2017-18 SEASON ISSUE NO. 4
QUIET LEADER
BRIAN LASHOFF
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
T
Vol. 22, No. 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS STARTING LINEUP 26 MR. DEPENDABLE Brian Lashoff has been a reliable fixture on the Griffins’ blue line season after season.
26
34 ALL-TIME WINNER Tom McCollum has kept a positive attitude through ups and downs on the way to becoming the franchise’s career leader in victories. 42 A FIGHTING CHANCE Tenacity and a willingness to embrace a tough-nosed style of play are helping Dominik Shine to establish himself as an AHL rookie in pursuit of NHL dreams. 52 SPRINGBOARD TO SUCCESS Becoming an AHL playoff MVP often leads to a roster spot in the NHL.
34 ON THE BENCH 2.........Chalk Talk 4.........Scouting Report 9.........Griffins chedule 12......AHL Tradition 15......AHL Team Directory 19......Detroit Red Wings 21......Promotional Calendar 23......Jake Engel Tribute 24......A Foundation for the Future
40......Meet the Griffi 50......InfoGRIFFics 56......Griffins eason Ticket Members 63......Griffins ecords 68......Griffins ll-Stars 73......Penalty Calls 74......Arena Map/Ticket Info 76......It All Starts Here 79......Calder City Comics 80......Parting Shot
COVER:
42
As a two-time Cup winner, Brian Lashoff has earned the respect of his teammates. Photo by Mark Newman
Griffiti magazine is published four times a year by the Grand Rapids Griffins, Van Andel Ar 130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49503. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All contents ©2018 Grand Rapids Griffin For advertising information, contact Griffins Sales & Marketing, (616) 774-458 fax (616) 336-5464. Unsolicited manuscripts and other materials will not be returned.
52
1
WITH GRIFFINS HEAD COACH TODD NELSON At the one-third mark of the 2017-18 season, the Griffins’ record put them 29th out of the 30 teams in the AHL. In some organizations, that state of affairs might have been enough to put a damper on a team’s hopes of making the playoffs. But history was on the Griffins’ side. The organization was coming off a championship season, having won its second Calder Cup in five years last spring. Plus, Todd Nelson’s teams have posted winning records during all 10 of his seasons as a head coach in the AHL and UHL, making the playoffs every year. Still, even if there was no panic, Nelson admits there was a bit of anxiety. “There certainly was frustration, especially because we felt like we were playing pretty well but not winning games,” he said. “That’s the hardest thing. When you’re facing adversity, you’ve got to figure a way to get over that hump. As far as I was concerned, it was just a matter of time.” By mid-December, Nelson felt like his team was turning the corner. “First and foremost, we got healthy,” he said. “Then, after the Christmas break, our guys came back energized and ready to go. They realized that we needed to start putting some wins together in order to make the playoffs. As a result, I think they all elevated their level of play.” From Dec. 22 to Feb. 20, the Griffins suffered only three regulation losses in 24 games. “We had some bad luck earlier in the year and then the bounces started to go our way,” Nelson said. Some organizations proclaim they put more emphasis on development than winning games, but Nelson believes the two are not mutually exclusive. “I believe that winning is a form of development,” he said. “The Red Wings organization wants to see this team playing important games in the playoffs, so that when someone graduates and they get to the Stanley 2
Cup Playoffs, it’s not something new. They’re already familiar with the pressure and the competitiveness that’s needed to win games.” Nelson believes a winning atmosphere is more conducive to developmental learning. Proof is found in the fact that seven members of last year’s championship team have played in the NHL this season. “Guys have a better attitude coming to the rink,” he said. “Winning is fun and when you’re winning, guys are in a more relaxed state. The locker room is looser, everyone is in a better mood. But they also understand that once we get on the ice, it’s all business.” Stringing together a bunch of wins eases the pressure. “Earlier in the year, when the other team tied the score or we gave up a goal late, we felt a lot of pressure,” he said. “Now that we’re winning games, when something happens, the mood on the bench stays even keel. There’s a quiet confidence.” Some of the Griffins’ resurgence can be traced to the fact that the team rediscovered its scoring touch while tightening its defensive play. During the 24-game stretch, the team averaged more than 2.5 goals per contest while allowing fewer than 2.3. In fact, the Griffins scored four or more goals 15 times while allowing more than three goals only once. Veterans Ben Street, Matt Ford and Eric Tangradi led the team’s scoring attack, along with Matt Lorito and Matt Puempel, among others. “Our leadership really took over,” Nelson said. “They lead by example, and that’s part of their job description – that’s why they were brought here in the first place.” With steady goaltending behind them, the Griffins’ defensive corps became more active. “When you’re playing defense and you’re losing, you feel like you’re playing on your heels because you
don’t want to get beat,” he said. “When you’re lacking confidence, you find yourself heading back because bad things might happen. “As a staff, we encourage the defense to support the rush. Within our system, we want our defense to be part of the offensive attack. As we started winning more games, our defense gained more confidence to join the rush and be more active in the offensive zone.” The Griffins’ rebound seemed to coincide with the emergence of rookie defenseman Filip Hronek, who tallied 17 points in a stretch of 19 games during the team’s resurgence to move up to second in scoring among AHL first-year blueliners. “He’s definitely elevated his play and he keeps getting better and better,” Nelson said. “I think playing regularly definitely helped him, as he’s become more comfortable with the league. That generally happens with young players in this league after Christmas.” While the team was making up for lost time, a few players were still struggling to rediscover their scoring touch. Nelson and his assistant coaches continued to do what they could to be supportive and encouraging. “As a staff, we try to instill confidence,” he said. “Whether it’s complimenting them on a play or showing them through video, you want to reaffirm the good things that they do. If you keep the game simple, good things will usually happen. “It’s our job to get the guys playing the right way, day in and day out. We’re at that point now where the guys understand the systems that we’ve implemented and it’s up to them to play simple hockey, follow the
game plan, pay the price and outwork the opponent.” At one point, Nelson told the team that he felt they needed to win 20 more games to qualify for the postseason. “We’re practically in playoff mode already,” Nelson said. “Once we get in, we’ll be good to go because with this hockey team it doesn’t matter if we’re playing on the road or at home. In fact, our road record at this point is better than at home.” “Guys are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he contined. “They know what we experienced last year was a lot of fun and they want to get back into the playoffs. After winning the Cup last year, they know what it takes and how hard it is. That’s experience – and that’s what you need in the playoffs.” Nelson felt the Griffins were benefiting from improvements in the team’s forecheck and transition play, boosting their fortunes in 5-on-5 situations. Meanwhile, their special teams (power play, penalty kill) have been in the top 10 all season. “Winning is an affirmation that you’re playing the game the right way,” he said. “A victory is often the outcome of playing the system well and going through the process and winning all those little battles that are the difference between winning and losing.” As he looked to the final 25 games of the regular season, Nelson was feeling a lot better about his team’s chances following its slow start. “I feel optimistic that we’ll get into the playoffs,” Nelson said. “Once you get into the playoffs, it’s a whole new season.”
2017-18 GRIFFINS COACHING AND TRAINING STAFF
Head Coach
Todd Nelson
Video Coach
Bill LeRoy
Assistant Coach
Ben Simon
Athletic Trainer
John Bernal
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach
Goaltending Coach
Bruce Ramsay
Mike Knuble
Brian Mahoney-Wilson
Equipment Manager
Assistant Equipment Manager
Strength-Conditioning Coordinator
Brad Thompson
Andrew Stegehuis
Marcus Kinney
3 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
GRIFFINS WILKES-BARRE/ SCRANTON
MARCH 2
SCOUTING REPORT
• The Griffins and Penguins face off for the first time since the 2008-09 season. WilkesBarre/Scranton’s last visit to Van Andel Arena came on Nov. 21, 2008, which resulted in a 3-2 shootout win for the Penguins.
PANTONE 3425 C
METALLIC SILVER 877
• After eight straight seasons of not being on each other’s schedule, Grand Rapids and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton will meet up twice in a nine-day span, as the Griffins will make the return trip to northeast Pennsylvania on March 10. • Entering this season, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton – whose parent club in Pittsburgh has hoisted the last two Stanley Cups – has qualified for the Calder Cup Playoffs in 15 consecutive campaigns. • Ben Street and Eric Tangradi both have ties to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Street appeared in 107 games with W-B/S from 2010-12 and totaled 80 points (39-41—80). Tangradi logged 178 games with the Baby Pens from 2009-13 and tallied 121 points (60-61— 121). Born in Philadelphia, Tangradi made his NHL debut with Pittsburgh on April 11, 2010, appeared in 45 games with the Penguins from 2009-13 and posted five points (1-4—5) before being traded to Winnipeg in February 2013. MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS
MILWAUKEE
MARCH 3
• Milwaukee’s last visit of the season to Van Andel Arena on March 3 caps a six-game homestand, the Griffins’ longest since a six-game stretch from Jan. 8-18, 2014.
PRIMARY MARK
• The season series between the clubs will conclude at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena on March 20 and 31. Since the Admirals moved to Panther Arena prior to the 2016-17 season, the Griffins are 7-2 at Milwaukee. • In the 15 seasons spanning 2002-17, Milwaukee missed the playoffs just once (201415). However, the Admirals’ last postseason victory came in the 2013 conference quarterfinals and their last series triumph came in 2011.
4 PANTONE 282 C
PANTONE 292 C
PANTONE COOL GRAY 4 C
WHITE
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions 2015-16
PANTONE 3155 C
PANTONE 429 C
PA 87
IOWA
• The Griffins are 4-4-1-0 all time when playing on St. Patrick’s Day, including 4-2 on home ice. Grand Rapids defeated Chicago 5-4 in overtime on March 17 last season, a game that saw Tomas Nosek score the tying goal with nine seconds left in regulation to set up Evgeny Svechnikov’s game-winner 1:51 into the extra session.
MARCH 14, MARCH 17
• March 17 is Brian Lashoff Bobblehead Night. One of three players to be a part of both the Griffins’ 2013 and 2017 Calder Cup championships, Lashoff ranks second in franchise history for both regular season and postseason games played. • Grand Rapids had points in 11 of the last 12 meetings between the teams at Van Andel Arena (10-1-0-1) through Feb. 23. • As of Feb. 15, the Wild were in contention for their first-ever playoff bid during their five seasons in Iowa. • After going 0-3-0-3 in the season’s first six meetings, the Griffins have won each of the last three matchups.
ROCKFORD
MARCH 16
• Since the start of the 2012-13 season, the Griffins are 20-4-1-1 (.808) against the IceHogs at the Van. • March 16 is themed Baseball Night, as the Griffins will wear West Michigan Whitecapsinspired jerseys. The Rockford Peaches, a women’s pro baseball team that competed in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League from 1943-1954, were based in Rockford, Ill. The Grand Rapids Chicks were also members of the AAGPBL from 1945-1954.
G T
TEXAS STARS PRIMARY MARK
• In the last meeting in West Michigan on Dec. 1, the Stars tied the game with just six seconds left in regulation before claiming a 5-4 shootout victory.
TEXAS
MARCH 28
• Since the start of the 2013-14 campaign, Grand Rapids is 14-5-0-1 against the Stars, including a 7-2-0-1 mark at the Van. • Todd Nelson holds a 35-21-3-4 (0.611) all-time mark against Texas as an AHL head coach. SAN JOSE BARRACUDA PANTONE 3425 C
PRIMARY MARK
SAN JOSE
METALLIC SILVER 877
PANTONE 877 C
PROCESS BLACK
WHITE
MARCH 30
• March 30 marks San Jose’s first trip to West Michigan since last season’s Western Conference Finals. The Griffins disposed of the Western Conference’s regular-season champions in five games, including winning three straight games at Van Andel Arena. 2015-16
• The Griffins and Barracuda round out this season’s two-game set on March 30. Grand Rapids won the first meeting of the season on Oct. 13 in Silicon Valley by a final of 7-3 and were led by two goals apiece from Dominic Turgeon and Turner Elson. • March 30 will be the 10th time the Griffins have welcomed a California team to Van Andel Arena in the regular season. PANTONE 3155 C
PANTONE 429 C
PANTONE 152 C
PROCESS BLACK
WHITE
CLEVELAND
APRIL 14
• Barracuda captain John McCarthy represented Team USA at this year’s Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. McCarthy was one of three current AHL players selected to represent the Red, White & Blue, along with Chris Bourque (Hershey) and Bobby Butler (Milwaukee). 2015-16
• The Griffins are 5-1-0-1 against the Monsters heading into the season’s final matchup between the last two Calder Cup champions. • The Griffins post an 8-12-0-1 record all time in the final game of the regular season, including a 3-4 mark when it is played at home. In the 13 times Grand Rapids has dropped the last game, the Griffins have gone on to the postseason 10 times and posted a 50-50 playoff mark. In the eight times Grand Rapids has been victorious to close out the season, the Griffins have continued onto the playoffs five times and tallied a 44-26 postseason mark. • Matt Puempel (5-5—10 in 7 GP) and Eric Tangradi (6-3—9 in 7 GP) lead the Griffins in the season series. 5 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
CBHQ-24856 GRGriffins Ad MM.pdf
1
9/25/17
9:46 AM
We knew you could do it. Congratulations on the Calder Cup, Griffins.
I H H
Here’s to another great season.
Proud Sponsor of the
RAISE YOUR EXPECTATIONS.
Sch
Met
Hea
an a
in ca
MEMBER FDIC. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER. CBHQ-24856 09/17
met
IT’S HAPPENING HERE Schedule an appointment with your new Metro Health - University of Michigan Health physician and you’ll gain access to an award-winning network of specialists, in case you ever need it.
metrohealth.net/family-practice
— THERE’S MORE TO A BENCH... THAN JUST ANOTHER PLACE TO SIT. Sitting on the players bench is a lot like sitting on The Rapid. You’re there for only a short time...and then you hop off and show the world what you’re made of. Public transportation can empower people and help build strong communities.
Tell us why you ride The Rapid 8
MORETOTHERIDE.ORG
TO VIS
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
16-ITP-0160-GriffitiMagazineAd-PP-02.indd 1
9/8/17 1:28 PM
.
7 1:28 PM
All times Eastern. Dates, opponents and times subject to change.
Post-Game Open Skate Huntington Bank Post-Game Autograph Session Friends & Family 4-Pack Home Game Pepsi Reading Goals Redemption Date
CHI - Chicago CLE - Cleveland HER - Hershey IA - Iowa MIL - Milwaukee MB - Manitoba RFD - Rockford
SA - San Antonio SJ - San Jose STK - Stockton TEX - Texas TUC - Tucson WBS - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
Games broadcast live on
PRIMARY AFFILIATE OF THE DETROIT RED WINGS
9 TO PURCHASE TICKETS OR FOR MORE INFO, Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 9 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS Calder Cup Champions VISIT GRIFFINSHOCKEY.COM OR• 2017 CALL 1.800.2.HOCKEY.
