2017-18 Griffiti - Issue #2

2017-18 SEASON ISSUE NO. 2

DIFFERENCE MAKER ILRATH

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. 22, No. 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS STARTING LINEUP 26 THIRD TIME LUCKY Dylan McIlrath played for three organizations last season, but his final stop proved to be unforgettable.

26

34 THE UNDERDOG Turner Elson is determined to overcome the odds and earn a spot in the NHL. 42 WHEN FATE BECKONS Matt Puempel is hoping the latest twist in his career turns out to be the best move for his future.

52 THE BRIGHT LIGHTS The AHL will shine during its upcoming All-Star Classic in Utica, while teaming up with a sponsor for a unique promotion to award a free sports lighting system to a community rink in one of the league’s markets.

56 GRIFF’S ICEHOUSE WEST The rebranded ice rink in Holland hosted a grand reopening early this season.

34

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 24......Goal-Oriented 40......Meet the Griffins

50......InfoGRIFFics 63......Griffins Records 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:

42

Dylan McIlrath was a key addition during the Griffins’ march to a Calder Cup championship.

Photo by Mark Newman

Griffiti magazine is published four times a year by the Grand Rapids Griffins, Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49503. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All contents ©2017 Grand Rapids Griffins.

For advertising information, contact Griffins Sales & Marketing, (616) 774-4585; fax (616) 336-5464. Unsolicited manuscripts and other materials will not be returned.

56

1

WITH GRIFFINS HEAD COACH TODD NELSON 2

In a perfect world, a coach establishes his forward lines and defensive pairings and lets the players develop chemistry. In reality, though, things are not quite so simple.

“At the beginning of the year, you’re trying to find chemistry,” he said. “We’re not like the National Hockey League where you have basically the same team with little changes. In our case, we have a lot of turnover due to call-ups and injuries.”

The process starts with players having to earn their ice time. “They have to earn the right to play, not only in the lineup but also on special teams,” he said. “At the end of the day, you have to put all these individuals into positions where they can succeed.”

The Griffins found great success last season with four solid lines.

“On our top line, we had (Eric) Tangradi, (Ben) Street and (Mitch) Callahan,” Nelson said. “We had a playmaking center who could score goals in Street; a big, heavy body in Tangradi who could really work the corners; and a gritty guy like Callahan who got his nose dirty in front of the net.”

The Griffins’ second line of Tyler Bertuzzi, Tomas Nosek and Martin Frk was equally formidable. “They complemented each other,” he said. “Nosey did the heavy-lifting in the D-zone and was really reliable. Bert could create offense but also played a gritty style, and Frk was a shooter who could score a lot of goals on the right side.

Youth powered the team’s third line. “We had Kyle Criscuolo, a quick centerman who wasn’t big but played hard and fast, so we needed someone who could keep up with him (Matt Lorito) along with a heavy body (Evgeny Svechnikov), and they worked well together.”

Dominic Turgeon, Colin Campbell and Matt Ford formed the Griffins’ checking line. “During the playoffs, they went against the other team’s top line and wore them down,” he said. “They all played a similar style and complemented each other very well.”

With the loss of Callahan, Nosek, Frk and Criscuolo and the addition of several fresh faces, Nelson began this season in search of new line combinations.

“On each line, I try to find at least two players who have chemistry,” he said. “It would be nice to have chemistry among all three, but it normally doesn’t work out that way. Turgeon and Campbell, for example, had great chemistry all last year, so I wanted to keep them together this year, but we had to split them up due to injury.”

Nelson takes a similar approach to his blueline pairings, looking for two players who work well together. Defensive pairings, which often come together through trial and error, can sometimes join two players of different skill sets. Other times, they may share some characteristics but not others.

He points to this season’s unlikely combination of 5-foot-8 Joe Hicketts and 6-foot-5 Dylan McIlrath.

“Hicketts is a smaller defenseman, but he plays a feisty style, making him a suitable partner with the much larger McIlrath,” he said.

“Then we have (Robbie) Russo and (Brian) Lashoff, who function as a shutdown pairing that we can match against our opponents’ best lines.

Meanwhile, (Dan) Renouf and (Filip) Hronek give us a combination of a stay-at-home defenseman and one that is more offensive-minded.”

Those defensive pairings give the Griffins a righthanded and left-handed shot on each pairing, which Nelson calls “a perfect storm.” Most times, teams don’t have that option. “We like a righty and lefty on every pairing, but one year in Oklahoma City, I had eight right-handed defensemen.”

Nelson prefers to keep his pairings together during the course of a game, but they can change, depending on the score. “If we’re down by a goal, for example, we’ll go with four offensive defensemen,” he said. “At the start of a penalty kill, we might go with heavier bodies, so we might go with McIlrath and Renouf.”

Nelson said finding the right chemistry can take time.

