2016-17 SEASON ISSUE NO. 4
Martin Frk O F F I C I A L
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Vol. 21, No. 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS STARTING LINEUP 24 BOMBS AWAY When Griffins forward Martin Frk releases his explosive shot, opponents are wise to hide.
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32 TRIUMVIRATE OF TRIUMPH With Jared Coreau, Eddie Pasquale and Cal Heeter working between the pipes, the Griffins have had three of the best goalies in the AHL this season. 42 CREATING MEMORIES Tim Gortsema has guided the Griffins’ front office to a host of accolades and achievements during his tenure as head of the organization’s business operations. 50 THE LIST Now in his second season with the Griffins, Robbie Russo draws heavily on his Chicago-area roots when asked to name the 10 things he can’t live without.
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52 HALL OF FAMER Retired defenseman Bryan Helmer is the first former Griffins player to be inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame.
ON THE BENCH 2.........Chalk Talk 4.........An Exclusive Club 6.........Scouting Report 9.........Griffins Schedule 12......AHL Tradition 15......AHL Team Directory 19......Detroit Red Wings 21......Promotional Calendar 40......Meet the Griffins
56......Griffins Season Ticket Members 63......Griffins Records 68......Griffins All-Stars 73......Penalty Calls 74......Arena Map/Ticket Info 76......It All Starts Here 79......Kids Page 80......Parting Shot
COVER:
42
Martin Frk, who has one of the hardest shots in the AHL, ranks among the league leaders in power play goals. Photo by Mark Newman
Griffiti magazine is published four times a year by the Grand Rapids Griffins, Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49503. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All contents ©2017 Grand Rapids Griffins. For advertising information, contact Griffins Sales & Marketing, (616) 774-4585; fax (616) 336-5464. Unsolicited manuscripts and other materials will not be returned.
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1
Q&A WITH GRIFFINS HEAD COACH TODD NELSON At the beginning of March, the Griffins had the best power play in the American Hockey League, operating at nearly a 28-percent success rate, a pace that would break both the franchise’s season mark (21.8%, 2005-06) and the all-time AHL record (26.8%, Springfield, 1993-94). Much can happen with six weeks left in the season, but the Griffins’ power play has obviously been instrumental in helping push the team to the top of the Central Division. How significant has the success of your power play been? Special teams are so important. If you win the special teams battle, you usually win the game. That’s the bottom line. If your penalty kill is strong and you get at least one power play goal, it’s usually the difference in the game. We’re constantly trying to make both our power play and penalty kill better. What makes a good power play unit? To begin with, you need to have players with a special skills set. Your personnel is key, so you have to plug guys into the right spots where they can succeed. We have a highly skilled group of forwards, but when you only have two minutes of power play time, it’s a challenge to find ice time for everyone. As a result, we’ve gone with five forwards for one unit, and four forwards and a defenseman for the other. Our power play has been successful because we have two separate groups that work really well. I used five forwards during my first season (200304) as a head coach in Muskegon. When I looked at our personnel this season, I decided to go with all forwards because that’s what looked like what would work. I told them, ‘I’m putting you out there for a reason – to score goals – but I want you guys taking care of your own end,’ and I think that unit has allowed only one shorthanded goal because they’re responsible and they work well together. Besides the right personnel, what are the other ingredients? You need a shot mentality, but there are so many 2 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
things that go into a successful power play. For example, you need a strong net-front presence. Goalies are so good now that if they can see the shot, they’re likely going to stop it, so you need a player to screen his vision. (Eric) Tangradi, (Mitch) Callahan and (Matt) Ford fill that role for us and all three do a good job. They all have different techniques when it comes to screening the goalie. You also need a 5-on-5 mentality, which basically means you have to outwork your opponent. After a shot is taken, you don’t want it to be ‘one and done,’ so it’s all about hard work – retrievals and winning loose puck battles. You also want to keep the game in the middle of the ice, so you have more options and you can attack the lanes. Another key component is winning face-offs – and that’s not just on the centerman. It’s a five-man unit working together to get the puck under control. Once you’ve got the puck, you’ve got to look to strike quickly. Some power plays look pretty with a lot of passing on the outside, but you’re not getting anything done. If we have an opportunity to shoot, we shoot right away, and then grab the puck for a rebound for a second or third chance. We want to strike as fast as we can. Proper breakouts and entries into the (offensive) zone are equally important. Sometimes the opposing team will do a good job and force you to dump the puck in and then get it back. Fortunately, our entries have been excellent and our guys know where to find relief points if they are battling for the puck down low. They can rim the puck out the sides and we’ll have guys there to alleviate the pressure to regain the middle of the ice. How much of your power play is structured? You want to give structure, but it’s the creativity of the players on the ice that really determines your success. There are not many times when designed plays produce power play goals. Usually it’s the second or third opportunity where you’ve been able to cause mayhem and you’ve got the opposition running around. We typically use a 1-3-1 formation, which is a
guy in front of the net, then three guys in a line – a bumper in the middle and two flanks – along with a guy on top. (Tomas) Nosek, for example, has been really good in the bumper position. Traditionally, you also need a defenseman who acts as the quarterback of the power play and breaks out from the zone and make good decisions with the puck. Ben Street and Robbie Russo play that role on our units. They help set up the flanks for one-time options or find the bumper for a shot pass. Everyone knows their role as well as the roles of others. Sometimes you get caught with a guy in the wrong spot, but if your players all understand how it works, other guys can assume the position. Sometimes you might see Ben Street move from the top to the flank and a player will roll up to his spot. When you have guys who have played together a lot, they’re all interchangeable. How often do you change your power play strategies? Your power play is always evolving in order to expose the other team’s penalty kill. On a typical game day, we’ll do video for 5-on-5 play in the morning and then we’ll concentrate five minutes each on the power play and penalty kill so the guys know exactly what they will be facing that night. It’s not the same every night. We have to figure out the tactics we’ll use to win the specialty team battles on a nightly basis. Our breakouts, for example, differ game by game.
A lot of it depends upon the opposing team, how they’re forechecking, how their penalty kill is set up. Are they using a diamond or three across or four across? Are they aggressive down ice? All these things come into play. That’s why we do the pre-scouts and meetings. How key is Martin Frk’s booming shot to your power play? When we got Marty back on waivers, it gave us a real weapon on the power play. We need a net-front presence, but I don’t mind if the guys get out of the way when he’s firing because he shoots the puck so hard. When we face teams who try to take away that weapon, we can work the other side and take advantage of the 4-on-3. If he’s not open, someone else is, so teams can pick their poison. Outside of rotating veterans in and out of the lineup, your power play units have been fairly consistent. How much does it help to keep the same players on the same units? We try to keep them intact as much as possible. Chemistry is always critical. When a power play unit goes stale, you try to plug guys into different spots. When our power play goes south, it’s usually because we’re not working hard enough, we’re not getting to loose pucks, and we’re not sharp with our passing and execution. Scoring on the power play comes down to work ethic, being hungry and good execution.
2016-17 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
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
3
AN EXCLUSIVE sk season ticket members why they enjoy attending Griffins games and they’re likely to give you at least 38 reasons – that figure representing the number of home games on the regular season schedule. Matt Batchelder, vice president of ticket sales for the Griffins organization, will gladly provide you with additional reasons to become a season ticket member. If you’re looking to find out all the perks and benefits of joining this exclusive group, you’ve come to the right place. “Since the Calder Cup championship season, there’s been a renewed interest in committing to full season ticket packages,” Batchelder said. “The dynamic of the Red Wings relationship, along with the advancement of so many Griffins players to Detroit, has convinced a growing number of fans to invest their entertainment dollars into season tickets.” For the best seats in the house, it’s the only option. Preferred locations in Van Andel Arena are reserved for full season members who are guaranteed the same seats for every home game. Season ticket members also get the first right to purchase seats for the playoffs at a special discount. And the advantages only start there. “If they are unable to attend a game for any reason, season ticket members are able to exchange their tickets for future games,” he said. “It’s very important for us to be flexible for those fans who commit to the full season.” Season ticket members can also utilize an online marketplace where they can share or sell tickets, allowing them to recoup some of the money invested in a full season package. Flash Seats® is an electronic ticketing system that is
4 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
simple, safe and backed by the Griffins. “We also offer flexibility regarding payment, allowing fans to extend their payments up to eight months,” Batchelder said. “By spreading payments out into the summer, it makes it more affordable to own season tickets.” Other benefits include exclusive access to the players and coaches, from private signings that are open only to season ticket members to special luncheons with the team. There are also membersonly chalk talks with head coach Todd Nelson. “We try to provide a number of unique experiences for our season ticket members first,” he said, noting that they can also watch warmups from the bench, greet Griffins starters in High Five Alley or even ride the Zamboni. “We value our season ticket members’ commitment to the Griffins organization.” Season ticket members also can benefit from an early arrival policy. They can enter the building 15 minutes before the general public, allowing them to take advantage of the concession promotions and avoid the initial lines, as well as obtain any giveaway items that might be offered. “They can walk away with every giveaway as long as they come early in that 15-minute window,” Batchelder said. He notes that by being season ticket members, they are guaranteed to receive four of the season’s most highly soughtafter giveaway items (bobbleheads, hats, etc.) no matter what time they arrive. As another perk, season ticket members are permitted exclusive access to the Gun Lake Casino VIP Lounge with private concessions and free popcorn. “They’re able to relax in a private lounge with TVs before the game,” he said. Season ticket members also receive special access to Detroit Red Wings and Little Caesars
CLUB
A growing number of hockey fans are becoming members of the Griffins’ season ticket fraternity, thanks to a long list of perks and benefits.
Arena tickets and events, a benefit that might become even more attractive in the coming years after the new entertainment complex opens in downtown Detroit. Unparalleled customer service is another perk associated with being a season ticket member. “We have found that one of the driving forces behind renewals is their relationship with their season ticket representative,” Batchelder said. He notes that the organization has tried discounts for early renewals as well as various giveaways, and nothing compares to the satisfaction that comes from first-name service rendered by a dedicated Griffins representative. “They know your name and give you a direct connection to the organization if you should have any requests, questions or concerns,” he said, noting the commitment has been underscored by the hiring of a customer service coordinator to directly communicate with season ticket members. Season ticket members also can save up to $8 per ticket off the game-day price while avoiding all box office fees and surcharges. In addition, they can take advantage of a 10-percent discount on Griffins merchandise and enjoy 10-percent off their bill at The Intermission Restaurant on the lower level of the arena. In terms of special recognition, season ticket members receive patches commemorating their milestone seasons (in 5-year increments). They also receive personal recognition on the Van Andel Arena concourse and inside Griffiti magazine (see page 56). One other option is the Member Rewards Club. If a fan is willing to commit to buying season tickets for three years, they ice (“freeze”) their season ticket price for all three seasons,
regardless of any price increases incurred by the general public. They also enjoy a special luncheon each season with select Griffins players and coaches. In addition, they will receive a Griffins warmup jacket or fleece pullover embroidered with their choice of the Griffins’ primary, shield or skyline logo. Many of the perks and benefits derive from an annual survey of season ticket members that the Griffins conduct in January. “We are doing our best to be responsive to the needs and desires of our season ticket members,” he said. It’s apparently working. In recent seasons, Batchelder said more and more communities of season ticket members have been appearing in various sections of the arena. One group of season ticket members recently went on a cruise together. Some bring their own props to games and others wear T-shirts they created. But it’s often the desire to nail down what they feel is the best seat in the house, whether it’s in the front row, next to an aisle or next to the bench or penalty box. Being guaranteed the same seat for every game is one privilege that they all share. If fans decide that 38 home games is too much or they would like to enjoy a smaller sample of games before making a season-long commitment, the Griffins offer a number of alternatives. “We also have 10-game and 20-game packages that allow you to enjoy the same seats at a discount, with a few but not all of the perks and benefits offered to season ticket members,” Batchelder said. For more information about Griffins full season tickets, go to griffinshockey.com or call 616-774-4585 ext. 2. Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
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GRIFFINS SCOUTING REPORT • Wolves forward Kenny Agostino leads the AHL in scoring, topping the league with the most assists and points through 50 games. Teammate Wade Megan, meanwhile, is tied for the league-lead in goals.
CHICAGO
MARCH 17
• In the last eight games against Chicago on home ice, Grand Rapids is 6-1-1-0. The Wolves’ 4-2 win on Nov. 5 marked their first victory at Van Andel Arena since Jan. 21, 2015. • After not qualifying for the 2016 postseason, the Wolves are currently in position to compete in this year’s Calder Cup Playoffs. In its 23 years of existence, Chicago has never missed the postseason in consecutive years.
ROCKFORD
MARCH 24
• Cal Heeter, in his first year as a Griffin, is 4-0 against Rockford this season with a 1.50 GAA and a .952 save percentage. By comparison, first-year IceHogs goalie Lars Johansson is 2-0 against Grand Rapids with a 1.13 GAA and a .962 save percentage.
• The IceHogs have the worst road record in the AHL, posting a 7-17-4-1 record away from home through their first 58 games. Rockford, in fact, registered only three wins in its first 17 road games this season. • Guaranteed at least a share of the season series against Rockford, Grand Rapids has won or tied the season series with its Illinois counterpart in five consecutive seasons. MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS
MILWAUKEE
MARCH 29
PANTONE 282 C
PANTONE 292 C
PANTONE COOL GRAY 4 C
WHITE
PRIMARY MARK
• Second-year Admiral winger Vladislav Kamenev, who leads Milwaukee in scoring, played two seasons in the KHL as a teenager with Magnitogorsk Metallurg, where he played with former Griffins star Francis Pare. Kamenev also played with Griffins rookie Evgeny Svechnikov on Russia’s World Junior team.
6 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
2015-16
• Veteran center Mike Ribeiro appeared in 1,074 NHL games before he was assigned to Milwaukee on Feb. 4. Ribeiro, whose NHL stops include Montreal, Dallas, Washington, Phoenix and Nashville, recorded double-figure goal totals in 11 different seasons. • In 13 of the last 16 regular season meetings between the teams, either the Admirals or Griffins were the division leaders at the time of the game.
CHARLOTTE
MARCH 31 APRIL 12 APRIL 14
• Rookies Lucas Wallmark and Andrew Poturalski are two of the AHL’s top first-year players, with Wallmark and Poturalski in the top five for goals and assists, respectively. Poturalski is a former Hobey Baker finalist while Wallmark is a former Swedish teammate of ex-Griffins goaltender Daniel Larsson.
• The Checkers acquired former Griffins goalie Tom McCollum on loan from the Stockton Heat on March 8. Charlotte had previously used five different netminders this season, including veteran Michael Leighton, a 2017 AHL All-Star who was injured Feb. 17. • Since the 2011-12 season, the Checkers have accumulated nine wins at Van Andel Arena, tied with Chicago and Cleveland for the most among AHL teams despite playing only 15 games, compared to Chicago’s 23 and Cleveland’s 24.
CLEVELAND
APRIL 8
• Monsters center T.J. Tynan, who leads Cleveland in scoring, was a teammate of Griffins defenseman Robbie Russo for three seasons at the University of Notre Dame.
• With April 8 being his bobblehead night, Griffins captain Nathan Paetsch has played in 39 games against the Monsters during his career in Grand Rapids, tallying 15 points (3-12—15). As of Feb. 27, Paetsch ranked fifth in Griffins history in games played (337) and sixth in assists (119). • The Monsters have the second-worst third-period goal differential in the AHL, allowing 53 goals while scoring only 31. Cleveland’s -22 in the third stanza is only topped by Binghamton which is -29 (41 goals vs. 70 allowed).