Dear Griffins Fans, I’ve discovered that championships are a lot like children. Each one is special in its own way, and it would seem an impossible task to choose your favorite. The Griffins’ fi st Calder Cup in 2013 will always hold a unique place in our hearts. After 17 seasons of your unwavering support, we washed away a threeyear playoff d ought and fi ally quenched Grand Rapids’ championship thirst by drinking from the fi st cup ever claimed by the city’s pro hockey team. Led by the likes of captain Jeff oggan and current Red Wings stars Tomas Tatar, Gustav Nyquist and Petr Mrazek, that scrappy squad took the hard way to the top, playing only two playoff g mes fewer than the maximum. The band-of-brothers, us-against-the-world mentality of that team made the triumph over heavily favored Syracuse all that much sweeter. The fact that it was clinched on the road was appropriate but, at the same time, almost insignifi ant. It didn’t matter where that cup was won; we just wanted to win it. And the immediate reward for our players, Jeff lashill and our other coaches was an intimate and unforgettable celebration during the fli ht home on the Red Wings’ plane that was truly deserved.
LETTER FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER — DAN DEVOS
GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS
But just when we thought nothing could top our fi st-born title, June 13, 2017 happened, the conclusion of a remarkable 15-4 rampage through the postseason, including a perfect 10-0 mark at home. For a city that has witnessed countless sports memories, I don’t think anything has ever surpassed the experience of that summer night in an overfl wing Van Andel Arena, being unable to hear yourself think and screaming at your lungs’ capacity as the fi al seconds ticked down. Evgeny Svechnikov channeled everyone’s unbridled enthusiasm, leaping over the boards in premature joy, uncontrollably anxious to begin the party on home ice. And what a celebration it was! From the stands to the ice to the locker room, then out into the downtown streets and establishments late into that night – including a McDonald’s run that became the stuff f social media legend – and fi ally culminating a few days later with our championship parade and rally with thousands of you at Rosa Parks Circle, this second Calder Cup undoubtedly belonged to all of us in West Michigan. Truth be told, the experience of winning it at home far exceeded anything I ever imagined when we founded the franchise 22 years ago. So maybe I do have a favorite after all. Well, a new season has quickly come upon us. Todd Nelson – now just the third man in AHL history to win the cup as a player, assistant coach and head coach – returns with his coaching staff nd much of last season’s roster intact, and we look forward to vigorously defending our title.
AME
Here’s to another opportunity to add to our growing “family.” Sincerely,
Dan DeVos Chief Executive Offic Grand Rapids Griffins 10 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
T
2017 - 2018 SEASON
al in
eerst ed r, he
e t was ant.
Dear Fans, It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2017-18 American Hockey League season, the continuation of a tradition of excellence that spans more than eight decades.
n Wings’
17 ason, ess of ar ked ing on
m, – and with y ning nchise
hird ach we
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT —— DAVID A. ANDREWS PRESIDENT & CEO, AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE
The AHL remains proud of its role in developing more than 88 percent of today’s National Hockey League players, as well as the vast majority of the NHL’s coaches, general managers, training staffs, broadcasters and officials. Last year, we cheered on players like Jake Guentzel, Zach Werenski and William Nylander and as they graduated from the AHL and made remarkable impressions on the NHL. Since 1936, our loyal and passionate fans have been able to watch more than 100 future Hockey Hall of Famers as well as over 100 Calder Cup champions who now have their names engraved on the Stanley Cup as well. As we begin our 82nd season in 30 cities across North America, we welcome our new fans in Laval and Belleville and wish all of you who cheer for our clubs the best for another exciting season. On behalf of all of our teams, players and staff, thank you for your continuing support of the AHL. Sincerely,
TheAHL.com
DAVID A. ANDREWS PRESIDENT & CEO | AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE 11 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
BY THE NUMBERS
88%
A TRADITION OF
Percentage of all NHL players in 2016-17 who were graduates of the AHL
867
Former AHL players who skated in the NHL last season
THE BEGINNINGS Marking its 82nd season of play in 2017-18, the American Hockey League is continuing a tradition of excellence that began in 1936 when the Canadian-American Hockey League merged with the International Hockey League to form what is today known as the AHL. Eight teams hit the ice that first season, playing in Buffalo, Cleveland, New
Haven, Philadelphia,
81st championship
Pittsburgh,
was captured by
Providence,
the Grand Rapids
Springfield and
Griffins last spring.
Syracuse. From those roots, Frank Calder, the
the American Hockey
National Hockey
League has grown into
League’s president
a 30-team league that
at the time, was
provides fans with
instrumental in the
exciting, high-level
forming of this new
professional hockey
league, and his name
while preparing
would be given to its
thousands of players,
championship
coaches, officials,
trophy. The first
executives, trainers,
Calder Cup was
broadcasters and more
won by the Syracuse
for careers in the NHL.
Stars in 1937; the
353
AHL players who also played in the NHL in 2016-17
237
Former 1st- and 2ndround NHL draft picks who skated in the AHL in 2016-17
23
AHL alumni who played for the 2017 Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins
F R O M L E F T T O R I G H T : B R A D E N H O LT B Y, S H E A W E B E R , R Y A N M C D O N A G H , J A K E G U E N T Z E L , N A Z E M K A D R I
THE PLAYERS
THE LEGENDS
THE COACHES
In today’s National
For the past eight
At the start of the 2017-18 season, the National Hockey
Hockey League more
decades, the American
League featured 23 head coaches who were former
than 88 percent of
Hockey League has
AHL bench bosses, including two-time Stanley Cup
the players are AHL
been home to some of
alumni, including 2017
the greatest players in
Norris Trophy recipient
the history of our sport.
Brent Burns of the
In fact, more than 100
San Jose Sharks and
honored members
Selke Trophy winner
of the Hockey Hall
Blashill, Minnesota’s Bruce Boudreau, Toronto’s
Patrice Bergeron of the
of Fame have been
Mike Babcock and 2017 Jack Adams Award winner
Boston Bruins. The 2017
affiliated with the AHL
John Tortorella of Columbus also spent time in the
Stanley Cup champion
during their careers.
AHL before making the jump.
Pittsburgh Penguins
All-time greats like
were stocked with
George Armstrong, Toe
AHL graduates again,
Blake, Gump Worsley,
among them 2015 AHL
Terry Sawchuk, Glenn
Rookie of the Year Matt
Hall, Brad Park, Ken
Murray and 2017 AHL
Dryden, and Brett
All-Rookie forward Jake
Hull came through
Guentzel.
the AHL ranks and
winner Mike Sullivan, 2016 Calder Cup champion Jared Bednar and 2015 Calder Cup finalist Travis Green, who was promoted by the Vancouver Canucks from Utica. Tampa Bay’s Jon Cooper, Detroit’s Jeff
now find themselves During the 2016-17
enshrined in Toronto,
season, a total of 867
and the coveted Calder
AHL alumni played in
Cup is inscribed with
the National Hockey
the names of legendary
League. There were 353
AHL alumni like Patrick
players who skated in
Roy, Larry Robinson,
both leagues last year
Gerry Cheevers, Andy
alone, including Pontus
Bathgate, Tim Horton,
Aberg and Frederick
Al Arbour, Emile
Gaudreau of the
Francis, Doug Harvey,
Western Conference
and Billy Smith.
champion Nashville Predators (Milwaukee Admirals). In addition, nearly 240 former first- and second-round NHL draft picks developed their skills in the AHL last season, including Jesse Puljujarvi, Alex Nylander, Kyle Connor, Jake DeBrusk, Alex Tuch and Josh HoSang.
“ I WISH EVERY PLAYER COULD PLAY IN THE AHL... I WOULDN’T TRADE IT FOR THE WORLD.” - P. K . S U B B A N N A S H V I L L E P R E D AT O R S
T YLER BERTUZZI // 2017 CALDER CUP MVP
Fear no forecast.
MICHELIN ® PILOT ® SPORT A/S 3+ REAL PERFORMANCE HAS NO OFF-SEASON. Copyright © 2016 Michelin North America, Inc. All rights reserved.
RHD Tire 800.632.8724 650 36TH ST SE WYOMING, MI 49548 www.RHDTIRE.COM
2017-18 AHL DIRECTORY EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION: Bridgeport, Charlotte, Hartford, Hershey, Lehigh Valley, Providence, Springfiel , Wilkes-Barre/Scranton NORTH DIVISION: Belleville, Binghamton, Laval, Rochester, Syracuse, Toronto, Utica
BELLEVILLE SENATORS
NHL AFFILIATION: Ottawa Senators HOME ICE: Yardmen Arena (4,500) GENERAL MANAGER: Randy Lee HEAD COACH: Kurt Kleinendorst ENTERED AHL: 2017-18 WEBSITE: bellevillesens.com
NHL AFFILIATION: Washington Capitals HOME ICE: Giant Center (10,500) GENERAL MANAGER: Bryan Helmer HEAD COACH: Troy Mann ENTERED AHL: 1938-39 CALDER CUPS: 11 (1947, 1958, 1959, 1969, 1974, 1980, 1988, 1997, 2006, 2009, 2010) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 67 of 79 2016-17 RECORD: 43-22-8-3, 97 pts./0.638 WEBSITE: hersheybears.com
LAVAL ROCKET
BINGHAMTON DEVILS
NHL AFFILIATION: New Jersey Devils HOME ICE: Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena (4,696) GENERAL MANAGER: Tom Fitzgerald HEAD COACH: Rick Kowalsky ENTERED AHL: 2006-07 (as Lowell Devils) CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 4 of 11 2016-17 RECORD: 39-32-2-3, 83 pts./0.546 WEBSITE: binghamtondevils.com
BRIDGEPORT SOUND TIGERS
NHL AFFILIATION: New York Islanders HOME ICE: Webster Bank Arena (8,412) GENERAL MANAGER: Garth Snow HEAD COACH: Brent Thompson ENTERED AHL: 2001-02 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 8 of 16 2016-17 RECORD: 44-28-3-1, 92 pts./0.605 WEBSITE: soundtigers.com
CHARLOTTE CHECKERS
NHL AFFILIATION: Carolina Hurricanes HOME ICE: Bojangles’ Coliseum (8,300) GENERAL MANAGER: Derek Wilkinson HEAD COACH: Mike Vellucci ENTERED AHL: 2010-11 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 3 of 7 2016-17 RECORD: 39-29-7-1, 86 pts./0.566 WEBSITE: gocheckers.com
HARTFORD WOLF PACK
HERSHEY BEARS
NHL AFFILIATION: New York Rangers HOME ICE: XL Center (15,635) GENERAL MANAGER: Chris Drury HEAD COACH: Keith McCambridge ENTERED AHL: 1997-98 CALDER CUPS: One (2000) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 15 of 20 2016-17 RECORD: 24-46-4-2, 54 pts./0.355 WEBSITE: hartfordwolfpack.com
NHL AFFILIATION: Montreal Canadiens HOME ICE: Place Bell (10,062) GENERAL MANAGER: Larry Carriere HEAD COACH: Sylvain Lefebrve ENTERED AHL: 2017-18 WEBSITE: rocketlaval.com
LEHIGH VALLEY PHANTOMS
NHL AFFILIATION: Philadelphia Flyers HOME ICE: PPL Center (8,420) GENERAL MANAGER: Barry Hanrahan HEAD COACH: Scott Gordon ENTERED AHL: 1996-97 (as Philadelphia Phantoms) CALDER CUPS: Two (1998, 2005) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 11 of 21 2016-17 RECORD: 48-23-5-0, 101 pts./0.664 WEBSITE: phantomshockey.com
PROVIDENCE BRUINS
NHL AFFILIATION: Boston Bruins HOME ICE: Dunkin’Donuts Center Providence (11,075) GENERAL MANAGER: John Ferguson HEAD COACH: Jay Leach ENTERED AHL: 1992-93 CALDER CUPS: One (1999) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 20 of 25 2016-17 RECORD: 43-23-6-4, 96 pts./0.632 WEBSITE: providencebruins.com
ROCHESTER AMERICANS
NHL AFFILIATION: Buffalo abres HOME ICE: Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester War Memorial (10,662) GENERAL MANAGER: Randy Sexton HEAD COACH: Chris Taylor ENTERED AHL: 1956-57 CALDER CUPS: Six (1965, 1966, 1968, 1983, 1987, 1996) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 44 of 61 2016-17 RECORD: 32-41-0-3, 67 pts./0.441 WEBSITE: amerks.com
SPRINGFIELD THUNDERBIRDS
NHL AFFILIATION: Florida Panthers HOME ICE: MassMutual Center (6,793) GENERAL MANAGER: Eric Joyce HEAD COACH: Geordie Kinnear ENTERED AHL: 2016-17 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 0 of 1 2016-17 RECORD: 32-33-9-2, 75 pts./0.493 WEBSITE: springfieldthunde birds.com
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
15
2017-18 AHL DIRECTORY SYRACUSE CRUNCH
UTICA COMETS
TORONTO MARLIES
WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PENGUINS
NHL AFFILIATION: Tampa Bay Lightning HOME ICE: War Memorial Arena (6,010) GENERAL MANAGER: Julien BriseBois HEAD COACH: Benoit Groulx ENTERED AHL: 1994-95 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 13 of 23 2016-17 RECORD: 38-24-7-7, 90 pts./0.592 WEBSITE: syracusecrunch.com
NHL AFFILIATION: Vancouver Canucks HOME ICE: Utica Memorial Auditorium (3,917) GENERAL MANAGER: Ryan Johnson HEAD COACH: Trent Cull ENTERED AHL: 2013-14 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 2 of 4 2016-17 RECORD: 35-32-7-2, 79 pts./0.520 WEBSITE: uticacomets.com
NHL AFFILIATION: Toronto Maple Leafs HOME ICE: Ricoh Coliseum (7,851) GENERAL MANAGER: Kyle Dubas HEAD COACH: Sheldon Keefe ENTERED AHL: 2005-06 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 9 of 12 2016-17 RECORD: 42-29-4-1, 89 pts./0.586 WEBSITE: marlies.ca
NHL AFFILIATION: Pittsburgh Penguins HOME ICE: Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza (8,050) GENERAL MANAGER: Bill Guerin HEAD COACH: Clark Donatelli ENTERED AHL: 1999-00 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 16 of 18 2016-17 RECORD: 51-20-3-2, 107 pts./0.704 WEBSITE: wbspenguins.com
