2018-19 SEASON ISSUE NO. 4
ELITE PROSPECT FILIP ZADINA O F F I C I A L
M A G A Z I N E
O F
T H E
G R A N D
R A P I D S
G R I F F I N S
Vol. 23, No. 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS STARTING LINEUP 23 GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY Givani Smith shared his story with Griffins Youth Foundation players and their families at a special Black History Month dinner at Griff’s IceHouse.
23
26 A DEVELOPING STORY Filip Zadina, the Red Wings’ highest draft pick since 1990, is making progress toward his goal of becoming a major point producer in Detroit. 32 ‘A SPECIAL TIME OF YEAR’ Hockey players learn to treasure the playoffs no matter whether they win or lose. Capturing the Cup, however, is the crowning achievement they all desire. 42 VIDEO VETERAN Bill LeRoy is the dean of video coaches in the American Hockey League. 50 STEPS TO SUCCESS Alumni of the Griffins’ front office have graduated to a variety of positions in other sports and leagues.
26
ON THE BENCH 2.........Chalk Talk 4.........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 68......Griffins All-Stars 73......Penalty Calls 74......Arena Map/Ticket Info 76......It All Starts Here 79......Calder City Comics 80......Parting Shot
COVER: Filip Zadina is the highest Red Wings draft pick to ever play in Grand Rapids.
32
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 ©2019 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.
42
Talk
WITH GRIFFINS HEAD COACH BEN SIMON The Griffins won the Calder Cup in 2013 and 2017. Will they manage to be crowned the top team in the American Hockey League again in 2019? In order for a team to win a championship, a lot of things have to come together. After winning only once in their first five games this year on the way to a 3-5-0-1 start, the resilient Griffins continued to improve to the point where they were leading the Central Division with two months to go in the regular season. “Every team is different and comes together at a different point in the season,” said Griffins head coach Ben Simon. “A season has its ebbs and flows, and teams go through streaks, for better or worse. This team has been on a steady learning curve and made good progress, but there is always room for improvement.” The most obvious area of concern was special teams. As of mid-February, the Griffins’ penalty killing ranked 22 out of 31 teams in the AHL, with a success rate of 79.9 percent. The Griffins’ power play was even worse, sitting dead last in the league at 14.5 percent. “Our special teams have struggled,” Simon conceded. “It’s not for lack of the right personnel because we have players who have had success on the power play in previous years. It’s not for lack of execution. We generate chances but we’re not getting results.” The Griffins have shuffled players in and out of their two power play units, partly out of necessity as the team has complied with the AHL’s developmental rule that limits the number of veteran players who can be in the lineup on a given night. “Some of our struggles might be attributable to the vet rule, which hasn’t allowed us to have 2 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
Photo: Sam Iannamico
Chalk the same lineup on a consistent basis,” Simon said. “The lack of continuity from game to game has kept our power play a work in progress.” There’s less clarity about why the Griffins’ penalty killing has not fared better. Grand Rapids has two of the league’s best penalty killers in Colin Campbell and Dominic Turgeon, and Turner Elson had tallied three shorthanded goals in the Griffins’ first 50 games. “Our penalty kill was sluggish at the start of the season and then our goalies started playing better – your best penalty killer is your goalie – and we started finding our footing,” Simon said. “Every year you go through streaks, and if it’s not one thing it’s another. It seems like if one unit is struggling, the other is finding success. If we’re struggling to create offense, we have a solid defensive game. Some of that is on us for finding the right combinations, but the players need to execute as well.” Simon was hopeful that the Griffins’ special teams would come together by the time the playoffs rolled around. In the postseason, games are often decided by a single goal, which only accentuates the importance of solid power play and penalty killing units. “More often than not, if you win the special teams battle, you’re going to win the game,” he said. “Maybe we’re the outlier because this year we haven’t often won the special teams play, but we’ve won a lot of hockey games. We’re wary of the fact that the law of probabilities might start working against us.” “We know we need to improve our special teams, but that’s still no guarantee of success. Look at it the other way. Would we rather have the top power play and second-best penalty kill
but be last in our division? The reality is we’re in a decent spot, but we need to continue to correct our mistakes and continue to become better every day.” The fact that the Griffins’ special teams have been mediocre for most of the season could actually be a good thing, provided the team can elevate its success rates down the stretch. “It’s been strange how we’ve managed to quietly squeak out points without playing phenomenal in specific facets of the game,” Simon said. “It’s encouraging because if we can get our special teams clicking and everyone starts contributing one way or another and we get goaltending at the right time, the sky’s the limit.” Simon felt good about the ability of Harri Sateri and Patrik Rybar to excel in net. “We don’t have to go with just one guy, but we’d like to think that one guy will take the bull by the horns,” he said. “They have different styles, but both of them are more than capable. Both have their strengths as well as their perceived deficiencies. At the end of the day, they both seem to do a pretty good job of stopping the puck.” Looking past the trade deadline, Simon felt that the Griffins had the right moving parts to power toward the playoffs and another potential run at the Cup. “We have a lot of good pieces,” he said. “Coming down the stretch, we’ll have to figure out who’s in the lineup, who’s out, who’s on the power play, who will be asked to play more of a checking role, which goaltender is going to step
up and run with the ball. We hope those are questions that will be answered in the next 25 games heading into the postseason.” The Griffins are competing in a tough division. Two-thirds of the way into the season, all eight teams were still in the running for one of the four playoff spots. “I don’t think there’s any doubt that we can compete with any team in the league, but we’re not good enough to just show up and play,” Simon said. “We have to compete to the best of our ability. We’re not fast enough to out-skate teams. We’re not physical enough to out-hit teams. When our team plays with structure and plays with discipline in a way that is predictable to each other, that’s when we have success. “You always want to be perfect, but you’re never going to have the perfect game. So we want to be as close to perfect as possible, and when we’re not perfect, we have to keep our mistakes to a minimum.” All in all, Simon likes the Griffins’ chances. “In the playoffs, you need your best players to be your best players,” he said. “You need the guys who may not usually get a lot of points to contribute a little more offensively while continuing to do the job defensively. You need good goaltending. And you need to stay healthy. “There’s no question that we have the skill and character necessary to win. Our guys want to have success as a group and, as a team, they care. It’s just going to be a matter of getting everything clicking and hitting our stride at the right time. We’re a close-knit group and I think we have the resources to get the job done.”
2018-19 GRIFFINS HOCKEY OPERATIONS STAFF
General Manager
Ryan Martin
Video Coach
Bill LeRoy
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
Ben Simon
Matt Macdonald
Athletic Trainer
Assistant Athletic Trainer
John Bernal
Anthony Polazzo
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach
Goaltending Coach
Brad Tapper
Mike Knuble
Brian Mahoney-Wilson
Equipment Manager
Assistant Equipment Manager
Strength-Conditioning Coordinator
Brad Thompson
Charlie Kaser
Marcus Kinney
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 3
SCOUTING
REPORT TEXAS STARS
TEXAS
PANTONE 3425 C
METALLIC SILVER 877
PANTONE 877 C
PROCESS BLACK
• The 2018 Western Conference champions, the Stars are in danger of missing the postseason for only the third time in the franchise’s 10 seasons. As of mid-February, they stood in sixth place, two spots but just one point out of a playoff berth.
PRIMARY MARK
MARCH 6
• Rookie and Michigan native Joel L’Esperance has been battling for the league lead in goal scoring with the Griffins’ Chris Terry. The two, who were tied with 24 goals apiece at the all-star break, represented the Central Division at the AHL All-Star Classic. 2015-16
WHITE
• Grand Rapids will conclude its eight-game season series against Texas in the Lone Star State on March 20 and 23 as part of a season-high six-game road trip (March 16-26).
IOWA
MARCH 8, APRIL 10
• As of mid-February, the Wild were in contention for their first-ever playoff bid during their sixth season in Iowa, sitting just two points behind Grand Rapids in second place. • Before their March 8 contest, 14 of the last 19 games between the teams had been decided by one goal, including nine in either overtime or a shootout. • Grand Rapids is 1-1-0-1 so far in the six-game season series. The two have been playing since 2013-14 and the Griffins have never lost a season series to the Wild.
4 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
ROCKFORD
• Grand Rapids snapped an eight-game winless streak (0-4-1-3) at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford with a 3-1 victory on Jan. 18.
MARCH 15
• March 15 is ‘90s Night at the Van. With the franchise’s inception in 1996, the Griffins posted a 134-112-0-0-36 mark in 282 regular season games during the 1990s. • Grand Rapids has earned points in eight straight home games against Rockford (6-0-2-0).
• This marks the eighth and final meeting of the regular season between the teams. Grand Rapids and Chicago have met eight times or more every year since 2012-13.
CHICAGO
MARCH 29
• Chicago has won back-to-back Central Division titles, beating out Grand Rapids by one point in 2017 and two points last year. As of mid-February, the Wolves were in position to secure their third straight Calder Cup Playoff berth and fifth in the last six years. • Longtime Chicago head coach John Anderson (1997-2008; 201316), who led the Wolves to four league championships, 12 playoff appearances and 624 wins during his 14 seasons in the Windy City, was inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame in January.
MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS
MILWAUKEE
• Patrik Rybar, who led the Czech Extraliga with seven shutouts last season, recorded his first clean sheet on North American ice by stopping 24 shots during a 3-0 home victory against Milwaukee on Jan. 19.
PRIMARY MARK
MARCH 31
• The Griffins and Admirals will close out their 10-game season series on April 13 in Wisconsin, in Grand Rapids’ final game of the regular season. • Through Jan. 19’s matchup, the Griffins had points in five of six clashes so far (4-1-0-1). PANTONE 292 C
PANTONE 282 C
PANTONE COOL GRAY 4 C
• Grand Rapids has not lost a season series against Milwaukee since finishing 3-4-0-1 in 2012-13. 2015-16
WHITE
MANITOBA MOOSE • In the 100th regular season meeting between the teams on Feb. 6, Filip MANITOBA PRIMARY MARK
APRIL 12
Hronek scored two power play goals 56 seconds apart late in the third period to help the Griffins turn a 0-1 deficit into a 2-1 win.
• Heading into this matchup, the Griffins have won 11 of the last 12 against the Moose, including five in a row. • Chris Terry has recorded a series-high 10 points (6-4—10) in six games vs. Manitoba. PANTONE 282 C
PANTONE 2945 C
PANTONE COOL GRAY 11
PANTONE 429 C
WHITE
• The Griffins finished 3-1 at Manitoba this season, as the away portion of 2015-16
the series was concluded before the teams broke for Christmas.
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 5
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2017
Dear Griffins Fans, They say that good things come in threes. Jeff Blashill’s three-year tenure as head coach of the Griffins began with capturing our franchise’s first Calder Cup championship in 2013 and concluded with his hiring as bench boss for the Detroit Red Wings. He was succeeded by the “original Griffin,” former defenseman Todd Nelson, who during his own three years at the Griffins’ helm captured our second Calder Cup in 2017. Over the summer he made his well-deserved return to the National Hockey League, as an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars. Now, our head coaching baton passes to a man we’ve come to know very well through the years. Ben Simon, who as a player won a pair of championships at our expense before eventually lacing up his skates for us 12 years ago, embarks on his third role with our organization. He served at Nelson’s right hand as an assistant coach over the last three seasons, forging a reputation as a thorough, detail-oriented workhorse who rarely saw a sunrise; he was typically already at his desk, deep in the bowels of Van Andel Arena.
2013
The challenge for Simon, his new pair of assistant coaches, Matt Macdonald and Brad Tapper, and our returning staff is to build upon our remarkable six-year run of success while integrating more than the usual number of new players into the Griffins’ lineup and culture. While our championship memories from June 2017 remain vivid, no more than 10 players whose names are found on the Calder Cup will find a place in our lineup this season. That’s life in a developmental league, of course, but with it comes the excitement and anticipation of getting to know the next wave of Red Wings prospects who are tasked with maintaining our tradition.
LETTER FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER — DAN DEVOS GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS
10 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
And if this mix of familiar and new faces ultimately succeeds in our quest to bring a third AHL championship to Grand Rapids, Simon would join a select trio of men who’ve achieved the rare trifecta of winning a Calder Cup as a player, an assistant coach and a head coach – a feat most recently accomplished by Nelson with the 2017 Griffins. That three-of-a-kind is hard to beat. Along with these changes around the locker room this season, we’re excited about two new and improved ways that you can follow the Griffins. Be sure to check out our completely redesigned website at griffinshockey.com, and never miss a single Griffins game by subscribing to the league’s new video streaming platform, AHLTV. We look forward to everything this new season promises. Sincerely,
Dan DeVos Chief Executive Officer Grand Rapids Griffins
2018 - 2019 SEASON
Dear Fans, It is my pleasure to once again welcome you to a new American Hockey League season, the latest chapter in a tradition of excellence that dates back to our founding in 1936.