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2016-17
SEASON schedule
S
M
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OCTOBER
W
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F
S
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1
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3
IA
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8
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24
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CLE
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3
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13
CHI
CHI CLE
20
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MIL
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27
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11
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23
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30
31
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4 CHI 5:00
5 12
T CLE
12
6
10
W
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1
7:00
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1
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IA
7:00
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CHA
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MIL
10
8
9
10
11
12
MIL
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16
CHA
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19
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26
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31
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19
7 14
20
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27
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8:00
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SA
7:00
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7:00
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MIL
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MIL
7:00
MB
11AM
22
7:00
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16 23
8:00
2 5:00
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8:00
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7:00
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6
7
CLE
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FEBRUARY
RFD
CLE
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T
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29
27
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22
20
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26
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MIL
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7:00
8:00
DECEMBER
CHA
5
7:00
6
NOVEMBER
T
7:00 7:00
Post-Game Open Skate Huntington Bank Post-Game Autograph Session Friends & Family 4-Pack Home Game Pepsi Reading Goals Redemption Date
@GRIFFINSHOCKEY
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MIL 4:00
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Home
Away
SA
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MARCH T
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TEX
TEX
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9:00
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CHI
CHI
23
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CHA
8:30
15
21
22
28
MIL 7:00
7:00 7:00
8:00
SJ
8:00 8:00
7:00
Games broadcast live on
All times Eastern. Dates, opponents and times subject to change.
CHA - Charlotte CHI - Chicago CLE - Cleveland IA - Iowa MB - Manitoba MIL - Milwaukee
RFD - Rockford SA - San Antonio SJ - San Jose STK - Stockton TEX - Texas
PRIMARY AFFILIATE OF THE DETROIT RED WINGS
TO PURCHASE TICKETS OR FOR MORE INFO, Grand Rapids GRIFFINS VISIT GRIFFINSHOCKEY.COM OR CALL 1.800.2.HOCKEY.
9
Griffins Chief Executive Officer
Dear Griffins Fans, The first 20 years of Griffins Hockey are now in the books, the curtain having been brought down by a remarkable 2015-16 season that featured endless reasons to cheer. With the return of original Griffin Todd Nelson to Grand Rapids as head coach, the Griffins twice obliterated our previous franchise record for consecutive victories, rattling off 15 wins in a row from mid-November to late December before nearly matching that feat later on with a 13-game run. Along the way, we posted another record with 14 straight wins at Van Andel Arena, a streak that began on Veterans Day and didn’t end until nearly 10 weeks later. The playoffs started with a three-game sweep of Central Division champion Milwaukee and concluded with a hard-fought loss to eventual Calder Cup champ Lake Erie, finishing off yet another memorable campaign. As the promise of a new season dawns, Nelson and his staff return to build on last year’s success, with a roster that will feature more than the usual number of fresh faces alongside the likes of longtime defenseman Nathan Paetsch, goaltender Jared Coreau, playoff phenom Tyler Bertuzzi and a host of other future Detroit Red Wings. While the entertainment value offered on the ice is second-to-none, we hope you will enjoy several arena enhancements designed to elevate your game-night experience. In addition to the arena’s free wifi service introduced late last season, be sure to take advantage of our newly launched beacon technology, which works with the Griffins app to deliver timely, personalized messages and special offers to fans at Van Andel Arena. You now have quick and easy access to game day news, discounts, promotions and exclusive experiences, including seat upgrades, Zamboni rides and the High-Five Alley. One final thing to enlighten you about is the installation of the arena’s new innovative and energyefficient Ephesus LED digital lighting system from Eaton. Our players’ performance on the ice and your experience in the stands will both benefit from better balanced and brighter lighting that provides for increased visibility, truer colors and prevention of glare. And just wait until you see the fun we’ll have with these lights during pre-game shows, timeouts and intermissions; there’s a reason they were also installed for Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale, Ariz., and the 2016 NHL All-Star Game in Nashville. On behalf of the entire Griffins organization, I thank you for your continued loyal support and look forward to sharing the 2016-17 AHL season with you. Sincerely,
Dan DeVos Chief Executive Officer Grand Rapids Griffins
10 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
DAVID A. ANDREWS RESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, DAPAVID A. ANDREWS MERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE
DAVID A. ANDREWS
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, American Hockey League Hockey League AAmerican MERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE American Hockey League One Monarch Place – Springfield, 01144 One Monarch Place –Place Springfield, MAMA 01144 One Monarch – Springfield, MA 01144 Phone: (413) 781-2030 theahl.com Phone: (413) 781-2030 Phone: (413) 781-2030theahl.com Fax: (413) 733-4767
Dear Fans, Dear Fans, Dear Dear Fans,
American Hockey League
One Monarch Place – Springfield, MA 01144 Phone: (413) 781-2030 theahl.com my great pleasure to welcome to the 2016-17 American Hockey League season. ItItItItisis my great pleasure towelcome welcome you to the historic 2015-16 American Hockey League is 2014-15 season, is my great pleasure to you toyou the historic 2015-16 American Hockey League season, one that79th is sure to be one of the most memorable campaigns ever. The AHL was founded inbe 1936, and for the past eight decades have established a season, one that sure to one of the memorable campaigns our year ofis play. We are proud tomost be entering what is surewe toever. be another exciting tradition of excellence continues today in and 30 cities across America. season, continuing ourthat tradition of excellence bringing anNorth entertaining, physical and We are celebrating our 80th anniversary season literally from coast to coast: From the shores of the We are celebrating anniversary season from6 coast to fans coast:inFrom theacross highly skilled levelour of 80th professional hockey to literally more than million arenas Atlantic to our five new members in California, all 30 teams will hit the ice to continue a tradition of Dear Fans, We areof coming one ofhallmark the new greatest AHL seasons highlighted byhit welcoming North America. shores the Atlantic tothe our five in California, all 30 teams will the ice five excellence that hasoff been of members the American Hockeyever, League since 1936. great fan bases to theyou league, asbeen well2015-16 as our returnofto Winnipeg. fell all to continue a tradition of that has the hallmark the American Hockey It is California my great pleasure to excellence welcome to the historic American Hockey LeagueRecords season, one The AHL remains ofthe itsonce role inagain developing more 88 percent of in today’s National Hockey League year long, from Roy the winningest coach history, Michael that issince sure to beproud one Sommer of mostbecoming memorable campaigns ever. The 2014-15 season will feature 30than teams who will beleague competing fortothe AHL’s League 1936. players, as well asCup the majority of the NHL’s training staffs, broadcasters Leighton setting thevast career mark forand shutouts, to managers, more than 7.1 million fans attending historic Calder championship, 30coaches, National Hockey League clubs who willand be We areIncelebrating our350 80th anniversary season literally from coast coast: From the officials. total, nearly AHL players were recalled to the NHL lasttoseason alone,the andshores more of than games -thetheir largest turnout in in our 80-year history. Thecities. campaign ended in most developing top prospects and futureallstars in our Last season alone, more than The AHL remains proud of its role developing more 88 percent of today’s Atlantic tofirstour five new members in California, 30 teamsthan willtheir hit the iceintothe continue a tradition 250 former and second-round NHL draft picks developed skills AHL. And throughofthe memorable fashion as the Calder Cup to Cleveland for the firstHockey time in 52 240 firstand second-round NHL draft picks competed in American Hockey League, National Hockey League players, as well asreturned thecheering vast majority ofthe thesince NHL’s coaches, excellence that has been the hallmark ofenjoyed the American Hockey League 1936. years, our loyal and passionate fans have for more than 100 future Hall ofyears Famers, with more than 19,000 fans the for the championship and 347 players took the icepacking in more boththan the “Q” AHLCalder and the NHL. and have witnessed the triumphs of 100 champions whoclincher. would go on to have their managers, training staffs, broadcasters and officials. InCup total, nearly 350 AHL players The AHL remains of its role more than 88 percent of today’s National Hockey League names engraved onproud the Stanley Cupinasdeveloping well. were recalled to the NHL last season alone, and more than 250 former first- and secondas well as the vast of majority of the NHL’s coaches,more managers, training staffs, broadcasters and The AHL remains proud its role inskills developing than 88 percent of in today’s National Weplayers, take great pride in our tradition of developing the best hockey talent the world, with round NHL draft picks developed their in the And through years, loyal total, 350 AHL players were recalled to theand NHL last season alone, andour more than Toofficials. our newInfans in nearly Bakersfield, Ontario, San Diego, San AHL. Jose Stockton; tothe our returning fans in Hockey League players, as well as a vast majority of the NHL’s coaches, managers, training over 88 percent of today’s NHL players, coaches and officials having honed their skills in and passionate fans have more thanAmerica 100 Hall 250 former firstsecond-round NHL picks developed theirfuture skills inHockey the Andtoof through thejoin Manitoba; to all of and you whoenjoyed cheer forcheering AHL draft teamsfor across North -- We are AHL. excited have you staffs, on-ice officials, other executives. Inthan total, 377 AHL players were the American Hockey League. Through the years, our loyal and passionate fans have our excitement loyal and passionate fans haveand enjoyed cheering for more 100 future Hockey Hall of Famers, usyears, from the ofbroadcasters, opening weekend, to the 2016 AHL All-Star Classic in Syracuse, andwho through the Famers, and have witnessed the triumphs of more than 100 Calder Cup champions recalled to the NHL last season and more than 250 firstand and and have witnessed the triumphs ofalone, more than 100 Calder Cup champions who would gosecond-round on to have their enjoyed cheering more than 100 future Hockey Hall offormer Famers, and have witnessed the thrills emotion offor the Calder Cup Playoffs. would go on to have their names engraved on the Stanley Cup as well. names engraved on the Stanley Cup as well. NHL draftof picks developed skills the AHL. And theon years, our great fans triumphs more than 100 their Calder Cupinchampions whothrough would go to have their names On behalf of allthe of our teams, players staff, thank you members again for your continuing support of the AHL. have enjoyed cheering forCup more than 100 future of the Hockey Hall of Fame, engraved on Stanley as and well. To our new fans ininBakersfield, Ontario, San Diego, San Jose and Stockton; To our fans Bakersfield, San Diego, San Jose and Stockton; to our returning I wish younew the utmost enjoymentOntario, of all the excitement that our 2015-16 season hasto inour store. fans in and have witnessed the triumphs of more than 100 Calder Cup champions who would Manitoba; to all of you who cheer for AHL teams across North America -We are excited to have you join returning fans in Manitoba; to all of you who cheer for AHL teams across North America go onfrom to have their names engraved on the Cup as to continue to deliver professional towell. the great fans ofand Glens Falls,the us the excitement opening weekend, to theStanley 2016 hockey AHL All-Star Classic in Syracuse, through Sincerely, --We’re We arepleased excited to haveofyou join us from the excitement of opening weekend, to the thrills and of the Calder Cup Playoffs. N.Y., and weemotion welcome Allentown, Pa., to the league as the Adirondack Flames and Lehigh 2016 AHL All-Star Classic in Syracuse, and through the thrills and emotion of the Calder To our Phantoms new fans inhitTucson all of you cheer AHL entries teams from coast coast, Valley the iceand thistoseason. Thewho AHL’s two for newest will join thetorest of CupOn Playoffs. behalf of all of our teams, players and staff, thank you again for your continuing support of the AHL. we excited to have you join us for another terrific year. On behalf of all of our teams, theI are league in looking to dethrone the defending Calder Cup champion Texas Stars in the wish you the utmost enjoyment of all the excitement that our 2015-16 season has in store. players and thank again for your continuing support of the AHL. chase for thestaff, AHL’s 2015you title. On behalf of all of our teams, players and staff, thank you again for your continuing Sincerely, David A. Andrews support of the AHL. I wish you the utmost enjoyment of all the excitement that our Sincerely, On behalf&of all Executive of our teams, President Chief Officer players and staff, thank you again for your continuing 2015-16 season in Istore. American Hockey League support of thehas AHL. wish you the utmost enjoyment of all the excitement that our
2014-15 season has in store.
DavidA.A.Andrews Andrews David Sincerely, President& & Chief Chief Executive Officer President Executive Officer American Hockey League American Hockey League David A. Andrews President & Chief Executive Officer American Hockey League
/TheAHL
theahl.com
@TheAHL
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
11
THEA BEGINNINGS TRADITION
OF EXCELLENCE
A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE since 1936
Marking its 81st season of play in 2016-17, the American Hockey League is continuing a since 1936 tradition of excellence that began in 1936 when the Canadian-American Hockey League THE BEGINNINGS merged with the International Hockey to form what is today known as the THELeague BEGINNINGS AHL. Eight teams hit the ice Marking that firstitsseason, playing Haven, 81st season of playininBuffalo, 2016-17, Cleveland, the AmericanNew Hockey League is tradition of81st excellence that inthe 1936 whenHockey the Canadian-American Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Providence, Springfield and Syracuse. Marking its season of play inbegan 2016-17, American League is continuing Ho
merged with the International League to form what Hockey is today k a tradition of excellence that began inHockey 1936 when the Canadian-American
AHL. Eight teams the ice thatat first season, in Buffalo, Cleveland, League merged withhit the International Hockey League towas form instrumental what is today known Frank Calder, the National Hockey League’s president the time,playing in as the AHL. Eight teams hit theProvidence, ice that first season, playing inand Buffalo, Cleveland, New Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Springfield Syracuse. the forming of the new league,Haven, andPhiladelphia, his namePittsburgh, would be givenSpringfield to its championship trophy. Providence, and Syracuse. The first Calder Cup was wonFrank by the Syracuse Stars in 1937;League’s the 80th championship was Calder, the National Hockey president at the time, was ins Frank Calder, National Hockey League’s president at the time, was instrumental captured by Cleveland’s Lake Erie Monsters lastleague, spring. the forming ofthe the new and his name would be given to its champion in the forming of the new league, and his name would be given to its championship
The firstThe Calder thebySyracuse Stars in 1937; thethe 80th trophy. first Cup Calderwas Cupwon was by won the Syracuse Stars in 1937; 80thchamp captured by Cleveland’s Lake Erie Monsters last spring. championship was captured by Cleveland’s Lake Eriea Monsters last spring. From those roots, the American Hockey League has grown into 30-team league that
provides fans with exciting, high-level professional hockey while preparing thousands From roots, American League hasa grown 30-team From those those roots, the the American HockeyHockey League has grown into 30-team into leagueathat of players, coaches, officials,provides executives, trainers, broadcasters and for careers in provides fans with exciting, high-level professional hockeymore whilehockey preparing thousands fans with exciting, high-level professional while preparin players, coaches, officials, executives, trainers, trainers, broadcasters and more for and careers the NHL. ofofplayers, coaches, officials, executives, broadcasters more f in the NHL. the NHL.
THE PLAYERS
THETHE PLAYERS PLAYERS
more than 88 percent of the players are AHL alumni, oday’s Hockey League more than In National today’s National Hockey League more than8888percent percent of of the the players are AHL alumni, ent Braden Holtby of the Washington Capitals. TheWashington Capitals. The luding 2016 are Vezina recipient Braden the players AHL Trophy alumni, including 2016 VezinaHoltby Trophy of recipient Braden Holtby ofstocked the Washington Capitals. Thewere 2016 stocked Stanley Cup gh Penguins were with AHL graduates as well, 16 Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins with AHL graduates as well, champion Penguins wereYear stocked with AHL graduates them 2015Pittsburgh AHL Rookie ofstandouts the Matt Murray and standouts Conor Sheary, eong Year Matt Murray and Conor Sheary, as well, among them 2015 AHL Rookie thehelped Year Matt Murray and yan Rust and Tom Kuhnhackl, whoofall the Penguins to the championship who all helped Penguins the standouts Conorthe Sheary, Bryan Rustto and Tomchampionship Kuhnhackl, who all er being called up from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton during the season. helped the Penguins to the championship arre/Scranton during the season.after being called up from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton during the season.
selections John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks (San Diego Gulls)
the Philadelphia Flyers (Lehigh Valley Phantoms).
and Shayne Gostisbehere of thefirstPhiladelphia Flyers (Lehigh Valley addition, more than 250 former and second-round draft picks developed their Phantoms). ls in the AHL last season, including William Nylander, Mikko Rantanen, Jakub rst- Anthony and second-round draft picks developed their ana, Milano Shea Theodore. In addition,Mantha, more thanSonny 250 former first- and and second-round draft
ing William Nylander, Mikko picks developed their skills in the AHL lastRantanen, season, includingJakub William Nylander, Mikko Rantanen, Jakub Vrana, Anthony Mantha, Sonny Milano and Shea Theodore.