WESTERN CONFERENCE CENTRAL DIVISION: Grand Rapids, Chicago, Cleveland, Iowa, GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS Manitoba, Milwaukee, Rockford NHL AFFILIATION: Detroit Red Wings BAKERSFIELD CONDORS ICE: Van Andel Arena (10,834) PACIFIC DIVISION: Bakersfiel , Ontario, San Antonio, San Diego, PRIMARYHOME MARK GENERAL MANAGER: Ryan Martin San Jose, Stockton, Texas, Tucson HEAD COACH: Todd Nelson ENTERED AHL: 2001-02 BAKERSFIELD CONDORS CALDER CUPS: Two (2013, 2017) NHL AFFILIATION: Edmonton Oilers SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 11 of 16 HOME ICE: Rabobank Arena (8,751) 2016-17 RECORD: 47-23-1-5, 100 pts./0.658 GENERAL MANAGER: TBD WEBSITE: griffinshock .com HEAD COACH: Gerry Fleming
ENTERED AHL: 2015-16 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 0 of 2 2016-17 RECORD: 33-29-5-1, 72 pts./0.529 WEBSITE: bakersfield ondors.com
CHICAGO WOLVES
PANTONE 281 C
NHL AFFILIATION: Vegas Golden Knights HOME ICE: Allstate Arena (16,692) GENERAL MANAGER: Wendell Young HEAD COACH: Rocky Thompson ENTERED AHL: 2001-02 CALDER CUPS: Two (2002, 2008) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 11 of 16 2016-17 RECORD: 44-19-8-5, 101 pts./0.664 WEBSITE: chicagowolves.com
CLEVELAND MONSTERS
IOWA WILD
PANTONE 172 C
PANTONE 429 C
WHITE
NHL AFFILIATION: Minnesota Wild HOME ICE: Wells Fargo Arena (8,356) GENERAL MANAGER: Brent Flahr HEAD COACH: Derek Lalonde ENTERED AHL: 2013-14 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 0 of 4 2016-17 RECORD: 36-31-7-2, 81 pts./0.533 WEBSITE: iowawild.com 2015-16
MANITOBA MOOSE PRIMARY MARK
MANITOBA MOOSE
NHL AFFILIATION: Winnipeg Jets HOME ICE: Bell MTS Place (8,812) GENERAL MANAGER: Craig Heisinger HEAD COACH: Pascal Vincent ENTERED AHL: 2001-02 (played through 2010-11; re-entered 2015-16) CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 9 of 12 2016-17 RECORD: 29-37-5-5, 68 pts./0.447 WEBSITE: moosehockey.com
NHL AFFILIATION: Columbus Blue Jackets HOME ICE: Quicken Loans Arena (19,665/10,025 lower bowl) GENERAL MANAGER: Bill Zito HEAD COACH: John Madden ENTERED AHL: 2007-08 (as Lake Erie Monsters) CALDER CUPS: One (2016) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 2 of 10 2016-17 RECORD: 39-29-4-4, 86 pts./0.566 WEBSITE: clevelandmonsters.com Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
PANTONE 282 C
PANTONE 2945 C
PANTONE COOL GRAY 11
PANTONE 429 C
WHITE
E
MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS
2017-18 AHL DIRECTORY PRIMARY MARK
CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 2 of 2 2016-17 RECORD: 43-20-3-2, 91 pts./0.669 WEBSITE: sandiegogulls.com
MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS
NHL AFFILIATION: Nashville Predators HOME ICE: UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena (9,450) GENERAL MANAGER: Paul Fenton HEAD COACH: Dean Evason ENTERED AHL: 2001-02 CALDER CUPS: One (2004) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 14 of 16 2016-17 RECORD: 43-26-4-3, 93 pts./0.612 WEBSITE: milwaukeeadmirals.com
PANTONE 282 C
PANTONE 429 C
SAN JOSE BARRACUDA
HOME ICE: SAP Center at San Jose (6,123, curtained) GENERAL MANAGER: Joe Will HEAD COACH: Roy Sommer ENTERED AHL: 2015-16 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 2 of 2 2016-17 RECORD: 43-16-4-5, 95 pts./0.699 WEBSITE: sjbarracuda.com
PRIMARY MARK
PANTONE 292 C
PANTONE COOL GRAY 4 C
2015-16
WHITE
NHL AFFILIATION: Calgary Flames HOME ICE: Stockton Arena (6,705) GENERAL MANAGER: Brad Pascall HEAD COACH: Ryan Huska ENTERED AHL: 2015-16 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 1 of 2 2016-17 RECORD: 34-25-7-2, 77 pts./0.566 WEBSITE: stocktonheat.com
PANTONE 429 C
PANTONE 152 C
STOCKTON HEAT
PROCESS BLACK
WHITE
PRIMARY MARK
2015-16
WHITE
PROCESS BLACK
NHL AFFILIATION: Chicago Blackhawks HOME ICE: BMO Harris Bank Center (5,895) GENERAL MANAGER: Mark Bernard HEAD COACH: Jeremy Colliton ENTERED AHL: 2007-08 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 5 of 10 2016-17 RECORD: 25-39-9-3, 62 pts./0.408 WEBSITE: icehogs.com
TEXAS STARS PRIMARY MARK PANTONE 186 C
PANTONE 110 C
PANTONE 3425 C
METALLIC SILVER 877
PANTONE 425 C
PANTONE 142 C
PROCESS BLACK
TEXAS STARS
NHL AFFILIATION: Dallas Stars HOME ICE: H-E-B Center at Cedar Park (6,863) GENERAL MANAGER: Scott White HEAD COACH: Derek Laxdal ENTERED AHL: 2009-10 CALDER CUPS: One (2014) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 6 of 8 2016-17 RECORD: 34-37-1-4, 73 pts./0.480 WEBSITE: texasstars.com
SAN ANTONIO RAMPAGE
NHL AFFILIATION: Colorado Avalanche HOME ICE: AT&T Center (6,374, lower bowl) GENERAL MANAGER: Craig Billington HEAD COACH: Eric Veilleux ENTERED AHL: 2002-03 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 4 of 15 2016-17 RECORD: 27-42-5-2, 61 pts./0.401 WEBSITE: sarampage.com
PRIMARY MARK
PANTONE 3155 C
STOCKTON HEAT
ROCKFORD ICEHOGS
MANITOBA MOOSE
PRIMARY MARK
NHL AFFILIATION: San Jose Sharks ONTARIO REIGN
ONTARIO REIGN
NHL AFFILIATION: Los Angeles Kings HOME ICE: Citizens Business Bank Arena (9,491) GENERAL MANAGER: Michael Futa HEAD COACH: Mike Stothers ENTERED AHL: 2015-16 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 2 of 2 2016-17 RECORD: 36-21-10-1, 83 pts./0.610 WEBSITE: ontarioreign.com
SAN JOSE BARRACUDA
PANTONE 877 C
PROCESS BLACK
WHITE
TUCSON ROADRUNNERS
AFFILIATION: Arizona Coyotes SAN DIEGO NHL GULLS
HOME ICE: Tucson Arena (6,521) GENERAL MANAGER: Steve Sullivan HEAD COACH: Mike Van Ryn ENTERED AHL: 2016-17 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 0 of 1 2016-17 RECORD: 29-31-8-0, 66 pts./0.485 WEBSITE: tucsonroadrunners.com
PRIMARY MARK
SAN DIEGO GULLS
NHL AFFILIATION: Anaheim Ducks HOME ICE: Valley View Casino Center (12,920) GENERAL MANAGER: Bob Ferguson HEAD COACH: Dallas Eakins ENTERED AHL: 2015-16
THE ROAD TO THE CALDER CUP PANTONE 1655 C
PANTONE MEDIUM BLUE C
PANTONE 5455 C
PROCESS BLACK
WHITE
2015-16
Eight teams in each conference will qualify for the 2018 Calder Cup Playoffs.
WHITE
2015-16
The top four teams in each division, ranked by points percentage (points earned divided by points available), will qualify for the postseason. The division semifinals will be best-of-five series, with the first-place team playing the fourth-place team and the second-place team facing the third-place team. The division final , conference finals and alder Cup Finals will be best-of-seven series. 17 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
WHITE
WE’RE PROUD TO CHEER FOR THE HOME TEAM. AND EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTS THEM.
D
Huntington congratulates the Grand Rapids Griffins on winning the 2017 Calder Cup. With hard work and commitment, you reached your goals.
GR EA
® The Huntington National Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. and Huntington® are federally registered service marks of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. Huntington. Welcome.TM is a service mark of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. ©2017 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated.
Justin A Adam A Joakim Andrea Sean Av Ryan Ba Tyler Be Patrick Darryl B Fabian Mitch C Ty Conk Chris Co Jared Co Danny D Aaron D Patrick Matt El Cory Em Jonatha Landon Valtteri Martin Luke Gl Mark H Darren Joe Hick
* not inclu (2008-09)
registered Bancshares
DETROIT RED WINGS
Photo: Dave Reginek
THIRTY-ONE
of the 36 players who skated for the Red Wings in 2016-17 spent time in Grand Rapids at some point during their careers, including (L-R) Dylan Larkin, Gustav Nyquist, Tomas Tatar, Xavier Ouellet, and Nick Jensen, who himself was one of seven Griffin who made their NHL debuts with Detroit last season. That I-96 pipeline will continue fl wing east until at least 2022 thanks to last summer’s fi e-year extension of the Griffins ed Wings affil tion.
GRIFFINS WHO HAVE EARNED THEIR WINGS* Justin Abdelkader, 2008-09 Adam Almquist, 2013-14 Joakim Andersson, 2011-12 Andreas Athanasiou, 2015-16 Sean Avery, 2002-03 Ryan Barnes, 2003-04 Tyler Bertuzzi, 2016-17 Patrick Boileau, 2002-03 Darryl Bootland, 2003-04 Fabian Brunnstrom, 2011-12 Mitch Callahan, 2013-14 Ty Conklin, 2011-12 Chris Conner, 2011-12 Jared Coreau, 2016-17 Danny DeKeyser, 2013-14 Aaron Downey, 2008-09 Patrick Eaves, 2013-14 Matt Ellis, 2006-07 Cory Emmerton, 2010-11 Jonathan Ericsson, 2007-08 Landon Ferraro, 2013-14 Valtteri Filppula, 2005-06 Martin Frk, 2017-18 Luke Glendening, 2013-14 Mark Hartigan, 2007-08 Darren Helm, 2007-08 Joe Hicketts, 2017-18
Jimmy Howard, 2005-06 Jiri Hudler, 2003-04 Matt Hussey, 2006-07 Doug Janik, 2009-10 Nick Jensen, 2016-17 Tomas Jurco, 2013-14 Jakub Kindl, 2009-10 Tomas Kopecky, 2005-06 Niklas Kronwall, 2003-04 Marc Lamothe, 2003-04 Josh Langfeld, 2006-07 Dylan Larkin, 2015-16 Brian Lashoff, 2012-1 Brett Lebda, 2005-06 Ville Leino, 2008-09 Matt Lorito, 2016-17 Joey MacDonald, 2006-07 Donald MacLean, 2005-06 Anthony Mantha, 2015-16 Alexey Marchenko, 2013-14 Darren McCarty, 2007-08 Tom McCollum, 2010-11 Derek Meech, 2006-07 Drew Miller, 2016-17 Kevin Miller, 2003-04 Mark Mowers, 2003-04 Petr Mrazek, 2012-13
Jan Mursak, 2010-11 Anders Myrvold, 2003-04 Andrej Nestrasil, 2014-15 Kris Newbury, 2009-10 Tomas Nosek, 2015-16 Gustav Nyquist, 2011-12 Xavier Ouellet, 2013-14 Teemu Pulkkinen, 2013-14 Kyle Quincey, 2005-06 Dan Renouf, 2016-17 Mattias Ritola, 2007-08 Jamie Rivers, 2003-04 Nathan Robinson, 2003-04 Stacy Roest, 2002-03 Robbie Russo, 2016-17 Riley Sheahan, 2011-12 Brendan Smith, 2011-12 Ryan Sproul, 2013-14 Garrett Stafford, 2007-0 Ben Street, 2016-17 Evgeny Svechnikov, 2016-17 Eric Tangradi, 2015-16 Tomas Tatar, 2010-11 Jordin Tootoo, 2013-14 Dominic Turgeon, 2017-18 Jason Williams, 2002-03
* 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) and Stephen Weiss (2014-15).
TOP AFFILIATE Grand Rapids Griffin 16th 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 MANAGEMENT Executive VP/General Manager: Ken Holland Assistant General Manager: Ryan Martin COACHING STAFF Head Coach: Jeff Blashil Assistant Coaches: John Torchetti, Doug Houda, Pat Ferschweiler, Chris Chelios Asst. Coach/Video: Adam Nightingale Goaltending Coach: Jeff Salajk Strength & Conditioning Coach: Mike Kadar 19
M
20 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
FINS 2017-18NGALRSIF CHEDULE PROMOTIO
MARK YOUR CALENDAR MARCH 2: Seventh Annual Purple Community Game presented by Van Andel Institute/Purple Jersey Auction MARCH 16: Whitecaps Night/ Jersey Auction
MARCH 3: Star Wars Night presented by DTE Energy
MARCH 17: Brian Lashoff Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Michigan Office Solutions/Griffin Booster Club Silent Auction
MARCH 28: Presented by Brain Injury Association of Michigan
MARCH 6: Seventh Annual Hockey, Hops & Hope (formerly Corks, Pucks & Brews) at The Sharpe Collection – Jaguar Land Rover Dealership, benefiting asterseals Michigan Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
21
MARCH 30: ‘90s Night presented by Spectrum Health Stroke Awareness APRIL 14: Season Finale presented by Huntington Bank/Friday Night Jersey Auction
APRIL 17
All Griffins playoff games on
APRIL 17: 2018 Calder Cup Playoffs begin, with $2 Beers and $2 Hot Dogs during every home playoff gam . APRIL 14
APRIL 14
SEASON-LONG PROMOTIONS $2 Beers and $2 Hot Dogs: Every Friday, enjoy $2 domestic drafts and $2 hot dogs from 6-8 p.m., while supplies last. Get in the D-ZONE: Every Friday night is a Griffin D-Zone night. Avoid the concession lines and get your $2 beers and $2 hot dogs served to you in your seats. Call (616) 774-4585 ext. 2 or visit griffinsho ey.com/dzone today to purchase a package of four or more D-Zone tickets for any Friday night game. Military Nights: Every home game, current members of our military can purchase up to four Upper Level Faceoff tickets for $14 each, four Upper Level Center Ice tickets for $17 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. College Nights: Presented by Michigan First Credit Union, college students can show their ID at every Friday game to purchase an Upper Level Faceoff ticket for $13 (or $12 in advance at The Zone) or an Upper Level Center Ice ticket for $16 (or $15 in advance at The Zone). Limit one ticket per ID. 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 Farm Bureau Insurance, every time the Griffin 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. Post-Game Parties at Peppino’s: After every Wednesday game, join Griffin players and staff for the officia post-game party at Peppino’s Sports Grille downtown. Library Nights: 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 either an Upper Level Faceoff ticket for $14, an Upper Level Center Ice ticket for $17, or a Lower Level Faceoff ticket for $20. Limit four tickets per card per person, subject to availability. Friends & Family 4-Packs: Available for all Saturday games, each pack includes four tickets and $12 in concession cash for a great low price. Visit griffinsho ey.com/f4p or call (616) 7744585 ext. 2. Continuing this season, fans may use their concession cash to purchase healthy
choice menu options at the stand located outside of section 125, including low-fat yogurt, apples, oranges, granola bars and smoothies. 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 Faceoff tickets to any of the following games: March 14 and 28. Post-Game Open Skate: March 17 Huntington Bank Post-Game Autograph Session: March 3 MOS Corner Offic Presented by Michigan Office Solutions, this section, located on the terrace level above section 118, provides the best seats in the house for groups of up to 30 people, with La-Z-Boy chairs and an array of unprecedented amenities. Call (616) 774-4585 ext. 4. J. Gardella’s Sliders and Beer Special: Available on select tickets, take your used Griffi ticket to J. Gardella’s Tavern to enjoy two sliders and a beer for $5. Refer to the back of select tickets for details. Win With Wendy’s!: When the Griffin win at home, show your ticket the next day at participating Wendy’s locations in West Michigan to receive a free small cup of chili. All promotions and dates subject to change. For more information, visit griffins ckey.com.