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT —— DAVID A. ANDREWS PRESIDENT & CEO, AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE
The AHL remains proud of its role in developing the vast majority of players, coaches, executives, trainers, broadcasters and officials who you see throughout the National Hockey League. Since 1936, our great fans have been able to cheer for blossoming NHL stars, future Stanley Cup champions, and more than 100 eventual members of the Hockey Hall of Fame. We are coming off of a record-setting year on and off the ice, capped by the Toronto Marlies’ memorable run to the Calder Cup championship. And the 2018-19 season is sure to be another exciting one, as we drop the puck in an all-time high of 31 cities across North America. Welcome to our new fans in Colorado, and thank you to all of you for your continuing support of the AHL. Sincerely,
DAVID A. ANDREWS
TheAHL.com
PRESIDENT & CEO | AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 11
BY THE NUMBERS
87%
A TRADITION OF
Percentage of all NHL players in 2017-18 who were graduates of the AHL
29
AHL graduates led their NHL team in goaltending wins
THE BEGINNINGS Marking its 83rd season of play in 2018-19, the American Hockey League is continuing a tradition of excellence that began in 1936 when the Canadian-American Hockey League merged with the International Hockey League to form what is today known as the AHL. Eight teams hit the ice that first season, playing in Buffalo, Cleveland, New
12
Haven, Philadelphia,
recent championship
Pittsburgh,
was captured by
Providence,
the Toronto Marlies
Springfield and
last spring.
Syracuse. From those roots, Frank Calder, the
the American Hockey
National Hockey
League has grown into
League’s president
a 31-team league that
at the time, was
provides fans with
instrumental in the
exciting, high-level
forming of this new
professional hockey
league, and his name
while preparing
would be given to its
thousands of players,
championship
coaches, officials,
trophy. The first
executives, trainers,
Calder Cup was won
broadcasters and more
by the Syracuse Stars
for careers in the NHL
in 1937; the most
328
AHL players who also played in the NHL in 2017-18
229
Former 1st- and 2ndround NHL draft picks who skated in the AHL in 2017-18
22
AHL Graduates led their team in rookie scoring
LEFT TYLER PEKKA FFROM ROM L E F TTO T ORIGHT: R I G HBRADEN T: B R A DHOLTBY, E N H O LT B Y, TJOHNSON, Y L E R J O HJAKE N S O GUENTZEL N , J A K E G,UCLAUDE E N T Z E LGIROUX, , CLAUD E G I RRINNE OUX, PEKKA RINNE
THE PLAYERS
THE LEGENDS
THE COACHES
In today’s National
For the past eight
At the start of the 2018-19 season, the National Hockey
Hockey League
decades, the American
League featured 23 head coaches who were former
nearly 90 percent of
Hockey League has
AHL bench bosses, including 2018 Stanley Cup winner
the players are AHL
been home to some of
alumni, including 2018
the greatest players in
Hart Trophy recipient
the history of our sport.
Taylor Hall of the New
In fact, more than 100
Jersey Devils, Vezina
honored members
Trophy winner Pekka
of the Hockey Hall
John Tortorella also spent time in the AHL before
Rinne of the Nashville
of Fame have been
making the jump.
Predators and Lady
affiliated with the AHL
Byng Trophy winner
during their careers.
William Karlsson of the
All-time greats like
Vegas Golden Knights.
Johnny Bower, Toe
The 2018 Stanley Cup
Blake, Gump Worsley,
champion Washington
Terry Sawchuk, Glenn
Capitals were stocked
Hall, Brad Park, Ken
with AHL graduates,
Dryden, and Brett
including former Calder
Hull came through
Cup winners Braden
the AHL ranks and
Holtby, John Carlson
now find themselves
and Jay Beagle.
enshrined in Toronto,
Barry Trotz, two-time champion Mike Sullivan and 2016 Calder Cup winner Jared Bednar. Tampa Bay’s Jon Cooper, Detroit’s Jeff Blashill, Minnesota’s Bruce Boudreau, Toronto’s Mike Babcock and Columbus’s
and the coveted Calder During the 2017-18
Cup is inscribed with
season, a total of 856
the names of legendary
AHL alumni played in
AHL alumni like Patrick
the National Hockey
Roy, Larry Robinson,
League. There were
Gerry Cheevers, Andy
328 players who skated
Bathgate, Tim Horton,
in both leagues last
Al Arbour, Emile
year alone, including
Francis, Doug Harvey,
Nashville’s Juuse Saros,
and Billy Smith.
Philadelphia’s Travis Sanheim, Toronto’s Travis Dermott and Vegas’s Shea Theodore. In addition, nearly 230 former first- and secondround NHL draft picks developed their skills in the AHL last season, including Dylan Strome, Alex Nylander,
“I WISH EVERY PLAYER COULD PLAY IN THE AHL... I WOULDN’T TRADE IT FOR THE WORLD.” -
- P. K . S U B B A N
N A S H V I L L E P R E D AT O R S
Filip Chytil, Colin White, Luke Kunin and Jack Roslovic.
ANDREAS //O2018 CUP A N D R E AJOHNSON S JOHNSS N / /CALDER 201 8 CA L D EMVP R C U P M 13 VP
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2018-19 AHL DIRECTORY EASTERN CONFERENCE
HARTFORD WOLF PACK
NHL AFFILIATION: New York Rangers HOME ICE: XL Center (15,635) GENERAL MANAGER: Chris Drury HEAD COACH: Keith McCambridge ENTERED AHL: 1997-98 CALDER CUPS: One (2000) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 15 of 21 2017-18 RECORD: 34-33-6-3, 77 pts./0.507 WEBSITE: hartfordwolfpack.com
ATLANTIC DIVISION: Bridgeport, Charlotte, Hartford, Hershey, Lehigh Valley, Providence, Springfield, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton NORTH DIVISION: Belleville, Binghamton, Cleveland, Laval, Rochester, Syracuse, Toronto, Utica
BELLEVILLE SENATORS
NHL AFFILIATION: Ottawa Senators HOME ICE: CAA Arena (4,350) GENERAL MANAGER: Pierre Dorion HEAD COACH: Troy Mann ENTERED AHL: 2017-18 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 0 of 1 2017-18 RECORD: 29-42-2-3, 63 pts./0.414 WEBSITE: bellevillesens.com
HERSHEY BEARS
NHL AFFILIATION: Washington Capitals HOME ICE: Giant Center (10,500) GENERAL MANAGER: Bryan Helmer HEAD COACH: Spencer Carbery ENTERED AHL: 1938-39 CALDER CUPS: 11 (1947, 1958, 1959, 1969, 1974, 1980, 1988, 1997, 2006, 2009, 2010) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 67 of 80 2017-18 RECORD: 30-37-4-5, 69 pts./0.454 WEBSITE: hersheybears.com
BINGHAMTON DEVILS
NHL AFFILIATION: New Jersey Devils HOME ICE: Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena (4,897) GENERAL MANAGER: Tom Fitzgerald HEAD COACH: Mark Dennehy ENTERED AHL: 2006-07 (as Lowell Devils) CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 4 of 12 2017-18 RECORD: 25-38-9-4, 63 pts./0.414 WEBSITE: binghamtondevils.com
LAVAL ROCKET
NHL AFFILIATION: Montreal Canadiens HOME ICE: Place Bell (10,062) GENERAL MANAGER: John Sedgwick HEAD COACH: Joel Bouchard ENTERED AHL: 2017-18 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 0 of 1 2017-18 RECORD: 24-42-7-3, 58 pts./0.382 WEBSITE: rocketlaval.com
BRIDGEPORT SOUND TIGERS
NHL AFFILIATION: New York Islanders HOME ICE: Webster Bank Arena (8,412) GENERAL MANAGER: Chris Lamoriello HEAD COACH: Brent Thompson ENTERED AHL: 2001-02 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 8 of 17 2017-18 RECORD: 36-32-5-3, 80 pts./0.526 WEBSITE: soundtigers.com
LEHIGH VALLEY PHANTOMS
NHL AFFILIATION: Philadelphia Flyers HOME ICE: PPL Center (8,420) GENERAL MANAGER: Bill Downey HEAD COACH: Scott Gordon ENTERED AHL: 1996-97 (as Philadelphia Phantoms) CALDER CUPS: Two (1998, 2005) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 12 of 22 2017-18 RECORD: 47-19-5-5, 104 pts./0.684 WEBSITE: phantomshockey.com
CHARLOTTE CHECKERS
NHL AFFILIATION: Carolina Hurricanes HOME ICE: Bojangles’ Coliseum (8,300) GENERAL MANAGER: Derek Wilkinson HEAD COACH: Mike Vellucci ENTERED AHL: 2010-11 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 4 of 8 2017-18 RECORD: 46-26-1-3, 96 pts./0.632 WEBSITE: gocheckers.com
PROVIDENCE BRUINS
NHL AFFILIATION: Boston Bruins HOME ICE: Dunkin’ Donuts Center Providence (11,075) GENERAL MANAGER: John Ferguson CLEVELAND MONSTERS HEAD COACH: Jay Leach PRIMARY MARK ENTERED AHL: 1992-93 CALDER CUPS: One (1999) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 21 of 26 2017-18 RECORD: 45-26-3-2, 95 pts./0.625 WEBSITE: providencebruins.com
CLEVELAND MONSTERS
NHL AFFILIATION: Columbus Blue Jackets HOME ICE: Quicken Loans Arena (18,277/9,447 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 11 2017-18 RECORD: 25-41-7-3, 60 pts./0.395 WEBSITE: clevelandmonsters.com
PANTONE 209 C
ROCHESTER AMERICANS
PANTONE 1235 C
PANTONE 1395 C
PANTONE 429 C
PANTONE 647 C
WHITE
PROCESS BLACK
NHL AFFILIATION: Buffalo Sabres HOME ICE: Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester War Memorial (10,662) GENERAL MANAGER: Randy Sexton HEAD COACH: Chris Taylor ENTERED AHL: 1956-57 CALDER CUPS: Six (1965, 1966, 1968, 1983, 1987, 1996) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 45 of 62 2017-18 RECORD: 37-22-11-6, 91 pts./0.599 WEBSITE: amerks.com 2018-19
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 15
2018-19 AHL DIRECTORY SPRINGFIELD THUNDERBIRDS
UTICA COMETS
SYRACUSE CRUNCH
WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PENGUINS
NHL AFFILIATION: Florida Panthers HOME ICE: MassMutual Center (6,793) GENERAL MANAGER: Eric Joyce HEAD COACH: Geordie Kinnear ENTERED AHL: 2016-17 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 0 of 2 2017-18 RECORD: 32-37-5-2, 71 pts./0.467 WEBSITE: springfieldthunderbirds.com NHL AFFILIATION: Tampa Bay Lightning HOME ICE: War Memorial Arena (6,110) GENERAL MANAGER: Julien BriseBois HEAD COACH: Benoit Groulx ENTERED AHL: 1994-95 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 14 of 24 2017-18 RECORD: 46-22-3-5, 100 pts./0.658 WEBSITE: syracusecrunch.com
TORONTO MARLIES
NHL AFFILIATION: Vancouver Canucks HOME ICE: Utica Memorial Auditorium (3,917) GENERAL MANAGER: Ryan Johnson HEAD COACH: Trent Cull ENTERED AHL: 2013-14 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 3 of 5 2017-18 RECORD: 38-26-8-4, 88 pts./0.579 WEBSITE: uticacomets.com NHL AFFILIATION: Pittsburgh Penguins HOME ICE: Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza (8,050) GENERAL MANAGER: Bill Guerin HEAD COACH: Clark Donatelli ENTERED AHL: 1999-00 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 17 of 19 2017-18 RECORD: 45-22-6-3, 99 pts./0.651 WEBSITE: wbspenguins.com
NHL AFFILIATION: Toronto Maple Leafs HOME ICE: Coca-Cola Coliseum (7,851) GENERAL MANAGER: Laurence Gilman HEAD COACH: Sheldon Keefe ENTERED AHL: 2005-06 CALDER CUPS: One (2018) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 10 of 13 2017-18 RECORD: 54-18-2-2, 112 pts./0.737 WEBSITE: marlies.ca
WESTERN CONFERENCE CENTRAL DIVISION: Grand Rapids, Chicago, Iowa, Manitoba, Milwaukee, Rockford, San Antonio, Texas PACIFIC DIVISION: Bakersfield, Colorado, Ontario, San Diego, San Jose, Stockton, Tucson
COLORADO EAGLES
NHL AFFILIATION: Colorado Avalanche HOME ICE: Budweiser Events Center (5,289) GENERAL MANAGER: Craig Billington HEAD COACH: Greg Cronin ENTERED AHL: 2018-19 WEBSITE: coloradoeagles.com
BAKERSFIELD CONDORS
GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS
CHICAGO WOLVES
IOWA WILD
NHL AFFILIATION: Edmonton Oilers HOME ICE: Rabobank Arena (8,751) GENERAL MANAGER: Craig MacTavish HEAD COACH: Jay Woodcroft ENTERED AHL: 2015-16 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 0 of 3 2017-18 RECORD: 31-27-9-1, 72 pts./0.529 WEBSITE: bakersfieldcondors.com NHL AFFILIATION: Vegas Golden Knights HOME ICE: Allstate Arena (16,692) GENERAL MANAGER: Wendell Young HEAD COACH: Rocky Thompson ENTERED AHL: 2001-02 CALDER CUPS: Two (2002, 2008) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 12 of 17 2017-18 RECORD: 42-23-7-4, 95 pts./0.625 WEBSITE: chicagowolves.com 16 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