Photo: Pittsburgh Penguins
ring the 2015-16 season, a total of 880 AHL alumni played in the National Hockey of 880 AHL alumni played in skated the Hockey ague. There were 377 players in both During the 2015-16 season, awho total of 880National AHL alumnileagues played inlast year alone, including theAll-Rookie National Hockey League. There 377alone, players who in 16 NHL Team selections John Gibson of skated the Anaheim Ducks (San Diego o skated in both leagues lastwere year including both leagues Gostisbehere lastof year alone, including 2016 NHL All-Rookie Team lls) John and Shayne of the Philadelphia (Lehigh Valley Phantoms). ns Gibson the Anaheim Ducks (SanFlyers Diego
Matt Murra 2016 Stanley Cup c 2015 AHL Rookie o MattMurray Murray Matt 2015 AHL Goaltender 2016 Stanley Cup champion
20162015 Stanley Cup champion AHL Rookie of the Year 2015 AHL Rookie of theYearYear 2015 AHL Goaltender of the COACHES2015 AHL Goaltender of the Year
Milano and Shea Theodore.
THE THE COACHES
the start of the 2016-17 season, the National Hockey League featured 23 head coaches who were forme At the start of the 2016-17 season, the National Hockey League featured 23 head coaches who were former AHL bench sses, including 20162016 Calder Cup Jared Bednar the Colorado Jack winner AdamsBarry Award w bosses, including Calder Cupchampion champion Jared Bednar of the of Colorado Avalanche,Avalanche, Jack Adams Award otz of Trotz the Washington Capitals and Cupwinner winner Mike Sullivan, who was promoted from Wilkes-Barre of the Washington Capitals andStanley Stanley Cup Mike Sullivan, who was promoted from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton cember. Vancouver’s WillieLeague Desjardins, Detroit’s Blashill, Tampa Bay’sJon Jon Cooper Minnesota’s December. Vancouver’s Willie Desjardins, Detroit’s Jeff Blashill, Tampa Bay’s Cooper andand Minnesota’s Bruce Bruc the inNational Hockey featured 23Jeff head coaches who were former AHL bench also Boudreau recent Calder winners, and Stanley champions Joel Quenneville, Claude Julien, Dan Bylsm are alsoCup recent Calder Cup winners, and Cup Stanley Cup champions Joel Quenneville, Claude Julien, Dan Bylsma champion Jared Bednar of the Colorado Avalanche, Jack Adams Award winner Barry Mike Babcock also time in the AHLmaking before making the jump. bcockand also spent time inspent the AHL before the jump.
THE COACHES
d Stanley Cup winner Mike Sullivan, who was promoted from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in rdins, Detroit’s Jeff Blashill, Bay’s Jon Cooper and Boudreau “[TheTampa AHL] is necessary for development. It’s a Minnesota’s great league and Bruce a lot of great players are down there. I for wouldn’t be here It’s if itJulien, for those years of great “[TheJoel AHL] isQuenneville, necessary development. aweren’t great league andBylsma a lot of and Stanley Cup champions Claude Dan and Mike improvement and learning, so I’m grateful for it.” L before making the jump. players are down there. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for those years of —improvement Braden Holtby, Washington Capitals and learning, so I’m grateful for it.” 2016 Vezina Holtby, Trophy winner -- Braden Washington Capitals 2010 Cup champion 2016Calder Vezina Trophy winner
2010 Calder champion he AHL] is necessary for development. It’s aCup great league and a lot of great ayers are down there. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for those years of Photo: JustSports Photography provement and learning, so I’m grateful for it.” JustSports Photography
12 Holtby, Grand Rapids GRIFFINSCapitals Braden Washington 16 Vezina Trophy winner
THEbegan LEGENDS has created its own legends as well, and in 2006 THE LEGENDS THE LEGENDS ion ofForthe AHL Hall of Fame. The 11th class of inductees, the past eight decades, the American Hockey League has been home to some of the ruceFor Cline, Ralph Keller, Labbe and Landon. the past eight decades, theJ.F. American Hockey League has been home tohonored some greatest players in the history of ourLeague sport. In Bruce fact, 100 members of the past eight decades, the American Hockey has beenmore homethan to some of the ofthe theHockey greatest players inour theGage, history our sport. Inwith fact, more than 100 honored ower, Fred Jody Mitch Lamoureux, Willie Hall of Fame have been affiliated AHL during their atest players inGlover, the history of sport. Inof fact, more than 100the honored members of careers. All-time members of the Hockey Hall of Fame have been affiliated with the AHL during their greats George Armstrong, Toe Blake, Gump Worsley, Terry Sawchuk, Glenn HallBruce oflike Fame have been affiliated with the AHL during their careers. All-time eHockey Shore, Boudreau, Zellio Toppazzini, and others All-time greats like George Toe Blake, Gump Worsley, Terry Eddie Shore Hall, Brad Park, Ken Dryden, and Brett Hull came through the AHL ranks and now ats likecareers. George Armstrong, Toe Blake,Armstrong, Gump Worsley, Terry Sawchuk, Glenn he American Hockey League Hall of Fame. Sawchuk, Glenn Hall, Brad Park, Ken Dryden, and Brett Hull came through Honored Member, l, Bradfind Park, Ken Dryden, and Brett Hull cameand through the AHLCalder ranks and themselves enshrined in Toronto, the coveted Cup now isthe inscribed with the Hockey Hall of Fame
AHL ranks now themselves enshrined inCalder Toronto, and the coveted Calder d themselves enshrined in find Toronto, the coveted Cup is inscribed with theGerry names ofand legendary AHL and alumni like Patrick Roy, Larry Robinson, Cheevers, Honored Member, AHL Hall of Fame is inscribed theHorton, names ofAl legendary AHL alumni like Patrick Roy, Larryand Billy Smith. mes of Cup legendary AHLwith alumni like Patrick Roy, Larry Robinson, Gerry Andy Bathgate, Tim Arbour, Emile Francis, DougCheevers, Harvey, Robinson, Gerry Cheevers, Andy Bathgate, Tim Horton, Al Arbour, Emile dy Bathgate, Tim Horton, Al Arbour, Emile Francis, Doug Harvey, and Billy Smith. Francis, Doug Harvey, and Billy Smith. The American Hockey League has created its own legends as well, and in 2006 began American Hockey League has created its own legends as well, and in 2006 began honoring them withLeague the formation of the AHL Hall of as Fame. The 11th class of inductees, The has created itsFame. own legends well,ofand in 2006 noring themAmerican with theHockey formation of the AHL Hall of The 11th class inductees, recognized in them 2016, included Bruce Cline, Ralph Keller, and began honoring with the formation the AHL Hall of Fame. The Labbe 11th class of Bruce Landon. ognized in 2016, included Bruce Cline, Ralph of Keller, J.F. Labbe and J.F. Bruce Landon. They join the likesBower, ofinJohnny Bower, Fred Glover, Jody Gage, Lamoureux, More fans attended AHL games in 2015-16 than in anyWillie other season in the inductees, 2016, included Bruce Cline, Ralph Keller, J.F. Mitch Labbe and y join the likes ofrecognized Johnny Fred Glover, Jody Gage, Mitch Lamoureux, Willie Marshall, Frank Mathers, Eddie Shore, Bruce Boudreau, Zellio and others rshall,Bruce Frank Mathers, Eddie Shore, Bruce Boudreau, Zellio Toppazzini, andToppazzini, others Landon. They join80-year the likes of Johnny Bower, Fred Glover, Jody Gage, Mitch Eddie league’s history, topping 7.1 million total and over 6,000 average perSho Eddie EddieShore Shore as distinguished of the American Hockey of Fame. distinguished members the American Hockey League HallShore, of League Fame. Lamoureux, Willieofmembers Marshall, Frank Mathers, Eddie BruceHall Boudreau, Honored Hoc Honored Hall Fame HonoredMember, Member,Hockey Hockey Hallof ofMember, Fame gameand between the regular season and playoffs The Hershey Bears Zellio Toppazzini, others as distinguished members of the American Hockeycombined. Honored Member, AH Honored Fame HonoredMember, Member,AHL AHL Hall of Fame the league for the 10th year in a row, averaging 9,790 fans per home game, League Hallled of Fame. Photo: AHLArchives Archives Photo: AHL
THE FANS
while the Utica Comets sold every oneFANS of its games at the Utica Memorial THEout FANS THE THE FANS Auditorium. The season ended with 19,665 fans packing Quicken Loans Arena fans attended AHL games in 2015-16 in any season in in Cleveland for More the Monsters’ Calder Cup clinching win --other largest crowd More attended AHL games inthan 2015-16 than inthe any other in sea Morefans fans attended AHL games in 2015-16 than in season anythe other league’s 80-year history, topping 7.1 million total7.1 and over 6,000 average per the league’s 80-yearhistory, history, topping million total and overover 6,000 league’s 80-year topping 7.1 million total and 6,000 a ever for a pro hockey game in Ohio. game between the regular season and playoffs combined. The Hershey Bears
average per game between the regular season playoffscombined. combined. The game between the regular season andand playoffs The Her led the leagueHershey for the Bears 10th year in aleague row, averaging 9,790 per home game, led the for the 10th year fans in a row, averaging 9,790
led the league for the 10th year in a row, averaging 9,790 fans per h
while the Utica Comets soldgame, out every its games atsold the Utica Memorial Fans are also continuing to fans follow their and the league inofout record numbers perthe home whileone theof Utica Comets every one ofthe its Utica while Uticateams Comets sold outpacking every one itsLoans games at Auditorium. The season ended with 19,665 fans Quicken Arena games atInternet the Utica Memorial Auditorium. The season ended with 19,665 digitally. Last season, the AHL Network -featuring TheAHL.com Auditorium. The season ended with 19,665 fans packing Quicken L in Cleveland for the Monsters’ Calder Cup clinching win -the largest crowd fans packing Quicken Arena in Calder Cleveland for clinching the Monsters’ in Cleveland for the Monsters’ Cup winCalder -- the lar ever for a proof hockey game in --Ohio. and the official Web sites all 30 clubs --Loans continued toforserve fansgame worldwide, Cup clinching win the largest crowd ever a pro hockey in Ohio. ever forfollow a pro hockey game in Ohio. while more than Fans 2.5 are million fans the AHL and its teams on social media also continuing to follow their teams and the league in record numbers Fans are also continuing to follow their teams and the league in record platforms like Facebook, Twitter Instagram. digitally. Last season, the InternettoNetwork -- featuring TheAHL.com Fans areand alsoAHL continuing follow their teams and the league in recor numbers digitally. Last season, the AHL Internet Network — featuring
Photo: Lindsay A. Mogle
the official Web sites all 30 clubs -- continued to serve fans worldwide, digitally. Last season, the AHL Internet -- featuring Over 7.1 million fans and attended AHL games inofand 2015-16, the TheAHL.com the official sites 30Network clubs continued to Th while more than 2.5 million fans follow theWeb AHL andof itsallteams on — social media and the official Web sites of all 30 clubs -continued serve most in the league’s 80-year history. fans worldwide, while more than 2.5 million fans follow theto AHL and fans platforms likeserve Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. while more thanmedia 2.5 million fans theTwitter AHL and its teams on so its teams on social platforms likefollow Facebook, and Instagram. Over 7.1 million fans attended AHL in 2015-16, the platforms likegames Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
880 88.8
most in the league’s 80-year history. Over7.1 7.1million million fans attended games in 2015-16, the Over fans attended AHL AHL games in 2015-16, the mostininthe the league’s 80-year history. most league’s 80-year history.
377 377 880
88.8 880880 88.8
256256 23 23 377 377 256 256 23
2
AHL players who Former 1st- and 2ndAHL alumni who Percentage of all NHL AHLplayers players who AHL Formerround 1stand 2ndAHL alumni who ormer AHL players Former also played NHL draft picks played for the 2016 layers in 2015-16 who who skated in the AHL players who Former 1stand 2ndAHL alu Percentage of all NHL Former AHL players also played NHL picks played for the who skated inof all the in the NHL AHL alumni who2016 Former 1stAHLround players who AHLLeague players Percentage NHL who draft skated in theand AHL2nd-Stanley Cup champion were graduates NationalFormer Hockey also played played for the 2016 round NHL draft picks also played who skated in the players in 2015-16 round NHL draft picks played fo players in 2015-16 who who skated in the in 2015-16 in 2015-16 Pittsburgh Penguins the AHL League last season in the NHL who skated in the AHL Stanley Cup champion onalofwho Hockey Stanley Cup champion who skatedwho in theskated AHL in in the NHL in the NHL HockeyHockey League were graduates the AHL Stanley Cu were graduates National National Pittsburgh Penguins Penguins in 2015-16in 2015-16 in 2015-16 Pittsburgh League season of the AHL in last 2015-16 last season in 2015-16 in 2015-16 Pittsburgh of the AHL last season “I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I wish every player could play in the AHL before they get the chance to play in the NHL. You learn from guys who are older, approach the game as professionals, and prepare that way. It was great for me.”