ALL PROMOTIONS AND DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT GRIFFINSHOCKEY.COM. 22
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
I
17
In memory of Jake Engel (1987-2018)
IL 14
Griffins Corporate Sales Account Manager You will forever be a beloved member of our team, Jake.
M. Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
23
A FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE
Hockey has helped bring West Michigan kids together for more than two decades to participate in a host of activities that are designed to instill ideals that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Since its beginnings in 1995, the Griffins Youth Foundation has come a long way, mirroring the personal growth experienced by thousands of kids who have enjoyed the benefits of participation in its various programs. Originally envisioned as a way to introduce hockey to kids without the means to enjoy the sport, the Griffins Youth Foundation expanded its vision over the years to embrace educational and wellness initiatives for the betterment of the youth who participate in the many activities centered at Griff ’s IceHouse at Belknap Park. What started as a chance for kids to play street and roller hockey has grown into an ambitious agenda of activities for youth from age 6 through high school. Ice hockey was initially limited to fourth and fifth graders, but foundation programs are now enjoyed annually by 350 kids in
24 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
all 12 with Fr Wing disab cham Foun that w and t “T presi and L mem more but w more Griff and b presi supp spon a diff their Ka beyo of ed healt A not o tutor Foy i an ab Sp parti a var get a Zoo. effor
all 12 grades, thanks to the ice time now available with two sheets of ice at Griff ’s IceHouse. From Learn to Skate programs to the Sled Wings, a team of young athletes with physical disabilities that captured its first national championship in 2015, the Griffins Youth Foundation continues to develop opportunities that will enrich the lives of West Michigan youth and their families. “Through the guidance of (founding president and current executive director) Lou and Lynn Rabaut and our outstanding board members, the foundation has accomplished more than the organization had ever dreamed, but we have our sights set on achieving even more in the years to come,” said Bob Kaser, the Griffins’ vice president of community relations and broadcasting, who has been serving as the president of the foundation since 2006. “With the support of countless parents, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and others, we have been able to make a difference in the lives of many children and their families.” Kaser said the foundation extends its reach beyond the rink so kids are able to take advantage of educational opportunities as well as learn about healthy lifestyles and other valuable life lessons. A community room inside Griff ’s IceHouse not only offers games and arts and crafts but also tutoring and a book nook for reading. “Wendy Foy is our educational coordinator and she does an absolutely phenomenal job,” Kaser said. Special events include a Career Day where all participants get the opportunity to learn about a variety of occupations. On another day, kids get a close look at animals from John Ball Park Zoo. “We continue to enhance our educational efforts,” he said.
To encourage kids to become good citizens, the foundation has introduced several events designed to give back to the community, from a parent blood drive to a College Day where two bus loads of kids and their parents travel to Ferris State University. “Ferris State really stepped up their game to show parents the benefits of a college education,” Kaser said. “From a campus tour to a financial aid presentation to a Ferris State hockey game, their eyes are opened to the real possibility that a college education is within their child’s reach.” The Griffins Youth Foundation is so focused on positive experiences that a decision was made several years ago to take checking out of all their hockey games. “We felt there was no need for any of our kids to feel nervous about playing the sport,” he said. Kaser said the organization continues to seek new ways to impact kids. An annual one-day goalie clinic, now led by Griffins netminder Tom McCollum and Griffins goaltending coach Brian Mahoney-Wilson, has proven to be very popular. The group’s Let ‘Em Play initiative brings pickup-style games to Griff’s IceHouse on several days each month. “Lou and Lynn Rabaut have worked hard to set into motion so many programs that have impacted our youth for the past two decades,” he said. “Their guiding hand has produced a number of teachers and coaches as well as many others who have had a positive impact in our community. “As we look forward to celebrating the 25th anniversary of the foundation in a couple of years, we’re excited about the potential for many new and exciting programs, as others will eventually continue what they helped start. The future for the foundation is very bright.”
M I S S I O N S TAT E M E NT “Established in 1995, the Griffins Youth Foundation promotes academic excellence, community involvement and healthy lifestyles among the youth of West Michigan, enhancing their lives through hockey and ice-related sports.”
25 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
MR. Story and photos by Mark Newman
DEPENDABLE Brian Lashoff has been a reliable fixture on the Griffins’ blue line season after season.
26 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
.
E
His teammates joke that he’s been playing in Grand Rapids for 20 years. And while his tenure with the Griffins hasn’t quite reached even half that amount of time, he indeed has been playing in the Red Wings organization for the better part of a decade. Brian Lashoff has appeared in more regular season games as a Griffin than any player except Travis Richards and in more postseason contests than anyone but Nathan Paetsch. It’s easy to forget that Lashoff, now in his ninth season in Grand Rapids, is still only 27 years old. The native of Albany, N.Y., signed with Detroit as an undrafted free agent defenseman at the age of 18 and made his pro debut for the Griffins late in the 2008-09 campaign. He tallied five points in six regular season games then added five more points in eight playoff contests, before returning to Kingston of the Ontario Hockey League for 27 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
Lashoff is th only player on the Griffi ’ current roster who was part of both of the team’s Calder Cup championships. 28
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
Lashoff is se ond all time in both regular season and playoff games as a riffi
his final junior season in 2009-10. Admittedly, he was not the player that he would eventually become. Now considered one of the most dependable defenseman ever to don a Griffins jersey, the young Lashoff was willing to take risks for the sake of points. “Coming out of junior hockey, I was a little more of an offensive player, but I had holes in my game,” Lashoff said. “This is a good league that will expose those holes, so I matured a lot by playing with and against good players.” Significantly, he learned the importance of positioning and how to pick his spots when it came to jumping into the offensive play. He learned that being steady in his own end of the ice was more critical than being flashy in the offensive zone. “For young defensemen, the biggest thing is consistency,” he said. “You can throw up points left and right, but if you’re not consistently strong in your own zone, night after night, it’s going to take away from your overall game.” Lashoff remembers living in the Courtyard Marriott hotel for the first couple of months after joining the Griffins. Eventually, he got his own apartment as he settled into his role as
a young defender eager to learn whatever he could from the various veterans employed by the organization in those days. “Guys like Doug Janik, Greg Amadio, (Garnet) Exelby and (Derek) Meech helped me out a ton when I was younger,” he recalled. “They showed me the way to be a pro, and when I got to Detroit the leaders there obviously taught me a lot, too.” Lashoff was pressed into service with the Red Wings for the first time in 2012-13 after Jonathan Ericsson injured his shoulder. He ended up playing 31 games in Detroit during the lockoutshortened regular season, then appeared in three Stanley Cup Playoff games before rejoining the Griffins once the Wings were eliminated. It would be the first of Lashoff ’s two Calder Cups with the Griffins – both equally exciting but each quite different. In 2013, his return to Grand Rapids helped bolster the Griffins’ defensive corps while the return of forwards Gustav Nyquist and Joakim Andersson provided additional firepower to the team’s offensive attack. The Griffins would eventually win the title by beating Syracuse in six games in the Finals. “We were a younger team, but we had an 29
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
incredible group of guys,” he said. “The playoff run itself was unbelievable. We faced a lot of adversity and had to play a lot of long series, but we were a very skilled team that worked hard. For me, it was fun to win it in New York because I had family there.” The 2013 team was led by current Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill, who was in his first season in Grand Rapids. “Our confidence grew as the season progressed,” Lashoff recalled. “We got better and better and really hit our stride entering the playoffs.” Lashoff believes the seeds for last year’s championship were sewn the previous season, during head coach Todd Nelson’s first year behind the Griffins’ bench. “We struggled for about a month but once we jelled, Nellie did a great job of bringing us together as a team,” he said. “As a team, we were a little older, but we had a really deep roster that could score and we had good goaltending, too. Again, we were really rolling going into the playoffs.” Besides Mitch Callahan and then-captain Paetsch, Lashoff was the only other player still remaining from the 2013 Cup team. All three men felt a calling to help the team capture a second crown for the organization. “It was a pride thing for us,” he said. “We really wanted to win with this group because we felt we could have won the previous year. Of course, a lot of things have to go right to win a Cup, but by the middle of last season, we felt we had the pieces to do it. “It’s cool that we were able to do it with two different coaches.” Lashoff feels extremely fortunate to have spent his entire pro career in the same organization. “It’s nice to have been able to learn without bouncing all over the place,” he said. “It goes to show the strength of the Detroit organization and the type of people they’ve brought in who have helped me a ton over the years. “Being with the same organization for so long has become a sense of pride for me. It’s been nice to be in the position where I’ve been able contribute in Detroit while helping to win championships in Grand Rapids.” His situation has been the complete opposite from the career of his brother Matt, who is nearly four years older and was a first-round draft pick of the Boston Bruins. Matt spent much of
his career bouncing from one team to the next, playing in the Tampa Bay, Toronto, New York Islanders, Arizona, Philadelphia and Colorado organizations in addition to Boston and stints in Sweden, Switzerland, Russia and Germany. “When I was younger, I learned a lot by talking to Matt and hearing what he was going through as he was trying to find some consistency and stay in the NHL,” Lashoff said. “I thought he handled everything really well and he was strong mentally, so that was something I tried to follow. I tried not to get too frustrated if things weren’t going my way. I’ve always tried to stay even-keeled.” Lashoff didn’t hesitate when he was offered the opportunity to sign a two-year contract extension with the organization last June. “If I’m going to play in the American Hockey League, there’s no place I’d rather be,” he said. “Grand Rapids has become like a second home to me. Obviously we’ve had good teams, so that makes it fun. “For me, the biggest thing now is to have the respect of my teammates and the organization. I want to be able to help the guys here and at the same time, if I’m called up, I want to be ready to play in Detroit. I enjoy being in this organization and hopefully I have a lot more years to play.” It’s become a bit of Catch-22 situation for Lashoff. By helping Detroit’s top prospects, he is grooming players who could take a spot that might be his. He insists he has no qualms about filling the role of a mentor to future Red Wings. “It’s been fun for me to transition to my current role,” he said. “Before it was all about making the NHL and staying there. While I still want to do that, I take pride in helping the younger defensemen and making sure they’re prepared as much as I can help. “I still want to play in the NHL and I stay ready for that opportunity, but I also take pride in doing whatever I can to help young guys like Joe (Hicketts), Vili (Saarijarvi) and (Filip) Hronek. The best part is they’re young guys who want to learn. They watch video. They listen. So anything I can do to help them improve their positioning or strengthen their defensive game is a plus.” While Lashoff helps guide the development of the Red Wings’ young defensive corps, the Griffins continue to benefit from the play of a
30 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
Lasho his be outpu when eight assist
Lashoff enj yed his best offensive output in 2011-12, when he tallied eight goals and 11 assists in 76 games.
31 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
Lashoff ha appeared in 123 NHL games with the Red Wings over fi e seasons.
steady defenseman whose experience remains invaluable in tight game situations. “If Brian Lashoff makes a mistake, it’s noticeable because he doesn’t make too many,” Nelson said. “He’s always been steady. You know what you’re going to get. He’s a guy who sacrifices his body on the penalty kill by blocking shots and he’s a good leader. He’s not overly vocal, but he leads by example by paying the price on the ice. So when he speaks, people listen.” Lashoff was recalled by the Red Wings last November and saw action in his 123rd NHL game. He has now played for the Wings in five different NHL seasons. “Any time you get the call, whether you’re young or old, it’s the same,” he said. “You get the butterflies – and that’s a good feeling.” No matter the circumstances, Lashoff says playing in the NHL never gets old. “Any time you get a chance to play up there, you’re excited, so you have to be ready,” he said. “Detroit is an Original Six team with a great group of guys, so it’s an amazing experience when you get to play in the NHL. I never take it for granted.”
Lashoff is also not making any assumptions in regard to the Griffins and their ability to return to the postseason, even if they are the defending Calder Cup champs. He feels the team’s fortunes are trending in the right direction. “We’ve become more and more like the team that we expected to be when we started this season,” he said. “If we can continue to play as we have lately, we’ll be able to set ourselves up for another good run. But first and foremost, we’ve got to make the playoffs.” He’s also excited that his girlfriend will now be closer to his side. Nicolina Clemente began looking for work in the Grand Rapids area after earning her PhD in biochemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., last December. From Lashoff ’s perspective, things could hardly be better. “Since coming here, the culture has been amazing,” he said. “Guys want to come to the rink and have fun. Playing in a city like Grand Rapids has been great. Of course, winning helps, too. But at the end of the day, I just like playing.”
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
33
All-Time Winner
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
Goaltender Tom McCollum has earned his place in Griffins history. Now in his eighth season with the organization, he can proudly stand tall, having collected more regular season victories than any other netminder who has ever played in Grand Rapids. “It’s a huge honor, especially knowing all the great goalies who have played here,” McCollum said. “When you walk through our locker room and you see all the names on the wall of guys who have gone on to play in the NHL, it’s crazy to think about. “At the same time, it’s taken a little longer than I would have liked.” That last statement says everything about McCollum, a friendly, self-effacing goaltender who has spent nearly his entire career proving that the Red Wings didn’t make a mistake when they drafted him in the first round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He struggled through his first three seasons before finding his footing and becoming a reliable performer. Over the years, he has played alongside Daniel Larsson, Joey MacDonald, Jordan Pearce, Ty Conklin, Petr Mrazek and Jared Coreau, among others. And through it all, he’s become one of the most loved goaltenders in Griffins history. That McCollum is back in a Griffins uniform this season says a lot about the character of the 28-year-old New York native, who actually parted ways with
Story and photos by Mark Newman
Tom McCollum has kept a positive attitude through ups and downs on the way to becoming the franchise’s career leader in victories.
35 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
McCollum was a member of the Griffi ’ Calder Cup championship team in 2013.