NHL AFFILIATION: Detroit Red Wings HOME ICE: Van Andel Arena (10,834) GENERAL MANAGER: Ryan Martin HEAD COACH: Ben Simon ENTERED AHL: 2001-02 CALDER CUPS: Two (2013, 2017) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 12 of 17 2017-18 RECORD: 42-25-2-7, 93 pts./0.612 WEBSITE: griffinshockey.com NHL AFFILIATION: Minnesota Wild HOME ICE: Wells Fargo Arena (8,356) GENERAL MANAGER: Tom Kurvers HEAD COACH: Tim Army ENTERED AHL: 2013-14 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 0 of 5 2017-18 RECORD: 33-27-10-6, 82 pts./0.539 WEBSITE: iowawild.com
2018-19 AHL DIRECTORY MANITOBA MOOSE PRIMARY MARK
MANITOBA MOOSE
SAN JOSE BARRACUDA
NHL AFFILIATION: Winnipeg Jets HOME ICE: Bell MTS Place (8,812) GENERAL MANAGER: Craig Heisinger HEAD COACH: Pascal Vincent ENTERED AHL: 2001-02 (played through 2010-11; re-entered 2015-16) CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 10 of 13 2017-18 RECORD: 42-26-4-4, 92 pts./0.605 WEBSITE: moosehockey.com
PANTONE 429 C
PANTONE COOL GRAY 11
PANTONE 2945 C
PANTONE 282 C
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 MILWAUKEESEASONS ADMIRALSIN PLAYOFFS: 3 of 3 PRIMARY MARK 2017-18 RECORD: 34-26-4-4, 76 pts./0.559 WEBSITE: sjbarracuda.com
STOCKTON
2015-16
WHITE
MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS
PRIMARY MA
STOCKTON HEAT
NHL AFFILIATION: Nashville Predators HOME ICE: UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena (9,450) GENERAL MANAGER: Scott Nichol HEAD COACH: Karl Taylor ENTERED AHL: 2001-02 CALDER CUPS: One (2004) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 14 of 17 2017-18 RECORD: 38-32-4-2, 82 pts./0.539 WEBSITE: milwaukeeadmirals.com
PANTONE 282 C
PANTONE 292 C
PANTONE COOL GRAY 4 C
NHL AFFILIATION: Calgary Flames HOME ICE: Stockton Arena (6,705) GENERAL MANAGER: Brad Pascall HEAD COACH: Cail MacLean ENTERED AHL: 2015-16 CALDER CUPS: None ONTARIO REIGN IN PLAYOFFS: 1 of 3 SEASONS PRIMARY MARK 2017-18 RECORD: 34-28-2-4, 74 pts./0.544 WEBSITE: stocktonheat.com 2015-16
WHITE
TEXAS STAR PRIMARY MARK
PANTONE 186 C
PANTONE 425 C
PANTONE 110 C
PANTONE 142 C
PROCESS BLACK
TEXAS STARS
ONTARIO REIGN
NHL AFFILIATION: Los Angeles Kings HOME ICE: Citizens Business Bank Arena (9,491) GENERAL MANAGER: Richard Seeley HEAD COACH: Mike Stothers ENTERED AHL: 2015-16 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 3 of 3 2017-18 RECORD: 36-25-4-3, 79 pts./0.581 WEBSITE: ontarioreign.com
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: 7 of 9 2017-18 RECORD: 38-24-8-6, 90 pts./0.592 WEBSITE: texasstars.com PANTONE 3425 C
PANTONE 429 C
PROCESS BLACK
ROCKFORD ICEHOGS
PROCESS BLACK
WHITE
NHL AFFILIATION: Arizona Coyotes HOME ICE: Tucson Arena (6,521) GENERAL MANAGER: Steve Sullivan HEAD COACH: Jay Varady ENTERED AHL: 2016-17 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 1 of 2 2017-18 RECORD: 42-20-5-1, 90 pts./0.662 WEBSITE: tucsonroadrunners.com
SAN ANTONIO RAMPAGE
NHL AFFILIATION: St. Louis Blues HOME ICE: AT&T Center (6,374, lower bowl) GENERAL MANAGER: Kevin McDonald HEAD COACH: Drew Bannister ENTERED AHL: 2002-03 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 4 of 16 2017-18 RECORD: 35-31-10-0, 80 pts./0.526 WEBSITE: sarampage.com
THE ROAD TO THE CALDER CUP Eight teams in each conference will qualify for the 2019 Calder Cup Playoffs. The SAN DIEGO GULLS
top four teams in each division, ranked by points percentage (points earned divided by points available), will qualify for the postseason.
PRIMARY MARK
SAN DIEGO GULLS
PANTONE 1655 C
PANTONE 877 C
TUCSON ROADRUNNERS
NHL AFFILIATION: Chicago Blackhawks HOME ICE: BMO Harris Bank Center (5,895) GENERAL MANAGER: Mark Bernard HEAD COACH: Derek King ENTERED AHL: 2007-08 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 6 of 11 2017-18 RECORD: 40-28-4-4, 88 pts./0.579 WEBSITE: icehogs.com
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: 2 of 3 2017-18 RECORD: 36-28-3-1, 76 pts./0.559 WEBSITE: sandiegogulls.com
METALLIC SILVER 877
2015-16
WHITE
PANTONE MEDIUM BLUE C
PANTONE 5455 C
PROCESS BLACK
WHITE
The division semifinals will be bestof-five series, with the first-place team playing the fourth-place team and the second-place team facing the third-place team. The division finals, conference finals and Calder Cup Finals will be best-of-seven series. 2015-16
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 17
WHITE
DETROIT RED WINGS TOP AFFILIATE Grand Rapids Griffins 17th Season
ARENA
Little Caesars Arena Seating Capacity: 19,515
CONTACT
(313) 471-7000 detroitredwings.com
STANLEY CUPS
1936, 1937, 1943, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2008
MANAGEMENT
Photo: Getty Images
EXECUTIVE VP/ GENERAL MANAGER: Ken Holland ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER: Ryan Martin
COACHING STAFF
G
riffins alumni led the Red Wings in every significant statistical category in 2017-18, highlighted by Anthony Mantha’s 24 goals and nine power play goals, along with Dylan Larkin’s 47 assists and 63 points. In all, 23 former Griffins wore the Winged Wheel last season, energizing a Grand RapidsDetroit affiliation that will continue until at least 2022.
HEAD COACH: Jeff Blashill ASSISTANT COACHES: Dan Bylsma, Doug Houda, Pat Ferschweiler ASST. COACH/VIDEO: Adam Nightingale GOALTENDING COACH: Jeff Salajko STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH: Mike Kadar
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 Dennis Cholowski, 2018-19 Ty Conklin, 2011-12 Chris Conner, 2011-12 Jared Coreau, 2016-17 Danny DeKeyser, 2013-14 Aaron Downey, 2008-09 Patrick Eaves, 2013-14 Christoffer Ehn, 2018-19 Matt Ellis, 2006-07 Cory Emmerton, 2010-11
Jonathan Ericsson, 2007-08 Landon Ferraro, 2013-14 Valtteri Filppula, 2005-06 Martin Frk, 2017-18 Luke Glendening, 2013-14 Mark Hartigan, 2007-08 Darren Helm, 2007-08 Joe Hicketts, 2017-18 Jimmy Howard, 2005-06 Filip Hronek, 2018-19 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 Matt Lorito, 2016-17 Joey MacDonald, 2006-07 Donald MacLean, 2005-06 Anthony Mantha, 2015-16 Alexey Marchenko, 2013-14 Darren McCarty, 2007-08 Tom McCollum, 2010-11 Derek Meech, 2006-07 Wade Megan, 2018-19 Drew Miller, 2016-17 Kevin Miller, 2003-04 Mark Mowers, 2003-04 Petr Mrazek, 2012-13 Jan Mursak, 2010-11 Anders Myrvold, 2003-04 Andrej Nestrasil, 2014-15 Kris Newbury, 2009-10 Tomas Nosek, 2015-16 Gustav Nyquist, 2011-12 Xavier Ouellet, 2013-14
* not including conditioning stints for Curtis Joseph (2003-04), Chris Osgood (2005-06), Manny Legace (2005-06), Chris Chelios (2008-09), Andreas Lilja (2009-10), Jonas Gustavsson (2012-13), Carlo Colaiacovo (2012-13), Stephen Weiss (2014-15) and Michael Rasmussen (2018-19).
Teemu Pulkkinen, 2013-14 Kyle Quincey, 2005-06 Dan Renouf, 2016-17 Mattias Ritola, 2007-08 Jamie Rivers, 2003-04 Nathan Robinson, 2003-04 Stacy Roest, 2002-03 Robbie Russo, 2016-17 Riley Sheahan, 2011-12 Brendan Smith, 2011-12 Ryan Sproul, 2013-14 Garrett Stafford, 2007-08 Ben Street, 2016-17 Libor Sulak, 2018-19 Evgeny Svechnikov, 2016-17 Eric Tangradi, 2015-16 Tomas Tatar, 2010-11 Jordin Tootoo, 2013-14 Dominic Turgeon, 2017-18 Jason Williams, 2002-03 Filip Zadina, 2018-19
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 19
0111 0000 0000 1111 0001 1111 0010 1111
111 000 000 111 001 111 010 111
01101111 01101110 01101101 01101101 00100000 01111001 01101011 00100000
01110010 01101111 01100001 01100101 01100100 01100001 00100000 01110000
01101011 00100000 01101011 01110010 01110101 01101100 01100001 01101100
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01100001 00100000 01110000 01100101 01101001 01101100 01101100 01101110 01100001
01101111 01101110 01101101 01101101 00100000 01111001 01101011 00100000
01110010 01101111 01100001 01100101 01100100 01100001 00100000 01110000
01101011 00100000 01101011 01110010 01110101 01101100 01100001 01101100
01101100 01100001 01101100 01110011 01100011 01101100 00100000 01100100 01111001
01100001 00100000 01110000 01100101 01101001 01101100 01101100 01101110
01101100 01100001 01101100 01110011 01100011 01101100 00100000 01100100
01101100 01101110 01100001 00100000 01100001 00100000 01110111 00100000 00100000
01101100 01101110 01100001 00100000 01100001 00100000 01110111 00100000
00100000 01100100 01111001 01100011 00100000 01100010 01101111 01101110
00100000 01100100 01111001 01100011 00100000 01100010 01101111 01101110 01101101
01110111 00100000 00100000 01101111 01100001 01101111 01110010 01101111
01101111 01101110 01101101 01101101 00100000 01111001 01101011 00100000
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MARK YOUR
2018GR 19 PRO IFFI
SCHMEODTIONNASL ULE
CALENDAR March 6 Presented by Custer
March 8
Eighth Annual Purple Community Game presented by Van Andel Institute/Purple Jersey Auction
April 10
Winning Wednesday presented by Farm Bureau Insurance
April 12
Season Finale presented by Huntington Bank/Friday Night Jersey Auction
March 12
Eighth Annual Hockey, Hops & Hope at Fox Hyundai Kia, benefiting Easterseals Michigan
April 16 March 15
2019 Calder Cup Playoffs begin, with $2 Beers and $2 Hot Dogs during every home playoff game
‘90s Night presented by Spectrum Health Stroke Awareness #SpectrumStrokeStrong
March 29
$2 Beers and $2 Hot Dogs presented by Michigan First Credit Union
March 31
Jake Engel Memorial Dog Game presented by Nestlé Purina/ Specialty Jersey Auction
All Griffins playoff games on
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 21
SEASON-LONG PROMOTIONS $2 Beers and $2 Hot Dogs: Every Friday, enjoy $2 domestic drafts and $2 hot dogs from 6-8 p.m., while supplies last. Get in the D-ZONE: Presented by Coppercraft Distillery, 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 Faceoff tickets for $14 each, four Upper Level Center Ice tickets for $17 each or four Lower Level Faceoff tickets for $20 each with a valid military ID. The offer also extends to veterans who present a VA ID or discharge papers. College Nights: Presented by Michigan First Credit Union, college students can show their ID at every Friday game to purchase an Upper Level Faceoff ticket for $13 (or $12 in advance at The Zone) or an Upper Level Center Ice ticket for $16 (or $15 in advance at The Zone). Limit one ticket per ID. Free Ride Friday on The Rapid: Ride the Rapid to and from any Friday game and enjoy a complimentary fare by showing your ticket to that night’s game. Visit ridetherapid.org for schedule information, routes and maps. Winning Wednesdays: Presented by Farm Bureau Insurance, every time the 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. Sunday is Fun Day: For all Sunday games, enjoy $1 small Pepsi drinks and $1 small ice cream cups from 3-5 p.m. 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. Big E’s Score 4 for More: If the Griffins score four or more goals during a home game, take your ticket from that game to Big E’s Sports Grill in Grand Rapids or Holland within four days to receive 50% off any food item. Dine in only. Library Nights: For all Wednesday and Sunday games, fans can present their Grand Rapids Public Library card or Kent District Library card at the Van Andel Arena box office on the night of the game or at The Zone anytime during the store’s regular business hours to purchase either an Upper Level Faceoff ticket for $14 (regularly $16 advance and $19 day of game), an Upper Level Center Ice ticket for $17 (regularly $19 advance and $22 day of game) or a Lower Level Faceoff ticket for $20 (regularly $22 advance and $25 day of game). Limit four tickets per card per person, subject to availability.