-- P.K.in Nashville Predators trade it could for the world. ISubban, wish every player could play in the AHL before uldn’t trade it for the world. I wish“I wouldn’t everyforplayer play theOlympic AHL before gold medalist “I wouldn’t trade itthey thethe world. I wish could play infrom guys who are older, get chance to every play2014 inplayer the NHL. You learn they get the chance to play in the NHL.before Yougame learn from guys2013 who are older, Norris winner the AHL they getprofessionals, the chance to play inTrophy the NHL. approach the as and prepare that way. It was great for me.” 2010 AHLthe Team You learn guys that who are older, approach as oach the game as professionals, and from prepare way. It was great All-Rookie for me.” --game P.K. Subban, Nashville Predators
-
Photo: Getty Images professionals,-and prepare that way. It was great for me.”2014 Olympic gold medalist P.K. Subban, Nashville Predators 2013 Norris Trophy winner -— P.K. Subban, Nashville Predators 2014 Olympic gold medalist 2010 AHL All-Rookie Team 2014 Olympic gold medalist 2013 Norris Trophy winner 2013 Norris Trophy winner Photo: Getty Images 2010 AHL All-Rookie Team 2010 AHL All-Rookie Team
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
13
2016-17 AHL DIRECTORY EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION: Bridgeport, Hartford, Hershey, Lehigh Valley, Providence, Springfield, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
ALBANY DEVILS
NORTH DIVISION: Albany, Binghamton, Rochester, St. John’s, Syracuse, Toronto, Utica
NHL AFFILIATION: New Jersey Devils HOME ICE: Times Union Center (6,691) GENERAL MANAGER: Tom Fitzgerald HEAD COACH: Rick Kowalsky ENTERED AHL: 2006-07 (as Lowell Devils) CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 3 of 10 2015-16 RECORD: 46-20-8-2, 102 pts./0.671 WEBSITE: thealbanydevils.com
BINGHAMTON SENATORS
NHL AFFILIATION: Ottawa Senators HOME ICE: Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena (4,696) GENERAL MANAGER: Randy Lee HEAD COACH: Kurt Kleinendorst ENTERED AHL: 2002-03 CALDER CUPS: One (2011) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 6 of 14 2015-16 RECORD: 31-38-6-1, 69 pts./0.454 WEBSITE: binghamtonsenators.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 15 2015-16 RECORD: 40-29-4-3, 87 pts./0.572 WEBSITE: soundtigers.com
HARTFORD WOLF PACK
NHL AFFILIATION: New York Rangers HOME ICE: XL Center (15,635) GENERAL MANAGER: Jim Schoenfeld HEAD COACH: Ken Gernander ENTERED AHL: 1997-98 CALDER CUPS: One (2000) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 15 of 19 2015-16 RECORD: 41-32-3-0, 85 pts./0.559 WEBSITE: hartfordwolfpack.com
HERSHEY BEARS
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: 66 of 78 2015-16 RECORD: 43-21-5-7, 98 pts./0.645 WEBSITE: hersheybears.com
LEHIGH VALLEY PHANTOMS
NHL AFFILIATION: Philadelphia Flyers HOME ICE: PPL Center (8,420) GENERAL MANAGER: Ron Hextall HEAD COACH: Scott Gordon ENTERED AHL: 1996-97 (as Philadelphia Phantoms) CALDER CUPS: Two (1998, 2005) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 10 of 20 2015-16 RECORD: 34-35-4-3, 75 pts./0.493 WEBSITE: phantomshockey.com
PROVIDENCE BRUINS
NHL AFFILIATION: Boston Bruins HOME ICE: Dunkin’ Donuts Center Providence (11,075) GENERAL MANAGER: John Ferguson HEAD COACH: Kevin Dean ENTERED AHL: 1992-93 CALDER CUPS: One (1999) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 19 of 24 2015-16 RECORD: 41-22-9-4, 95 pts./0.625 WEBSITE: providencebruins.com
ROCHESTER AMERICANS
NHL AFFILIATION: Buffalo Sabres HOME ICE: Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester War Memorial (10,662) GENERAL MANAGER: Tim Murray HEAD COACH: Dan Lambert ENTERED AHL: 1956-57 CALDER CUPS: Six (1965, 1966, 1968, 1983, 1987, 1996) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 44 of 60 2015-16 RECORD: 34-38-3-1, 72 pts./0.474 WEBSITE: amerks.com
ST. JOHN’S IC
PRIMARY MA
ST. JOHN’S ICECAPS
NHL AFFILIATION: Montreal Canadiens HOME ICE: Mile One Centre (6,287) GENERAL MANAGER: Marc Bergevin HEAD COACH: Sylvain Lefebrve ENTERED AHL: 2011-12 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 2 of 5 2015-16 RECORD: 32-33-8-3, 75 pts./0.493 WEBSITE: stjohnsicecaps.com
PANTONE 2758 C
PANTONE 187 C
PANTONE 877 C
PANTONE COOL GRAY 11C
WHITE
SPRINGFIELD THUNDERBIRDS
NHL AFFILIATION: Florida Panthers HOME ICE: MassMutual Center (6,784) GENERAL MANAGER: Eric Joyce HEAD COACH: Geordie Kinnear ENTERED AHL: 2016-17 WEBSITE: springfieldthunderbirds.com
SYRACUSE CRUNCH
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: 12 of 22 2015-16 RECORD: 32-29-11-4, 79 pts./0.520 WEBSITE: syracusecrunch.com Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
15
2016-17 AHL DIRECTORY TORONTO MARLIES
CHARLOTTE CHECKERS
UTICA COMETS
CHICAGO WOLVES
WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PENGUINS
CLEVELAND MONSTERS
NHL AFFILIATION: Carolina Hurricanes HOME ICE: Bojangles’ Coliseum (8,300) GENERAL MANAGER: Derek Wilkinson HEAD COACH: Ulf Samuelsson ENTERED AHL: 2010-11 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 2 of 6 2015-16 RECORD: 36-32-3-5, 80 pts./0.526 WEBSITE: gocheckers.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: 8 of 11 2015-16 RECORD: 54-16-5-1, 114 pts./0.750 WEBSITE: marlies.ca
NHL AFFILIATION: St. Louis Blues HOME ICE: Allstate Arena (16,692) GENERAL MANAGER: Wendell Young HEAD COACH: Craig Berube ENTERED AHL: 2001-02 CALDER CUPS: Two (2002, 2008) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 10 of 15 2015-16 RECORD: 33-35-5-3, 74 pts./0.487 WEBSITE: chicagowolves.com
NHL AFFILIATION: Vancouver Canucks HOME ICE: Utica Memorial Auditorium (3,860) GENERAL MANAGER: Pat Conacher HEAD COACH: Travis Green ENTERED AHL: 2013-14 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 2 of 3 2015-16 RECORD: 38-26-8-4, 88 pts./0.579 WEBSITE: uticacomets.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 9 2015-16 RECORD: 43-22-6-5, 97 pts./0.638 WEBSITE: clevelandmonsters.com
NHL AFFILIATION: Pittsburgh Penguins HOME ICE: Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza (8,050) GENERAL MANAGER: Jason Botterill HEAD COACH: Clark Donatelli ENTERED AHL: 1999-00 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 15 of 17 2015-16 RECORD: 43-27-4-2, 92 pts./0.605 WEBSITE: wbspenguins.com
WESTERN CONFERENCE CENTRAL DIVISION: Grand Rapids, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Iowa, Manitoba, Milwaukee, Rockford
BAKERSFIELD CONDORS
GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS
NHL AFFILIATION: Detroit Red Wings HOME ICE: Van Andel Arena (10,834) GENERAL MANAGER: Ryan Martin PACIFIC DIVISION: HEAD COACH: Todd Nelson Bakersfield, Ontario, ENTERED AHL: 2001-02 San Antonio, San Diego, BAKERSFIELD CONDORS CALDER CUPS: One (2013) San Jose, Stockton, PRIMARY MARK Texas, Tucson SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 10 of 15 2015-16 RECORD: 44-30-1-1, 90 pts./0.592 WEBSITE: griffinshockey.com
NHL AFFILIATION: Edmonton Oilers HOME ICE: Rabobank Arena (8,751) GENERAL MANAGER: Keith Gretzky HEAD COACH: Gerry Fleming ENTERED AHL: 2015-16 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 0 of 1 2015-16 RECORD: 31-28-7-2, 71 pts./0.522 WEBSITE: bakersfieldcondors.com
IOWA WILD
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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 3 2015-16 RECORD: 24-41-5-6, 59 pts./0.388 WEBSITE: iowawild.com 2015-16
THE ROAD TO THE CALDER CUP
16 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
2016-17 AHL DIRECTORY
SAN DIEGO GU
MANITOBA MOOSE
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MANITOBA MOOSE
SAN DIEGO GULLS
NHL AFFILIATION: Winnipeg Jets HOME ICE: MTS Centre (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 11 2015-16 RECORD: 26-41-4-5, 61 pts./0.401 WEBSITE: moosehockey.com
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NHL AFFILIATION: Anaheim Ducks HOME ICE: Valley View Casino Center (12,920) GENERAL MANAGER: Bob Ferguson HEAD COACH: Dallas Eakins ENTERED AHL: 2015-16 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 1 of 1 MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS 2015-16 RECORD: 39-23-4-2, 84 pts./0.618 PRIMARY MARK WEBSITE: sandiegogulls.com
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MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS
NHL AFFILIATION: Nashville Predators HOME ICE: UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena (9,591) GENERAL MANAGER: Paul Fenton HEAD COACH: Dean Evason ENTERED AHL: 2001-02 CALDER CUPS: One (2004) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 13 of 15 2015-16 RECORD: 48-23-3-2,101 pts./0.664 WEBSITE: milwaukeeadmirals.com
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NHL AFFILIATION: San Jose Sharks 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 ONTARIO REIGN SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 1 of 1 PRIMARY MARK 2015-16 RECORD: 31-26-8-3, 73 pts./0.537 WEBSITE: sjbarracuda.com
ONTARIO REIGN
NHL AFFILIATION: Los Angeles Kings HOME ICE: Citizens Business Bank Arena (9,491) GENERAL MANAGER: Rob Blake HEAD COACH: Mike Stothers ENTERED AHL: 2015-16 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 1 of 1 2015-16 RECORD: 44-19-4-1, 93 pts./0.684 WEBSITE: ontarioreign.com
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STOCKTON
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STOCKTON HEAT
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ROCKFORD ICEHOGS
NHL AFFILIATION: Chicago Blackhawks HOME ICE: BMO Harris Bank Center (5,895) GENERAL MANAGER: Mark Bernard HEAD COACH: Ted Dent ENTERED AHL: 2007-08 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 5 of 9 2015-16 RECORD: 40-22-10-4, 94 pts./0.618 WEBSITE: icehogs.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 14 2015-16 RECORD: 33-35-8-0, 74 pts./0.487 WEBSITE: sarampage.com
NHL AFFILIATION: Calgary Flames HOME ICE: Stockton Arena (9,737) GENERAL MANAGER: Brad Pascall HEAD COACH: Ryan Huska ENTERED AHL: 2015-16 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 0 of 1 2015-16 RECORD: 32-32-2-2, 68 pts./0.500 WEBSITE: stocktonheat.com
The division semifinals will be best-of-five series, with the first-place team playing the fourth-place team and the secondplace team facing the
TEXAS STA
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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 7 2015-16 RECORD: 40-25-8-3, 91 pts./0.599 WEBSITE: texasstars.com
PANTONE 877 C
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TUCSON ROADRUNNERS
NHL AFFILIATION: Arizona Coyotes HOME ICE: Tucson Convention Center Arena (6,700) GENERAL MANAGER: Doug Soetaert HEAD COACH: Mark Lamb ENTERED AHL: 2016-17 WEBSITE: tucsonroadrunners.com
Eight teams in each conference will qualify for the 2017 Calder Cup Playoffs. The top four teams in each division, ranked by points percentage (points earned divided by points available), will qualify for the postseason.
SAN JOSE BARR PANTONE 1655 C
third-place team. The division finals, conference finals and Calder Cup Finals will be best-ofseven series.
All Griffins playoff games on
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WHITE
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FINANCIAL
GOALS? WELCOME TO HUNTINGTON
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GOALS? WELCOME TO HUNTINGTON
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DETROIT
RED WINGS
Photo: Getty Images
Riley Sheahan, Tomas Tatar, Joakim Andersson and Gustav Nyquist were among 25 former Griffins who played at least one game for the Red Wings during the 2015-16 campaign. After guiding Detroit to its 25th consecutive playoff berth in his first season as head coach, Jeff Blashill returns to the Red Wings’ bench alongside a staff that includes former Grand Rapids assistant coaches Pat Ferschweiler, Jeff Salajko and Dave Noel-Bernier.
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 Luke Glendening, 2013-14 Mark Hartigan, 2007-08 Darren Helm, 2007-08 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, 2012-13 Brett Lebda, 2005-06 Ville Leino, 2008-09 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
TOP AFFILIATE
Grand Rapids Griffins 15th Season
ARENA
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 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, 2007-08 Eric Tangradi, 2015-16 Tomas Tatar, 2010-11 Jordin Tootoo, 2013-14 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 (201213), Carlo Colaiacovo (2012-13) and Stephen Weiss (2014-15).
MANAGEMENT
Executive VP/General Manager: Ken Holland Assistant General Manager: Ryan Martin
COACHING STAFF
Joe Louis Arena • Seating Capacity: 20,066
Head Coach: Jeff Blashill
CONTACT
Assistant Coaches: John Torchetti, Doug Houda, Pat Ferschweiler, Chris Chelios
(313) 394-7000 • detroitredwings.com
STANLEY CUPS
1936, 1937, 1943, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2008
Goaltending Coach: Jeff Salajko Video Coach: Dave Noel-Bernier Strength & Conditioning Coach: Mike Kadar Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
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— 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
MORETOTHERIDE.ORG
2016-17 GRIFFINS PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE MARCH 17 St. Patty’s Day Celebration presented by Spectrum Health Neurosciences
MARCH 24 ‘90s Night/Fan-Designed Jersey Auction
APRIL 8 Mascot Mania/Nathan Paetsch Bobblehead Giveaway and Donation Drive for Kids’ Food Basket presented by Michigan Office Solutions
APRIL 12 Third Annual Bring Your Dog Game presented by Nestlé Purina
MARCH 29 Fifth Annual Brain Injury Awareness Game presented by Brain Injury Association of Michigan
MARCH 31 $2 Beers and $2 Hot Dogs/ Griffins Equipment Sale Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
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APRIL 14 Season Finale presented by Huntington Bank/Friday Night Jersey Auction
APRIL 18 2017 AHL Calder Cup Playoffs begin, with $2 Beers and $2 Hot Dogs during every home playoff game.
All Griffins playoff games on
SEASON-LONG PROMOTIONS $2 Beers and $2 Hot Dogs: Every Friday during the regular season and for all 2017 Calder Cup Playoff games, enjoy $2 domestic drafts and $2 hot dogs from 6-8 p.m., while supplies last. Get in the D-ZONE: Presented by Family Fitness, every Friday night is a Griffins 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 griffinshockey.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 tickets for $14 each or four Lower Level Faceoff tickets for $18 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 ticket for $14 (or $13 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. Hockey Night in Grand Rapids: For the game on Wednesday, March 29, show your Griffins ticket at Stella’s Lounge or the Grand Rapids Brewing Co.
to enjoy Hockey Night specials. Visit griffinshockey. com/hockeynight for more information. Winning Wednesdays: Presented by Farm Bureau Insurance, every time the Griffins win at home on Wednesday, each fan in attendance will receive a free ticket to the next Wednesday game. To redeem a Winning Wednesday ticket, please visit the box office following the Winning Wednesday game, The Zone during normal business hours, or the Van Andel Arena box office prior to the next Wednesday game beginning at 5:30 p.m. Fans who exchange their Winning Wednesday ticket at The Zone on a non-game day will receive 20% off the purchase of one item (excluding jerseys). One discount per person present. Post-Game Parties at Peppino’s: After every Wednesday game, join Griffins players and staff for the official post-game party at Peppino’s Sports Grille downtown. Library Nights: For every Wednesday game, 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 ticket for $14 (regularly $16 advance and $19 day of game) or a Lower Level Faceoff ticket for $18 (regularly $20 advance and $23 day of game). Limit four tickets per card per person, subject to availability.
Friends & Family 4-Packs: Available for all Saturday games, each pack incudes four tickets and $12 in concession cash for a great low price. Visit griffinshockey.com/f4p or call (616) 774-4585 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 tickets to either the March 29 or April 12 game. Arby’s Post-Game Open Skate: April 8 MOS Corner Office: 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 Burger and Beer Special: Available on select tickets, take your used Griffins ticket to J. Gardella’s Tavern to enjoy a burger and beer for $7. Refer to the back of select tickets for details. Win With Wendy’s: When the Griffins 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 GRIFFINSHOCKEY.COM.
22 22 Grand Grand Rapids Rapids GRIFFINS GRIFFINS
UNLEASH YOUR MVP
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VISIT MVPSPORTSCLUBS.COM TODAY!
Frk is one of the top power play goal scorers in the AHL.
24 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
BOMBS Story and photos by Mark Newman
AWAY
When Griffins forward Martin Frk releases his explosive shot, opponents are wise to hide.
“Duck and cover.” The slogan, as naive as it now seems, was the admonition delivered by the government to the public 60 years ago in case of a nuclear attack. The strategy, it was alleged, offered a degree of personal protection for individuals hoping to escape harm.
“Duck and cover” might be equally useful whenever Martin Frk unloads another one of his bombs from the point on the Griffins’ power play. Woe to any player caught in the direct line of the forward’s booming shot. Griffins head coach Todd Nelson, who has been around professional hockey for Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
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Frk has one of the hardest shots in the league.
more than 25 years, doesn’t hesitate to call Frk’s cannon-like delivery “one of the hardest shots I’ve ever seen.” It’s no wonder that he encourages his players to get out of the way when Frk is ready to pull the trigger. Frk is the detonator of the Griffins’ strategy with the man-advantage – the explosive element that puts the “power” in the club’s special teams play. He’s TNT – That Nasty Threat – that makes grown men shake in their skates. Now in his fourth season in Grand Rapids, the dynamite Frk actually started the season in enemy’s hands. No longer waiver-exempt, he was claimed by the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes when the Red Wings tried to send him to Grand Rapids. “After I had a pretty good season with a lot of goals, I knew if I had a good training camp, someone might pick me up when Detroit put me on waivers,” Frk said. “When Carolina claimed me, I thought it was perfect. I was going to play in the big leagues for at least a month. I was really excited about the opportunity.” Frk saw his first two games of NHL action during his stint with Carolina. He skated on a 26 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
total of 26 shifts and, while he didn’t register a point in his 16-plus minutes of ice time, he survived his initiation and properly acquitted himself as a 23-year-old rookie. “I wish everyone got the chance to play at least one game in the NHL,” he said. “It was so much fun. I really enjoyed it. I didn’t play that much, but I was happy every chance I got to be on the ice with the best players in the world. I was happy for every minute I got.” His NHL debut came in Edmonton on Oct. 18 when the ‘Canes dropped a 3-2 decision to the Oilers. He registered one shot during 10:13 of ice time. A week later, he got his second start against the Red Wings in a 4-2 loss at Joe Louis Arena. “Getting to play against Detroit in Joe Louis was special,” he said. “I was not in the lineup the day before, so I was thinking I would be a healthy scratch, but when I came to the rink, I saw my name. I only played six minutes, but I was really happy to get another game.” Six days later, Carolina put Frk on waivers, allowing the Red Wings to reclaim their former prospect and assign him to Grand Rapids.