Detroit a year ago to spread his wings and in the process endured a hurricane-like season that only cemented his amiable reputation. McCollum had decided to seek greener pastures after it became apparent that the Red Wings wanted to increase Coreau’s workload last season, which in turn would mean less opportunity for McCollum, who wasn’t looking for a reduced role. “What it boiled down to is the organization wanted to see what Jared could do,” he said. “They wanted to see him play a lot of games, which I totally understood and respected, but I wanted to play a lot, too, so I left on good terms. There was no animosity whatsoever.” McCollum headed west after signing a professional tryout with the Los Angeles Kings, marking the beginning of an eyeopening journey that would not only change his perspective but would also alter the way he played his position “I went to LA’s training camp and I didn’t really know anybody, which was very weird because I was so used to knowing everybody in Detroit’s camp,” he recalled. “Training
camps are always chaotic anyway, and meeting 80 people in one day and trying to remember everybody was a completely foreign feeling to me.” McCollum would eventually sign a twoyear contract with the Calgary Flames, who assigned him to their AHL affiliate in Stockton. Unfortunately, the Heat already had two young goalies: Jon Gillies, a 23-year-old prospect out of Providence College, and David Rittich, a 24-year-old prospect from the Czech Republic. As a result, McCollum was restricted to one relief appearance – Nov. 5, 2017, when he allowed only one goal in two periods of work in a 7-3 Stockton win. In the interim, he spent week after week waiting for an opening while Gillies and Rittich shared the goaltending duties. “Obviously, I wasn’t thrilled with my playing time,” McCollum said. “It was a situation that was completely out of my hands because it wasn’t like I hadn’t played well. I just never was given the chance to get going.” It became evident that McCollum had been signed for one reason – to occupy the
36 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
unprotected goaltender spot that the Flames needed to fill for the 2017 NHL expansion draft that was slated for the incoming Vegas Golden Knights. Facing an impossible situation, McCollum sought the counsel of Stockton goaltending coach Colin Zulianello. “After a while, I realized what was happening, so I talked to the goalie coach about it and we started putting in even more time than we had been,” he said. “We would go on the ice an hour before practice and work on some technical things. During practice, I would filter in for one of the other two goalies whenever they wanted a little rest. Then I stayed an extra 30-45 minutes after practice to keep working on things.” It was McCollum’s attempt to stay sharp during weeks of inactivity. He also hoped to make a positive impression in a bid for playing time. “I was hoping the coach might see that I was working hard and that it might buy me some goodwill if things weren’t going well,” he said. “I knew that at some point I had to get the chance to play somewhere. I didn’t know
McCollum has seen action in three NHL games with the Detroit Red Wings.
where or with what team, but I wanted to be ready once I got that opportunity.” Twice he was sent to Adirondack, Stockton’s ECHL affiliate, to see some limited game action, but mostly he just kept practicing day after day. It allowed him to explore new goalie techniques. He experimented with post integration techniques, learning how to handle plays when the puck is behind the net or when the opposition is driving the net at a dead angle from the goal line – awkward plays for a goaltender who wants to seal off the goal and still maintain his balance. He tried the VH (Vertical-Horizontal) technique, where one leg is upright against the post and the other leg is down on the ice. He tried the RVH technique, popularized by Jonathan Quick, which is the reverse of the VH and makes pivoting a little easier. “The fortunate part is I had a ton of time to practice and drill the techniques into my head so that they became second nature,” he said. “The only thing I worried about was that it’s one thing to do something in practice and another to actually do it in a game.” His sessions with the goaltending coach were not all technical in nature. “The drills we did definitely helped keep my game sharp,” he said. “But mentally, he taught me things about managing my emotions that I was able to integrate into my game, things that I think will help me become more successful.” McCollum finally got the call that he had been waiting for last March, when he learned that he was being loaned to the Charlotte Checkers. In his first AHL game in four months, he faced a barrage of 50 shots by the Manitoba Moose. He couldn’t have been happier. “It was my dream opportunity,” said McCollum, who stopped all but one shot in a 4-1 victory. “The Checkers were looking for someone to play a lot of games. Fortunately, I played well and then we got on a roll.” McCollum helped rally the Checkers to a playoff spot by posting a 11-2-4 record on the strength of a 2.10 goals against average with a .926 save percentage. “Everyone fed off the confidence that we had as a team,” he said. “It helped that I had so much faith in the guys playing in front of me. They made the games 37
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
McCollum enjoyed his best season in 2013-14, when he went 24-12-4 with a 2.30 goals against average.
easier to play and we all just had fun.” At the end of the season, McCollum made it clear that he wasn’t interested in going back to Stockton. “I don’t know if I could have handled it for another year without freaking out,” he said. “The Flames told me that they were willing to trade me, but they had to hold onto me through the expansion draft.” McCollum was just as surprised as everybody else when he learned that the Red Wings had re-acquired him in a trade for a conditional seventh-round draft pick in 2018. “I had sent a text to (Griffins defenseman) Brian Lashoff a couple of weeks earlier, joking that he had a lifetime contract with the organization, which is funny because I had heard the same thing after being here for a long time. Two weeks later, I got the phone call that I had been traded back to the organization.” McCollum was thrilled. “I was excited. It honestly felt like I had never left. If anything, it felt like a really long summer,” he said. “Most of my adult life has
been spent in Grand Rapids and I’ve made a lot of great friends and connections here. This city definitely has a place in my heart, so I was glad to come back. “Everyone you talk to will tell you that this organization is first-class and that they treat people extremely well. My situation is just another case that shows that.” After what he experienced last season, McCollum came into this year with not only new techniques but also new optimism. “It’s like the Yogi Berra quote: ‘Ninety percent of the game is half mental.’ A lot of it is how well you handle situations, how quickly you can bounce back from a bad goal. Hopefully you can brush things off. “Over the course of my career, I’ve had to learn things the hard way,” he continued. “When things start going bad, you start pressing and trying too hard to the point that you’re not able to play the way you should. It’s something you can’t really teach. You have to find your own way through it.” McCollum struggled with consistency for the first couple of months this season but
38 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
seemed to find himself just before the New Year, which curiously coincides with the good deed that McCollum performed for a fellow hockey player that got him national attention. Milwaukee Admirals winger Pierre-Cedric Labrie would have missed the birth of his first child if not for the kindness of McCollum, who loaned his truck to his opponent so Labrie could drive back from Grand Rapids, where his team was scheduled to play the next day. “I was sitting on our bus coming back from Cleveland, when I got a text from (former Griffins teammate) Mark Zengerle, asking for a favor,” McCollum recalled. “I thought he needed tickets or something like that. But he told me that PC’s wife was in labor and there were no flights until the morning. They were looking for a car to borrow, so I had my girlfriend drive my truck to their hotel.” “To me, it was a no-brainer,” he continued. “I was just fortunate to be in a position where I could help. I ended up getting the recognition, but there were 25 other guys on that bus who would have done the same thing. I just happened to be the one who got the call.” Labrie drove McCollum’s Ford F-150 through the middle of the night, straining to keep his focus as he steered his way through a snowstorm. He got to the hospital in Milwaukee with 40 minutes to spare, making it just in time to see the birth of a son, Lionel. McCollum and Labrie had never met before – not officially. As a member of the Rockford IceHogs, Labrie had once punched McCollum in the head. “I had to laugh. Of course, it would be him,” McCollum chuckled. “It was no big deal – it just goes to show the tightness of the hockey community. We battle on the ice but at the end of the day, we’re one big family.” A couple of weeks later, McCollum learned that the baby was actually the first grandchild of Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Patrick Roy, whose daughter, Jana Pieuze-Roy, is the mother. “I thought that was actually really cool because he was a goalie I grew up watching and he was obviously one of the best of alltime,” McCollum said. “It was just another wrinkle to the story that made it fun for me.” For McCollum, having fun is what playing hockey is all about. “If I had to pick one thing that I’ve improved since I came to Grand Rapids, it’s that I’ve
McCollum captured his 110th victory with the Griffins on eb. 2, becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in wins.
gotten so much better at dealing with what I can and can’t control,” he said. “I try to do my best with those things I can control and I’ve learned to accept the things that I can’t. “It helps that I’ve been here long enough that I know that I can play in this league. Obviously I’m not happy when those bad games happen, but they don’t bother me like they once did when I was younger. At the end of the day, you’re playing hockey and you’re having fun.” That he’s now back in Grand Rapids makes it even better. “It’s been a great ride,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed myself here. Now that I’ve been in other organizations, I’ve seen how respected Grand Rapids is from the outside. It’s a tremendous honor to be a part of the team history of a franchise that is so well-respected.” 39
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
2017
2018
39
21
45
TYLER BERTUZZI
MIKE BORKOWSKI
Forward 6-1, 195 lbs. Born: 2/24/95 Sudbury, Ont.
47 Forward 6-2, 220 lbs. Born: 2/23/85 West Bloomfield, Mich
COLIN CAMPBELL
Forward 6-0, 185 lbs. Born: 4/23/92 Ottawa, Ont.
15 COREY ELKINS
31
19 TURNER ELSON
Forward 6-0, 195 lbs. Born: 9/13/92 New Westminster, B.C.
JARED COREAU
Forward 6-1, 200 lbs. Born: 4/17/91 Toronto, Ont.
Goaltender 6-6, 215 lbs. Born: 11/5/91 Perth, Ont.
55 LUKE ESPOSITO
MATTHEW FORD
Forward 5-10, 183 lbs. Born: 10/18/93 Greenwich, Conn.
Forward 6-1, 210 lbs. Born: 10/9/84 West Hills, Calif.
In 1 pub
To d alon
2
25 JOE HICKETTS
Defenseman 5-8, 180 lbs. Born: 5/4/96 Kamloops, B.C. 40
AXEL HOLMSTROM
Forward 6-1, 200 lbs. Born: 6/29/96 Arvidsjaur, Sweden
18
13 FILIP HRONEK
Defenseman 6-0, 178 lbs. Born: 11/2/97 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
BRIAN LASHOFF Defenseman 6-3, 221 lbs. Born: 7/16/90 Albany, N.Y.
As dev sch
In 1972, the seed of an idea was planted, a way for the Michigan Lottery to support our public schools. And 45 years later, look how it’s grown. To date, the Lottery has contributed $21 billion to Michigan public education. Last year alone the Lottery contributed $924 million — $2.5 million to schools every day. As the symbol of the Michigan Lottery, our tree represents more than fun. It represents development, growth and the steadfast support the Lottery provides to Michigan public schools. Knowing your limits is always the best bet. Call the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline for confidential help at 1-800-270-7117.
michiganlottery.com
JOE
griffinshockey.com
2 HICKETTS
MATT
griffinshockey.com
28 LORITO
when your is on the line
D
W
PROUD SPONSOR OF GRIFFINS HOCKEY
KEY
34
28 MATT LORITO
Forward 5-9, 171 lbs. Born: 7/3/90 Oakville, Ont.
52
12
MATEJ MACHOVSKY
Goaltender 6-2, 200 lbs. Born: 7/25/93 Opava, Czech Republic
5 Defenseman 6-0, 196 lbs. Born: 2/15/93 Westmont, Ill.
10
Defenseman 5-10, 178 lbs. Born: 5/15/97 Rovaniemi, Finland
Forward 5-11, 200 lbs. Born: 2/13/87 Coquitlam, B.C.
EVGENY SVECHNIKOV
Forward 6-3, 208 lbs. Born: 10/31/96 Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia
DAN RENOUF
Forward 6-1, 205 lbs. Born: 1/24/93 Essex, Ont.
29 VILI SAARIJARVI
77 BEN STREET
MATT PUEMPEL
Forward 6-1, 200 lbs. Born: 3/30/95 Barrie, Ont.
9 ROBBIE RUSSO
Goaltender 6-3, 215 lbs. Born: 12/7/89 Sanborn, N.Y.
20
ZACH NASTASIUK
Defenseman 6-4, 235 lbs. Born: 4/20/92 Winnipeg, Man.
TOM McCOLLUM
Defenseman 6-3, 205 lbs. Born: 8/13/94 Toronto, Ont.
73
37
DYLAN McILRATH
30
PATRICK McCARRON
Defenseman 6-3, 210 lbs. Born: 6/1/94 Ajax, Ont.
65 DYLAN SADOWY
DOMINIK SHINE
Forward 6-1, 210 lbs. Born: 4/2/96 Brampton, Ont.
26
Forward 5-11, 180 lbs. Born: 4/18/93 Pinckney, Mich.
23 ERIC TANGRADI
Forward 6-4, 230 lbs. Born: 2/10/89 Philadelphia, Pa.
DOMINIC TURGEON
Forward 6-2, 203 lbs. Born: 2/25/96 Pointe-Claire, Que. 41
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
A
FIGHTING
CHANCE
Story and photos by Mark Newman
Dominik Shine may share the spelling of his first name with one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history, but it will be his ability to create good plays in front of the crease that will push his chances to graduate to the NHL. “I like his speed and how he’s tenacious on the puck,” said Griffins head coach Todd Nelson. “I also like his physicality and how when he keeps the game simple, he’s really effective and creates opportunities in the offensive zone.” Shine is not the biggest player on the ice – he’s a 5-11, 180-lb. forward – but he’s all heart, a gritty puck hound who isn’t afraid to stick up for himself, as he proved when he dropped Cleveland’s Joe Pendenza with an impressive twopunch knockout on Dec. 29 at Van Andel Arena. His tough-nosed style fits his blue-collar mentality, which was borne out of his family roots as the
Tenacity and a willingness to embrace a tough-nosed style of play are helping Dominik Shine to establish himself as an AHL rookie in pursuit of NHL dreams.
son of a Detroit autoworker growing up on the city’s ethnic southwest side. “My dad was a big Wings fan, and although he never had the opportunity to play hockey, he made sure that I got the chance,” Shine said. Shine remembers being “terrified” when he first started skating, but he quickly discovered that he loved playing hockey. “By age 7 or 8, I knew I had a knack,’ he said. “I loved playing baseball and basketball, but I knew from an early age that playing hockey was what I wanted to do. Other sports were just for fun.” His family moved to Ypsilanti and then settled in Pinckney, where his young hockey career took off. As a teenager, he won back-to-back national championships while playing for Little Caesars (bantams)
42 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
G
E
Shine, who was a black ace during the first th ee rounds of the Griffi ’ Calder Cup run last spring, was a part of AAA national championship teams in 2007-08 and 2008-09.
43 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
and Compuware (midget minor). Ultimately, he decided to further his hockey fortunes outside the state, joining the Lincoln Stars in the USHL for the 2009-10 season. “I was a real homebody growing up, so to be only 16 and go 13 hours away to play junior hockey was a hard decision for my mom and dad,” he said. “Fortunately, I met a lot of great people in Lincoln and I’m very thankful for the opportunity I had to play there.” As a 16-year-old on a team populated mostly by players who were three or four years older, Shine grew up quickly. “We had a tough first year, winning only 16 games (out of 60), but it provided a lot of opportunity for me,” said Shine, who tied for third in scoring on the team. He also led the team in penalty minutes, with 165 PIM in 54 games.
“Once I got the opportunity to fight a couple of times, I found out that I was not bad at it, so I just kept going with it,” he said. “I liked to fight and I think guys respected me for it. I always liked boxing and that kind of stuff, so I just started paying attention to it a little more.” Shine played four seasons in Lincoln, eventually becoming captain his last two years with the team. “I had a great coach (Jim McGroarty) who believed in me,” he said. “He knew I was young, so he cared for me and treated me like a son. He was like a father figure and he always pushed me to become better.” While in Lincoln, he was recruited to play at Ohio State University, but he changed his mind when the Buckeyes changed coaches. “I ended up hurting my knee the third game after I de-committed from Ohio State,” he said. “I was Shine joined the Griffins ter playing four years at Northern Michigan University.