“Sometimes the pairings look great on paper, but when you put them on the ice, they don’t quite work,” he said. “We keep stats so we know where everybody is at. If we notice that a certain pairing is really struggling, we’ll break them up.”

The same is true with the forward lines.

“I don’t like to consistently juggle lines. I think that hurts chemistry,” he said. “Sometimes a line will get off to a slow start, so you want to give them the benefit of the doubt. If a line is having a tough time, I’ll get on them, but I want them to play.

“Once the game starts, I’m not the type that will switch guys from one line to the next every other shift, but a lot depends on the score. If we’re not creating offense and we’re down, I’ll juggle them, but if we’re up in a game, I will probably leave them alone.”

Nelson also likes to roll with four lines. “If it’s a tight game, I may shorten our bench and go with only three lines or maybe two,” he said. “During the last minute of a game, I may stick with guys who are good in the faceoff dot or guys who are willing to pay the price and block shots.

“The game often dictates how I manage my bench.”

Winning, however, is only part of his job. It’s his job not only to put players in positions where they will succeed but also to challenge them to improve. “This is a development league, so it’s important to see your younger players match up against veteran players on the other side,” he said. “You want to instill confidence and that’s one way to do it.”

In the AHL, a team’s roster is often in a state of flux, so nothing is ever set in stone. “You’re constantly trying to manage your lines and pairings,” he said.

“When you’re 12-15 games into the season, you start to get an idea of where you’re at, but the fact is you’re always tinkering.”

2017-18 GRIFFINS COACHING AND TRAINING STAFF

Head Coach

Todd Nelson

Video Coach

Bill LeRoy

Assistant Coach

Ben Simon

Athletic Trainer

John Bernal

Assistant Coach

Assistant Coach

Goaltending Coach

Bruce Ramsay

Mike Knuble

Brian Mahoney-Wilson

Equipment Manager

Assistant Equipment Manager

Strength-Conditioning Coordinator

Brad Thompson

Andrew Stegehuis

Marcus Kinney

3 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

GRIFFINS

SCOUTING REPORT

TEXAS STARS

TEXAS

• Goaltender Mike McKenna is in his first season with the Stars organization.

McKenna was the goalie of record during all six games of the 2017 Calder Cup Finals for the Syracuse Crunch and showed a 3.03 goals against average and a 0.909 save percentage.

PRIMARY MARK

DEC. 1

• Todd Nelson, in his seventh season as an AHL head coach and third with the Griffins, coached in his 500th AHL game on Nov. 11 at Texas. He is the fifth active AHL bench boss to reach that milestone, joining Roy Sommer (San Jose), Scott Gordon (Lehigh Valley), Kurt Kleinendorst (Belleville) and Rick Kowalsky (Binghamton).

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ROCKFORD

DEC. 8, JAN. 5

• The Stars have three players remaining on their roster from their 2014 Calder Cup championship team: Justin Dowling, Curtis McKenzie and Travis Morin.

2015-16

• Since the start of the 2012-13 season, Grand Rapids is 17-3-1-1 (0.818) in 22 regular season games against Rockford at Van Andel Arena (entering Dec. 8).

• Jeremy Colliton is in his first season as head coach of the IceHogs and has two former Griffins players – Derek King and Sheldon Brookbank – on his staff as assistants. King, who played 264 games in Grand Rapids from 1999-01 and 2002-04, is the franchise’s all-time leading playoff scorer (16-25—41) and ranks fifth in regular season points (73-130—203). Brookbank skated in 75 games with the Griffins from 2001-03, scoring 14 points (2-12—14) and adding 160 PIM. • Former Griffin Tomas Jurco got off to a strong start with the IceHogs this season, scoring nine points in his first 11 games. Detroit’s first-choice, 35th overall, in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Jurco appeared in 113 games with the Griffins from 2012-14 and 2015-17, totaling 71 points (33-38—71). He added 21 points (13-8—21) in 32 playoff games and helped Grand Rapids win the 2013 Calder Cup. Jurco appeared in 159 games with the Red Wings from 2013-17 and tallied 39 points (15-24—39) before being traded to he Chicago Blackhawks in Feb. 2017.

4 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

IOWA

• Grand Rapids is 11-3-0-1 all time against Iowa on home ice and earned five points in four games versus the Wild last season at Van Andel Arena.

DEC. 13

• Former Griffin Landon Ferraro signed a free-agent deal with the Minnesota Wild last summer and has spent time with the organization’s NHL and AHL teams already this season. A second-round draft selection by Detroit in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Ferraro tallied 140 points (75-65—140) in 270 games with the Griffins over parts of five seasons (2009-10; 2011-15), and he ranks among the franchise’s all-time leaders with 75 goals (T6th), seven shorthanded goals (T2nd) and 12 game-winning goals (T6th). He added 19 points (6-13—19) in 33 playoff games and helped Grand Rapids win the 2013 Calder Cup. • Iowa is celebrating its fifth season as an AHL franchise. Over its first four seasons in the AHL, Iowa has seen 32 of its players also skate for the parent club in Minnesota.