Friends & Family 4-Packs: Presented by Big E’s Sports Grill and available for all Saturday games, each pack includes 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 any of the following games: March 6 and 31; April 10. Post-Game Open Skate: March 31 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-ZBoy chairs and an array of unprecedented amenities. Call (616) 774-4585 ext. 4. J. Gardella’s Sliders Special: Available on select tickets, take your used Griffins ticket to J. Gardella’s Tavern to buy one slider and get one of equal or lesser price free. Refer to the back of select tickets for details. Wolfgang Puck Out of Play: Catch a puck that went out of play during a game? Show it to Guest Services behind section 104 to receive a prize from The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck.
ALL PROMOTIONS AND DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT GRIFFINSHOCKEY.COM. 22 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
GOLDEN
OPPORTUNITY
Givani Smith shared his story with Griffins Youth Foundation players and their families at a special Black History Month dinner at Griff’s IceHouse. When Detroit Red Wings prospect Givani being able to celebrate a part of who we are by Smith recently spoke to a group of Griffins providing the opportunity for Givani to meet Youth Foundation (GYF) players and their our players and families. Our kids may never families at a special gathering held in his honor, make it to the NHL, but it’s incredibly important he made an observation regarding the journey for them to see that it takes determination and that every hockey player makes in pursuit of commitment to achieve what you want in life.” playing in the NHL. A Toronto native, Smith made an appearance “I used to be in your shoes not too long at Griff ’s IceHouse at Belknap Park on Feb. 4 ago,” he said. during a Black History Month event that Smith, the Wings’ second-round pick (46th underscored the Griffins Youth Foundation’s overall) in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, was the efforts to further its mission to help minorities guest at a dinner celebrating diversity and the and underprivileged youth enjoy the opportunity role that the Griffins Youth Foundation plays in to play hockey. eliminating the financial barriers that prevent The event included video highlights of Smith’s boys and girls from enjoying hockey and iceyoung career as well as those of other black related sports. hockey players including Willie O’Ree, who was “We refer to ourselves as a foundation family, the first black player in the National Hockey and when you have a League. Guests at the family you celebrate GYF dinner watched the uniqueness the Hockey Hall of everyone,” said of Fame induction Lynn Rabaut, the speech by the foundation’s executive man known as the director. “One of “Jackie Robinson of our directives is ice hockey.” to make sure that “Believe it or not, hockey is available on Jan. 18, 1958, to all regardless when I stepped of race, gender or on the ice with the physical ability. (Boston) Bruins, it Griffins Youth Foundation players and their families “Tonight was a did not dawn on me enjoyed dinner before hearing words of wisdom from prime example of us Red Wings prospect Givani Smith. that I was breaking Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 23
the color barrier,” O’Ree said he feels very said during his HOF fortunate that he was speech. “I didn’t realize able to play a sport that I had made history that he grew to love at until I read it in the an early age. paper the next day. “I started playing “All I wanted was hockey at the age of to be a hockey player. six and I liked it so All I needed was the much,” he said. “I was opportunity.” lucky enough to get The GYF guests the opportunity to heard how O’Ree, now play and a lot of people an ambassador for the helped me out. I was NHL, continues to travel able to attend hockey across North America to schools and got the introduce boys and girls chance to work on my to the game of hockey skills so I could get while sharing important where I am today. life lessons. “Hockey “I had an uncle who Smith is one of a small but growing group of teaches us, most told me that in order importantly, about setting black hockey players in the AHL. to reach your goals, you goals,” O’Ree said. “My have to train when you mission is to give them the same opportunity don’t want to. You have to shoot pucks until I was given.” you’re tired. You have to do something every day, Like O’Ree, the Griffins Youth Foundation all those little things that will make you a better is working to expand opportunities for kids hockey player. I took that advice to heart because who would not be able to participate in iceI wanted to play in the NHL.” related activities if not for the generosity of the Smith is thankful that his parents were businesses and individuals who help support its supportive of his desire to play hockey. various programs. “I come from a big family,” Smith said. “I have Smith talked about his own experience during two older brothers and one younger brother, and a Q&A session hosted by Bob Kaser, the Griffins’ we all played hockey so it was tough for them vice president of community relations and to go from one practice to the next, starting broadcasting. at 6 a.m. It took a lot of hard work on their Canadian by birth, Smith talked about part as well.” his Caribbean roots, how his parents and Smith talked about the excitement of being grandparents are originally from Jamaica. Smith chosen by the Red Wings in the draft after Kaser
Smith was the guest of a Black History Month dinner hosted by the Griffins Youth Foundation in early February. 24 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
DeAndre Harris, an attorney with Warner Norcross & Judd, which sponsored the Griffins Youth Foundation’s Black History Month dinner, talked about his own experience. “I admit that I’m not a huge hockey fan, but as a minority attorney in the legal profession, I’m aware of the challenges of the pursuit of working in an organization that doesn’t necessarily work for the benefit of someone who looks like me,” he said. “I understand the parallels of Willie O’Ree’s pursuit to be the first
mentioned that the Detroit organization wanted to secure not only Smith’s hat and jersey from the draft for a Black History Month celebration at Little Caesars Arena, but also the bowtie he wore on that memorable day. “I had my whole family in Buffalo during draft day, and to be able to see their excitement and the expressions on their faces was just priceless because they had put so much hard work into helping me get there,” Smith said. “Getting drafted by the Red Wings was really special. Growing up, just playing hockey was fun, but coming from Canada, there’s so much history around the game. To get drafted was an unbelievable experience, especially because I was chosen by an Original Six team like Detroit.” Smith’s older brother, Gemel, was drafted by the Dallas Stars in 2012 and is now playing in the Boston Bruins organization. Kaser asked Smith if he thought about someday playing against his brother in the NHL. “We’ve talked about it,” he said. “We played against each other growing up, whether it was outside or in our backyard. To someday have our family and all these people cheering us on in the NHL would be something really special.” Smith was asked whether he felt any pressure being black in a predominately white sport. “With older brothers having played minor hockey before me, they told me that I might run into a few roadblocks, but that I should never let those things let me down,” he said. “I’ve taken my brothers’ advice to heart and just tried to focus on hockey.” Smith was asked what will it take for him to eventually earn the opportunity to play for the Red Wings. “It’s going to take a lot of hard work,” he said. “When you get drafted, you think you’ve made
African-American hockey player and my pursuit as a minority attorney. I was born and raised in Muskegon Heights and my mom was a single parent who had me at the age of 16. The odds of me becoming an attorney were definitely against me but because of my participation in organizations like this, I was able to see beyond my circumstances and reach my potential. “I always wanted to be an attorney and I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be here today and welcome you to this dinner.”
it, but you learn that it’s going to take more hard work. You have to play for the farm team and play well to get the chance to showcase your skills for the NHL.” The Black History Month dinner guests heard about Smith’s progress through junior hockey. One young GYF player asked him about his first goal. “My first-ever goal was on my own team,” Smith confessed, causing the crowd to erupt in laughter. “But my second goal was really nice.” Smith noted that he was very happy when he scored his first goal in a Griffins jersey, on Dec. 7 in Rockford. “It was amazing,” he said. “It’s my first year playing in Grand Rapids and my first year playing pro. I’ve learned that it’s a really tough league, so getting that first goal out of the way was really special.” He confided that playing hockey professionally was always his singular goal. “Hockey was my only plan,” he said. “I was a really focused kid. I told myself that I was going to be a hockey player and that was always my focus.” Following the Q&A session, Smith posed for photos and signed autographs for the young fans while the closing message they had heard earlier from O’Ree’s induction speech resonated in the room. “True strength comes from diversity and inclusion,” O’Ree said. “It makes kids and families better and it makes the game better, (but) we are not done because the work is not done. There are still barriers to break… and opportunities to give.” Smith and the Griffins Youth Foundation will continue to do what they can to make a difference. For volunteer opportunities or to see how you can make a charitable contribution to the foundation, visit griffinskids.org. Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 25
Story and photos by Mark Newman
Filip Zadina, the Red Wings’ highest draft pick since 1990, is making progress toward his goal of becoming a major point producer in Detroit.
Story and photos by Mark Newman
26 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
Van Andel Arena does not have any books or desks, and although you might see a coach with a whiteboard, nobody is going to confuse the place with a classroom. Still, the building currently serves as the site for the schooling of Filip Zadina, one of the Red Wings’ most prized prospects, while he learns the lessons of hockey and develops the skills that will allow him to graduate to the NHL. When the organization selected Zadina with the sixth overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, many Red Wings fans rushed to proclaim that his selection would pay immediate dividends in Detroit, overlooking the fact that the young center from the Czech Republic was only 18 years old. He still has room to grow. Thankfully, Zadina is beginning to make the most of his time with the Griffins. After sporadic success early in the season – he scored two goals in a game four times – Zadina had a four-game goal streak in mid-February and was riding a personal-best seven-game point streak when he was recalled by Detroit on Feb. 22. The start of the stretch coincided with the arrival of his oldest teacher – his father – in Grand Rapids at the beginning of the
month for an 11-day visit. Maybe it was a coincidence, or perhaps the previous weeks and weeks of instruction from coaches and advice from teammates were finally having the desired impact. “I need to keep going and not think about points,” Zadina said after a practice during the streak. “I need to just focus on hockey and think about how I am playing and how I am trying to help the team. The points will come.” Zadina tapped his front teeth with his knuckles, a sign of good luck in his native Czech Republic. He came to North America from Pardubice, a city of about 90,000 that is an hour’s train ride east of Prague and happens to be home to Hall of Fame goaltender Dominik Hasek; right winger Ales Hemsky, who had a 15-year NHL career before his retirement last season; and former Griffins center Tomas Nosek, now playing for the Vegas Golden Knights. Zadina’s father was a member of the hockey team in Pardubice during a long playing career that stretched over 17 seasons, primarily in the top Czech league with brief stops in the top Russian and Slovak leagues. Now an assistant coach with the Ocelari hockey club in Trinic, Czech Republic, Marek
Zadina has a strong hockey sense. He knows how to make plays and create scoring chances.
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 27
Zadina (far left) is a dynamic offensive forward with great potential.