44 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
Shine grew up a Red Wings fan. Not surprisingly, his hockey idol was Steve Yzerman. “He’s the man,” Shine says.
pretty nervous. I was still in juniors and didn’t have a college commitment.” Fortunately, he got a call from Northern Michigan University and was thrilled to get the opportunity to play in Marquette. “People think it’s the worst because of the winters, but I love the place,” he said. “I stayed there in the summer, and during that time of the year it’s something special. My college friends and I had a house on the lake and it was great. It’s no joke in the winter, but you get used to it.” Shine showed steady improvement during his four years at Northern. His goal totals increased each year, going from six to seven to 15 to 20 in his senior season, when he tallied 30 points in 33 games. “College hockey was tough. For me, it was a big jump from junior hockey,” Shine said. “I always figure things out. In the beginning, I
just tried to do the fundamental things right, knowing the scoring will eventually come.” After finishing his college career with the Wildcats last spring, Shine signed an amateur tryout contract with the Griffins along with a standard player’s contract for 2017-18. He appeared in eight games with Grand Rapids at the end of the 2016-17 regular season, tallying three assists. “I was glad that I got those games, especially because I didn’t know if I would get any,” he said. “Each league is different – the play, the pace, the systems are all different – and it takes a while to become accustomed to those things. Those eight games definitely helped get me a spot on the team this year.” Although he didn’t see any action in the postseason, Shine was also happy to be a black ace with the Griffins during the first three 45
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
rounds of their run to the Calder Cup. “It was saw his ice time increase as his offensive fun to see everyone on the same page,” he said. production improved, posting three goals “Everyone had a role and they did it. It was a and five assists in 13 games between Jan. 3 valuable experience.” and Feb. 4. “As Nellie’s been giving me a little Getting to play for the Red Wings in the more ice time, my confidence has begun to annual prospects tournament in Traverse City grow,” he said. last fall was a thrill; participating in the Red For Shine to excel, he needs to continue to Wings’ training camp was unbelievable. concentrate on what he does best. “From the day I signed, it’s been like a “I think my strengths are not only bringing dream come true,” he said. “For my family, it energy and playing physical, but making good was pretty surreal. They were really excited plays in the offensive zone,” he said. “What to see me in a Wings jersey.” His parents separated me in college is that I learned how were in the stands when he scored twice in to play defense effectively. If you’re solid in the one game. “Needless to say, they were pretty D-zone, the coach is going to trust you and pumped,” he said. give you more leeway His introduction in the offensive zone.” to the AHL was less And if dropping “I think my strengths are not exciting. He recorded the gloves aids his only two goals in 23 cause, he will gladly only bringing energy and playing games during the first oblige. He studied three months of the physical, but making good plays in a little bit of jujitsu season, when he was this past summer in scratched 11 times. preparation for his the offensive zone.” “I thought I had a first AHL campaign. good camp and I was “I’m not going pretty happy coming to say I’m a perfect out of it, but it’s tough when you’re in and fighter, but I’ll always throw my hardest,” he out of the lineup,” he said. “If you sit out four said. “I think it’s fun and it’s exciting, so you games and come in for one, what can you do to get a rush from it, but it’s not like I’m skating make a difference? You just try to keep a level around, looking for a chance to drop the head and wait for your opportunity.” gloves. I’ll fight if I have to. I don’t mind it.” He admits that sitting in the stands was He takes pride in his play, determined not pleasant. “In juniors and college, you’re to overcome the odds of making it as an there and you’re playing, so sitting out was undrafted free agent. “From the time when I something that I hadn’t experienced,” he said. was young, I’ve had that chip on my shoulder,” “But when you get here, you see there are a lot he said. “I’ve taken it upon myself to prove of good players, so you have to wait your turn. that I belong.” “I’ve tried to keep working and not get He admires the work of first cousin rattled by it.” Jessica Hernandez, a singer who has forged a Shine turned to his college coach, Walt musical career after working in the family’s Kyle, who spent 15 seasons at NMU after Mexicantown Bakery from third grade. The spending four seasons as an NHL assistant pair belong to a group of cousins who were along with four seasons as a head coach in the exceedingly close to their grandmother, Stella AHL and IHL. Alcala, who died from pancreatic cancer in “He told me, ‘Look, here’s what’s going to September 2016 at the beginning of his senior happen and what you need to do to get better,’” season at NMU. Shine said, noting that the pep talks helped “I’ve fought for everything I’ve got,” he said, him stay positive. “He told me to keep my adding that it’s important to stay positive, mouth closed, keep working and it’ll come.” no matter the circumstance. “Confidence is In the first month after the Griffins opened everything. It makes things a lot easier, that’s the 2018 portion of their season slate, Shine for sure.” 46 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
tle
to
ing ood
w the d way ne.”
y
n
n.
t e u ng
”
I der,”
a s e e ella n nior
aid,
s t’s
Shine, who has one younger sister, earned a management of health and fitness deg ee from NMU. 47 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
DELICIOUSNESS DELICIOUSNESS JUST JUST STEPS STEPS FROM FROM THE THE ARENA ARENA
Loc Hom Awa Ban Com
MORNING MORNING Start your day with a tasty Bistro breakfast ® beverage. Start yourfavorite day with a tasty Bistro breakfast and your Starbucks and your favorite Starbucks® beverage.
NOON NOON Unplug and unwind or reconnect and Unplug unwind reconnect and in rechargeand with a quickordelicious lunch recharge a quick delicious lunch in our newlywith updated Bistro. our newly updated Bistro.
NIGHT NIGHT With evening table-service available, you can sit With table-service available, you hour can sit downevening for dinner or host your own happy downlocally for dinner or host hour with brewed beersyour andown crafthappy cocktails. with locally brewed beers and craft cocktails.
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK ON-SITE PARKING ON-SITE LOCATEDPARKING IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN LOCATED THE HEART DOWNTOWN GRAB & GOINOR STAY & BE OF SERVED GRAB & GO OR STAY & BE SERVED AVAILABLE MEETING ROOMS AND CATERING MEETING ROOMS CATERING AVAILABLE PERFECT FOR PRE AND & POST GAMES OR CONCERTS ® OR CONCERTS PERFECT PRE &STARBUCKS POST GAMES PROUDLYFOR SERVING
PROUDLY SERVING STARBUCKS®
48 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
TS
TS
Local Family Owned & Operated Homemade Recipes Award-Winning Wine Cellar Banquets, Lounge, and Fine Dining Come see what’s new at Noto’s! Opening Spring 2018 Noto’s at the Bil-Mar in Grand Haven!
616-493-NOTO (6686) 6600 28th Street SE Grand Rapids (in Cascade) www.NotosOldWorld.com
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
49
2017 C
infoGRIFFics ALDER
Conor A Tyler B llen ert Mike B uzzi orkow ski Mitch Cal Colin C lahan ampbe ll Daniel C Kyle C leary risc Matthe uolo w Ford Martin Frk
CUP CH
AM
PIONS Joe Hic – GRAN ketts Axel H D RAPID olmstro Robbie S Filip H m Russo ro Dylan Sad Brian La nek Ben Str owy shoff Matt Lo eet Evgen rito yS Dylan M Eric Ta vechnikov ng Tomas cIlrath Nosek Domin radi ic Turg Nathan eon Ja P red Co Dan Re aetsch nouf Cal He reau (G) eter (G ) Eddie Pasqual e (G)
GRIFFIN
S
Seventeen players have gone on to hoist the Stanley Cup after playing for the Griffins, including nine members of the 2008 Detroit Red Wings. In fact, a Grand Rapids alumnus has earned hockey’s highest honor in nine of the last 13 NHL seasons. Here’s a look at the Griffins alumni who’ve gotten to know Lord Stanley’s Cup. Dmitry Afanasenkov (2001-02) 2004 Tampa Bay
18
28
Valtteri Filppula (2005-07) 2008 Detroit
77
152
Niklas Kronwall (2003-06) 2008 Detroit
102 50
109
Darren Rumble (1998-00) 2004 Tampa Bay
82
0
Darren Helm (2007-09;13-14) 2008 Detroit
67
82
Brett Lebda (2003-06) 2008 Detroit
111
62
Kevyn Adams (1996-97) 2006 Carolina
82
67
Jiri Hudler (2003-06) 2008 Detroit
185
83
Darren McCarty (2007-09) 2008 Detroit
13
174
*Detroit successfully petitioned to have his name engraved on the Stanley Cup but he is not credited by the NHL with having won it. **Only player to win the Stanley Cup twice after playing for the Griffins.
on it.
In addition to McCarty and Osgood, 14 Griffins had their names engraved on the Stanley Cup before playing for Grand Rapids: Chris Chelios, Daniel Cleary, Danton Cole, Aaron Downey, Mike Knuble, Manny Legace, Andreas Lilja, Brad May, Marty McSorley, Drew Miller, Pokey Reddick, Mikael Samuelsson, Blake Sloan and Jason Williams. Jim Paek also won a pair of cups as a defenseman for Pittsburgh before eventually joining the Griffins as an assistant coach. Derek Meech (2004-08;10-11)* 2008 Detroit
230
2
Mark Eaton (2004-05) 2009 Pittsburgh
29
68
Scott Parse (2006-07)*** 2012 Los Angeles
10
6
KEY Griffins games played prior to winning Stanley Cup
Career games played in Stanley Cup Playoffs
82
67
Chris Osgood (2005-06) 2008 Detroit
3
Career Stanley Cups won
Tomas Kopecky (2002-06)** 2008 Detroit / 2010 Chicago
129
Chris Kelly (2001-02) 2011 Boston
31
92
Sheldon Brookbank (2001-03) 2013 Chicago
75
243
37
Kevin Porter (2014-15) 2016 Pittsburgh
25
***Credited by the NHL with having won the Stanley Cup but his name is not engraved on the trophy. Photos by Getty Images
76
4 51
SPRINGBOARD Story and photos by Mark Newman
TO SUCCESS Becoming an AHL playoff MVP often leads to a roster spot in the NHL.
There are many paths to the NHL, but most players pass through the AHL on their way to the world’s foremost hockey league. In fact, 88 percent of all NHL players last season were graduates of the AHL. One sure ticket to the NHL – or as close as one can get to a golden pass – is the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy, the award given annually to the Most Valuable Player of the Calder Cup Playoffs (and named in honor of the man who had the longest tenure of any AHL executive in history, 28 years). First awarded in 1984, the Butterfield Trophy is no guarantee of NHL stardom, but the list of past winners is peppered with a number of solid NHL performers, including Olaf Kolzig, Derek Armstrong and Dixon Ward, among others. Two of the past five winners are current Red Wings. Tomas Tatar was the MVP of the 2013 playoffs when he helped the Griffins win their first Calder Cup by tallying 16 goals in 24 games. Tyler Bertuzzi won the postseason MVP honors last spring when he had 19 points (9-10-19) in 19 games to power Grand Rapids to its second Cup. Although both players can cite the playoffs as their stepping stone to the NHL, their experiences were actually quite different. For Tatar, the 2013 Calder Cup race provided him with his first taste of the playoffs, the team’s first season under the tutelage of Jeff Blashill, who would use his own AHL experience to land a head coaching job in the NHL with the Red Wings. “My first three years in Grand Rapids we didn’t make it into the playoffs, but we had a really good team and we started to believe,” Tatar said. “We went from round to round and all of a sudden, we were in the Finals. Obviously 52
B
Tatar graduated to the Red Wings full time after being named the AHL’s playoff MVP in 2013
we encountered some frustration, but when things didn’t go our way, we battled through. “We believed in ourselves and never gave up.” Like most MVPs, Tatar was able to elevate his game during his team’s playoff drive. “Even with all the pressure, it was so much fun,” Tatar said. “I can’t describe the feeling. Everything was clicking for me at the time. I felt really loose, just having fun, doing my thing,
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
and I of th Ta a sco hock in ex inclu were a sin “I in Gr I was patie play Al gives his su “O contr string most all de Griff
D
S
en
Bertuzzi was recalled by the Red Wings this past December after winning the Butterfield Trophy last spring.
and I was fortunate to find the puck in the back of the net.” Tatar, who has always been a bit streaky as a scorer, enjoyed probably the best stretch of hockey in his career. He scored at least one goal in exactly half of the Griffins’ playoff contests, including four two-goal games, and his 16 goals were the third-most in AHL history by a player in a single postseason. “I was really young when I started my career in Grand Rapids,” Tatar said. “I was only 18, so I wasn’t ready to play in the NHL. I tried to be patient and learn to play great hockey – how to play the right way – and it paid off for me.” Although honored as the playoff MVP, Tatar gives credit to his teammates for their role in his success. “One cannot win a Cup without everyone contributing,” he said. “We all pulled the same string and had a great time. Playoff hockey is the most fun. The city, the owners, the organization all deserved it, and I was really happy to see the Griffins win it again last year.”
For Bertuzzi, the 2017 playoffs marked his third successive strong postseason. He had recorded 13 goals in 18 playoff contests the previous two years before raising his production to a point-a-game clip during the Griffins’ second Calder Cup championship run. “Any time you can get into a playoff run, you’re going to gain experience,” Bertuzzi said. “I was lucky enough to experience three long playoff runs in Grand Rapids and I think it helped my development a lot.” Playoff hockey is decidedly different from the regular season, with a noticeable increase in the intensity surrounding every contest. “You’ve got to be able to elevate your game,” Bertuzzi said. “You learn to battle every night and I think it ultimately helps your play.” Bertuzzi said being a playoff MVP requires a little bit of luck – being in the right place at the right time and taking advantage of fortuitous bounces. “When you’re in the playoffs, you’re trying to play really simple, especially late in games,” he said. “You’re trying to be strong in the forecheck, shooting from everywhere, get the puck in, get it out. It’s playing simple and gritty, and being hard to play against. “Our team thrived on playing that way last year.” Although the Butterfield Trophy is given for individual achievement, Bertuzzi said that the award is, in truth, a team honor. “It was obviously a huge honor to receive the award because you work so hard the whole year, but then you think about your linemates and the
Tatar, shown here with Dylan Larkin, has scored 108 goals for the Red Wings over the past fi e seasons.
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
53
Bertuzzi scored his first NHL goal on an. 14 against the Chicago Blackhawks.
whole team,” he said. “Being able to hoist the Cup on home ice was even better. I’ll remember it for the rest of my career and the rest of my life. It’s something I’ll never forget.” Other AHL playoff MVPs who have followed Tatar and Bertuzzi to the NHL are Columbus Blue Jackets forward Oliver Bjorkstrand and Philadelphia Flyers center Jordan Weal, who won the Butterfield Trophy as members of the Cup-winning Lake Erie Monsters and Manchester Monarchs, respectively, in 2016 and 2015. A third-round pick (89th overall) in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Bjorkstrand, 22, split last season between Cleveland and Columbus, but the 22-year-old Danish right-winger earned a full-time spot with the Blue Jackets this year. He had nine goals and 20 assists through his first 55 games this season. Weal, 25, a third-round (70th overall) pick of Los Angeles in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, saw his career blossom after getting traded by the Kings to the Flyers organization. He became a
point-per-game player with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms last season, tallying 47 points (15-3247) in 43 games, and he also recorded eight goals and four assists in 23 games with Philadelphia. Weal became a full-time center for the Flyers this season, with seven goals and nine assists in his first 50 games. One of the most notable AHL playoff MVPs of the past decade or so is goaltender Carey Price, who took home the Butterfield Trophy for his performance in helping the Hamilton Bulldogs win the 2007 Calder Cup. At age 19, he became only the third teenage goaltender to be named the AHL’s playoff MVP, posting a 2.06 goals against average and .936 save percentage. A first-round pick (5th overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Price compiled a 270-175-44 record in the NHL entering this season. His best season was 2014-15, when his record was 44-156 with a 1.96 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage, and he won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league MVP and the Vezina Trophy as the league’s best goalie. Of course, not all MVPs are so fortunate. Travis Morin, the 2014 Butterfield winner, saw action in six NHL games the following season but has spent the past three seasons in Texas, where he is the Stars’ captain and is now in his ninth year with the organization. Chris Bourque saw action in 19 NHL games with the Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals after winning the Butterfield Trophy in 2010 as a member of the Hershey Bears, the same number of games that he has played for Russian teams in the KHL. Bourque, who has spent the past three seasons in Hershey, has also played 60 games in the top Swiss league. The son of Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Ray Bourque, he is a member of the 2018 USA Men’s Olympic Ice Hockey team. Other AHL playoff MVPs include a number of goaltenders who became dependable NHL backups, including Antero Niittymaki (Philadelphia, 2005), Michal Neuvirth (Hershey, 2009) and Robin Lehner (Binghamton, 2011).