“(Carolina) didn’t really talk to me, so I didn’t know whether I was playing good or bad,” he said. “It’s a business. Maybe if I had scored a goal or picked up a couple of points, I might have stayed longer. You never know about the politics. In the end, they gave me a shot, and I’m very happy that I realized my dream of getting to play in the big leagues. “Things don’t always go the way you want them. Hopefully, I’ll get another shot somewhere else.” He returned to Grand Rapids with mixed feelings. While being claimed by a team other than Detroit would have enabled him to stay in the NHL, he was happy to come back to the Griffins, where he knew his big shot was appreciated. It was not always so. A second-round pick (49th overall) in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Frk struggled during his rookie season of 2013-14. He recorded just three goals in 50 games with the Griffins, while tallying five goals in 15 games with the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye. “My first year was really tough,” he admitted. “I don’t think I came ready. I’m not sure if I
didn’t work hard enough in the summer, but I told myself that I had to come in better shape the next year.” He did not fare much better during his second season in Grand Rapids, bagging six goals in 32 games with the Griffins, but he started realizing his potential in Toledo, where he amassed 23 goals in 29 contests. “It was frustrating because I just couldn’t do it here,” he said. “I knew I had to stay patient and that things would come one day.” Frk finally found his scoring touch last season, when he recorded 27 goals in 67 games in Grand Rapids. He had six multi-goal games, including back-to-back contests last February. It was only after he started scoring regularly that Frk began to feel more confident about his play. “When I scored a goal, I felt good about myself,” he said. “This league is hard. Everyone wants to show what they can do, and confidence is a big thing. You can be a good hockey player, but if you don’t have confidence, you won’t succeed. “I don’t think I was good with my mind the first two years. I didn’t have confidence and I
Frk scored a career-high 27 goals last season. Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
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A native of the Czech Republic, Frk was the Red Wings’ secondround pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
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Frk had recorded a dozen multi-point games this season through Feb. 28.
think I put too much pressure on myself.” Frk said he has learned to cope with the ups and downs of professional hockey. Days and weeks of frustration have been replaced by frequent bursts of optimism. He is the Griffins’ leading goal scorer this season, with 21 goals in his first 47 games, including an even dozen scored on the power play. As a result, Frk became only the ninth player in franchise history to post back-to-back 20-goal seasons. “If I have a bad game now, I just have to let it go,” he said. “It happens. People aren’t perfect. You make mistakes. I know I will not score every game, but I can still work hard and help the team win in a different way.” Frk’s booming shot is no longer a secret, so it’s not always easy for him to find open ice. “It gets harder because the guys will stand right next to me, so I can’t always take the onetimer,” he said. “Instead I’ll try to drag the guy far away so my teammates can do their things on the other side.”
The Griffins have so many weapons that the opposition can’t isolate Frk without giving space to his teammates. If teams cover him too closely, it means that one of his teammates should be able to create a scoring opportunity. “If the other team takes a penalty, we want to score. We want to make sure they pay for it,” he said. “Our power play has been unreal this year. We don’t really have a first and second power play unit. Both units are very good. We have a lot of skilled guys and when we stick to the details and do things right, good things happen. “A good power play can win games for you.” In the meantime, Frk continues to fine-tune his shot. He would like to improve its accuracy, even if it means sacrificing some of its power. “I shoot a lot of pucks in practice, especially from the spot where I shoot on the power play,” he said. “That’s my spot, and when you work on something, eventually it pays off.” Frk knows if he can help the Griffins win Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
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more games, it will help his own status in the long run. “This is the last year of my contract,” he said. “I want to have good numbers, but more importantly, if the team’s doing well, we’ll go far in the playoffs and that will help not only me but all of the other guys as well.” He also knows that he would like to be considered more than a one-dimensional weapon. “I love to score goals – it’s the best thing to do,” he said. “But when things don’t go your way, you have to bring something different. That’s what the coaches want. They know I can score, so I want to make sure my defense is good, too.” Nelson has witnessed the change in Frk and he likes what he has seen so far. “His 5-on-5 play is much improved from the start of last year,” he said. “His improvement has given me the confidence to put him out there during the last minute of play when we’re up by a goal. That’s a credit to his maturing as a player and a credit to his working on his game so that he is a more complete hockey player.” About the only thing that Frk is still missing is a vowel.
Frk is patiently awaiting another opportunity to play in the NHL.
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
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ALL-INCLUSIVE WEDDINGS
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Story and photos by Mark Newman
TRIUMVIRATE OF
TRIUMPH With Jared Coreau, Eddie Pasquale and Cal Heeter working between the pipes, the Griffins have had three of the best goalies in the AHL this season. For a goaltender, the most important shot is always the next one. Whatever happened in the past is the past. But if and when the Griffins’ goalies look back on the first five months of the 2016-17 season, they can’t help but be pleased by their good fortune and the success they’ve enjoyed in the process of helping the team reach the top of the AHL’s Central Division. In fact, Griffins goaltending is in the hunt to capture the organization’s third AHL award for Outstanding Team Goaltending (Harry “Hap” Holmes Memorial Award), having previously won the award during the team’s first two seasons in the league (2001-02 and 2002-03). Other than four starts by Jimmy Howard during two conditioning assignments from Detroit, the work between the pipes has been handled by the terrific trio of Jared Coreau, Eddie Pasquale and Cal Heeter, all of whom are enjoying seasons to remember: • Ranked among the AHL’s Top 10 goalies, Coreau, 25, has spent more than two months with the Red Wings in Detroit, where he recorded his first NHL wins and shutouts; 32 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
• Entering March, Pasquale, 26, was enjoying the best goals against average and save percentage of his professional career, a vocation that has already spanned several seasons in the AHL and ECHL; • With a 21-3 record compiled between Toledo and Grand Rapids this year, Heeter, 28, has recorded his most wins in a season since he was a teenager playing junior hockey. They are the not-so-holey trinity – a triumvirate of triumph in the net that has succeeded like few others have in the Griffins’ 21-year history. Although each has his own distinctive style, the trio share a bond fueled by the drive and determination to improve. Whether the rotation has been Coreau and Pasquale or Pasquale and Heeter, Griffins goalies have been posting the kind of statistics that would stand out on any team, more so on a squad that ranks among the highest scoring clubs in the AHL, thanks in part to the league’s best power play. “When your team is on a stretch where it’s scoring a lot of goals, it makes the goaltender’s job a lot easier,” Pasquale said. “If you make
Coreau recorded his first NHL wins with the Red Wings this season.
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a mistake, it’s not going to cost you the game. Plus, you don’t want to win every game 2-1 – that’s a lot of stress. When your team is scoring a lot, it takes the pressure off.” The Griffins’ goalies also have a strong defensive corps to thank, a group that is represented by an exceedingly good mix of veterans (Nathan Paetsch, Brian Lashoff, Conor Allen) and young prospects (Robbie Russo, Dan Renouf, Joe Hicketts). “Our guys have been great in the d-zone all year,” Heeter said. “Our defensemen have been great blocking shots, clearing out rebounds, lifting sticks, eliminating second opportunities. A big part is verbal communication, which happens all over the ice, but you definitely hear it in our end.” All three goalies are in different stages of their careers, but all three are focused on the same goal – to take their game to the next level. Coreau got his opportunity in Detroit when Howard was sidelined with a serious knee
road against the Los Angeles Kings on Jan. 5 and he notched his second shutout against Montreal on Jan. 16 in Joe Louis Arena. “Obviously when you’re playing a lot, you start feeling the puck more, you get into a groove,” Coreau said. “At times, I think I’ve shown that I can play at this level and other times I’ve felt I could do better. The biggest thing I need to do is find the consistency to play well night in and night out.” Mrazek reasserted himself in February, pushing Coreau back onto the bench. Coreau made only one start in the entire month of February, dropping a 6-3 decision in Minnesota on Feb. 12. “It’s been pretty good, but you can always be better,” Coreau said. “So far, the NHL has been everything that I’ve wanted and worked toward. Just to be on the ice with the guys in Detroit, practicing every day, is great, and when you do get the chance to play, it’s exciting. You want to make the most of it.”
AHL GOALIE RANKINGS* (through Feb. 28) GAA
Rank
Save %
Rank
Cal Heeter
2.08
2nd
0.934
1st
Jared Coreau
2.27
7th
0.922
7th
Eddie Pasquale
2.34
11th
0.921
T8th
* If Heeter had played enough minutes to qualify among league leaders
injury, and the Northern Michigan University product has made the most of it. Coreau recorded his first NHL win on Dec. 23 at Florida, then registered his second win on Dec. 29 at Ottawa, playing in front of his 92-year-old grandmother for the first time in his career. Three days later, he was the starter for the NHL’s Centennial Classic in Toronto on New Year’s Day. “I was very honored to get the start – there’s only going to be one Centennial Classic, right?” Coreau said. “It was a great experience. It really settled in on me when the fighter jets flew over us before the start of the game, and it was awesome to play against up-and-coming stars like Auston Matthews.” Coreau started seven games in January and nearly wrestled the No. 1 job from a struggling Petr Mrazek. His first NHL shutout came on the 34 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
Coreau has done a lot of watching from the bench, but he hasn’t minded because he’s learning. “During the past two months, I’ve learned so much about my game, where I need to be, what I need to do going forward,” he said. “When I don’t play, I still get to watch the best players in the world. I get to see guys like Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. I get to see how they play and how quick they really are. Even when you sit, you try to pick up something you can learn.” In late February, Coreau returned to Grand Rapids to play a pair of games on a conditioning assignment. He needed to shake off the cobwebs, and he looked a lot better in his second start than he did in the first. Working with Red Wings goaltending coach Jeff Salajko in practice cannot compare to facing rubber in a game, as Coreau knows only too well.
Heeter played the last two seasons overseas.
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Heeter (left) and Pasquale developed a good relationship during Coreau’s recall to Detroit.
“Off the ice, we watch old tape to review games in order to see the things that I did well along with the things I didn’t do so well,” Coreau said. “In the gym, you work out to make sure you don’t put on any pounds, and in practice you come in a little earlier and stay a little later with some of the guys to stay sharp. “I just have to be ready for the opportunities I do get.” Coreau’s promotion has provided Pasquale and Heeter with the chance to establish themselves after less-than-stellar campaigns a year ago. Pasquale struggled last season, his first since hip surgery forced him to miss the entire 201415 campaign. He split last year between the ECHL’s Brampton Beast and the AHL’s St. John’s IceCaps, the latter being his home for the prior three seasons. Goaltending requires a lot of muscle memory, so the extended layoff had its effect on Pasquale’s play. “In total, I was off 18 months, so it was really tough playing last season,” he said. “Last season I was just trying to get through the year healthy. This year, I’m feeling a lot better and more confident, and I’m able to do extra work off-ice to keep everything working properly. Pasquale’s transformation has not been all physical. He has fine-tuned his play with the help of Griffins goaltending coach Brian Mahoney-Wilson. “I’m playing a little more conservatively. I’m not chasing the puck around so much any more,” he said. “I’m also playing a little deeper and approaching post coverage a little differently. Beemer’s really helped me out and it’s paid off.” Beemer (Mahoney-Wilson’s initials are 36 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
BMW) has also given new drive to Heeter’s play. “He’s been fantastic,” Heeter said. “Beemer really helped me simplify things in my game, sharpen up some areas that needed sharpening.” Specifically, the coach helped Heeter with his focus and concentration. “We worked on head projection, which is keeping your head down and following pucks into your body,” Heeter said. “If you give up a rebound off your blocker or pads, it’s keeping your head down and eyes on the puck and everything just stems from there.” Mahoney-Wilson also worked with Heeter on what he calls his “hinge.” “It’s making sure my shoulders and hips stay square to the shooter. As they move laterally across the ice, I’m always square to the puck,” Heeter said. “There are times when you can be in the right spot but you’re flat to the shooter, so ‘hinge’ is keeping everything square to the puck. “It’s one of those things you never master. You have to continually work on it every day and it’s something I’ll continue to work on the rest of my career. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and repetition to create muscle memory.” Heeter entered the season with high hopes of getting his career back on track after two years overseas. He split last year between Zagreb Medvescak, the Croatian entry in the KHL where he had played the previous season, and the Hamburg Freezers in Germany’s top league. “Coming out of camp, I had aspirations of starting in Grand Rapids,” Heeter said. “I thought I had a really good camp and when I was sent to Toledo, I made sure I kept the right attitude and dedication to the game. Toledo wasn’t where I wanted to be, but I made sure I kept the same work ethic.”
Pasquale returned to the ice last season after missing 18 months due to hip surgery.
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
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Heeter won his first eight games with the Walleye in Toledo, providing a welcome boost to his self-worth. “I struggled with confidence last year,” he admitted. “When I played well in Toledo, I began to turn things around. For a goalie, confidence is 90 percent of the game, probably more.” With Coreau in Detroit, Pasquale and Heeter became a tandem, eventually alternating starts between them. “Each of us wants to play every night and obviously that can’t happen,” Heeter said. “We have a really good relationship off the ice and we push each other to perform better on the ice. You can’t take a day off, not even a practice, because the other guy is giving his all.” If there’s a rivalry between Pasquale and Heeter, it’s a friendly one. “It’s great to have that competition, but it’s equally important to have a healthy relationship and be friends off the ice,” Heeter said. “We can talk to each other about whatever is going on, tell jokes. It’s healthy to be good buddies and I can say that Eddie is a good buddy of mine. When he gets a shutout, I’m just as excited for him as when I get one.”
Pasquale said the feeling is mutual. “We have a really good relationship,” he said. “People don’t know what you’re going through unless they’ve actually gone through it themselves, so it’s good to have a good partner with whom you can share stuff, bounce ideas off and be good friends.” Coreau said he had a good relationship with Pasquale before he headed to Detroit, and although he hasn’t played as much with Heeter as Pasquale has, Coreau is on equally good terms with the former Ohio State University netminder. “I can honestly say that everywhere I’ve played, whether it’s been Toledo, Grand Rapids or Detroit, I’ve had a really good relationship with all of my goalie counterparts,” Coreau said. “I’ve been very fortunate to play with guys like Eddie and Cal and people like (former Griffins goalie) Tom McCollum.” Coreau and McCollum trained together during the summer. “You want to be better than him and he wants to be better than you and it just keeps you both going,” Coreau said. “Even established NHL starters want a little competition. You’re going to keep
Coreau has improved his play every year in his brief pro career. 38 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
working to be elite when somebody is coming behind you.” Healthy competition, Pasquale agrees is good. “Everyone is here because they want to get to the next level,” Pasquale said. “If you give one guy too much of the reins, he might slack off in practice, so it’s good to always have somebody chasing on your tail.” In today’s game, the days of a team leaning on only one goaltender are long gone. Workhorses are now more the exception than the rule. “You look at this league and we’re playing a lot of back-to-back nights or 3-in-3s with road trips and travel,” Pasquale said. “It’s tough to play a lot of games in a row. I’ve done it before and it’s really tough on your body. You need a two-goalie system where you have a second goalie who can give the starter a night off.” With all three goalies doing well in Grand Rapids, the Griffins can count on one or the other on any given night and expect them to do the job. The goalies, in turn, are bursting with confidence, thanks to the Griffins’ offensive firepower.
“We’re winning a lot right now, so that it doesn’t matter if we’re down two or three goals early, we know we have the weapons to come back,” Pasquale said. “It’s the way our confidence is right now, which is a tribute to the way this team is built.” Success breeds success and new opportunities. “It’s been a good year to prove my worth,” Heeter said. “I’ve been up and down between the AHL and ECHL, which is not where I planned to be at this stage in my career, but I think I’ve been making the most of my opportunities this year. I think I’ve shown to this organization as well as anybody else that might be watching that I am capable of playing consistently well at this level.” Like Coreau and Pasquale, Heeter said he is trying not to look ahead. “I’m focused on the moment,” he said. “I’m not looking ahead to where I might be next year. In retrospect, I hope I’ll be able to look back and see that I had a good year, but we still have a lot of the year left. Our work is not over. We have to continue to work every day.”
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2016
2017
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39 CONOR ALLEN
Defenseman 6-1, 205 lbs. Born: 1/31/90 Chicago, Ill.