Zadina made sure to point his hockey-playing prodigy in the right direction. His son is grateful for the guidance. “Since I was three years old, I would skate with him,” Zadina said. “I spent my whole childhood on the ice with him – all that time was huge for me. He taught me everything I know. Everything I can do, whether it’s shoot, skate, or pass the puck. He made me a good player.” Much time was given, so much was expected. “He loves hockey so he made sure that I did things off the ice, too,” Zadina said. “He was always strict with me. He didn’t put me under pressure, but he wanted me to play well every single game. That’s why I appreciate him. It’s why I know how to play hockey the way that I do and why I am here today.” Zadina shared his father’s love of the game, so he was willing to accept the extra attention paid to training. “He would make workouts for me and show me drills that would help me,” he said. “When I was 11 or 12, I didn’t understand why I had to work harder than the other players. Later I figured out that I had to do those things to be a better player. Eventually, I started to do things 28 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
on my own because I love to play hockey, so the workouts were a good thing for me.” Zadina had the raw talent to excel, but it was clear that he needed time to refine those gifts. “When I turned 16, one or two days later, I played my first pro game,” he recalled. “It was a huge game because I was pretty young and we were playing our biggest rivals in the Czech Republic. It was a good experience for me, especially because I knew I wanted to play pro hockey in North America.” As a 17-year-old, he played 25 games in the top Czech league. Although he recorded only a single goal and an assist, he showed glimpses of the untapped potential that would eventually have scouts debating about how high he might someday go in the NHL draft. Zadina was faced with the decision of continuing to develop his skills in Europe or heading overseas to test his talents in Canada. “I had to decide if I wanted to stay in the Czech Republic or move closer to my NHL dream and be drafted in the first round,” he said. “I talked it over with my dad, my agent and my mom. We decided it would be better for me to leave and get a taste of hockey in North America.”
He joined the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for the 2017-18 season. Based in Nova Scotia, Canada, the Mooseheads had helped shape the careers of a number of NHL players, including Nathan MacKinnon, Jonathan Drouin, Nikolaj Ehlers, Timo Meier, and Nico Hischier – all Top 10 picks in the NHL Entry Draft since 2013. Zadina tallied 44 goals and 38 assists for 82 points in 57 games for Halifax during the regular season, then added five goals and seven assists in nine playoff contests. He also recorded seven goals in seven games playing for the Czech Republic during the 2018 World Junior Championship. “I had an unbelievable year,” he said. “I was happy that I was drafted by Halifax because they know how to develop their players and help them become better so they can be drafted in the first round. It was cool to play in Canada the whole year and I got to play on a good team with a good coaching staff,” he said. Zadina lived with the same billet family that had hosted Hischier, the Swiss forward who was selected by the New Jersey Devils with the first overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. “My English wasn’t bad but I couldn’t understand everything because it was way
different in North America,” he said. “The huge thing for me was being here all by myself. There was nobody from the Czech Republic who could speak the same language, so it meant I had to learn every single day, which was very good for me.” Projected to be the third-best player available in the 2018 NHL draft class, he was as surprised as anyone when he fell into the good fortunes of the Red Wings. Zadina was famously quoted as telling his agent that if the Canadiens and Senators passed on him in the third and fourth slots, “I’m going to fill their nets with pucks.” He chuckles at the memory. “I was pumped and excited because it was a huge day for me, but that’s what I said,” he admits now, a bit sheepishly. “I was probably more confident than I needed to be, but I want to prove to Detroit that they made a pretty good decision.” Although he had hoped to start the season in Detroit, his play during the Red Wings’ exhibition games suggested that some time in the AHL would be beneficial to his development. It didn’t take long for Zadina to see that the decision was in his best interests. “It was pretty tough to play here at the start of the season,” he said. “Obviously, I’m now playing
Zadina had four multi-goal games by mid-February, with three of his two-goal games coming at Van Andel Arena.
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 29
Zadina was chosen by the Red Wings in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft with the sixth overall pick.
against men and it’s tough, maybe tougher than I expected, but I know how to deal with it and I know it’s going to make me a better player.” Zadina has come to understand the meaning of the saying, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” “That’s my motto right now,” he said. “Many players have come through the same situation. It’s all part of the hockey process. Only the mentally strongest players make it early in the NHL, so it’s normal. Why be upset when you can play and have fun? You have to play better to get the chance.” He continues to communicate with his father, frequently turning to him for advice. “To be honest, he watches every single game,” Zadina said. “It started last year in Halifax and now he’s doing the same thing with the Griffins. I usually wait for his message after the game. He will tell me his overall opinion of the game and how I played and what I need to do better. Sometimes he makes me mad because I felt like I played very good. But what he says is true.” He has finally settled into a routine. He is now in his own apartment after living with Griffins assistant coach Mike Knuble and his family during his first month in Grand Rapids. “It
helped that I didn’t have to be all by myself at the beginning of the season,” Zadina said. “He helped me adjust to the city and the pro lifestyle to the point where it’s now way easier for me to live alone in my own apartment.” Cooking is still a bit of a challenge, although he has become adept at rice, pasta, sweet potatoes and chicken. “It’s not a big deal because I know I can do it,” he said, although he admits that he sometimes takes the easy way out and orders meals through Uber Eats. It’s also been a little easier for Zadina to adjust to Grand Rapids because his teammates here have included Filip Hronek, Libor Sulak and Martin Frk from the Czech Republic, as well as Patrik Rybar from Slovakia. “It’s a huge advantage to have other players on your team who can speak the same language,” he said. “We all live pretty close to each other, so it’s nice when we can hang out together and talk.” Griffins head coach Ben Simon has been impressed by the progress that Zadina has made this season. “It takes time to figure things out and I think he’s done a tremendous job so far,” Simon said. “There’s a ton of pressure on him and for a 19-year-old kid, he’s done a great job of
shouldering that burden. “He was the best player in the Quebec Major Junior League and he was able to succeed on his raw skills alone. Now he’s learning to use his teammates and play within the parameters of the team system as well as dealing with the general day-to-day process of becoming a pro.” Best of all, Zadina has kept a good attitude. “Filip is no different than other top prospects who become bonafide NHL players,” Simon said. “They are very self-driven. They take pride in what they do and they care about what they do. Every single day since day one, Filip has come in with the attitude to improve. He works extremely hard on and off the ice, plus he has those intangibles that will allow him to enjoy success.” With each game, Zadina has grown more comfortable with the pace of the game. He’s still trying to create more space for himself in a tightchecking league, but he’s learning to play on the smaller ice in North America. “I feel more comfortable with the puck and I’ve started to create more scoring chances,” he said. “When I am playing my best, I am keeping the game simple, whether it’s skating, making the quick pass or shooting the puck. It’s pretty easy
when I’m doing that. Where I need to improve Terry was a regular iswith all over the ice. I can’t say I am bad or good in the NHL’s Carolina one zoneHurricanes or the other.” forMeanwhile, two seasonshis father continues to from 2014-16. share his advice. “He tells me that I need to shoot the puck more and that I need to skate to the scoring areas where I can score more,” he said. “He thinks I should sometimes hold onto the puck a little more. He tells me that I shouldn’t be scared to play with the puck.” Zadina has been on a steady learning curve this season. His reward was his first promotion to Detroit, and he made his NHL debut on Feb. 24 against the San Jose Sharks at Little Caesars Arena. His audition was expected to be limited in duration; after more than nine games, he would lose his exemption from being protected during the next expansion draft in 2021. “I still want to play in the NHL as soon as possible,” he said while he was awaiting his debut. “When you get your first game in the best league in the world, obviously you will be nervous, but I will be excited and enjoy my time on the ice. “I’m still working hard. I believe I can stay there next season. I’ll do anything for it.”
Photo: Dave Reginek
Zadina made his much-anticipated NHL debut on Feb. 24 against San Jose.
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 31
‘A Special Time
Hockey players learn to treasure the playoffs no matter whether they win or lose. Capturing the Cup, however, is the crowning achievement they all desire.
32 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
Story and photos by Mark Newman
Of Year’
Playoff hockey is the sport at its most competitive. The difference between victory and defeat can be razor-thin: a simple mistake, a lucky bounce of the puck or even a change in the weather can turn the fortunes of a team from sadness to celebration. Weather? In 2013, the Griffins were scheduled to face the Oklahoma City Barons in Game 4
of the Western Conference Finals when torrential rains and a tornado warning forced the teams and fans into a parking garage beneath the Cox Convention Center, and subsequent flooding inside the arena forced their Calder Cup Playoff game to be postponed. At the time, the Griffins were down 2-1 in the series, and the extra time off ultimately proved to be a godsend. Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 33
Gustav Nyquist had just arrived in Oklahoma with teammate Joakim Andersson, the result of the Red Wings having been eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs two days earlier. The pair of Swedes were rejoining the Griffins in hopes of authoring a better finish to their seasons. “I remember flying to Oklahoma with Joakim Andersson through some thunderstorms,” Nyquist said recently, reflecting on what proved to be a most memorable playoff run. “It was probably the bumpiest ride I’ve ever had. When we got there, the game was postponed because water was running through the building.” Both had played in the Red Wings’ season-ending 2-1 overtime loss to the Chicago Blackhawks and were ready for a second chance at a championship. “That series was a tough, tough one to lose,” Nyquist said. “We were up, 3-1, in the second round against Chicago (but) we ended up losing in Game 7 in overtime. That one stung because we felt like we had a good team, and Chicago went on to win the Cup that year. “So we were excited to get another crack at it. Obviously, the AHL is a different league but it’s still a very good league, so both Andy and I were really excited to join the team. The team had played good throughout the year without us, too, but we formed a good line with Tats (Tomas Tatar) and it was a great experience.” With the addition of Nyquist and Andersson, the Griffins won the next two road games by shutout, 4-0 and 3-0, propelling the team to eventually take the series in seven games and earn a spot in the Calder Cup Finals against the Syracuse Crunch. 34 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
Gustav Nyquist recorded a pair of assists in the Griffins’ Cup-clinching victory in 2013.
Call it an act of God or Mother Nature’s revenge, but the delay proved to be a turning point in the team’s playoff fortunes, according to Jeff Blashill, who was in his first year behind the bench in Grand Rapids. It was a magical year, said Blashill, now in his fourth season as the head coach of the Red Wings. “We came into the year really with no expectations,” he said. “The team hadn’t been in the playoffs for three seasons and we weren’t sure how good of a hockey team we had. As we went through the process, we started to realize our team was getting better. We were a good team, not an elite team, during the regular season, but then things really came together for us during the playoffs.” There were many pieces to the puzzle, but
Blashill reserves his highest praise for the team’s leadership. “One of the best things we did is we brought in veterans who cared about the growth of the younger players in the organization and who cared about winning,” he said. “Jeff Hoggan, Nathan Paetsch, Brennan Evans and Triston Grant weren’t guys who were in it for themselves. They were guys who really wanted to see the growth of players like Nyquist, Tatar and Tomas Jurco, and at the same time they wanted to be a part of winning. “Finding the right veterans can get tricky in the American League, but I think having great veterans is the magic pill. In the end, I really think they were the difference.” East Grand Rapids native Luke Glendening, who joined the Griffins right before Christmas that season after starting the year in the ECHL with Toledo, said it was easy for the team to rally behind Hoggan and the other veterans. “I think our confidence came from the leadership,” Glendening said. “Hoggie was a guy who never gave up. That’s the way he carried himself and that’s the way he played. He might have been playing on one good leg, but he kept working. All the veterans were great. I think the team was emboldened by
them and said we’re never going to give up. We kept battling because we never felt out of it.” Blashill said he believes the team excelled because they were willing to do whatever it took to taste victory. “I loved our group in terms of overall sacrifice. We had a bunch of guys who were committed to doing everything right,” he said. “The group had a team-first attitude and I thought all year long we had a great group that way.” The playoffs can have a war-like intensity and so players take a “die with your boots on” attitude, the idea that they’ll keep fighting to the end – or, as some might say, the ideal is “to leave it all on the ice.” “One of the great lessons of hockey is that it’s a team sport,” Glendening said. “You’re there to push each other past what you think is possible. That’s what characterized that first championship team. We pushed each other to succeed beyond what anyone else thought was possible.” The 2013 Griffins had a total of 11 players who reached double figures in goals during the regular season, including five players with 20 or more. Balanced scoring was a hallmark of the team, which only finished tied for seventh in
Luke Glendening embraces Griffins head coach Jeff Blashill after securing the first Calder Cup championship for Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 35
Veterans (l-r) Triston Grant, Brennan Evans, Jeff Hoggan and Nathan Paetsch provided the leadership to propel the Griffins to the 2013 Calder Cup title.
total goals during the 2012-13 campaign. “We had a great mix of guys,” Nyquist said. “It felt like all of our lines were dangerous, which is obviously tough to play against. We had a really deep team.” On a championship team, it’s hard to single out just one player. “I thought Petr Mrazek gave us unreal goaltending through most of the year and he was outstanding in the playoffs, but we had lots of pieces,” Blashill said. “We didn’t know what we had in Luke Glendening, and by the time we brought him up from Toledo, he made a big impact because he’s a winning type hockey player. “Jan Mursak got sent down to us and we didn’t know how he would react and he committed to winning. Landon Ferraro had to change his role as the playoffs rolled along. He looked me in the eye and said, ‘Blash, all I want to do is win.’ “We had a whole group of guys – (Mitch) Callahan and (Riley) Sheehan, among others – who were committed to winning. Danny DeKeyser had done an excellent job in Detroit that year, so I think he had instant credibility when he came in for the finals. At the same time, we had to sit Brett Skinner, a player who had been contributing previously, and that’s 36 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
never an easy thing to do. But it’s funny how life works. Right away we had an injury (Adam Almquist) and so he went back in and did a really good job for us.” In the 2013 Calder Cup Finals, the Griffins faced a Syracuse team that featured a number of players who had won the championship the previous year in Norfolk. The Crunch came into the series with an impressive 11-1 playoff record. Grand Rapids, on the other hand, had already played six more games to get through the first three rounds. “We didn’t know Syracuse at all, but we had heard things about them,” Blashill said. “They were like the big, bad team from the East coming in, and we hadn’t played a single game in the East because of the schedule that year. We sweep the first two games on the road, which was a huge advantage. “When we came home, the whole town was buzzing. The atmosphere in that rink was unreal. The only regret is we would have loved to have won the Cup at home. With that said, maybe it made winning more special. When you think it might get yanked away from you and you find a way to go on the road and win, it can be a really cool thing. And when you’re on the road and you win, it’s only you. It’s certainly one of my best memories.”