CHICAGO

• Since the start of the 2015-16 season and through Nov. 3’s matchup, the Griffins are 15-4-1-0 in their last 20 games against the Wolves, including an 8-2-1-0 mark in their last 11 at Van Andel Arena.

DEC. 15

• Former Griffin Teemu Pulkkinen got off to a fast start with the Wolves, posting a team-high 13 points through the first nine games of the season. A 2013 Calder Cup champion with Grand Rapids, Pulkkinen skated in 119 games with the Griffins from 2012-15 and scored 121 points (65-56—121). In 2014-15, he led the league with 34 goals – a mark that ties for fourth-most in a single season in franchise history – and was named an AHL First Team All-Star. The Finland native appeared in 40 postseason contests and ranks among the franchise’s alltime playoff leaders with 34 points (T3rd), 22 goals (2nd) and nine power play goals (1st).

• When the Griffins host the Admirals on Dec. 31, it will mark the 21st New Year’s MILWAUKEE MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS

DEC. 16, DEC. 31, JAN. 17

PRIMARY MARK

Eve game in Griffins history and the 18th consecutive calendar closer. Grand Rapids owns a 9-9-1-1 (0.500) mark on the last day of December, including a 3-1 record when ringing in the New Year with Milwaukee.

• Nineteen Admirals alumni played for the Nashville Predators during their run to the 2017 Stanley Cup Final.

• Grand Rapids assistant coaches Ben Simon (18 GP in 2003-04) and Bruce Ramsay (3 GP in 1995-96) had cups of coffee on the other side of Lake Michigan during their playing days.

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CLEVELAND

DEC. 29, JAN. 12, JAN. 13

2015-16

• When the Griffins and Monsters meet on Dec. 29 for the first of eight games this season, it will pit the last two Calder Cup champions against each other.

Cleveland defeated Grand Rapids in six games in the 2016 Central Division Finals, as the Griffins handed the Monsters their only losses during their championship run.

• Entering 2017-18, the Griffins have points in 23 of 34 games against the Monsters since the start of the 2014-15 season, including finishing 6-3-1-2 last season.

• A former Michigan Wolverine (1993-97), John Madden is in his second season as the Monsters’ head coach. He logged 898 games as a player in the NHL from 1998-99 to 2011-12 and won three Stanley Cups: New Jersey in 2000 and 2003 and Chicago in 2010.

5 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

We knew you could do it.

Congratulations on the Calder Cup, Griffins.

Here’s to another great season.

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MORETOTHERIDE.ORG Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

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9 TO PURCHASE TICKETS OR FOR MORE INFO, Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 9 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS Calder Cup Champions VISIT GRIFFINSHOCKEY.COM OR• 2017 CALL 1.800.2.HOCKEY.

Dear Griffins Fans, I’ve discovered that championships are a lot like children. Each one is special in its own way, and it would seem an impossible task to choose your favorite.

The Griffins’ first Calder Cup in 2013 will always hold a unique place in our hearts. After 17 seasons of your unwavering support, we washed away a threeyear playoff drought and finally quenched Grand Rapids’ championship thirst by drinking from the first cup ever claimed by the city’s pro hockey team. Led by the likes of captain Jeff Hoggan and current Red Wings stars Tomas Tatar, Gustav Nyquist and Petr Mrazek, that scrappy squad took the hard way to the top, playing only two playoff games fewer than the maximum.

The band-of-brothers, us-against-the-world mentality of that team made the triumph over heavily favored Syracuse all that much sweeter. The fact that it was clinched on the road was appropriate but, at the same time, almost insignificant.

It didn’t matter where that cup was won; we just wanted to win it. And the immediate reward for our players, Jeff Blashill and our other coaches was an intimate and unforgettable celebration during the flight home on the Red Wings’ plane that was truly deserved.

LETTER FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER — DAN DEVOS

GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS

But just when we thought nothing could top our first-born title, June 13, 2017 happened, the conclusion of a remarkable 15-4 rampage through the postseason, including a perfect 10-0 mark at home. For a city that has witnessed countless sports memories, I don’t think anything has ever surpassed the experience of that summer night in an overflowing Van Andel Arena, being unable to hear yourself think and screaming at your lungs’ capacity as the final seconds ticked down. Evgeny Svechnikov channeled everyone’s unbridled enthusiasm, leaping over the boards in premature joy, uncontrollably anxious to begin the party on home ice.

And what a celebration it was! From the stands to the ice to the locker room, then out into the downtown streets and establishments late into that night – including a McDonald’s run that became the stuff of social media legend – and finally culminating a few days later with our championship parade and rally with thousands of you at Rosa Parks Circle, this second Calder Cup undoubtedly belonged to all of us in West Michigan. Truth be told, the experience of winning it at home far exceeded anything I ever imagined when we founded the franchise 22 years ago. So maybe I do have a favorite after all.