54 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
Impact. When you become a Laker, you look outward, focusing on others instead of yourself. With professors’ caring guidance, you learn how to make a meaningful, lasting difference. Then, as you go forward into the world, you’re ready to tackle challenges and make meaningful contributions. Like West Michigan itself, your positive impact will be far reaching. That’s the Laker Effect.
gvsu.edu
55 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
2018
2017
The Griffins prou y salute our 2017-18 Full Season Ticket Members. Thank you for your loyalty, passion and continued support of Griffins ckey!
56
2018
INDIVIDUAL SEASON TICKET MEMBERS Adam Adkins Ken Aernouts Brian Ahearne Mike Alanowski Nickolas Allen Michael Alsante Bob Alward Dan Anderson Larry Anderson Robert Anderson Connie Babbitt Rich & Ann Bakker Amy Banfil Brook & Nancy Baragar Jeremy Barber Ed Barnes Jason Barrix Todd Barton Steve Beach Nancy Beard Tony & Mason Becker Karli Beckett Kayla Beckett Duane Becksvoort Jake Beduna Tyler Behmlander Mike Behrens Edward Beiter Joe Benzon Jeff Berlin Adam Berns Andrew Beyer Bruce Biggs Brenda Bodwin Melissa Boerman Sharon Bogerd Tom Bogerd Tracy Booher Kevin Boring Charles Borring Dan Bos Amy Bouchard Lee Boughner Ryan Boughner Lee Brace Chuck Braginton Becky Branch Kevin Branch Titus Brandt Larry Branscombe Deb Breen Dan & Kris Bremmer Grant Brink Cheryl Britcher Geoff Brown Mark Brown Perry & Sandra Brown Jim Bryan Charlene Bulgarella Cory Bultman Connie Burton David Butler Perry Calandrino Jason Canfiel Stephen Cannady Karen Cardwell Ashley Cariello Sheila Carlson Curtis Castle Javier & Nicole Ceja Cathryn Chadwick
Scott Chambers Jeff & Tena Chulski Dean Cole Kirk Coleman Diane & Ray Collins Jeremie Collins Bill Conely Dan Conkle Doug Cook Don Cooley Ed Cooper Kent Crass Julia Crawford Crystal Crum Debbie Crum Mike Crum Chantal Curell Aaron Curtis Mardy Cutrara Jonathan Cutting Debra Dame Steven Dare Robert Davis Terry Debruine Arend DeBruyn Heather Decker Toni & David DeGraff Beth Del Raso Liz DeLaLuz Susan Depowski Steve Deschaine Brad Deters Annie Devaney David Deverman Jeff Devries Robert DeVries Scott & Tracy DeVries Nolan Dewire Darlene DeWitt Rhonda Diekman Keli Dirkse-Bajorek Gordon Doornbos Ben Dora Ricky Dougherty Doug Dowling Austin Driver Carolyn Du Makhaila Dudley Ronn Dunnam Jennifer Durham Denise Durkee Merle Emery Henry Emrich Jason Endres Heather Evans Jack & Shannon Faas Mark Fankhauser Barb Ferguson Whitney Ferwerda Gina Fetterhoff Sandi Folkertsma Alex Fortosis Tom Fox Hal Froot Nolan Fuher Jeremy Fuller Nancy Gamby Katherine & Tim Glasscock Nathaniel Gonzales Travis Grace Patrick Grieves
Kim Griffio Robert Griffi Jeff Grove Kimberly Grove Jill Gruppen Lynette Gruppen Rebecca Hager Nick & Melinda Haight Pat Harig Jeff Harlukowicz John & Joey Hasenjaeger Danielle Heger Jarrod Heger Nathan & Kristen Hellwig Mike Helms Julie Herr Douglas Herrmann Carrie Herweyer Lori Hess Adam Hesselink Tyler Hill Brad Hilton Brenton Holbrook Bruce & Carrie Holstege Dean Holzhausen Jason Holzhausen Joseph Horlings Steve Howard John Howland Robert Hubka Brent Hulburt Paul Jernberg Jim & Julie Johnson Riley Johnson Carol Johnston Jeff y Jones Sarah Jones Chuck Juell Craig Juell Marc Kamminga Kathy Kamphuis Linette Kamrad Rebecca Karsten Jason Kasiorek Sarah Kauffma Paul Kendall Mike & Loree Kennedy Rick Kidd Ryan Kobel Scott Kohsel Alan Koopman Larry Kopenkoskey John Kowacz Cory Kowalski Joel Kozak Randy Kraker Mark Kraus Brandon & Angela Kroupa Brad Kunz Duane LaCombe Linda LaFountain John Lamoreaux Richard Lane Rich Langridge Joshua Laramy Daniel LaVille Daniel Lenar Bill Lettinga Aaron Lewis Lisa Lewis Marc & Roseann Littell
Jason Loepp Nate Long Donald Luce John Ludwig Michael Luetkemeyer Carol Lyman Dave Lynema Tina Lyzenga Arthur Male Richard Malon Joe Marion Rebecca Markle Barb Marlink Joe Martinez Nathan McDonald Brad McGinnis Kevin McGraw Shaine McKenna Aaron McLaughlin Chris McRay Angela McVeigh Carmen Medina Michael Medvecky Brian Meppelink Jim Messina Ben Miller Justin Miller Rita Miller Eric Mis Ross Momany Kathy Mooney Laron Morgan Arthur Moyer Brenda Moy-Harrington Doug Mulder Gregg Mulder Chip Mundy Jason Murphy Mo Murphy Shawn Newport Lindsay Nichols Bethany Nies Anthony Noff e Dave Noonan Ken Nordin Scott & Pam Northedge Brandi O’Leary John Oliver Nathan Oliver Warren Olson Roger Onan Gregory Osborne Dawn Overway Jason Owen Bonnie Pachesny Carly Parks Kathy & Arthur Parks Jason Parsons Tom Payne Sr. Ronald Pell Mike Perham Lisa Peters Kevin Peterson Mark Peterson Kathy Pierce Paige Pierog Todd Plummer Richard Poppe Kari & James Poppema Robert Porteous Dale Porter
Brian Posey Pam & Troy Potter Tara Potter Todd Potter Clayton Powers Dan Pratt Lou & Lynn Rabaut Jeff Randall Paulette Ratliff-Miller Jennifer Reed Jesse & Sam Retaskie Mark Rett Robert Reynolds Don Richter John & Sue Rickson Erica Riste Karen Roberts Kristina Rooney Nancy Rosart Gail Ross Kurt Rotman Dave Rzeszutko Louis Sabin Alice Salmon Richard Salzwedel Lindsay Sanderson Ross Saur David Sawyer Kevin Scheppman Mark Scherphorn Carleen Schlacht Dan Schlenk Lorie Schoen Kaitlyn Schuette Nick Scott Todd & Becky Scott Jean & Bob Scribner Jill Seidelman Dick Shaw Denise Sigourney Janet Silverberg Steve Silverberg Lori Simpson Heather & Doug Slager Matt Sliva Adam Small Dean Smith Don Smith Heather Smith John Smith Kymberly Smith Ron Smith Alexander Solow Angel Solow Terry Stadtfeld Ken & Michele Stauffer Bryan Steensma Andrew Stehle Jerry Stevens Robert Stevens Nichole Stevenson Cindy Storer Sue Stout Jeremy Strandberg Mark Strandberg Brenda Stroud Scott Swainston Stephen Swart Ron Sweers Zena Szczepaniuk Madison Szczesniak
(Bold indicates season•ticket since 1996.) Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 2017 member Calder Cup Champions
Jamie Taggart Amy TerMors Story and Mary Theeuwes photos by Ben & Alyssa Thomas Mark Martin ThomasNewman Shawn Tilstra Ben Tinholt Jodi & Rodney Tracey Matt Travis Keith Truskoski Lori Tuttle Measure Blake Updyke Jeanne Urbanski Louis Utcai Kevin Van Dyke Melissa Van Dyke Sandie Van Dyke James Van Ess Brian Van Lente James Van Til Gail Vande Bunte Tom VandenBerg Nathan Vander Ploeg Blayne VanderHam James VanderLaan Keelyn Vanderweide Ryan Vankuiken Penny VanRingelsteyn Jamie & Jim Varenhorst Travis Veldheer Ryan Veltkamp Jason Vernon Bob & Bonnie Vezino Maria Volansky Pete Wagenmaker Adrienne Wallace Dave Walsh Sami Walters Shelly Walters Dave Warren Barbara Weigle Jack Weigle Jenna Weise Bruce Whetter Lonnie Whitaker Doug White Patrick Widner Bill Wildey Linda Willbrandt Travis Williams Michael Williamson Adam Willmer Dorothy Wilson Sarah Wilson Steven Wilson Gregory Wisz Zach Wolters Cliff Worden Robert Woudstra Jill Wright Steve Wright Dustin Yoder Andrew Young Mollie Youngson Kim Ypma Robert Zaagman Amy Zoet John Zombor Branden Zomerlei Brent Zomerlei Jeff Zwyghuizen 57
CORPORATE SEASON TICKET MEMBERS A.D. Bos Vending Services Accurate Equipment LLC Acme Pallet Adac Automotive All Integrated Solutions Allegan Metal Fabricators, Inc. Allen Edwin Homes Alro Steel Corporation American Medical Response Amway AppleTree Early Care and Preschool Auditrax Autocam Automotive Equipment Specialist Inc. Axios HR Barton Chiropractic Office BDO USA, LLP Bentley Entertainment Better Bolting, Inc. Betz Industries BHS Insurance Blakely Products Company Blue Cross Blue Shield Boys & Girls Club Bulman Products Inc. Burggrabe Masonry Byrne Electrical Specialists Inc. Car City Caster Depot Centennial Securities Co. CH Robinson Chase Plastics Chemical Bank Chicago Title Of Michigan Choice Schools Associates Comerica Bank Competition Engineering Inc. Configu a Creative Dining Dematic Corporation Deverman Realty Die Cad Group
Digitrace LTD. Diversifie Financial Concepts Dykstra IT Dyna-Plate Inc. EHTC Election Source Ellis Parking Co., Inc. Expert Coating, Inc. Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan Farmers Insurance Co. FASTSIGNS Fence Consultants of West Michigan Flagstar Bank Winner Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C. Fox Transportation Service, Inc. Gardner, Linn, Burkhart, & Flory LLP General Motors Generation Wireless Gill Industries Gilmore Collection GLS Enterprises Inc. Gordon Food Service Grand Forest Products Grand Northern Products Great Clips Gypsum Supply H & H Painting Harold Zeigler Huntington Bank iHeart Media, Inc. Integrated Packaging Machinery Integrity Business Solutions IUE CWA 436 Jackson’s Industrial Mfg., Inc. JRM Holdings, LLC. K & M Dodge and Ram KAM Plastics Kenbee Family Health & Nutrition Kent Power, Inc. King’s Room Barbershop
Kirby Building Systems Kool Chevrolet L&W Supply Labatt USA Lacks Enterprises, Inc. Lake Michigan Credit Union Lake State Mortgage Life EMS, Inc. Mechanical Finishing Co. Mechanical Rubber & Transmission Michaels & Associates, Inc. Michigan First Credit Union Michigan Offi Solutions Miles Distributors Inc. Miner Supply Company Misar Motors, LLC Moiron Monsma Marketing MoxieMen Incorporated MVP Sports Clubs National Nail Northern Jet Ojmar Old Orchard Oral Surgery Associates Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan OUTFRONT Media Packaging Corporation of America Painters Supply Paper Transport Ltd. Parker Tooling & Design Parrot’s Lounge Paul Medawar Fine Jewelry Payvana Pepsi-Cola Company Pinnacle Tool PRB & Associates, LLC Pridgeon and Clay Priority Health Pro-Vision R.L. Adams Plastics, Inc.
58 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
RDV Sports Inc. RDV Sports, Inc. RecLending.com Rehau Inc. Reliable Energy Inc. RHD Tire Ridgeview Industries Roskam Baking Co. SBA Global Logistics Siegel Jewelers Spectrum Health Neuro Rehabilitation Spidle Contracting LLC St. John’s Home Standale Lumber Stonefox Ventures Superior Asphalt, Inc. Superior Foods Co. Superior Sales Surefi Sweet Logistics, LLC Team Pink Corp Terryberry The Empire Company The Score Trans-Matic Manufacturing Tyson Foods Inc. UniFirst Universal Forest Products, Inc. Universal Sign Systems Van Dam Iron Works VEC Inc. Warner Norcross & Judd WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems Weiss Technik North America, Inc. Weller Truck Parts West Michigan Molding West Side Beer Distributing Western Tel-Com, Inc. William J. Simon, CPA Wynalda Packaging Yanfeng
EXTENSIVE. NOT EXPENSIVE. Happy Hours Monday – Friday: 6:30am to 10:00am and 2:00pm to 6:00pm Saturday: 7:30am to 10:00am and 2:00pm to 6:00pm Sunday: 7:30am to 10am
Featuring:
$1.50 Old Style Draft $2.00 Domestic & Import 12oz Cans $3.00 Michigan Microbrew 12oz Cans $4.00 Michigan Microbrew 16oz Cans 50% off All Signature Bloody Mary’s 50% off Matchbox Paloma 50% off All Wines by the Glass 50% off Build Your Own Sparkling Cocktail $1 off Michigan Craft Spirits
NOW OPEN www.MATCHBOXDINER.com | 1345 LAKE DR SE | GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49506
MEETING THE EXPECTATIONS YOU NEVER KNEW YOU HAD.