15
21 TYLER BERTUZZI Forward 6-1, 200 lbs. Born: 2/24/95 Sudbury, Ont.
45 MITCH CALLAHAN
51
11
Forward 5-9, 175 lbs. Born: 5/5/92 Philadelphia, Pa. 40 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
31
Forward 6-1, 214 lbs. Born: 10/9/84 West Hills, Calif.
JARED COREAU
Forward 6-1, 205 lbs. Born: 12/18/78 Carbonear, Nfld.
27 MATTHEW FORD
MATT CAITO
Defenseman 5-11, 190 lbs. Born: 8/13/93 Coto de Caza, Calif.
DANIEL CLEARY
Forward 6-1, 200 lbs. Born: 4/17/91 Toronto, Ont.
55 KYLE CRISCUOLO
Forward 6-0, 185 lbs. Born: 4/23/92 Ottawa, Ont.
COLIN CAMPBELL
Forward 6-0, 195 lbs. Born: 8/17/91 Whittier, Calif.
17 MIKE BORKOWSKI
Goaltender 6-6, 220 lbs. Born: 11/5/91 Perth, Ont.
35 MARTIN FRK
Forward 6-0, 200 lbs. Born: 10/5/93 Pelhrimov, Czech Republic
CAL HEETER
Goaltender 6-4, 195 lbs. Born: 11/2/88 St. Louis, Mo.
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23 TURGEON DOMINIC
griffinshockey.com
55 FORD
MATTHEW
griffinshockey.com
ice time
PROUD SPONSOR OF GRIFFINS HOCKEY
2
28
18 JOE HICKETTS
Defenseman 5-8, 180 lbs. Born: 5/4/96 Kamloops, B.C.
37 Forward 6-1, 200 lbs. Born: 3/30/95 Barrie, Ont.
20
TOMAS NOSEK
Forward 6-3, 210 lbs. Born: 9/1/92 Pardubice, Czech Republic
DAN RENOUF
ROBBIE RUSSO
Forward 6-1, 205 lbs. Born: 10/31/96 Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia
Defenseman 6-0, 195 lbs. Born: 2/15/93 Westmont, Ill.
26
DYLAN McILRATH Defenseman 6-5, 236 lbs. Born: 4/20/92 Winnipeg, Man.Â
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NATHAN PAETSCH Defenseman 6-1, 195 lbs. Born: 3/30/83 Humboldt, Sask.
EDDIE PASQUALE Goaltender 6-2, 215 lbs. Born: 11/20/90 Toronto, Ont.
10
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Defenseman 6-3, 205 lbs. Born: 6/1/94 Ajax, Ont.
EVGENY SVECHNIKOV
Forward 5-9, 171 lbs. Born: 7/3/90 Oakville, Ont.
4
5
77
MATT LORITO
Defenseman 6-3, 221 lbs. Born: 7/16/90 Albany, N.Y.
19 ZACH NASTASIUK
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BRIAN LASHOFF
DYLAN SADOWY
Forward 6-1, 205 lbs. Born: 4/2/96 Brampton, Ont.
BEN STREET
Forward 5-11, 200 lbs. Born: 2/13/87 Coquitlam, B.C.
23 ERIC TANGRADI
Forward 6-4, 230 lbs. Born: 2/10/89 Philadelphia, Pa.
DOMINIC TURGEON
Forward 6-2, 201 lbs. Born: 2/25/96 Pointe-Claire, Que. Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
41
Creating Memories Story by Mark Newman
Tim Gortsema has guided the Griffins’ front office to a host of accolades and achievements during his tenure as head of the organization’s business operations.
42 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
Griffins president Tim Gortsema is a numbers guy, but he knows the success of the organization goes beyond simple arithmetic. While his background is in accounting – he was a manager in the audit department of Deloitte & Touche prior to joining the Griffins’ original 1995 staff – his on-the-job experience at Van Andel Arena has enabled him to cipher that any executive euphoria is not measured in integers or fractions. “This job is about creating memories,” said Gortsema, who was promoted to senior vice president of business operations in February 2007, becoming just the second person to direct the Griffins’ front office, before being named president of the franchise in June 2015. “It’s about parents and their kids. It’s about families coming to games. It’s a church group or a school choir performing an anthem. It’s about kids riding the Zamboni. It’s kids getting on the video board and dancing. It’s businesses entertaining their clients and customers.” As far as Gortsema is concerned, it’s all about the fan experience. “For us, each game we host is one of many,” he said. “For some of our fans, it may be the
one and only. They might be coming to one game a year, so it’s important that we create an atmosphere and excitement that make it a memorable experience.” His tenure has been marked by incredible success. The Griffins may achieve an increase in attendance for the seventh straight year and ninth time in his 10 years at the helm. The franchise has won awards for broadcasting, community relations, corporate sales, digital media, fan presentation, public relations and ticket sales – some multiple times – and the organization as a whole has become a model of achievement for the AHL. “Tim is one of the greatest success stories in our organization – someone who started with the team from the beginning as a young accountant and worked his way up over 20-plus years to president of the team,” said Scott Gorsline, vice president of DP Fox, the business enterprise in charge of the Griffins organization. “He did it by earning the respect of our ownership, the American Hockey League, our employees and our fans. He empowers those around him to do their best, and it’s led to the
Griffins games are popular with families. Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
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Griffins being one of the most innovative and respected teams in the AHL.” Like the coach of a championship club, Gortsema gives credit to the people working around him. “A lot of our organizational success is attributed to having the right people in the right jobs and keeping them here, and ultimately that comes down to ownership’s commitment to attracting – and, equally important, retaining – good people,” he said. “We are fortunate that we’ve attracted a group of high quality individuals – men and women of integrity – who enjoy what they do.” Gortsema said the Griffins have benefitted from having a number of long-time managers who have been able to steer the organization in the right direction. “When I look up and down our corridor of offices, I see that we easily have a dozen people who have been here a decade or longer, which is unheard of at this level of sports,” he said. “We’ve been fortunate to not only retain a lot of our upper management, but our VPs continue to provide opportunities and challenges for their staffs so they can stay
fulfilled and connected.” Success starts at the top. “Tim leads by example,” Gorsline said. “He works hard but also has a lot of fun doing it.” Gortsema believes attitude can be transformative. “The reality is that we work where people play,” he said. “People come to hockey games to have fun and enjoy themselves, so my message is simple: put on a smile, interact with fans, high-five people after a goal is scored. Share the excitement.” The Griffins began taking a different view of the fan experience when the number of season tickets, which was capped at 7,000 during the team’s inaugural 1996-97 season, slowly but surely started to shrink. Gortsema uses the word “radicalize” to describe the efforts that eventually found appeal with fans. From concession specials – dollar dogs and dollar beers on Fridays was an immediate hit – to efforts to reach out to fans to create an environment that was more engaging, the Griffins under Gortsema have continued to look for fresh approaches. “We dropped wearing our suits because it
Beer and hot dog specials have been a popular draw on Friday nights at Van Andel Arena. 44 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
The Griffins have continued to broaden their appeal to new hockey fans.
Singing an anthem is one of the memorable experiences fostered by the Griffins organization. Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
45
You’ll find Griffins fans hiding everywhere.
Sellout weekend crowds create an electrifying atmosphere. 46 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
helped us appear more approachable,” he said. “We had a bunch of guys wearing dark suits, and frankly I think it made the arena’s ushers a bit nervous because we looked like a bunch of undertakers.” Gortsema stresses that the organization should never rest on its laurels. “We’ve done some great things in the past and achieved some terrific awards, which is pretty cool, but we still have to put forth the effort every day,” he said. “Just because we did something great two years ago doesn’t mean it’s going to translate to today. “It’s similar to that investment disclaimer… ‘Past performance is not indicative of future results.’ Although our organization has enjoyed many past successes, I’ve challenged them to explore new ideas and new promotions that can help us win new fans.” An example is Winning Wednesdays, a promotion that has allowed every fan in attendance to receive a free ticket to the next Wednesday game every time that the Griffins win at home on a Wednesday. “We’ve had it happen more than a few times where one ticket has allowed people to attend
multiple games in a row,” he said. “As a result, we’ve shifted people from casually attending games to actively cheering on the team, allowing us to cultivate and develop new fans.” Social media is another place where the Griffins have been increasingly engaging not only hardcore supporters but also newly minted fans. The organization was one of the first in the AHL to employ a person dedicated solely to leveraging computer-mediated technologies. “I’m not an expert in social media, but we have people who recognize what digital trends are likely emerging and what tools and technologies can make our fan experience better,” Gortsema said. “Through social media, we’re able to reach a much larger audience in a much quicker time and probably at a lower cost.” With most people now owning a smart phone, Gortsema sees tremendous potential for new technologies and applications that will enable the Griffins to bring their fans even closer to the action and to their favorite team. “From a technology standpoint, people are continually expecting and wanting more,” he
The Griffins are committed to creating a fun atmosphere for fans. Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
47
said. “It might be getting game replays on their phones or being able to check out different camera angles. We have people who are more plugged into what’s trending and what’s happening next than I am, but I think there will be great opportunities ahead.” Gortsema is happy that the arena has added wifi and LED lighting the past couple of years. He looks forward to the day that the building replaces the center ice matrix board – infamously known as Van Andel’s Lite Brite – with a real state-of-the-art video board. One of his immediate concerns is working with Gorsline to negotiate a new affiliation agreement with the Red Wings. He feels it is a priority to extend a hockey relationship now in its 15th season. “Hockey fans in Michigan are almost exclusively Red Wings fans and with players getting called up all the time to the NHL, our affiliation with Detroit allows our fans to stay connected when they leave Grand Rapids to play for the Wings,” he said. Gortsema said a multi-year deal is likely to be struck sometime in the next few months. “Both sides recognize the mutual benefit of
48 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
our relationship together,” he said. “I think both sides are firmly committed to getting a deal done.” In the meantime, Gortsema will encourage his staff to continue to explore new ways to enhance the entertainment experience enjoyed by fans. Just as sports teams are fueled by training camp optimism at the beginning of every season, the Griffins’ front office has the chance to start fresh every year with new initiatives. “I’m clearly biased, but I would stack our staff from top to bottom against any club in any league,” he said. “We have tremendously talented individuals who do their jobs as well or better than their contemporaries in the NHL, NFL or MLB, and I look forward to them helping us make the fan experience even better.” Gorsline is confident that the organization is in good hands with Gortsema at the helm. “Tim has a passion for the Griffins – for our fans, for our teams on and off the ice, for our impact on the community, for our history,” Gorsline said. “And that passion is contagious.”
Griffins games offer groups the opportunity to participate in memorable ways.
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the
List ROBBIE RUSSO
Now in his second season with the Griffins, Robbie Russo draws heavily on his Chicago-area roots when asked to name the 10 things he can’t live without.
1
iPad When we’re on the road, the iPad is essential because I watch all my shows on it, like Game of Thrones and Ray Donovan.
3
4
iPhone It goes without saying. My mom is always texting me. How many texts in a day? Too many. Actually, I like that she’s always checking in on me.
2
Pasta I usually like eating pasta at my grandma’s, but I’ll eat it from anywhere. Pasta and beans is one of the favorites that she makes, but I love all kinds of pasta.
The Cubs I’ve been a lifelong fan. I remember when they blew it in ’03 – it wasn’t Bartman’s fault. When the Cubs won this year, it was something people thought they’d never see. Game 7 was the best baseball game ever, wasn’t it? I went to two games this past summer. Wrigley Field is awesome.
50 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
5 6
My car I have a blue 2016 Chevy Traverse. It’s nothing fancy, but I need something to get around. I’m not really into cars, but my dad helped me get it from a family friend. Xbox We’re always playing at the house or gaming on the road. Mostly it’s NHL or FIFA, but sometimes it’s Call of Duty. On the bus, I’m one of the better guys on the team. Definitely better than Matt Caito. I’ve been playing video games with my buddies since I was a kid.
7
Lucky Stick It’s the first one I used this year and it’s now out of commission, but it goes everywhere with me. I take it on the road and it’s there at every home game. I scored a couple of goals with it and even though it’s not really broken, it’s pretty worn, so I’m not going to use it again. It’s even got Dogg’s (equipment manager Brad Thompson’s) name on it.
8
Family My mom and dad try to make it to as many of our Saturday home games as they can. They can’t really make it to Friday games because they both work, but on Saturdays they drive up from Westmont, a suburb southwest of Chicago. When I was at Notre Dame, they usually were there on Saturdays. We play a good amount of our games in Chicago, Rockford and Milwaukee, so they come to those, too.
9
TV When I’m at home, I usually catch SportsCenter or the NHL Network. Watching hockey, you definitely can pick up some things. I try to watch the Wings games as much as I can, and I try to watch my favorite defensemen like (Brent) Burns. It’s nuts how much he is scoring this year.
10
Music I’m into EDM, people like Calvin Harris, but I also like country, too, like Luke Bryan and Eric Church. I’m all over the place. I like rap, too. When I was younger, I was really into Eminem. I’m mostly listening through Apple Music.
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HALL OF FAMER Story by Mark Newman
Retired defenseman Bryan Helmer is the first former Griffins player to be inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame.
No player may be more closely associated with the AHL during the past 25 years than Bryan Helmer, the now-retired defenseman who played two seasons for the Grand Rapids Griffins back in 2004-06. Although he spent portions of seven seasons in the NHL, it was his time in the AHL where Helmer truly distinguished himself. Of the 1,312 pro games he played, 1,164 were in the AHL, the most ever by a defenseman. His 20-year resume also includes more assists and points than any defenseman in the league’s 81year history. So it is fitting that Helmer, an unheralded and undrafted overachiever who was the member of three Calder Cup championship teams, found himself inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame in a ceremony held in conjunction with the 2017 AHL All-Star Classic in Allentown, PA, on Jan. 30. It capped an amazing six months for Helmer, who became vice president of hockey operations for the Hershey Bears last July after serving as an assistant coach during the 2015-16 season for the team he had once captained. Helmer said he was in Washington, watching the Capitals’ training camp, when AHL President Dave Andrews called him with the good news about his selection for the AHL’s Hall of Fame. “It was one of those phone calls that you’re really happy when it comes your way,” Helmer said. “I wasn’t expecting it, but it brought back a lot of good memories. Over the years, I was fortunate to play for a lot of good teams 52 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
Helmer (left) was inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame on Jan. 30.