Well, a new season has quickly come upon us. Todd Nelson – now just the third man in AHL history to win the cup as a player, assistant coach and head coach – returns with his coaching staff and much of last season’s roster intact, and we look forward to vigorously defending our title.

Here’s to another opportunity to add to our growing “family.”

Sincerely,

Dan DeVos Chief Executive Officer Grand Rapids Griffins 10 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

2017 - 2018 SEASON

Dear Fans, It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2017-18 American Hockey League season, the continuation of a tradition of excellence that spans more than eight decades.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT —— DAVID A. ANDREWS PRESIDENT & CEO, AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE

The AHL remains proud of its role in developing more than 88 percent of today’s National Hockey League players, as well as the vast majority of the NHL’s coaches, general managers, training staffs, broadcasters and officials. Last year, we cheered on players like Jake Guentzel, Zach Werenski and William Nylander and as they graduated from the AHL and made remarkable impressions on the NHL. Since 1936, our loyal and passionate fans have been able to watch more than 100 future Hockey Hall of Famers as well as over 100 Calder Cup champions who now have their names engraved on the Stanley Cup as well.

As we begin our 82nd season in 30 cities across North America, we welcome our new fans in Laval and Belleville and wish all of you who cheer for our clubs the best for another exciting season.

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

TheAHL.com

DAVID A. ANDREWS PRESIDENT & CEO | AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE 11 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

BY THE NUMBERS

88%

A TRADITION OF

Percentage of all NHL players in 2016-17 who were graduates of the AHL

867

Former AHL players who skated in the NHL last season

THE BEGINNINGS Marking its 82nd season of play in 2017-18, the American Hockey League is continuing a tradition of excellence that began in 1936 when the Canadian-American Hockey League merged with the International Hockey League to form what is today known as the AHL. Eight teams hit the ice that first season, playing in Buffalo, Cleveland, New

Haven, Philadelphia,

81st championship

Pittsburgh,

was captured by

Providence,

the Grand Rapids

Springfield and

Griffins last spring.

Syracuse.

From those roots, Frank Calder, the

the American Hockey

National Hockey

League has grown into

League’s president

a 30-team league that

at the time, was

provides fans with

instrumental in the

exciting, high-level

forming of this new

professional hockey

league, and his name

while preparing

would be given to its

thousands of players,

championship

coaches, officials,

trophy. The first

executives, trainers,

Calder Cup was

broadcasters and more

won by the Syracuse

for careers in the NHL.

Stars in 1937; the

353

AHL players who also played in the NHL in 2016-17

237

Former 1st- and 2ndround NHL draft picks who skated in the AHL in 2016-17

23

AHL alumni who played for the 2017 Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins

F R O M L E F T T O R I G H T : B R A D E N H O LT B Y, S H E A W E B E R , R Y A N M C D O N A G H , J A K E G U E N T Z E L , N A Z E M K A D R I

THE PLAYERS

THE LEGENDS

THE COACHES

In today’s National

For the past eight

At the start of the 2017-18 season, the National Hockey

Hockey League more

decades, the American

League featured 23 head coaches who were former

than 88 percent of

Hockey League has

AHL bench bosses, including two-time Stanley Cup

the players are AHL

been home to some of

alumni, including 2017

the greatest players in

Norris Trophy recipient

the history of our sport.

Brent Burns of the

In fact, more than 100

San Jose Sharks and

honored members

Selke Trophy winner

of the Hockey Hall

Blashill, Minnesota’s Bruce Boudreau, Toronto’s

Patrice Bergeron of the

of Fame have been

Mike Babcock and 2017 Jack Adams Award winner

Boston Bruins. The 2017

affiliated with the AHL

John Tortorella of Columbus also spent time in the

Stanley Cup champion

during their careers.

AHL before making the jump.

Pittsburgh Penguins

All-time greats like

were stocked with

George Armstrong, Toe

AHL graduates again,

Blake, Gump Worsley,

among them 2015 AHL

Terry Sawchuk, Glenn

Rookie of the Year Matt

Hall, Brad Park, Ken

Murray and 2017 AHL

Dryden, and Brett

All-Rookie forward Jake

Hull came through

Guentzel.

the AHL ranks and

winner Mike Sullivan, 2016 Calder Cup champion Jared Bednar and 2015 Calder Cup finalist Travis Green, who was promoted by the Vancouver Canucks from Utica. Tampa Bay’s Jon Cooper, Detroit’s Jeff

now find themselves During the 2016-17

enshrined in Toronto,

season, a total of 867

and the coveted Calder

AHL alumni played in

Cup is inscribed with

the National Hockey

the names of legendary

League. There were 353

AHL alumni like Patrick

players who skated in

Roy, Larry Robinson,

both leagues last year

Gerry Cheevers, Andy

alone, including Pontus

Bathgate, Tim Horton,

Aberg and Frederick

Al Arbour, Emile

Gaudreau of the

Francis, Doug Harvey,

Western Conference

and Billy Smith.

champion Nashville Predators (Milwaukee Admirals).