The fact that the 2013 Calder Cup was the first in the history of the franchise made winning even more special. “Playing in Grand Rapids, you learn the crowds are great all season long, not just the playoffs,“ Nyquist said. “We were lucky to have great fans and they provided support throughout the playoffs. It felt like the whole city was really cheering us on and they were truly happy that we were able to win that first championship.” For one West Michigan native, it was the ultimate dream come true. “Being able to bring a championship to the city that I grew up in and to be a part of that team is something I’ll never forget,” Glendening said. The Griffins claimed the Calder Cup again in 2017, giving the organization its second championship in five years. Again, the team won on the strength of a good mix of veteran leadership and hungry youth. Frk scored the Cup-clinching goal in Game 6 of the 2017 Finals.
The only remaining players from the 2013 team were Paetsch, who was now the team’s captain; Brian Lashoff, who was an alternate captain and another stalwart on defense; and Callahan, the gritty forward who was fearless in front of the net. Other veterans included Matthew Ford, who was in his ninth AHL season and wore the team’s other ‘A;’ and Eric Tangradi and Ben Street, who were in their eight and seventh pro seasons, respectively, with considerable NHL experience. Among the younger players who would springboard into the NHL the following season were Tomas Nosek, Evgeny Svechnikov, Martin Frk and Tyler Bertuzzi. The latter pair, who played on the same line, rallied the Griffins from a 3-2 third-period deficit to win Game 6 of the finals against another strong team from Syracuse. “We had a great bunch of guys – everyone really stuck up for each other through good times and bad times,” Frk said of the 2017 Calder Cup champs. “If you stick with your plan, even if you’re down, you believe you can come back and beat the other team. When you’re in the playoffs, you have to play every game 100 percent. It was fun to win the Cup, especially at home. “It was an amazing experience, something you remember for the rest of your life.” Like 2013, the Griffins won the first two games, only this time both victories came at home. Game 2 was a doubleovertime affair. Street scored the game-winner, his second goal of the contest, at the 7:02 mark and goaltender Jared Coreau made 50 saves in a 6-5 win. Bertuzzi was named the Playoff MVP with Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 37
At the age of 22, Tyler Bertuzzi was the MVP of the 2017 Calder Cup Playoffs.
19 points (9 goals, 10 assists) in 19 games. It was his third straight strong performance in the postseason. He had seven goals in nine games the previous year after recording seven goals in 14 games during his first Calder Cup appearance in 2015. “I honestly don’t have an explanation,” Bertuzzi said. “In the playoffs, it’s all about keeping it simple. It’s not like the regular season. You’re not going to see a lot of highlight-reel goals. In the playoffs, it’s a lot of mucking, tips, getting pucks on net. It’s a lot of hard work in front. In the playoffs, you shoot from everywhere. “The playoffs are such a different game, you have to have a different mentality going into it.” Role players become just as important as the 38 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
point producers in the playoffs. The Griffins had both, plus the team benefitted from the late-season acquisition of defenseman Dylan McIlrath. “We had one of the best teams in the AHL,” Bertuzzi said. “We had skilled guys but we also had good penalty killers. We had great ‘D’ like McIlrath. When he came in, he made such a difference. Not just because he could fight, but because of the physical presence he brought to the ice, whether it was blocking shots or clearing guys out. “We just had a good mix of guys who were all good buddies together, which goes a long way at that time of year. When you’re trying to have a long playoff run, it’s going to take a lot of hard work and you’ve got to be able to stick together as a team.” The playoffs are more than an extension of the regular season – the postseason is a true test of a team’s tenacity. Only the strong will survive. “I don’t really remember feeling tired back then, but I was still pretty young,” said Nyquist, who played 104 combined AHL and NHL games during 2012-13 between the regular season and playoffs. “When you’re young, you’re supposed to have fresh legs, and I think the adrenalin of going deeper and deeper into the playoffs helps keep you going.” Glendening said you learn to block out any aches and pains during the playoffs. “At that time of the year, it’s so fun, you’re not really thinking about your body,” he said. “I remember my body was hurting a bit, especially after coming from college where I had played only
40-some games, (but) the playoffs is such a fun time of year.” Blashill has come to believe that playoff experience is a vital component to a young player’s development. “It’s huge, especially when your NHL team isn’t in the playoffs,” Blashill said. “It’s important that your young players gain that playoff experience because the playoffs is a different animal. Guys grinding through the playoffs offers a huge growth opportunity because you face tons of adversity. “One of the best ways to grow is by facing adversity and you’re going to face adversity sometime in any playoff run. It’s a really huge benefit for our young players in Grand Rapids to get that experience. I think it helped players like Nyquist, Tatar, Glendening, Sheahan and Mrazek, as well as the rest of the group who are now playing in different spots in the NHL.” The fact remains that winning a title is a rare occurrence. The Griffins under Blashill had better regular season records the next two years after winning the Cup in 2013, but the franchise did not return to the finals again until winning its second championship in 2017, with Todd Nelson at the helm. “You can have great teams and not win in the playoffs,” Blashill said. “We had two really great teams the next two years after my first year and we weren’t able to get through all the series. Things have to go right for you, for sure. In fact, there were moments when things Jeff Blashill could have gone the other lifted the Calder way that first year. In the Cup in his first of three seasons as end, however, it was great the head coach for us to find a way.” of the Griffins. When it comes to the
playoffs, players cherish every opportunity, but nothing tops the experience of winning a Cup. “What I learned from going the whole way is how few chances you get to win a championship,” Nyquist said. “It’s hard to get there, so it makes you appreciate that time when you went all the way. You realize that it’s a grind to get there and not many players get to experience that. It’s something that I will remember forever.” Glendening heartily agrees. “I can’t remember every single game anymore, but I’ll never forget that group of guys – it’s absolutely true,” he said. “It’s such a special time of the year and it will always be remembered as a special time in my life.”
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 39
2018
2019
45
19 COLIN CAMPBELL
27 CARTER CAMPER
Forward 6-1, 200 lbs. Born: 4/17/91 Toronto, Ont.
CHRISTOFFER EHN Forward 6-2, 193 lbs. Born: 4/5/96 Skara, Sweden
14 TREVOR HAMILTON
Defenseman 6-0, 195 lbs. Born: 3/17/95 Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich. 40 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
JAKE CHELIOS
Forward 5-9, 175 lbs. Born: 7/6/88 Rocky River, Ohio
15
26
44 Defenseman 6-2, 200 lbs. Born: 3/8/91 Chicago, Ill.
MATTHEW FORD
Forward 6-0, 190 lbs. Born: 9/13/92 New Westminster, B.C.
Forward 6-1, 205 lbs. Born: 10/9/84 West Hills, Calif.
10
2 JOE HICKETTS
Defenseman 5-8, 180 lbs. Born: 5/4/96 Kamloops, B.C.
Defenseman 6-1, 195 lbs. Born: 2/15/98 Langley, B.C.
91
55 TURNER ELSON
DENNIS CHOLOWSKI
AXEL HOLMSTROM
Forward 6-1, 200 lbs. Born: 6/29/96 Arvidsjaur, Sweden
MARTIN FRK
Forward 6-1, 205 lbs. Born: 10/5/93 Pelhrimov, Czech Rep.
13 FILIP HRONEK
Defenseman 6-0, 178 lbs. Born: 11/2/97
Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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39
18 DEREK HULAK
BRIAN LASHOFF
Forward 6-0, 185 lbs. Born: 9/2/89 Saskatoon, Sask.
12
52
MATT PUEMPEL
Forward 6-3, 205 lbs. Born: 9/27/94 Edmonton, Alta.
DYLAN SADOWY
4
65
LIBOR SULAK
Pelhrimov, Czech Republic
Forward 5-10, 195 lbs. Born: 4/7/89 Brampton, Ont.
Defenseman 5-10, 180 lbs. Born: 5/15/97 Rovaniemi, Finland
54 GIVANI SMITH
Forward 5-11, 180 lbs. Born: 4/18/93 Detroit, Mich.
23 CHRIS TERRY
VILI SAARIJARVI
DOMINIK SHINE
Goaltender 6-1, 205 lbs. Born: 12/29/89 Toijala, Finland
25 Defenseman 6-2, 207 lbs. Born: 3/4/94
Goaltender 6-3, 185 lbs. Born: 11/9/93 Skalica, Slovakia
HARRI SATERI
Forward 6-1, 210 lbs. Born: 4/2/96 Brampton, Ont.
Forward 6-1, 190 lbs. Born: 7/22/90 Canton, N.Y.
9 PATRIK RYBAR
Forward 6-1, 205 lbs. Born: 1/24/93 Essex, Ont.
29
WADE MEGAN
Defenseman 6-4, 235 lbs. Born: 4/20/92 Winnipeg, Man.
42
73
28
DYLAN McILRATH
Defenseman 6-3, 221 lbs. Born: 7/16/90 Albany, N.Y.
DAVID POPE
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DOMINIC TURGEON
Forward 6-2, 205 lbs. Born: 2/25/96 Pointe-Claire, Que.
Forward 6-2, 220 lbs. Born: 2/27/98 Toronto, Ont.
11 FILIP ZADINA
Forward 6-0, 190 lbs. Born: 11/27/99 Pardubice, Czech Republic Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 41
Story and photos by Mark Newman
VIDEO VETERAN
Story and photos by Mark Newman
Bill LeRoy is the dean of video coaches in the American Hockey League.
Most hockey coaches are easily identified as they stand behind the bench in their suits and ties while watching the play on the ice. Bill LeRoy, however, is nowhere to be seen. Every Griffins game he is huddled in the bowels of the coaches’ office, his nose inches from the screen of his laptop, his fingers poised to mark specific video clips of the action on view. Every AHL team has a video coach but none has the experience of LeRoy, “the only legally blind video guy in the league,” according to the Griffins’ Ben Simon, the 18th head coach for whom the Kalamazoo native has worked during a career now in its fourth decade. LeRoy has worked with no fewer than nine coaches who have gone on to the NHL: Kevin Constantine, Ken Hitchcock, Claude Noel and Jim Playfair in Kalamazoo; Guy Charron, Bruce Cassidy, Curt Fraser, Jeff Blashill and Todd Nelson in Grand Rapids. 42 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
Despite various health issues – he’s undergone kidney and pancreas transplants, quadruple bypass surgery, four eye procedures, and multiple foot surgeries due to diabetes – he rarely misses a game. And while some say he is, well, “a little quirky,” few would ever dispute that he is one of the best at his job. “Billy’s biggest asset is his heart,” Simon said. “He’s a selfless person who cares about this team and how it does. He takes great pride in his job and he’s good at what he does. Through all his health issues, he never misses a game, and the guys see that and they really like him.” Blashill believes LeRoy has the kind of knowledge that few in his position possess. The challenge is getting the remarkably reticent LeRoy to open up. “Bill has unreal experience,” said Blashill, who spent three years in Grand Rapids before becoming the Red Wings’ coach in 2015. “I would always ask him, ‘What would Hitch do?’