and organizations, as well as with a lot of great teammates.” A native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Helmer said the process of writing an induction speech provided an opportunity to reflect on his career and all of the people who helped him along the way. Of course, his parents, Bryan and Jo Ann Helmer, played the biggest part, transporting him from arena to arena as he played his way up the ranks. “My dad coached me one year in bantam and he taught me how to be a leader,” Helmer said. “He taught me that it was important to play hard every shift and to respect the game and your teammates and help make the people around you better players.” He recalled countless names and faces, from his junior hockey billets, the Lavenders, who became like his second family in Wellington, Ontario, to people like Larry Robinson and Robbie Ftorek, who gave him his first break in the pro ranks. “I was lucky,” he said. “Larry was an assistant coach in New Jersey and my mom worked with his brother and I think he pushed for me. I got a tryout with Jersey and ended up in Albany where Robbie Ftorek liked me, too.” Helmer signed a pro contract straight out of Tier II junior, not the usual route to pro hockey, but his success is a testament to his drive, work ethic and passion for the sport. In his second season in Albany, the River Rats won the Calder Cup, an accomplishment that set the tone for a Hall of Fame career filled with many great teams. “We had a lot of great veterans on that Albany team,” Helmer recalled. “There were guys lIke
Reid Simpson and Kevin Dean and a whole every minute and live in the moment. It doesn’t bunch of guys like Matt Ruchty who taught last forever.” me how to approach the game and how to be a Helmer believes winning back-to-back good teammate.” cups in Hershey as a captain helped prolong Helmer spent his first five seasons with the his career. He looks back fondly on all three of River Rats, then bounced back and forth between his cup teams, noting that there was a special teams in the minors and the NHL, playing for bond among the players that propelled them eight in the AHL (Albany, Worcester, Manitoba, to greatness. Springfield, Grand Rapids, San Antonio, Hershey, “All three cup winners were the closest teams I Oklahoma City) and four in the NHL (Phoenix, ever played on,” he said. “We did everything as a St Louis, Vancouver, Washington) as well as two team, both on and off the ice. When I talk to any in the IHL (Las Vegas, Kansas City). of those former teammates, it’s like we’ve never “I’ve got to give a lot of credit to my wife been apart. It’s a great feeling when you have that (Pam),” he said. “I leaned on her a lot of nights bond and all those great memories.” after some games. When my kids (son Cade, Helmer also looks back fondly on his two years daughter Rylan) came along, they were a huge in Grand Rapids, especially the second season part as well, because as much as I moved around, (2005-06) when the Griffins posted an AHL-best they didn’t complain very much.” record of 55-20-1-4. “I enjoyed my time in Grand Helmer poured himself into writing his Hall Rapids,” he said. “We had our daughter there my of Fame acceptance speech, making sure he second year and the players, coaches and front thanked everyone he could. As it turned out, he office staff all were great. I played a lot and had didn’t need his prepared text. two incredible years there.” “When I got up on stage, I didn’t even read my He played all 80 games both seasons with speech,” he said. “I went with my feelings and just the Griffins, the only times he never missed a spoke from my heart. I was very humbled by the game in his career. He gives a nod to long-time honor and it was definitely a day to remember. I equipment manager Brad “Dogg” Thompson thought it came off pretty well.” and now-retired trainer Rob Snitzer for keeping Helmer said he him on the ice. tried to echo the “Dogg did a good words taught by his job making sure my father, underscoring skates were always nice the balance between and sharp while Snitzy work and play. always made sure I “One thing he was healthy,” he said. always preached to “It must have been the me besides working work of those two guys hard every shift was and maybe something that you also have to in the water that have fun. It’s a game allowed me to play all and people sometimes 80 games both years.” forget that. I preach Helmer was 32 the same thing to my years old by the time son now. Work hard he came to Grand and just have fun. Rapids, pegging him “Twenty years goes as one of the oldest on by quickly, so it’s one the team and allowing of the things that I him to be not only a wanted to make sure team leader but also the players heard at also a father figure of the all-star game. You sorts to the Red Wings’ need to appreciate young prospects. everything about your “As I got older, I Helmer spent two seasons in Grand Rapids, playing all 80 games both years. hockey career. Enjoy enjoyed mentoring the Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
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young guys and teaching them how to be good coach Todd Nelson. “I loved playing for Nellie,” pros, how to take care of themselves and how to he said. “He’s not afraid to try things. If he prepare for games. When you see them make the saw something different that might work, he jump to the NHL, it’s almost like being a proud always let us try it, which is something you like dad. You get that proud smile when you see them as a player.” get their first NHL game and then go on to have He admits that he never imagined playing the good careers.” game for as long as he did, especially playing so He points to Niklas many years in the minors. Kronwall, with whom he “Some people think I must “If you’re going played during his first year have been crazy to have played to have longevity, in Grand Rapids, as a good that many games in the AHL example. “I got the chance to and to ride that many buses, you learn to do be his partner for a bunch of but I enjoyed every second things like moving games and he was probably that I played,” he said. “I one of the best young wouldn’t give away any of my the puck quicker, defensemen I ever played with. years for anything.” using angles and To see what he has been able Helmer said his move from to accomplish over the course having a good stick.” the bench to the front office of his career has been very has gone smoothly. impressive.” “The transition has been After Grand Rapids, Helmer played two really good,” he said. “I know my family couldn’t seasons for the San Antonio Rampage, then be happier. They don’t have to worry about moved to Hershey, where he finally earned moving and we love it in Hershey. We’re in another chance at the NHL, getting to play 12 the process of building a house and I love the games with the Washington Capitals during the organization and learning about the company 2008-09 season. and all of its components.” “As my son got older, he kept asking, ‘Dad, He is excited that the Bears announced a when are you going to play in the NHL?’ because four-year extension of their NHL affiliation he didn’t remember me playing in the league. I with Washington, and he is thrilled that his think he kept me going. He became a reason that organization will host the 2018 Outdoor kept me going in order to get another chance to Classic as the marquee event for Hershey’s 80th play in the NHL.” anniversary season. He also credits his brother-in-law Matt He admits a part of him still longs for the Carkner, a 15-year pro who became an assistant opportunity to be on the ice. coach in Bridgeport this season, with helping “Obviously I miss being around the guys all him stay physically fit. the time, but I still get on the ice every once in “I worked out with him the last seven or eight a while with the guys who are hurt when the years of my career,” he said. “Matt works out rest of the team goes on the road,” he said. “I hard, so I had to try to keep up with him and I still feel part of it, and the best thing is I get think it kept me in great shape. I seriously think it to see my son play a lot more now, which I prolonged my career.” never got to do when I was playing or working Helmer also had to learn how to redefine his as a coach.” style of play as he got older. He is doing his best to teach his son the way. “I was losing a step towards the end of my If Cade follows in half of his father’s footsteps, career, so I had to start using my brain a little he will be doing alright. more and keep the game as simple as I could,” he “I never had anything given to me during said. “If you’re going to have longevity, you learn my career,” Helmer said. “I had to work to do things like moving the puck quicker, using hard for everything angles and having a good stick.” I got. As a result, I Helmer finished his career in Springfield in think it makes me 2012-13 after two seasons in Oklahoma City, appreciate everything where he played under current Griffins head that much more.” 54 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
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THANK YOU! The Griffins proudly salute our 2016-17 Full Season Ticket Members. Thank you for your loyalty, passion and continued support of Griffins hockey!
INDIVIDUAL SEASON TICKET MEMBERS Sue Acklin Adam Adkins Ken Aernouts Brian Ahearne Nickolas Allen Bob Alward Dan Anderson Larry Anderson Brandi Angell Connie Babbitt Rich & Ann Bakker Amy Banfill Brook & Nancy Baragar Jeremy Barber Ed Barnes Jason Barrix Todd Barton Tony Bazan Steve Beach Nancy Beard Kaylin & Antony Becker Karli Beckett Kayla Beckett
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56 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
(Bold indicates season ticket member since 1996.) Deb Breen Dan & Kris Bremmer Grant Brink Cheryl Britcher Perry & Sandra Brown Charlene Bulgarella Cory Bultman Kari Burkhardt Perry Calandrino Stephen Cannady Karen Cardwell Ashley Cariello Sheila Carlson Curtis Castle Javier Ceja Jeff & Tena Chulski Kirk Coleman Diane Collins Bill Conely Dan Conkle Doug Cook Don Cooley Ed Cooper
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Mike & Loree Kennedy Rick Kidd Scott Kohsel Alan Koopman Cory Kowalski David Koza Joel Kozak Randy Kraker Mark Kraus Brad Kunz Richard Lane Rich Langridge Joshua Laramy Claude Lareau Jason Lareau Daniel Lenar Aaron Lewis Lisa Lewis Marc & Roseann Littell Nathan Long Donald Luce John Ludwig Carol Lyman Dave Lynema Tina Lyzenga Richard Malon Joe Marion Chris Marks Barb Marlink Joseph Mattias Brad McGinnis Kevin McGraw Shaine McKenna Angela McVeigh Carmen Medina Michael Medvecky Brian Meppelink Jim Messina Ben Miller Justin Miller Lee Miller Rita Miller Dawn Millsap Eric Mis Aaron Moilanen Ross Momany Kathy Mooney Laron Morgan Lorraine Morton AJ Mousseau Arthur Moyer Brenda Moy-Harrington Doug Mulder Gregg Mulder
Chip Mundy Mo Murphy Daniel Myszak Shawn Newport Bethany Nies Anthony Noffke Dave Noonan Ken Nordin Scott Northedge Scott Null Eric Nyhof John Oliver Nathan Oliver Warren Olson James & Wyatt Oonk Michael Orozco Jeff Osbeck Gregory Osborne Bonnie Pachesny Kathy & Arthur Parks Jason Parsons Tom Payne Sr. Ronald Pell Mike Perham Lisa Peters Mark Peterson Kathy Pierce Richard Poppe Kari & James Poppema Dale Porter Brian Posey Pamela Potter Clayton Powers Dan Pratt Lou & Lynn Rabaut Jeff Randall Paulette Ratliff-Miller Aaron Reif Jesse Retaskie Mark Rett Robert Reynolds Don Richter John Rickson Kent Rintala Erica Riste Karen Roberts Gail Ross Kurt Rotman Louis Sabin Alice Salmon Richard Salzwedel David Sawyer Kevin Scheppman Carleen Schlacht
David Schuh Shawn Schwartz Nick Schweiger Jean & Bob Scribner Bruce Sexton Dick Shaw Lauren Shaw Rick Sheehan Chris Sias Denise Sigourney Janet Silverberg Steve Silverberg William Simon Heather Slager Dean Smith Don Smith Heather Smith John Smith Kathy Smith Kymberly Smith Alexander Solow Angel Solow Ken Stauffer Bryan Steensma Jerry Stevens Robert Stevens Nichole Stevenson Russell Stonehouse Cindy Storer Sue Stout Jeremy Strandberg Mark Strandberg Brenda Stroud Shawn Swanson Stephen Swart Ron Sweers Bob Swintal Zandrea Szczepaniuk Zena Szczepaniuk Madison Szczesniak Jamie Taggart Brady Taylor Mark Taylor Mary Theeuwes Joe Thienes Ben Thomas Martin Thomas Shawn Tilstra Ben Tinholt Asher Tourison Jodi & Rodney Tracey Matt Travis 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 Vanden Berg Nathan Vander Ploeg Blayne VanderHam James VanderLaan Bob & Pat Vanderweide Jamie & Jim Varenhorst Ryan Veltkamp Jason Vernon Bob Vezino Pete Wagenmaker Dave Walsh Klaus Walter Sami Walters Shelly Walters Barbara Weigle Jack & Barbara Weigle Derek Wellman Bruce Whetter Lonnie Whitaker Doug White Bill Wildey Linda Willbrandt Michael Williamson Brooke Wilson Dorothy Wilson Sarah Wilson Steven Wilson Karl Wiltse Zach Wolters Cliff Worden Robert Woudstra Jill Wright Steve & Jill Wright Dustin Yoder Andrew Young Mollie Youngson Kim Ypma Dan Yskes Robert Zaagman John Zombor Brent Zomerlei Jeff Zwyghuizen
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CORPORATE SEASON TICKET MEMBERS A.D. Bos Vending Services Adac Automotive All Integrated Solutions Allen Edwin Homes Alro Steel Corporation American Medical Response Amway Autocam Automotive Equipment Specialist Inc. Axios HR Barton Chiropractic Office BDO USA, LLP Better Bolting, Inc. Betz Industries BHS Insurance Blakely Products Company Blue Cross Blue Shield Bulman Products Inc. Burggrabe Masonry Byrne Electrical Specialists Inc. Car City Caster Depot Centennial Securities Co. CH Robinson Chase Plastics Chemical Bank Choice Schools Associates Comcast Spotlight Comerica Bank Competition Engineering Inc. Configura Contracted Quality Group LLC Courtyard by Marriott Creative Dining Dematic Corporation Die Cad Group Digitrace LTD. Dyna-Plate Inc.
58 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
EHTC Election Source Ellis Parking Co., Inc. EMS Grand Rapids Envirotronics Expert Coating, Inc.
Labatt USA Lacks Enterprises, Inc. Lake Michigan Credit Union Lake State Mortgage Life EMS, Inc. Lighthouse Insurance Group
Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan Farmers Insurance Co. FASTSIGNS Fence Consultants of West Michigan FFI Transportation Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C.
Marceco Mass Mutual Michaels & Associates, Inc. Michigan First Credit Union Michigan Herbal Remedies Michigan Office Solutions Mills Benefit Group Miner Supply Company Moiron Monsma Marketing MVP Sports Clubs
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 Grand Rapids Gravel Co. Gypsum Supply Hastings Manufacturing Company Huntington Bank Idea Sphere Inc. iHeart Media, Inc. Integrated Packaging Machinery Integrity Business Solutions Jackson’s Industrial Mfg., Inc. Johnson Controls K & M Dodge and Ram KAM Plastics Kent Power, Inc. Kentland CorporationKing’s Room Barbershop Kirby Building Systems Kool Chevrolet
Northern Jet Oldenbroek Trucking Oppenheimer & Co. Inc Oral Surgery Associates Orthopedic 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 Plummers Environmental Services Powell Relocation PRB & Associates, LLC Priority Health Pro-Vision R.L. Adams Plastics, Inc. Railside Golf Club
RDV Sports Inc. RecLending.com Rehau Inc. Reliable Energy Inc. RHD Tire Ridgeview Industries ROI Group LLC Roskam Baking Co. Safelite Auto Glass SBA Global Logistics Siegel Jewelers Spectrum Health Neuro Rehabilitation Standale Lumber Star Tickets Superior Asphalt, Inc. Superior Foods Co. Superior Sales Sweet Logistics, LLC Team Pink Corp Terryberry The Empire Company Trans-Matic Manufacturing Tyson Foods Inc. Universal Forest Products, Inc. Universal Sign Systems Urban Associates, Inc. Van Dam Iron Works Varnum LLP VEC Inc. Viper Industrial Warner Norcross & Judd West Michigan Molding West Side Beer Distributing Western Tel-Com, Inc. Wynalda Packaging Zeigler Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Grandville
66 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
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Donald MacLean
Robbie Russo
Nathan Paetsch
RECORD BOOK AND LEADERS
Jared Coreau
Joey MacDonald
Mike Fountain
(Through March 2, 2017)
ALL-TIME: ACTIVE LEADER: SINGLE-SEASON: 2015-16:
GAMES PLAYED
Travis Richards....................... 655 Mitch Callahan (4th).............. 352 5 players tied......................... *82 4 players tied........................... 75
GOALS
Michel Picard............................158 Mitch Callahan (3rd)...................92 Donald MacLean (2005-06)......*56 Eric Tangradi...............................28
ASSISTS
Michel Picard.................................. 222 Nathan Paetsch (6th)..................... 119 Jiri Hudler (2005-06)........................ 60 Andy Miele....................................... 44
ALL-TIME: ACTIVE LEADER: SINGLE-SEASON: 2015-16:
POINTS
Michel Picard......................... 380 Mitch Callahan (T7th)............ 179 Michel Picard (1996-97)........ 101 Andy Miele.............................. 62
PLUS/MINUS
GOALIE GAMES PLAYED
GOALS AGAINST AVERAGE WINS
Martin Prusek..........................1.83 Eddie Pasquale (7th)................2.34 Martin Prusek (2001-02)........*1.83 2015-16: Jared Coreau ........................... 47 Tom McCollum.........................2.42
Joey MacDonald............................. 109 Jared Coreau (4th)............................ 57 Joey MacDonald (2004-05).............. 34 Mike Fountain (2000-01).................*34 Jared Coreau..................................... 29
SHUTOUTS
SAVES
SAVE PERCENTAGE
ALL-TIME: Tom McCollum...................... 226 ACTIVE LEADER: Jared Coreau (5th)................... 96 SINGLE-SEASON: Joey MacDonald (2004-05).... *66
ALL-TIME: ACTIVE LEADER:
Travis Richards...................... +131 Nathan Paetsch (2nd)............. +80 Ivan Ciernik (2000-01)...........*+41 Robbie Russo.........................*+40
PENALTY MINUTES
Darryl Bootland............................1,164 Mitch Callahan (9th)....................... 397 Darryl Bootland (2005-06)............. 390 Tyler Bertuzzi.................................. 133
Joey MacDonald....................... 20 Tom McCollum.......................5,653 Martin Prusek...............................0.930 Jared Coreau (T3rd).................. 10 Jared Coreau (4th)..................2,612 Jared Coreau (T3rd)......................0.921 Eddie Pasquale (T3rd)...................0.921 SINGLE-SEASON: 6 players tied............................. 6 Joey MacDonald (2004-05)....1,785 Joey MacDonald (2003-04)..........0.936 2015-16: Jared Coreau.............................. 6 Jared Coreau..........................1,314 Tom McCollum..............................0.923 * Led League
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GRI
FFIN
S
ALL STARS 2016 AHL All-Stars Jeff Hoggan and Xavier Ouellet
Photo by Scott Thomas/AHL
1996-97 1997-98 1998-99
2004-05
Jeff Nelson, Michel Picard, Pokey Reddick Ian Gordon, Kerry Huffman, Michel 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
2005-06
Valtteri Filppula, Jiri Hudler, Donald MacLean
2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16
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 Blashill (head coach) Xavier Ouellet, Teemu Pulkkinen Jeff Hoggan (captain), Xavier Ouellet
1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04
2015 AHL All-Star Teemu Pulkkinen
2014 AHL All-Star Alexey Marchenko
2013 AHL All-Star Petr Mrazek
2013 AHL All-Star Gustav Nyquist
Photo by Lindsay A. Mogle/AHL
Photo by Alan Sullivan/AHL
68 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
Photo by Jeff Parsons/AHL
Photo by Paul Yacovone III/AHL
2013 AHL All-Star Chad Billins Photo by Alan Sullivan/AHL
2012 AHL All-Star Gustav Nyquist
Photo by PhotoGraphics Photography/AHL
Every game is a big game.