In addition, nearly 240 former first- and second-round NHL draft picks developed their skills in the AHL last season, including Jesse Puljujarvi, Alex Nylander, Kyle Connor, Jake DeBrusk, Alex Tuch and Josh HoSang.

“ I WISH EVERY PLAYER COULD PLAY IN THE AHL...

I WOULDN’T TRADE IT FOR THE WORLD.” - P. K . S U B B A N N A S H V I L L E P R E D AT O R S

T YLER BERTUZZI // 2017 CALDER CUP MVP

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2017-18 AHL DIRECTORY EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTIC DIVISION: Bridgeport, Charlotte, Hartford, Hershey, Lehigh Valley, Providence, Springfield, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton NORTH DIVISION: Belleville, Binghamton, Laval, Rochester, Syracuse, Toronto, Utica

BELLEVILLE SENATORS

NHL AFFILIATION: Ottawa Senators HOME ICE: Yardmen Arena (4,500) GENERAL MANAGER: Randy Lee HEAD COACH: Kurt Kleinendorst ENTERED AHL: 2017-18 WEBSITE: bellevillesens.com

NHL AFFILIATION: Washington Capitals HOME ICE: Giant Center (10,500) GENERAL MANAGER: Bryan Helmer HEAD COACH: Troy Mann ENTERED AHL: 1938-39 CALDER CUPS: 11 (1947, 1958, 1959, 1969, 1974, 1980, 1988, 1997, 2006, 2009, 2010) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 67 of 79 2016-17 RECORD: 43-22-8-3, 97 pts./0.638 WEBSITE: hersheybears.com

LAVAL ROCKET

BINGHAMTON DEVILS

NHL AFFILIATION: New Jersey Devils HOME ICE: Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena (4,696) GENERAL MANAGER: Tom Fitzgerald HEAD COACH: Rick Kowalsky ENTERED AHL: 2006-07 (as Lowell Devils) CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 4 of 11 2016-17 RECORD: 39-32-2-3, 83 pts./0.546 WEBSITE: binghamtondevils.com

BRIDGEPORT SOUND TIGERS

NHL AFFILIATION: New York Islanders HOME ICE: Webster Bank Arena (8,412) GENERAL MANAGER: Garth Snow HEAD COACH: Brent Thompson ENTERED AHL: 2001-02 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 8 of 16 2016-17 RECORD: 44-28-3-1, 92 pts./0.605 WEBSITE: soundtigers.com

CHARLOTTE CHECKERS

NHL AFFILIATION: Carolina Hurricanes HOME ICE: Bojangles’ Coliseum (8,300) GENERAL MANAGER: Derek Wilkinson HEAD COACH: Mike Vellucci ENTERED AHL: 2010-11 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 3 of 7 2016-17 RECORD: 39-29-7-1, 86 pts./0.566 WEBSITE: gocheckers.com

HARTFORD WOLF PACK

HERSHEY BEARS

NHL AFFILIATION: New York Rangers HOME ICE: XL Center (15,635) GENERAL MANAGER: Chris Drury HEAD COACH: Keith McCambridge ENTERED AHL: 1997-98 CALDER CUPS: One (2000) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 15 of 20 2016-17 RECORD: 24-46-4-2, 54 pts./0.355 WEBSITE: hartfordwolfpack.com

NHL AFFILIATION: Montreal Canadiens HOME ICE: Place Bell (10,062) GENERAL MANAGER: Larry Carriere HEAD COACH: Sylvain Lefebrve ENTERED AHL: 2017-18 WEBSITE: rocketlaval.com

LEHIGH VALLEY PHANTOMS

NHL AFFILIATION: Philadelphia Flyers HOME ICE: PPL Center (8,420) GENERAL MANAGER: Barry Hanrahan HEAD COACH: Scott Gordon ENTERED AHL: 1996-97 (as Philadelphia Phantoms) CALDER CUPS: Two (1998, 2005) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 11 of 21 2016-17 RECORD: 48-23-5-0, 101 pts./0.664 WEBSITE: phantomshockey.com

PROVIDENCE BRUINS

NHL AFFILIATION: Boston Bruins HOME ICE: Dunkin’Donuts Center Providence (11,075) GENERAL MANAGER: John Ferguson HEAD COACH: Jay Leach ENTERED AHL: 1992-93 CALDER CUPS: One (1999) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 20 of 25 2016-17 RECORD: 43-23-6-4, 96 pts./0.632 WEBSITE: providencebruins.com

ROCHESTER AMERICANS

NHL AFFILIATION: Buffalo 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: 44 of 61 2016-17 RECORD: 32-41-0-3, 67 pts./0.441 WEBSITE: amerks.com

