..................................LW...................................... 1996-97 Rennette, Tyler..................................... C........................................ 2003-04 Richards, Travis.....................................D....................................... 1996-06 Richardson, Bryan.............................. C........................................ 2001-02 Rissmiller, Patrick................................. C........................................ 2009-10 Ritola, Mattias......................................LW...................................... 2007-10 Rivers, Jamie..........................................D..........................2000-01;03-04 Roberts, Dave......................................LW...................................... 2000-01 Robinson, Nathan.......................... LW/C.................................... 2002-05 Robinson, Todd.................................... C........................................ 2004-05
32
PLAYER............................POSITION.................SEASONS Roest, Stacy........................................... C........................................ 2002-03 Rogers, Kyle......................................... RW...................................... 2010-11 Rohlfs, David....................................... RW...................................... 2009-10 Royer, Gaetan..................................... RW...................................... 1998-99 Ruchty, Matt.........................................LW...................................... 1996-99 Rudkowsky, Cody...............................G........................................ 2007-08 Rufenach, Bryan..................................D....................................... 2011-12 Ruid, J.C..................................................LW...................................... 2001-02 Rumble, Darren...................................D....................................... 1998-00 Rybovic, Lubomir...............................LW...................................... 1996-97 Ryno, Johan..........................................LW...................................... 2007-08 Samuelsson, Mikael......................... RW...................................... 2013-14 Sarault, Yves.........................................LW...................................... 1999-00 Sasseville, Francois............................. C........................................ 1998-99 Schastlivy, Petr....................................LW...................................... 1999-02 Schneekloth, Aaron...........................D....................................... 2002-04 Shafranov, Konstantin.................... RW...................................... 1999-00 Shannon, Darrin.................................LW...................................... 1998-99 Sheahan, Riley*.................................... C........................................ 2011-14 Shevalier, Jeff.......................................LW...................................... 1999-00 Shockey, Jonathan.............................D....................................... 2001-02 Simon, Ben............................................LW...................................... 2006-07 Simon, Darcy........................................D....................................... 1996-98 Skarperud, Tim................................... RW...................................... 2001-04 Skinner, Brett*......................................D....................................... 2012-13 Sloan, Blake......................................... RW...................................... 2003-05 Smith, Adam.........................................D....................................... 1998-99 Smith, Brendan....................................D....................................... 2010-13 Smith, Dan.............................................D....................................... 2006-07 Smith, Darin.........................................LW...................................... 1996-97 Solari, Kelvin.........................................LW...................................... 1996-97 Spady, Erik..............................................D....................................... 2012-13 Spezza, Jason........................................ C........................................ 2001-02 Spiridonov, Maxim........................... RW...................................... 1997-99 Sproul, Ryan..........................................D....................................... 2012-15 Sryubko, Andrei...................................D....................................... 1999-00 Stafford, Garrett...................................D....................................... 2007-09 Stewart, Bobby.................................... C........................................ 2000-01 Stokes, Ryan..........................................D....................................... 2009-10 Straub, Brandon................................ RW...................................... 2010-11 Sullivan, Brian..................................... RW...................................... 1997-98 Syvret, Danny.......................................D....................................... 2006-07 Szysky, Chris........................................ RW...................................... 1998-02 Tallaire, Sean....................................... RW...................................... 1997-99 Tardif, Jamie........................................ RW...................................... 2006-11 Tatar, Tomas*........................................LW...................................... 2009-13 Thomas, Mike......................................LW...................................... 2011-12 Tollefsen, Ole-Kristian.......................D....................................... 2009-10 Tootoo, Jordin.................................... RW...................................... 2013-14 Torquato, Zack..................................... C........................................ 2007-09 Traverse, Patrick...................................D....................................... 1996-97 Trboyevich, Dean................................D....................................... 1996-98 Tremblay, J.F..........................................D....................................... 2000-01 Tucker, Travis.........................................D....................................... 1997-99 Turple, Dan............................................G........................................ 2007-08 Tvrdon, Marek.....................................LW...................................... 2013-15 Ulmer, Jeff............................................ RW...................................... 2001-02 Van Drunen, Dave..............................D....................................... 1999-04 Vandermeer, Peter............................LW...................................... 2004-05 Vasilevski, Alex................................... RW...................................... 1996-97 Vasilyev, Andrei...................................LW...................................... 1998-99 Vauclair, Julien......................................D....................................... 2001-02 Vicari, Dominic.....................................G........................................ 2006-07 Vigilante, John.......................................F........................................ 2009-10 Vilneff, Mark..........................................D....................................... 1997-98 Virtue, Terry...........................................D....................................... 2005-06 Voce, Tony.............................................LW...................................... 2006-07 Wallace, Buddy.................................... C........................................ 1999-00 Walsh, Mike.....................................LW/RW................................. 2006-10 Watt, Mike.............................................LW...................................... 2006-07 Weaver, Jason......................................LW...................................... 1997-99 Weiss, Stephen..................................... C........................................ 2014-15 White, Todd........................................... C........................................ 2000-01 Whitecotton, Dustin.......................... C........................................ 2001-03 Williams, Jason..................................... C........................................ 2002-03 Williams, Jeremy............................... RW...................................... 2009-10 Wilson, Clay...........................................D....................................... 2005-06 Wilson, Landon...................................LW...................................... 2008-09 Wong, Brandon....................................F........................................ 2009-10 Wood, Derek......................................... C........................................ 2000-01 Yule, Steve..............................................D....................................... 1996-97 Zengerle, Mark................................... RW...................................... 2014-15 * 2013 Calder Cup Champion Through 2014-15 Season
AMERICAN-BORN GRIFFINS BY STATE 117 PLAYERS Michigan
33 (28.2%)
Minnesota
21 (17.9%)
Massachusetts
16 (13.7%)
New York
10 (8.5%)
Illinois
9 (7.7%)
California
5 (4.3%)
Ohio
4 (3.4%)
Alaska
2 (1.7%)
Connecticut
2 (1.7%)
North Dakota
2 (1.7%)
Pennsylvania
2 (1.7%)
Wisconsin
2 (1.7%)
Colorado
1 (0.9%)
Delaware
1 (0.9%)
District of Columbia
1 (0.9%)
Georgia
1 (0.9%)
Idaho
1 (0.9%)
Missouri
1 (0.9%)
New Jersey
1 (0.9%)
Texas
1 (0.9%)
Virginia
1 (0.9%)
CANADIAN-BORN GRIFFINS BY PROVINCE 257 PLAYERS Ontario
118 (45.9%)
Quebec
38 (14.8%)
Alberta
32 (12.5%)
British Columbia
23 (8.9%)
Saskatchewan
23 (8.9%)
Manitoba
11 (4.3%)
Nova Scotia
7 (2.7%)
New Brunswick
3 (1.2%)
Newfoundland
1 (0.4%)
Prince Edward Island
1 (0.4%)
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