It became a little bit of joke to create and save short video “I have less than between us, but not really. I clips so that coaches can a minute to bring review the action quickly and would pick his brain because he has tons of experience. Of up whatever they easily to provide customized course, if you want to know, visual feedback to the players. want, with all the you have to ask, because he “I love what I do,” said won’t speak unless you ask. clips in order from LeRoy, whose brother Tim is But he’s a great person.” the equipment manager for the the start of the It’s LeRoy’s job to capture Columbus Blue Jackets. “Over clips from the coaches’ video period to the end.” the years, this has become like feed, a bird’s eye view of the my second family.” game. He also tracks which players are on the LeRoy is the father of 21-year-old ice as well as everything from faceoffs, shots twins. Tyler is attending Lake Superior and turnovers to scoring chances, power plays State University, where he is studying law and penalty kills. He logs 400-450 video clips enforcement. Becca is studying at Michigan per game, each lasting anywhere from five State University with hopes of becoming a seconds to a minute or longer. veterinarian. “The coaches will make notes during the An avid hockey fan while he was growing game and when they come into the locker up, LeRoy was a Kalamazoo Wings season room between periods, they’ll ask me to grab ticket holder when he ran into radio play5-7 clips from the period,” he said. “I have less by-man Terry Ficorelli at a Kalamazoo gas than a minute to bring up whatever they want, station during the summer of 1980. with all the clips in order from the start of the LeRoy volunteered his services to do period to the end.” whatever Ficorelli might need, and he LeRoy uses STEVA Hockey, a user-friendly began compiling statistics for the veteran video analysis software tool that allows him broadcaster during the 1981-82 season when LeRoy started in hockey as the stats man for hockey broadcaster Terry Ficorelli in the 1980s.
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 43
LeRoy began dabbling in video when Ken Hitchcock was the head coach of the Kalamazoo Wings.
former Red Wings center Jeangames,” he said. “I would give “Back then you Paul LeBlanc was the coach him two tapes, one for goals wouldn’t think the use for and one for goals against, in Kalamazoo. “I was getting tired of driving of most stats would along with the power play and myself and wanted to ride penalty kill.” amount to much, on the team bus, so I talked Hitchcock was a stickler to the coach to see if there but it was another for detail. “I would take four was anything else I could do,” or five sheets of stats down edge that could LeRoy said. “I started tracking to the coaches between faceoffs and scoring chances for periods,” LeRoy said. “There help the team.” the team and got to go on the was one game where we were road, which was great.” getting beat badly after the first period, so he His role eventually expanded with the was upset and briefly glanced through the arrival of Hitchcock as Kalamazoo’s head coach sheets in no time. for the 1993-94 season. “Hitch had been in “When I went back down with the secondthe NHL with Philadelphia the previous three period stats, he ruffled through the pages seasons as a Flyers assistant and they had used again, but this time he noticed that a couple a program that kept the players’ time on ice, of guys were doing better. When I checked the which nobody was tracking back then, so we first period sheets, I saw that he was right. He became the first to do ice times at the minor had that kind of memory. league level.” “He was one of those coaches who knew LeRoy started working with video under how to get the most out of every player. Hitchcock. “Back then it was all VCR tapes,” he He would call players out, but it wasn’t to recalled. “I had a dual recorder back at home embarrass them. It was to help make them and bought satellite packages to watch IHL better players. Under Hitch, we had back-to44 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
back 100-point seasons, but we Video is utilized not in Kalamazoo (which had just couldn’t reach the Turner morphed into the Michigan Cup Finals. He was one of the only for breaking down K-Wings) would become best coaches I ever worked for.” the Griffins’ power play defunct. “Flying back from LeRoy had gotten his first Orlando at the end of the and penalty kill units season, I contacted the Griffins, taste of what is now called analytics earlier in his career but also for assisting who had a first-round bye in when Kevin Constantine playoffs,” he said. “I sent coaches in their “pre- the was an assistant under John samples of what I had done in Marks during the late 1980s in Kalamazoo to Guy Charron, scout” of teams. Kalamazoo. “He went so far as who was the coach in Grand to break down what every referee called so the Rapids at the time, and that’s when I started team would know if, for example, somebody with the Griffins.” was more prone to call stick infractions,” he Over the years, coaches have become said. “Back then you wouldn’t think the use of increasingly dependent on video as a teaching most stats would amount to much, but it was tool. Blashill, for example, was a big proponent another edge that could help the team.” of the technology at LeRoy’s fingertips and Eventually, LeRoy was spending so much made extensive use of video in his coaching. time at the rink that he became the ice events “Blash wanted to be able to show mistakes coordinator for Wings Stadium. “I was put in to players,” he said. “In the meetings, he never charge of scheduling all of the hockey-related called them ‘mistakes’ and he would never call events at the arena and it became my fullanyone out unless it was in private. He was time job. Between those responsibilities and always positive, trying to show players what working with the hockey team, I ended up he wanted. That’s how most coaches do it now. being there a lot.” Rarely do you hear a coach rant anymore.” In 1999-2000 LeRoy learned that the team Where Blashill might show the same clip
LeRoy gets a bird’s eye view of the action, which he records for later use by the coaching staff. Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 45
over and over to get his message into the minds of the players, other coaches have relied less on video. “Curt Fraser and Todd Nelson were similar,” LeRoy said. “They would look at clips, but they were both old-school in that they would write things on the board. I see a lot of Blash in Ben. They both have the same drive and desire to do whatever it takes. In fact, they both remind me of Hitch because they know what they want.” LeRoy is amazed how analytics have become an increasingly important tool in recent years, as coaches rely on various statistical trends to formulate their systems and game strategies. “Every team uses it differently to their advantage,” he said. There’s a simple explanation for the popularity of video clips. “Video doesn’t lie,” LeRoy said. “Players can watch the video and see their mistakes without the coach needing to yell about it. Most coaches know how to use video. Of course, there are some games where you don’t need to show any clips at all.” Video is utilized not only for breaking down the Griffins’ power play and penalty kill units but also for assisting coaches in their “pre-
scout” of teams. LeRoy will compile clips from past games to help the coaches underscore tendencies of the opposition. “I still love what I do,” said LeRoy, who will mark his 3,000th game next season. “I’ve gone to Columbus a couple of times when Detroit has been there and I got the biggest kick out of sitting on the home bench and watching the pregame skate. So many Red Wings came over and shook my hand and asked how I was doing because so many of them had played in Grand Rapids.” LeRoy is single, so he’s pretty much married to the game. “I owe a lot to Dogg (equipment manager Brad Thompson) and Bernie (athletic trainer John Bernal) who are truly good friends. Working with them and spending time with all the players is what makes everything so fun.” His biggest thrill has been being a part of two championship teams. “In all my years in Kalamazoo, it never happened,” he said. “To win the Cup not just once but twice was cool. You always want to win another one and when you look at our team this year, I’d like to think that we’re looking pretty good.” was a goaltender for the Griffins from 2009 to 2013.
LeRoy presses keys to mark specific plays during the game.
46 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
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Steps to success Alumni of the Griffins’ front office have graduated to a variety of positions in other sports and leagues. Most fans know that the Griffins serve a completed a five-year stint as director of event vital role in preparing players for the Detroit presentation with the Edmonton Oilers. Basia Red Wings. As the top developmental league Wojcik is the director for global and Olympic of the NHL, the American Hockey League is a consulting at The Marketing Arm, a sports hotbed of talent. marketing agency; and Rachel Filippini is But there’s a team behind the team with the director of brand strategy and strategic similar goals. The Griffins have a robust intern partnerships at LW Branding, a boutique program that is designed to branding and marketing develop young professionals The Griffins have sent agency that specializes in for other organizations, alumni from their working with professional other leagues or even athletes (both are based front office to every in Chicago). other sports. “In the same way that The Red Wings’ front level of the sports we take pride in our office now includes several world, from major employees who got their start players being promoted to the National Hockey universities to major in Grand Rapids. The most League, we take pride when recent graduate is Michael league franchises. Spruit, a video producer/ our staff gets elevated to whatever job is the next step in their career,” editor with the Wings who started as a partsaid Griffins president Tim Gortsema. “We’re time production intern in 2014. a developmental hockey team for our players Spruit literally grew up with the Griffins. His and we’re a developmental hockey franchise for father was one of the franchise’s original season our office staff.” ticket holders. The Griffins have sent alumni from their “We shared a season ticket package with front office to every level of the sports world, another family the first few seasons, so we from major universities to major league went to a lot of games,” he recalled. “We used franchises. Their jobs run the gamut from to sit in section 223, row B, seats 1 and 2, and I ticket operations and community affairs to could watch the benches, so I always wondered digital content and media relations. what it would be like to go back in the tunnel Rich Meyers, for example, recently and see what it was like behind the scenes. 50 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
Blanchette became a ticket sales, service and database intern with the Griffins. He supported account executives, which meant that he did everything from assembling ticket packages to researching potential group nights and generating new leads. He also assisted with the Griffins’ early implementation of social media. “On game days, I was given the opportunity to wear a lot of hats, whether it was working in the main ticket office, Michael Spruit mans the camera to shoot a video with the Red answering ticket questions Wings’ Anthony Mantha and Tyler Bertuzzi. on the concourse, or helping out during the intermission When I got hired by the Griffins and was able activities,” Blanchette said. to see all that, it was awesome. “It was a great way to get a broad perspective “Getting to work for the Griffins was of the operations but I swear my roommates like a dream.” never saw me. I committed myself that this Like many other former Griffins interns, was the path to what I wanted to do, so I fully Spruit remains appreciative of the fact that he immersed myself in the work and tried to soak was able to learn his craft in an environment up as much as I could. My internship became that fostered creativity and collaboration. my No. 1 priority.” Being a part of the “team behind the team” His Griffins experience allowed Blanchette allowed him to experience the synergy of a to land a position with the University of sports franchise that is driven to deliver the Michigan athletic department nearly eight best fan experience possible. years ago. He is now associate director of “Everybody in the Griffins organization annual giving programs for the Wolverines. helps each other,” Spruit said. “It’s fun to come Focused on the fundraising efforts of the to work every day and be around hockey. We school’s athletic department, Blanchette stays get to do something that we enjoy and it’s busy planning and implementing direct mail something different every day. It’s not just and solicitation appeals as well as coordinating another job.” Mike Blanchette was looking for career direction when he was an intern with the Griffins during his junior and senior years at Grand Valley State University. “Sports has always been a huge part of my life,” Blanchette said. “I wanted to love what I did. For the amount of time that you commit to a career, it almost defies logic to be doing something that you didn’t love. If you can grind it Mike Blanchette (left) shares the Big 10 Tournament championship out, why not find something trophy with Steve Lambright, who was U-M’s director of ticket you can enjoy?” operations until his recent retirement. Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 51
Photo: Tim Casey/UAA Communications
digital marketing and social media efforts related to fundraising. He also oversees premium seating for football, basketball and hockey games, in addition to parking operations for football and basketball. “What makes the University of Michigan unique is that we’re able to draw on our history and tradition and tap into the passion that people feel toward the school even when things are not always the very best. I really enjoy what I do.” Denver Parler was a public relations intern with the Griffins during the 2004-05 season before he did a series of internships with NFL teams, including the Cleveland Browns (2005), NFL Europe’s Berlin Thunder (2006), Denver Broncos (2006), and Baltimore Ravens (2008). Parler also worked Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, then interviewed two days later at the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he has spent the past 10 years. His first two years were spent as the secondary contact for the football program before he became the communications director for the Gators’ men’s basketball program eight years ago. An English literature student at Cornerstone University, Parler worked for the Griffins during his senior year. “It was halfway through college that I realized that pursuing a career in sports could be a possibility,” he said. “I loved sports and when I was searching for internships, I checked out the Griffins website and saw the media relations internship.” Parler said working closely with Randy