SPRINGFIELD THUNDERBIRDS

NHL AFFILIATION: Florida Panthers HOME ICE: MassMutual Center (6,793) GENERAL MANAGER: Eric Joyce HEAD COACH: Geordie Kinnear ENTERED AHL: 2016-17 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 0 of 1 2016-17 RECORD: 32-33-9-2, 75 pts./0.493 WEBSITE: springfieldthunderbirds.com

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

15

2017-18 AHL DIRECTORY SYRACUSE CRUNCH

UTICA COMETS

TORONTO MARLIES

WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PENGUINS

NHL AFFILIATION: Tampa Bay Lightning HOME ICE: War Memorial Arena (6,010) GENERAL MANAGER: Julien BriseBois HEAD COACH: Benoit Groulx ENTERED AHL: 1994-95 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 13 of 23 2016-17 RECORD: 38-24-7-7, 90 pts./0.592 WEBSITE: syracusecrunch.com

NHL AFFILIATION: Vancouver Canucks HOME ICE: Utica Memorial Auditorium (3,917) GENERAL MANAGER: Ryan Johnson HEAD COACH: Trent Cull ENTERED AHL: 2013-14 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 2 of 4 2016-17 RECORD: 35-32-7-2, 79 pts./0.520 WEBSITE: uticacomets.com

NHL AFFILIATION: Toronto Maple Leafs HOME ICE: Ricoh Coliseum (7,851) GENERAL MANAGER: Kyle Dubas HEAD COACH: Sheldon Keefe ENTERED AHL: 2005-06 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 9 of 12 2016-17 RECORD: 42-29-4-1, 89 pts./0.586 WEBSITE: marlies.ca

NHL AFFILIATION: Pittsburgh Penguins HOME ICE: Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza (8,050) GENERAL MANAGER: Bill Guerin HEAD COACH: Clark Donatelli ENTERED AHL: 1999-00 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 16 of 18 2016-17 RECORD: 51-20-3-2, 107 pts./0.704 WEBSITE: wbspenguins.com

WESTERN CONFERENCE CENTRAL DIVISION: Grand Rapids, Chicago, Cleveland, Iowa, GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS Manitoba, Milwaukee, Rockford NHL AFFILIATION: Detroit Red Wings BAKERSFIELD CONDORS ICE: Van Andel Arena (10,834) PACIFIC DIVISION: Bakersfield, Ontario, San Antonio, San Diego, PRIMARYHOME MARK GENERAL MANAGER: Ryan Martin San Jose, Stockton, Texas, Tucson HEAD COACH: Todd Nelson ENTERED AHL: 2001-02 BAKERSFIELD CONDORS CALDER CUPS: Two (2013, 2017) NHL AFFILIATION: Edmonton Oilers SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 11 of 16 HOME ICE: Rabobank Arena (8,751) 2016-17 RECORD: 47-23-1-5, 100 pts./0.658 GENERAL MANAGER: TBD WEBSITE: griffinshockey.com HEAD COACH: Gerry Fleming

ENTERED AHL: 2015-16 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 0 of 2 2016-17 RECORD: 33-29-5-1, 72 pts./0.529 WEBSITE: bakersfieldcondors.com

CHICAGO WOLVES

PANTONE 281 C

NHL AFFILIATION: Vegas Golden Knights HOME ICE: Allstate Arena (16,692) GENERAL MANAGER: Wendell Young HEAD COACH: Rocky Thompson ENTERED AHL: 2001-02 CALDER CUPS: Two (2002, 2008) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 11 of 16 2016-17 RECORD: 44-19-8-5, 101 pts./0.664 WEBSITE: chicagowolves.com

CLEVELAND MONSTERS

IOWA WILD

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NHL AFFILIATION: Minnesota Wild HOME ICE: Wells Fargo Arena (8,356) GENERAL MANAGER: Brent Flahr HEAD COACH: Derek Lalonde ENTERED AHL: 2013-14 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 0 of 4 2016-17 RECORD: 36-31-7-2, 81 pts./0.533 WEBSITE: iowawild.com 2015-16

MANITOBA M

PRIMARY MAR

MANITOBA MOOSE

NHL AFFILIATION: Winnipeg Jets HOME ICE: Bell MTS Place (8,812) GENERAL MANAGER: Craig Heisinger HEAD COACH: Pascal Vincent ENTERED AHL: 2001-02 (played through 2010-11; re-entered 2015-16) CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 9 of 12 2016-17 RECORD: 29-37-5-5, 68 pts./0.447 WEBSITE: moosehockey.com

NHL AFFILIATION: Columbus Blue Jackets HOME ICE: Quicken Loans Arena (19,665/10,025 lower bowl) GENERAL MANAGER: Bill Zito HEAD COACH: John Madden ENTERED AHL: 2007-08 (as Lake Erie Monsters) CALDER CUPS: One (2016) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 2 of 10 2016-17 RECORD: 39-29-4-4, 86 pts./0.566 WEBSITE: clevelandmonsters.com Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