SE
616.531.1900 | bhsins.com 60 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
fo
SEPTEMBER 22, 2018
RAISE FUNDS TO SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE & RAPPEL DOWN PLAZA TOWERS!
for more information: OverTheEdgeWestMI.com or call 616.942.2081 61 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
MICHEL PICARD
At MOS, we arm you with accurate information to make solid business decisions. Get back to focusing on what you do best. We’ll manage your document environment. Count on us.™
AL ACTIVE L SINGLE-S 2
AL ACTIVE L SINGLE-S 2
AL ACTIVE L SINGLE-S
2
AL ACTIVE L SINGLE-S 2
MARTIN PRUSEK OFFICIAL PRINT SERVICES PARTNER OF
THE DETROIT LIONS
CONNECT WITH US • MOS-XEROX.COM • 800.442.9070 •
Griffins_Graffiti 2017.indd 1
@MOSCOUNTONUS
9/6/2017 4:52:58 PM
R E C O R D
B O O K
MICHEL PICARD
ALL-TIME ACTIVE LEADER SINGLE-SEASON 2016-17 ALL-TIME ACTIVE LEADER SINGLE-SEASON 2016-17
L E A D E R S ERIC TANGRADI
BRIAN LASHOFF
GAMES PLAYED Travis Richards Brian Lashoff (2nd) Kyle Criscuolo
655 376 *82 76
GOALS *Led league Michel Picard 158 Eric Tangradi (T11th) 65 Donald MacLean (2005-06) *56 Martin Frk 27
ASSISTS Michel Picard Robbie Russo (T16th) Jiri Hudler (2005-06) Matt Lorito
POINTS Michel Picard Eric Tangradi (16th) Michel Picard (1996-97) Matt Lorito
380 139 101 56
PLUS/MINUS Travis Richards Robbie Russo (7th) Ivan Ciernik (2000-01) Eric Tangradi
PENALTY MINUTES Darryl Bootland Brian Lashoff (37th) Darryl Bootland (2005-06) Dan Renouf
1,164 190 390 95
WINS Tom McCollum Tom McCollum (1st) Joey MacDonald (2004-05) Mike Fountain (2000-01) 2.33 Jared Coreau
111 111 34 *34 19
SAVE PERCENTAGE Martin Prusek Jared Coreau (T7th) Joey MacDonald (2003-04) Eddie Pasquale
0.930 0.918 0.936 0.919
*Led league
5 players tied
GOALIE GAMES PLAYED ALL-TIME Tom McCollum ACTIVE LEADER Tom McCollum (1st) SINGLE-SEASON Joey MacDonald (2004-05) 2016-17 Jared Coreau ALL-TIME ACTIVE LEADER SINGLE-SEASON 2016-17
A N D
SHUTOUTS Joey MacDonald Jared Coreau (3rd) 6 players tied Eddie Pasquale
+131 +58 *+41 +16
*Led league
GOALS AGAINST AVERAGE 245 Martin Prusek 1.83 245 Jared Coreau (9th) 2.46 *66 Martin Prusek (2001-02) *1.83 33 Jared Coreau 20 11 6 4
SAVES Tom McCollum Tom McCollum (1st) Joey MacDonald (2004-05) Jared Coreau
6,174 6,174 1,785 849
222 77 60 34
(Through Feb. 14, 2018)
MARTIN PRUSEK
TOM McCOLLUM
JARED COREAU
NER OF
ONS
S
52:58 PM
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
63 63
64
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
65
A
FACE-OFF FLAVOR IN HOCKEYTOWN WEST His name is synonymous with the best in hospitality and the culinary arts. Now, Wolfgang Puck brings his two newest creations and signature cuisine to Grand Rapids. The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck; featuring gourmet pizzas and chef’s favorite entrees for lunch and dinner, and The Kitchen Counter; serving up quick, made-to-order breakfast and lunch.
For reservations visit wolfgangpuck.com 66 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
Anywhere, Anytime, Anyplace. We’re there for you!
67 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
GRI
FFIN
S
ALL STARS 2017 AHL All-Star Robbie Russo Photo by JustSports Photography/AHL
2017 AHL All-Star Matt Lorito Photo by JustSports Photography/AHL
1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06
Jeff elson, Michel Picard, Pokey Reddick Ian Gordon, Kerry Huffman, ichel Picard Robert Petrovicky, Maxim Spiridonov John Gruden, Jani Hurme, Kevin Miller, Petr Schastlivy Mike Fountain, Joel Kwiatkowski, Travis Richards, Todd White, Bruce Cassidy (co-coach) Chris Bala, John Gruden, Kip Miller, Martin Prusek, Petr Schastlivy, Bruce Cassidy (head coach), Gene Reilly (asst. coach) Marc Lamothe, Mark Mowers Jiri Hudler, Niklas Kronwall, Travis Richards, Nathan Robinson Niklas Kronwall, Joey MacDonald Valtteri Filppula, Jiri Hudler, Donald MacLean
2016 AHL All-Stars Jeff oggan and Xavier Ouellet Photo by Scott Thomas/AHL
2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17
Derek Meech, Kip Miller Jonathan Ericsson, Jimmy Howard Jakub Kindl, Daniel Larsson Patrick Rissmiller Ilari Filppula, Brendan Smith Gustav Nyquist Chad Billins, Petr Mrazek, Gustav Nyquist Alexey Marchenko, Jeff lashill (head coach) Xavier Ouellet, Teemu Pulkkinen Jeff oggan (captain), Xavier Ouellet Matt Lorito, Robbie Russo, Todd Nelson (head coach)
2015 AHL All-Star Teemu Pulkkinen
Photo by Lindsay A. Mogle/AHL
2014 AHL All-Star Alexey Marchenko
Photo by Jeff arsons/AHL
Ev
At he tha
GR BC
2013 AHL All-Star Chad Billins
Photo by Alan Sullivan/AHL
2013 AHL All-Star Petr Mrazek
Photo by Alan Sullivan/AHL
2013 AHL All-Star Gustav Nyquist
Photo by Paul Yacovone III/AHL
2012 AHL All-Star Gustav Nyquist
Photo by PhotoGraphics/AHL
MIC
Blue Cro
R072385
Every game is a big game. At Blue Cross, we help tech kids the importance of eating healthy and staying active so they develop good habits that last, season after season. GROUP HEALTH PLANS | INDIVIDUAL PLANS | DENTAL | VISION BCBSM.COM | #MIKIDSCAN
MICHIGAN
DOWNLOAD OUR MOBILE APP
69
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
R072385_GriffinsAd.indd 1
R071121
9/11/17 12:31 PM
Lead the industry from a leading workspace.
616.458.6322
217 GRANDVILLE AVE SW
GRAND RAPIDS
CUSTERINC.COM
Integrity • Quality • Solutions
1-800-444-6430
www.powellrelocationgroup.com
HOME & OFFICE RELOCATIONS
• LOCAL • STATEWIDE • NATIONWIDE • WORLDWIDE
www.powellrelocationgroup.com 70 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
*A $ R d h
Our 3% Max Checking account offers one of the best rates you can find anywhere! Call, click or visit us today! Anyone can join!
*
LMCU.org • (800 or 616) 242-9790 *APY = Annual Percentage Yield. No minimum balance required. Interest not paid on balances over $15,000. Refunds up to $15 per month in surcharge ATM withdrawal fees at non-LMCU ATMs when you withdraw from your Max Checking account. Rate subject to change. To earn maximum interest rate, simply meet the following monthly usage requirements: 1. Direct deposit into your Max Checking account. 2. Minimum of 10 debit card purchases per month. 3. Minimum of 4 logins to home banking per month. 4. Be eligible for and sign up to receive eStatements/eNotices. Federally Insured by the NCUA.
Expires July 1, 2018
71 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
STAY CONNECTED. STAY ONNECTED. STAY TAY CONNECTED. ECTED. THEAHL.COM ISIS YOUR YOUR ONE-STOP ONE-STOP SOURCE SOURCE FOR FOR ALL ALL THE THE THEAHL.COM LATEST HIGHLIGHTS, NEWS, STATS, AND LIVE UPDATES LATEST Visit HIGHLIGHTS, NEWS, STATS, AND LIVE UPDATES PHPA.com FOR ALL ALL 30 30 TEAMS TEAMS and follow us @The PHPA FOR
Your source for hockey news, player information, and PHPA merchandise
Grow with the Pros!
THEAHL.COM FOR THE THEAHL.COM ISIS YOUR YOUR ONE-STOP ONE-STOP SOURCE SOURCE FOR ALL ALLTO THE REPRESENT ALL AHL AND ECHL PLAYERS PROUD LATEST HIGHLIGHTS, NEWS, STATS, AND LIVE UPDATES LATEST HIGHLIGHTS, NEWS, STATS, AND LIVE UPDATES FOR FOR ALL ALL 30 30 TEAMS TEAMS WATCH WATCH
Don’t miss a minute ONE-STOP SOURCE FOR ALL Don’t THE miss a minute ONE-STOP SOURCE FOR ALLofof the THE the action with live action with live WS, STATS, AND LIVE UPDATES game streaming at NEWS, STATS, AND LIVE UPDATES game streaming at AHLLive.com LL 30 TEAMS AHLLive.com ALL 30 TEAMS
WATCH WATCH
miss a minute miss a minute action with live action with live streaming at streaming at LLive.com LLive.com
TALK TALK Join the conversation and Join the conversation and get behind-the-scenes acget behind-the-scenes access via AHL social Media cess via AHL social Media
TALK TALK
SHOP SHOP
onversation and conversation acand d-the-scenes
Look like the pros with Look like the apparel andpros AHLwith
nd-the-scenes acAHL social Media AHL social Media
apparel exclusively and AHL memorabilia memorabilia exclusively at AHLStore.com &
THEAHL.COM IS YOUR ONE-STOP SOURCE FOR ALL THE LATEST HIGHLIGHTS,SHOP NEWS, STATS, AND LIVE UPDATES SHOP FOR ALL 30 TEAMS Join the conversation and Look like the pros with TALK TALK
Join the conversation and get behind-the-scenes acget behind-the-scenes access via AHL social Media cess via AHL social Media
SHOP SHOP Look like the pros with Look like the pros with apparel and AHL apparel and AHL memorabilia exclusively memorabilia exclusively at AHLStore.com & WATCH at AHLStore.com & AHLAuthentic.com AHLAuthentic.com Don’t miss a minute
Look like the pros with apparel and AHL apparel and AHL memorabilia exclusively memorabilia exclusively at AHLStore.com & at AHLStore.com & AHLAuthentic.com AHLAuthentic.com
TheAHL.com TheAHL.com
TALK
SHOP
Join the conversation and
Look like the pros with
of the action with live
get behind-the-scenes ac-
apparel and AHL
game streaming at
cess via AHL social Media
memorabilia exclusively
LATEST HIGHLIGHTS, NEWS, STATS, AND LIVE UPDATES FOR ALL 30 TEAMS AHLLive.com
AHLAuthentic.com
TheAHL.com TheAHL.com
at AHLStore.com & AHLAuthentic.com AHLAuthentic.com
TheAHL.com
72 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions TheAHL.com TheAHL.com
at AHLStore.com &
P E N A LT Y C A L L S
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 disqualifi ation 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 fisti uff or shoving.
UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT Called for unsportsmanlike actions such as disputing an offici ’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 KNEEING Called when a player uses a knee to Called when a player uses an elbow impede an opponent to impede an opponent. Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
WASH-OUT When used by the referee, it means goal disallowed. When used by linesmen, it means there is no icing or no offsid .
73
TICKETS VIP Glass Lower Level Preferred
$37 $31
DAY OF GAME $40 $34
Lower Level Center Ice
$26
$29
Lower Level Faceoff VIP Edge Upper Level Prime
$22 $23 $21
$25 $26 $24
Upper Level Preferred
$20
$23
Upper Level Center Ice
$19
$22
Upper Level Faceoff
$16
$19
ADVANCE
(rows B-E)
(rows B & C)
(rows F & up)
(rows D & up)
VAN ANDEL ARENA
Suites & Hospitality Areas Call for pricing and availability
startickets.com or 616.222.4000 THE ZONE Located on the west side of Van Andel Arena ONLINE griffinshockey.com/buytickets Seats may not be available in all price categories. For season, game-plan and group ticket information, call 616.774.4585 or 1.800.2.HOCKEY.
BAKERSFIELD CONDORS BELLEVILLE SENATORS BINGHAMTON DEVILS BRIDGEPORT SOUND TIGERS CHARLOTTE CHECKERS CHICAGO WOLVES CLEVELAND MONSTERS GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS HARTFORD WOLF PACK HERSHEY BEARS IOWA WILD LAVAL ROCKET LEHIGH VALLEY PHANTOMS MANITOBA MOOSE MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS ONTARIO REIGN PROVIDENCE BRUINS ROCHESTER AMERICANS ROCKFORD ICEHOGS SAN ANTONIO RAMPAGE SAN DIEGO GULLS SAN JOSE BARRACUDA SPRINGFIELD THUNDERBIRDS STOCKTON HEAT SYRACUSE CRUNCH TEXAS STARS TORONTO MARLIES TUCSON ROADRUNNERS UTICA COMETS WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PENGUINS
74 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
DOWNLOAD THE GRIFFINS APP! Our Secret Ingredient is “LOVE” We Love what we do and it shows!
Griffins Trusted Catering Partner for 8 years. YoChef’s Catering Company will take care of all the details from preparation to clean up. Our experience and reliability ensure that your event will be a hit!
• Corporate Breakfast Meetings • Express Business Lunches • Graduations • Full Service Weddings
YOCHEF’S CATERING CO. 34 44th St SE Kentwood, MI 49548 Email or call us for a FREE quote Pam Fritz - Event Planner Pfritz@yochefscatering.com 616-608-3003
Check out our full menu online at: Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
GRIFFINS BEN STREET
IT ALL
in the
STARTS HERE
DREW MILLER
EVGENY SVECHNIKOV
ROBBIE RUSSO
DAN RENOUF
Since their inception in 1996, the Griffi have sent 168 players to the National Hockey League, 16 of whom have gone on to win the Stanley Cup. In fact, a Griffins alumnus h had his name engraved on Lord Stanley’s chalice in six of the last 10 years and in eight of the last 13 seasons. In chronological order, here are the 21 goalies and 147 skaters who have worn an NHL sweater after playing for Grand Rapids, along with the dates of their NHL debuts/returns. 76
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
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
2
RE
at BUF at BUF T at TOR vs. WSH T at FLA NYI at SJ TT at TB B at FLA TT at SJ vs. ATL T at NYI at CAR T vs. TB vs. NYR at BOS ET vs. SJ H at PIT at PHX vs. DAL vs. EDM vs. ANA at MTL vs. STL at NSH vs. NSH vs. CBJ vs. NYI AL at LA at BUF vs. FLA vs. TOR at EDM T at CGY at ANA T vs. STL
2016-17GRADUATES JARED COREAU
NICK JENSEN
TYLER BERTUZZI
MATT LORITO
MARTIN FRK 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 Bold = Played in the NHL this season (as of Feb. 15) Italics = Had name engraved on the Stanley Cup after playing for Grand Rapids All photos by Dave Reginek.
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
77
CATCH THE ACTION THIS SEASON ON YOUR RADIO OR ONLINE!
All Griffins playoff games on
DONT MISS ANY OF THE ACTION THIS SEASON! FOLLOW GRIFFINS HOCKEY ON NEWSRADIO WOOD
106.9 FM 1300 AM AND STREAM THE ACTION ON IHEARTRADIO!
A BIG THANKS TO OUR RADIO SPONSORS FOR THEIR HELP IN BRINGING GRIFFINS HOCKEY TO YOU THIS SEASON
on
PARTING SHOT
Paul Boyer (right), now in his 24th season as the Detroit Red Wings’ equipment manager, chats with Griffins equipm t manager Brad Thompson while working behind the Grand Rapids bench for the first tim . Boyer visited Van Andel Arena on Jan. 27, during the NHL’s all-star break. Photo by Mark Newman 80
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions
T
ipment e Van
GO GRIFFINS! 2017 Calder Cup Champions
Terryberry is Proud to Handcraft the 2017 Griffins Calder Cup Championship Rings Right Here in Grand Rapids.
We help 25,000+ organizations worldwide with customized awards and recognition programs. Contact us to learn about exceptional awards to commemorate important milestones and achievements that help your organization win!
616.458.1391 | www.terryberry.com | Grand Rapids, MI