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72 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
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 disqualification penalty for excessive or additional misbehavior on the ice.
TRIPPING Called for using the stick, arm or leg to cause an opponent to trip or fall.
CHARGING Taking a run at an opposing player using more than three strides to build up speed.
HOLDING Clutching an opposing player’s body with the hands, arms or legs.
ROUGHING Called for engaging in fisticuffs or shoving.
UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT Called for unsportsmanlike actions such as disputing an official’s decision, grabbing the face mask of a player, etc.
CROSS CHECKING A check or block delivered by a player with both hands on the stick and no part of the stick on the ice.
HOOKING The use of the stick or blade to impede the progress of an opponent.
SLASHING Striking an opposing player with the stick.
DELAYED PENALTY Referee extends his arm and points to the penalized player until the penalized team regains possession of the puck.
INTERFERENCE When a player impedes the progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the puck.
SPEARING Called for using the stick like a spear.
ELBOWING Called when a player uses an elbow to impede an opponent.
KNEEING Called when a player uses a knee to impede an opponent
WASH-OUT When used by the referee, it means goal disallowed. When used by linesmen, it means there is no icing or no offside.
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 73
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.
74 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
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2015-16 GRADUATES
Top Row: Mattias Janmark, Dylan Larkin, Kevin Porter, Andreas Athanasiou Bottom Row: Tomas Nosek, Eric Tangradi, Anthony Mantha, Alan Quine
Since their inception in 1996, the Griffins have sent 161 players to the National Hockey League, 16 of whom have gone on to win the Stanley Cup. In fact, a Griffins alumnus has had his name engraved on Lord Stanley’s chalice in six of the last nine years and in eight of the last 12 seasons. In chronological order, here are the 21 goalies and 140 skaters who have worn an NHL sweater after playing for Grand Rapids, along with the dates of their NHL debuts/returns. 1............Pavol Demitra...........................3/17/97 STL at PHX 2............Kevyn Adams...........................10/1/97 TOR vs. WSH 3............Tyler Moss................................10/28/97 CGY vs. PIT 4............Michel Picard..................................1/6/98 STL at SJ 5............Jeff Nelson.............................10/10/98 NSH vs. FLA 6............Patrick Traverse.......................10/10/98 OTT at COL 7............Mark Greig...................................1/7/99 PHI vs. NYI 8............Radim Bicanek............................2/1/99 OTT at VAN 9............Robert Petrovicky........................2/15/99 TB at NYI 10..........Andrei Vasilyev...........................3/5/99 PHX vs. DET 11..........Todd Hlushko...............................4/25/99 PIT vs. NJ 12..........Patrick Lalime............................10/2/99 OTT at PHI 13..........Glen Metropolit......................10/2/99 WSH at FLA 14..........Kevin Miller.............................10/31/99 OTT at ATL 15..........Karel Rachunek.......................10/31/99 OTT at ATL 16..........Erich Goldmann....................11/11/99 OTT vs. NSH 17..........Yves Sarault...............................11/20/99 OTT at NJ 18..........John Gruden...........................11/30/99 OTT vs. CHI 19..........Mike Fountain..............................12/3/99 OTT at NJ 20..........Dave Van Drunen....................12/13/99 OTT at TOR 21..........Petr Schastlivy..............................1/3/00 OTT vs. NJ 22..........John Emmons............................1/6/00 OTT vs. PHX 23..........Slava Butsayev..........................1/28/00 OTT at BUF 24..........Aris Brimanis.............................2/13/00 NYI at NYR 25..........Dieter Kochan............................3/28/00 TB vs. DAL 26..........Jani Hurme....................................4/9/00 OTT vs. TB 27..........Shane Hnidy.............................10/5/00 OTT at BOS 28..........Donald MacLean...................10/14/00 TOR vs. OTT 29..........David Oliver...............................11/4/00 OTT vs. CBJ 30..........Jamie Rivers............................11/12/00 OTT at CAR 31..........Sean Gagnon.........................11/26/00 OTT at NYR 32..........Joel Bouchard........................11/29/00 PHX at COL
33..........Mike Crowley..........................12/8/00 ANA at MIN 34..........Ivan Ciernik.................................1/23/01 OTT at NYI 35..........Darren Rumble..............................2/6/01 STL at COL 36..........Joel Kwiatkowski......................2/19/01 OTT at BUF 37..........Todd White................................2/19/01 OTT at BUF 38.........Chris Neil.............................10/3/01 OTT at TOR 39..........Toni Dahlman..........................1/3/02 OTT vs. WSH 40..........Steve Martins............................1/11/02 OTT at FLA 41..........Kip Miller.......................................1/17/02 NYI at SJ 42..........Jody Hull.........................................2/4/02 OTT at TB 43..........Dmitry Afanasenkov.......................2/6/02 TB at FLA 44..........Simon Lajeunesse..........................3/7/02 OTT at SJ 45..........Martin Prusek...........................3/23/02 OTT vs. ATL 46..........Chris Bala....................................3/27/02 OTT at NYI 47..........Neil Little...................................3/28/02 PHI at CAR 48..........Josh Langfeld..............................3/30/02 OTT vs. TB 49..........Gaetan Royer...............................4/1/02 TB vs. NYR 50.........Jason Spezza...................10/24/02 OTT at BOS 51..........Sean Avery................................10/29/02 DET vs. SJ 52..........Jason Doig.................................12/3/02 WSH at PIT 53..........Jason Williams.........................12/5/02 DET at PHX 54..........Patrick Boileau......................12/19/02 DET vs. DAL 55..........Stacy Roest.............................2/20/03 DET vs. EDM 56..........Wade Brookbank..................10/9/03 NSH vs. ANA 57..........Julien Vauclair........................10/25/03 OTT at MTL 58.........Jiri Hudler...........................10/29/03 DET vs. STL 59..........Curtis Joseph..........................10/30/03 DET at NSH 60..........Darryl Bootland......................11/8/03 DET vs. NSH 61..........Mark Mowers........................11/19/03 DET vs. CBJ 62..........Nathan Robinson..................11/28/03 DET vs. NYI 63..........Blake Sloan.................................12/4/03 DAL at LA 64.........Niklas Kronwall...............12/10/03 DET at BUF 65..........Ryan Barnes...........................12/15/03 DET vs. FLA 66.........Chris Kelly..............................2/5/04 OTT vs. TOR 67..........Marc Lamothe.........................2/23/04 DET at EDM 68..........Anders Myrvold........................2/26/04 DET at CGY 69..........Mathieu Chouinard...................2/29/04 LA at ANA 70..........Brett Lebda..................................10/5/05 DET vs. STL 71..........Mark Eaton..................................10/5/05 NSH vs. SJ 72..........Chris Osgood.............................10/29/05 DET at CHI 73.........Kyle Quincey...................11/25/05 DET at ANA 74.........Jimmy Howard.................11/28/05 DET at LA 75.........Valtteri Filppula................12/15/05 DET at FLA 76..........Rob Collins..............................12/17/05 NYI vs. COL 77..........Manny Legace............................1/5/06 DET vs. STL 78..........David Gove...............................1/31/06 CAR at MTL 79..........Tomas Kopecky..............................2/28/06 DET at SJ 80..........Alexandre Giroux........................3/25/06 NYR at TB 81..........Joey MacDonald........................10/19/06 DET at SJ 82..........Derek Meech...............................12/7/06 DET vs. STL 83..........Matt Ellis...................................12/18/06 DET at CBJ 84..........Matt Hussey...............................1/26/07 DET at STL 85..........Sheldon Brookbank.......................2/6/07 NSH at PIT 86..........Danny Syvret..........................2/27/07 EDM vs. PHX 87..........Mark Hartigan.........................11/29/07 DET vs. TB 88..........Drew MacIntyre........................12/13/07 VAN at SJ 89..........Peter Vandermeer..................2/10/08 PHX vs. NSH 90.........Jonathan Ericsson.............2/22/08 DET at CGY 91..........Garrett Stafford.........................2/23/08 DET at VAN 92.........Darren Helm.......................3/13/08 DET vs. DAL 93..........Mattias Ritola..........................3/15/08 DET vs. NSH 94..........Clay Wilson................................3/25/08 CBJ at NSH 95..........Darren McCarty..........................3/28/08 DET vs. STL 96..........Krys Kolanos.................................11/4/08 MIN at SJ 97..........Landon Wilson.....................11/22/08 DAL vs. ANA 98..........Bryan Helmer.....................11/28/08 WSH vs. MTL 99..........Chris Chelios ..........................12/13/08 DET at PHX 100........Aaron Downey.........................1/29/09 DET vs. DAL 101......Justin Abdelkader..........1/31/09 DET at WSH
102........Ville Leino................................1/31/09 DET at WSH 103........Aaron Gagnon......................10/16/09 DAL vs. BOS 104........Scott Parse................................10/24/09 LA at PHX 105........Doug Janik...............................11/3/09 DET vs. BOS 106.........Ryan Keller................................11/25/09 OTT at NJ 107.....Jakub Kindl......................12/3/09 DET vs. EDM 108........Kris Newbury........................12/14/09 DET vs. PHX 109.........Darren Haydar...........................2/10/10 COL vs. ATL 110........Andreas Lilja................................3/1/10 DET at COL 111.........Jeremy Williams......................10/24/10 NYR vs. NJ 112........Jan Mursak..............................12/27/10 DET at COL 113........Chris Mueller.........................12/28/10 NSH vs. DAL 114........Tomas Tatar......................12/31/10 DET vs. NYI 115........Cory Emmerton........................1/22/11 DET vs. CHI 116.........Patrick Rissmiller......................2/23/11 ATL at BUF 117 .......Tom McCollum .........................3/30/11 DET vs. STL 118 ......Gustav Nyquist ...............11/1/11 DET vs. MIN 119 ........Fabian Brunnstrom....................11/5/11 DET vs. ANA 120.......Brendan Smith..................11/17/11 DET at SJ 121......Mark Cullen.................11/29/11 FLA at CAR 122........Chris Conner..............................12/2/11 DET at BUF 123........Joakim Andersson.................12/27/11 DET vs. STL 124.......Ty Conklin ..........................3/21/12 DET at NYR 125.......Riley Sheahan......................4/7/12 DET vs. CHI 126.......Brian Lashoff......................1/21/13 DET at CBJ 127........Mike Knuble...............................1/26/13 PHI at FLA 128........Jamie Tardif.................................2/2/13 BOS at TOR 129........Petr Mrazek ...........................2/7/13 DET at STL 130....... Jonas Gustavsson...........2/19/13 DET at NSH 131........Carlo Colaiacovo.........................4/1/13 DET vs. COL 132.......Danny DeKeyser..............10/2/13 DET vs. BUF 133.......Luke Glendening...........10/12/13 DET vs. PHI 134.......Xavier Ouellet....................10/21/13 DET vs. SJ 135........Adam Almquist .....................11/4/13 DET at WPG 136........Chad Billins...............................11/5/13 CGY at MIN 137.......Patrick Eaves....................12/14/13 DET vs. PIT 138.......Tomas Jurco......................12/15/13 DET vs. TB 139.......Jordin Tootoo..................12/19/13 DET vs. CGY 140.......Alexey Marchenko..............1/4/14 DET at DAL 141.......Teemu Pulkkinen ..........3/14/14 DET vs. EDM 142........Landon Ferraro........................3/18/14 DET vs. TOR 143.......Calle Jarnkrok....................3/21/14 NSH at CGY 144.....Mitch Callahan............... 3/25/14 DET at CBJ 145.......Ryan Sproul.........................4/13/14 DET at STL 146.......Andrej Nestrasil...............10/9/14 DET vs. BOS 147........Stephen Weiss.......................11/24/14 DET vs. OTT 148........Mattias Janmark.......................10/8/15 DAL vs. PIT 149.......Dylan Larkin.....................10/9/15 DET vs. TOR 150........Kevin Porter.................................10/10/15 PIT at ARI 151.......Andreas Athanasiou......11/8/15 DET vs. DAL 152........Tomas Nosek..........................12/26/15 DET at NSH 153........Eric Tangradi...............................1/25/16 DET at NYI 154.......Anthony Mantha..............3/15/16 DET at PHI 155.......Alan Quine.............................4/9/16 NYI vs. PHI 156.......Martin Frk.......................10/18/16 CAR at EDM 157.......Tyler Bertuzzi.....................11/8/16 DET at PHI 158.......Jared Coreau........................12/3/16 DET at PIT 159.......Nick Jensen........................12/20/16 DET at TB 160.....Drew Miller...................2/28/17 DET at VAN 161.....Robbie Russo...................3/7/17 DET at TOR Bold = Has played in the NHL this season (as of March 8) Italics = Had name engraved on the Stanley Cup after playing for Grand Rapids All photos by Getty Images.
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KIDS PAGE SPANNING THE GLOBE
Nearly four years after capturing Grand Rapids’ first Calder Cup, 24 members of the Griffins’ 2013 championship team are still playing professionally around the world, spread across teams in 15 cities, nine leagues and seven countries. (As for two other champs, Brennan Evans plays for the Lacombe Generals in the senior Chinook Hockey League, while Jordan Pearce is in medical school at Wake Forest University.) Can you match each 2013 Calder Cup champion with the team for which he currently plays? Good luck!
2013 CALDER CUP CHAMPIONS A. Adam Almquist___________
M. Brian Lashoff____________
B. Joakim Andersson_________
N. Tom McCollum___________
C. Louis-Marc Aubry__________
O. Petr Mrazek_____________
D. Chad Billins_____________
P. Jan Mursak _____________
E. Mitch Callahan___________
Q. Andrej Nestrasil___________
F. Danny DeKeyser___________
R. Gustav Nyquist___________
G. Landon Ferraro___________
S. Nathan Paetsch___________
H. Gleason Fournier__________
T. Francis Pare_____________
I. Luke Glendening__________
U. Teemu Pulkkinen__________
J. Triston Grant_____________
V. Riley Sheahan ___________
K. Jeff Hoggan_____________
W. Brett Skinner____________
L. Tomas Jurco_____________
X. Tomas Tatar_____________
2016-17 TEAMS (as of March 8) 1. Eisbären Berlin (DEL-Germany) 2. Cardiff Devils (EIHL-United Kingdom) 3. Charlotte Checkers (AHL) – 2 players 4. Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
5. Chicago Wolves (AHL) 6. Piráti Chomutov (Czech Extraliga-Czech Republic) 7. Iowa Wild (AHL) 8. Detroit Red Wings (NHL) – 7 players
9. Genève-Servette HC (NLA-Switzerland) 10. Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) – 2 players 11. HV71 (SHL-Sweden) 12. CSKA Moscow (KHL-Russia)
13. Örebro HK (SHL-Sweden) 14. Arizona Coyotes (NHL) 15. Rapid City Rush (ECHL) 16. Utica Comets (AHL)
Answers: A. 11; B. 13; C. 1; D. 16; E. 8; F. 8; G. 5; H. 2; I. 8; J. 15; K. 7; L. 4; M. 10; N. 3; O. 8; P. 12; Q. 3; R. 8; S. 10; T. 9; U. 14; V. 8; W. 6; X. 8
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PARTING SHOT
Players from the Griffins Youth Foundation thank their Griffins counterparts (including Eric Tangradi, far left) for raising $18,000 for their program. The money will provide new jerseys for a complete division (70 kids) and fund the foundation’s entire equipment budget for a year. 80 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
Photo by Mark Newman