PANTONE 282 C

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MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS

2017-18 AHL DIRECTORY PRIMARY MARK

CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 2 of 2 2016-17 RECORD: 43-20-3-2, 91 pts./0.669 WEBSITE: sandiegogulls.com

MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS

NHL AFFILIATION: Nashville Predators HOME ICE: UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena (9,450) GENERAL MANAGER: Paul Fenton HEAD COACH: Dean Evason ENTERED AHL: 2001-02 CALDER CUPS: One (2004) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 14 of 16 2016-17 RECORD: 43-26-4-3, 93 pts./0.612 WEBSITE: milwaukeeadmirals.com

PANTONE 282 C

PANTONE 429 C

PRIMARY MAR

SAN JOSE BARRACUDA

NHL AFFILIATION: San Jose Sharks ONTARIO REIGN

HOME ICE: SAP Center at San Jose (6,123, curtained) GENERAL MANAGER: Joe Will HEAD COACH: Roy Sommer ENTERED AHL: 2015-16 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 2 of 2 2016-17 RECORD: 43-16-4-5, 95 pts./0.699 WEBSITE: sjbarracuda.com

PRIMARY MARK

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ONTARIO REIGN

NHL AFFILIATION: Los Angeles Kings HOME ICE: Citizens Business Bank Arena (9,491) GENERAL MANAGER: Michael Futa HEAD COACH: Mike Stothers ENTERED AHL: 2015-16 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 2 of 2 2016-17 RECORD: 36-21-10-1, 83 pts./0.610 WEBSITE: ontarioreign.com

SAN JOSE BARR

PANTONE 3155 C

PANTONE 429 C

PANTONE 152 C

STOCKTON

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PRIMARY MA

STOCKTON HEAT

NHL AFFILIATION: Calgary Flames HOME ICE: Stockton Arena (6,705) GENERAL MANAGER: Brad Pascall HEAD COACH: Ryan Huska ENTERED AHL: 2015-16 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 1 of 2 2016-17 RECORD: 34-25-7-2, 77 pts./0.566 WEBSITE: stocktonheat.com 2015-16

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ROCKFORD ICEHOGS

NHL AFFILIATION: Chicago Blackhawks HOME ICE: BMO Harris Bank Center (5,895) GENERAL MANAGER: Mark Bernard HEAD COACH: Jeremy Colliton ENTERED AHL: 2007-08 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 5 of 10 2016-17 RECORD: 25-39-9-3, 62 pts./0.408 WEBSITE: icehogs.com

TEXAS STA

PRIMARY MA PANTONE 186 C

PANTONE 110 C

PANTONE 3425 C

METALLIC SILVER 877

PANTONE 425 C

PANTONE 142 C

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TEXAS STARS

NHL AFFILIATION: Dallas Stars HOME ICE: H-E-B Center at Cedar Park (6,863) GENERAL MANAGER: Scott White HEAD COACH: Derek Laxdal ENTERED AHL: 2009-10 CALDER CUPS: One (2014) SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 6 of 8 2016-17 RECORD: 34-37-1-4, 73 pts./0.480 WEBSITE: texasstars.com

SAN ANTONIO RAMPAGE

NHL AFFILIATION: Colorado Avalanche HOME ICE: AT&T Center (6,374, lower bowl) GENERAL MANAGER: Craig Billington HEAD COACH: Eric Veilleux ENTERED AHL: 2002-03 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 4 of 15 2016-17 RECORD: 27-42-5-2, 61 pts./0.401 WEBSITE: sarampage.com

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TUCSON ROADRUNNERS

AFFILIATION: Arizona Coyotes SAN DIEGO NHL GULLS

HOME ICE: Tucson Arena (6,521) GENERAL MANAGER: Steve Sullivan HEAD COACH: Mike Van Ryn ENTERED AHL: 2016-17 CALDER CUPS: None SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 0 of 1 2016-17 RECORD: 29-31-8-0, 66 pts./0.485 WEBSITE: tucsonroadrunners.com

PRIMARY MARK

SAN DIEGO GULLS

NHL AFFILIATION: Anaheim Ducks HOME ICE: Valley View Casino Center (12,920) GENERAL MANAGER: Bob Ferguson HEAD COACH: Dallas Eakins ENTERED AHL: 2015-16

THE ROAD TO THE CALDER CUP PANTONE 1655 C

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2015-16

Eight teams in each conference will qualify for the 2018 Calder Cup Playoffs.

The top four teams in each division, ranked by points percentage (points earned divided by points available), will qualify for the postseason.

The division semifinals will be best-of-five series, with the first-place team playing the fourth-place team and the second-place team facing the third-place team. The division finals, conference finals and Calder Cup Finals will be best-of-seven series.