Cleves and Dave Gaylinn in the Griffins’ PR team provided him with invaluable experience upon which he still draws today. “They were incredibly generous with their time and their contacts helped me find other opportunities in the profession,” he said. “Without my Griffins experience, I wouldn’t have been able to get on the path that I did.” Evert Geerlings is another graduate of the Griffins’ public relations department. A Calvin College graduate, Geerlings followed his time in Grand Rapids with internships with the Detroit Lions and New York Jets during consecutive seasons. He also worked three straight Super Bowls, starting in 2014, for the NFL. Today, Geerlings is the media relations coordinator for the Oakland Raiders. His myriad duties include coordinating and facilitating all team interviews and appearances, in addition to working hand-inhand with Raiders quarterback Derek Carr for all his local and national media appearances and interviews. “Honestly I always loved hockey, but I never really thought about working in hockey,” he said. “When the opportunity for an internship with the Griffins arose, it was clear as day that this was the way I was going to get my start in sports. “I couldn’t have started with a better group of people,” Geerlings continued. “The work environment created within the organization is so positive that the Griffins became a benchmark in my sports career in terms of what I wanted to do and what I aspired to be.” Geerlings said his Griffins experience set the tone for what was to come. “Everything I learned with the Griffins was beneficial so that I was able to eventually connect the dots,” he said. “My internship provided the blueprint for me to be successful because you do many of the same things in sports PR wherever you go: you work with players, you facilitate interviews, you interact with the media, and Denver Parler cuts the net after Florida defeated Dayton to advance to the Final Four in 2014. you handle credentials, along
52 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
the Griffins, she served as a group sales account executive for the AHL’s Texas Stars for one season before returning to Michigan to work for the Lions. “I tell people that if I could sell hockey in Texas, I can sell anything,” she said. She looks back at her time with the Griffins as the perfect start to a career that she hopes will eventually take her to an Original Six team in the NHL. “The Griffins help set you up for success,” Madigan said. Evert Geerlings (right) works hand-in-hand with the Oakland Raiders’ Derek Carr to coordinate all of the quarterback’s local and “One of the most important national media appearances and interviews. things to me is how invested the management is with their with all of the other responsibilities associated interns. They care about you finding a job with the work.” just as much as you do. They provide great Over the years, the Griffins have sent a mentors, put you on the front lines and really number of people to major league franchises. help you fall in love with the industry.” Nicole Madigan is currently a consumer Brandon Scherzer is now employed by sales account executive with the Detroit Lions the Detroit Tigers as a community affairs after serving as an inside sales representative coordinator. He oversees year-round with the Griffins during the 2016-17 season. memorabilia donations and coordinates preA native of Mackinaw City, the Grand game on-field ceremonies with various groups Valley State University graduate did everything and organizations in addition to working with from making cold calls to pitching season Tigers wives’ initiatives. tickets to handling various game day duties Scherzer also helps connect Tigers players during her time with the Griffins. “I didn’t with the community, whether that means know what I wanted to do in school, but once hospital visits or school reading programs. He I got the internship, I fell in love with the is also responsible for organizing the annual business,” she said. Tigers player caravan that tours the state She was a hockey fan growing up, so every January. the Griffins provided the perfect introduction to the sports industry. “I love the Griffins organization,” Madigan said. “When you look at all the great people who have worked there, there’s something to be said for the work environment that they create, which starts from the top on down. When you see Tim Gortsema pushing around pretzel carts at season ticket members events, that’s huge.” Madigan got her first fulltime job on the strength of her Nicole Madigan (right) poses on the field with her colleague Jen Babcock from the Detroit Lions’ sales and service team. internship experience. After Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 53
and Willie Horton on a regular basis. “Having all that history around the office, you just can’t beat it,” he said. All of the former interns agreed that there’s a certain allure to working in sports. “You work with people you grew up idolizing,” Geerlings said. “They become your friends and you develop bonds that you don’t find in other jobs. When you get to know athletes, you see that they’re human. The only difference is when they make mistakes, they Brandon Scherzer (top left) poses with Detroit Tigers front office can’t just disappear.” staff during an inner-city volunteer event. “Any time you can work for a home team, it’s awesome,” “The caravan is our biggest event every Madigan said. “I grew up a Lions fan, so I year,” he said. “We start planning in October think I can understand where fans’ love and and a lot of hours go into making sure that passion comes from. There’s something about every second is detailed for the participating Detroit – there’s a soul in the city – that goes players and coaches so that we’re all on far beyond any negative things you hear.” the same page.” Working in sports is especially enjoyable An Aquinas College grad who majored when a team is successful. in sports management, Scherzer was a “Everybody loves winning,” Parler said. “My community relations intern under Bob Kaser, job, of course, is similar, win or lose. No matter the Griffins’ vice president of community the outcome, there are certain responsibilities relations and broadcasting, during the and media obligations that I always have to 2016-17 season. take care of with regards to “Going into my To a person, all of the our coaches and players. What internship, I didn’t know is that everybody is in Griffins’ graduates changes what I wanted to do,” a much better mood when your he said. “During my say their internship team is winning.” internship, I was able to a career in sports does in Grand Rapids is notBut see a lot of departments, come without sacrifice. which opened my eyes to something they would “Working in sports is not all the different options easy,” said Blanchette, who not trade for anything. works all of U-M’s home games. that might be available. I think it did wonders for “It is a fantastic, exciting career helping me focus on what I wanted to do.” where you love going to work every day, but a As a college hockey player, Scherzer had lot of people don’t think about all the nights, experienced what it meant for professional weekends, holidays and long hours that athletes to interface with fans. “It’s a blast are required.” connecting a team to the community,” he said. “A career in sports can be a grind and you’ve “I am very appreciative of what the internship got to be willing to put in long hours,” Madigan experience meant for my career. Working for said. “A lot of people think it’s glamorous, an organization with great leadership helped but it’s hard work, too. At the same time, I set the standard.” walk into Ford Field every day for work and Having grown up in Sparta, Scherzer has to that’s awesome.” pinch himself when he walks around Comerica “When you work in sports, your Saturday Park and sees baseball legends like Al Kaline nights are not usually spent hanging out and 54 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
having a good time,” Parler said. “When you’re dedicated, you’re committed to being at the arena on Saturday nights, which is a sacrifice that not everyone is willing to make. “I’m glad that my internship with the Griffins not only showed me the enjoyable parts of the profession but showed me the realities, too.” Ultimately, it’s the work that makes the difference. In his video role, Spruit said there is never a dull day. One moment he might be creating a stop-action short (his work on a Lego-inspired video won a national award for the Griffins) and another day he’s shooting footage for Tyler Bertuzzi Bobblehead Night. “It’s fun to come to work every day,” he said. “I get to do something that I really enjoy.” To a person, all of the Griffins’ graduates say their internship in Grand Rapids is something they would not trade for anything. Getting their feet wet was the best way to see if they really wanted to delve into the world of sports. “I think my total experience with the Griffins helped prepare me for where I am today. The lessons I learned about hard work, accountability and time management were invaluable,” Blanchette said. “For anyone considering a career in the sports industry, I would highly recommend doing an internship.” Like the AHL prospect who learns whether he has what it takes to play in the NHL, there’s always a college student on the Griffins’ staff trying to see if they have the capacity for a career on the business side of sports. “My advice is to take advantage of every opportunity you can, whether it’s volunteering at a local high school or helping run an event,” Parler said. “There’s no replacement for good experience, and more experience will lead to new opportunities. “As far as I’m concerned, the Griffins offer a fantastic introduction to the whole sports business.”
GRIFFINS FRONT OFFICE ALUMNI THROUGHOUT THE SPORTS WORLD MIKE BLANCHETTE
ANN PACIONE
University of Michigan: Associate director, Annual giving program Griffins: Ticket sales, service and database intern (2009-11)
Chicago Wolves: Group account executive Griffins: Game night intern (2015-16), Fan services intern (2017-18)
LOGAN BUCKLEY
DENVER PARLER
United States Soccer Federation: Digital content coordinator Griffins: Public relations intern (2011-12)
University of Florida: Communications director, Men’s basketball Griffins: Public relations intern (2004-05)
MELISSA DARUSZ
KELSEY PENLAND
Miami Dolphins: Account manager, Event sales Griffins: Ticket sales, service and database intern (2013-14)
Grand Valley State University: Assistant athletic director, Sales & marketing Griffins: Public relations intern (2012-13), Corporate sales fulfillment coordinator (2013-15)
MIKE EPSTEIN
West Michigan Whitecaps: Ticket operations coordinator Griffins: Game night intern (2014-15)
LEAH PLETCHER
RACHEL FILIPPINI
Detroit Red Wings: Foundation assistant Griffins: Game night/Fan services intern (2016-18)
KEVIN FISHER
Detroit Red Wings: Group sales manager Griffins: Group sales account executive (2009-11)
EVERT GEERLINGS
Lehigh Valley Phantoms: Director of group sales Griffins: Group sales account executive (2012-14)
LW Branding: Director of brand strategy and strategic partnerships Griffins: Game night intern (2015-16), Ticket operations intern (2016-17)
CLARK ROWEKAMP
Detroit Red Wings: Manager of game presentation Griffins: Game operations intern (2011-13)
ANDREW RUBINSTEIN
Oakland Raiders: Media relations coordinator Griffins: Public relations intern (2013-14)
COREY SCATURRO
ALYSSA GIRARDI
Minnesota Lynx: Sales and service account executive Griffins: Game night intern (2017-18)
NATE HONE
Detroit Tigers: Community affairs coordinator Griffins: Community relations intern (2016-17)
Vegas Golden Knights: Senior manager of communications and content Griffins: Public relations intern (2013-14) San Jose Sharks: Digital media production manager Griffins: Digital media producer (2013-15)
MICHAEL SPRUIT
Detroit Red Wings: Video producer/ editor Griffins: Video production intern (201415), Digital media production assistant (2015-17), Digital media production manager (2017-18)
EMMA KAZIAN
Colorado Eagles: Game operations manager Griffins: Game operations intern (2017-18)
BASIA WOJCIK
The Marketing Arm: Director for global and Olympic consulting Griffins: Tickets sales account executive (2000-01), Ticket sales account manager (2001-02), Corporate account manager (2002-06)
KYLE KUJAWA
Detroit Red Wings: Communications professional Griffins: Public relations intern (2010-11), Public relations manager (2011-13)
NICOLE MADIGAN
BRANDON SCHERZER
Detroit Lions: Consumer sales account executive Griffins: Inside sales representative (2016-17)
With apologies to any full-timers we may have inadvertently omitted.
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 55
The Griffins proudly salute our 2018-19 Full Season Ticket Members. Thank you for your loyalty, passion and continued support of Griffins hockey!
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56 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
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Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 57
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Ehn was a fourth-round pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
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GRIFFINS
2018 AHL All-Star Matt Puempel
ALL STARS 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18
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 (captain), Nathan Robinson Niklas Kronwall, Joey MacDonald Valtteri Filppula, Jiri Hudler, Donald MacLean Derek Meech, Kip Miller (captain) 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 (co-coach) Xavier Ouellet, Teemu Pulkkinen Jeff Hoggan (captain), Xavier Ouellet Matt Lorito, Robbie Russo, Todd Nelson (head coach) Matt Lorito, Matt Puempel
2016 AHL All-Stars Jeff Hoggan and Xavier Ouellet Photo by Scott Thomas/AHL
2013 AHL All-Star Chad Billins
Photo by Alan Sullivan/AHL
68 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
2013 AHL All-Star Petr Mrazek
Photo by Alan Sullivan/AHL
2018 AHL All-Star Matt Lorito
2015 AHL All-Star Teemu Pulkkinen
2014 AHL All-Star Alexey Marchenko
Photo by Lindsay A. Mogle/AHL
Photo by Jeff Parsons/AHL
2013 AHL All-Star Gustav Nyquist
2012 AHL All-Star Gustav Nyquist
Photo by Paul Yacovone III/AHL
Photo by PhotoGraphics/AHL
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PENALTY CALLS
BOARDING Called for any action which causes an opponent to be thrown violently into the boards.
HIGH STICKING Making contact with an opponent while carrying the stick above shoulder hight.
MISCONDUCT 10-minute or disqualification penalty for excessive or additional misbehavior on the ice.
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.
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.
TRIPPING Called for using the stick, arm or leg to cause an opponent to trip or fall.
UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT Called for unsportsmanlike actions such as disputing an official’s decision, grabbing the face mask of a player, etc.
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
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74 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
VAN ANDEL ARENA
GRIFFINS IN THE NHL
Joe Hicketts
Dominic Turgeon
Kyle Criscuolo
IT ALL STARTS HERE
Since their inception in 1996, the Griffins have sent 176 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 11 years and in eight of the last 14 seasons. In chronological order, here are the 22 goalies and 154 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 162........Dan Renouf.............................. 3/27/17 DET at CAR 163.....Ben Street.....................3/28/17 DET at CAR 164........Evgeny Svechnikov....................4/3/17 DET vs. OTT 165........Matt Lorito.................................4/8/17 DET vs. MTL 166........Kyle Criscuolo.........................11/17/17 BUF at DET 167........Dominic Turgeon.......................1/14/18 DET at CHI 168.....Joe Hicketts.....................1/22/18 DET at NJ 169.....Dennis Cholowski..........10/4/18 DET vs. CBJ 170.....Libor Sulak.....................10/4/18 DET vs. CBJ 171.....Filip Hronek...................10/4/18 DET vs. CBJ 172.....Wade Megan..................11/1/18 DET vs. NJ 173.....Christoffer Ehn............. 11/6/18 DET vs. VAN 174.....Eddie Pasquale................12/4/18 TB at DET 175.....Michael Rasmussen........2/7/19 DET vs. VGK 176.....Filip Zadina......................2/24/19 DET vs. SJ Bold = Has played in the NHL this season (as of Feb. 24, 2019) Italics = Had name engraved on the Stanley Cup after playing for Grand Rapids All photos by Getty Images Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 77
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78 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 79
PARTING SHOT
When Filip Zadina and Michael Rasmussen played on the same line on Feb. 6, 2019, it marked the first time that two Top-10 draft picks of the Detroit Red Wings had appeared on the ice at the same time at Van Andel Arena. Photo by Mark Newman
80 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS
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