17 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

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WE’RE PROUD TO CHEER FOR THE HOME TEAM. AND EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTS THEM. Huntington congratulates the Grand Rapids Griffins on winning the 2017 Calder Cup. With hard work and commitment, you reached your goals.

® The Huntington National Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. and Huntington® are federally registered service marks of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. Huntington. Welcome.TM is a service mark of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. ©2017 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated.

DETROIT RED WINGS

Photo: Dave Reginek

THIRTY-ONE

of the 36 players who skated for the Red Wings in 2016-17 spent time in Grand Rapids at some point during their careers, including (L-R) Dylan Larkin, Gustav Nyquist, Tomas Tatar, Xavier Ouellet, and Nick Jensen, who himself was one of eight Griffins who made their NHL debuts with Detroit last season. That I-96 pipeline will continue flowing east until at least 2022 thanks to last summer’s five-year extension of the Griffins-Red Wings affiliation.

GRIFFINS WHO HAVE * EARNED THEIR WINGS Justin Abdelkader, 2008-09 Adam Almquist, 2013-14 Joakim Andersson, 2011-12 Andreas Athanasiou, 2015-16 Sean Avery, 2002-03 Ryan Barnes, 2003-04 Tyler Bertuzzi, 2016-17 Patrick Boileau, 2002-03 Darryl Bootland, 2003-04 Fabian Brunnstrom, 2011-12 Mitch Callahan, 2013-14 Ty Conklin, 2011-12 Chris Conner, 2011-12 Jared Coreau, 2016-17 Danny DeKeyser, 2013-14 Aaron Downey, 2008-09 Patrick Eaves, 2013-14 Matt Ellis, 2006-07 Cory Emmerton, 2010-11 Jonathan Ericsson, 2007-08 Landon Ferraro, 2013-14 Valtteri Filppula, 2005-06 Martin Frk, 2017-18 Luke Glendening, 2013-14 Mark Hartigan, 2007-08 Darren Helm, 2007-08

Jimmy Howard, 2005-06 Jiri Hudler, 2003-04 Matt Hussey, 2006-07 Doug Janik, 2009-10 Nick Jensen, 2016-17 Tomas Jurco, 2013-14 Jakub Kindl, 2009-10 Tomas Kopecky, 2005-06 Niklas Kronwall, 2003-04 Marc Lamothe, 2003-04 Josh Langfeld, 2006-07 Dylan Larkin, 2015-16 Brian Lashoff, 2012-13 Brett Lebda, 2005-06 Ville Leino, 2008-09 Matt Lorito, 2016-17 Joey MacDonald, 2006-07 Donald MacLean, 2005-06 Anthony Mantha, 2015-16 Alexey Marchenko, 2013-14 Darren McCarty, 2007-08 Tom McCollum, 2010-11 Derek Meech, 2006-07 Drew Miller, 2016-17 Kevin Miller, 2003-04 Mark Mowers, 2003-04

Petr Mrazek, 2012-13 Jan Mursak, 2010-11 Anders Myrvold, 2003-04 Andrej Nestrasil, 2014-15 Kris Newbury, 2009-10 Tomas Nosek, 2015-16 Gustav Nyquist, 2011-12 Xavier Ouellet, 2013-14 Teemu Pulkkinen, 2013-14 Kyle Quincey, 2005-06 Dan Renouf, 2016-17 Mattias Ritola, 2007-08 Jamie Rivers, 2003-04 Nathan Robinson, 2003-04 Stacy Roest, 2002-03 Robbie Russo, 2016-17 Riley Sheahan, 2011-12 Brendan Smith, 2011-12 Ryan Sproul, 2013-14 Garrett Stafford, 2007-08 Ben Street, 2016-17 Evgeny Svechnikov, 2016-17 Eric Tangradi, 2015-16 Tomas Tatar, 2010-11 Jordin Tootoo, 2013-14 Jason Williams, 2002-03

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

TOP AFFILIATE Grand Rapids Griffins 16th Season ARENA Little Caesars Arena Seating Capacity: 19,515 CONTACT (313) 471-7000 detroitredwings.com STANLEY CUPS 1936, 1937, 1943, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2008 MANAGEMENT Executive VP/General Manager: Ken Holland Assistant General Manager: Ryan Martin COACHING STAFF Head Coach: Jeff Blashill Assistant Coaches: John Torchetti, Doug Houda, Pat Ferschweiler, Chris Chelios Asst. Coach/Video: Adam Nightingale Goaltending Coach: Jeff Salajko Strength & Conditioning Coach: Mike Kadar 19

20 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

FINS 2017-18NGALRSIF CHEDULE PROMOTIO

MARK YOUR CALENDAR DEC. 1 Third Annual Red Kettle Game presented by The Salvation Army/Red Kettle Jersey Auction

DEC. 5 13th Annual Griffins & Sled Wings Sled Hockey Game at Griff’s IceHouse at Belknap Park, benefiting the Grand Rapids Sled Wings and the Griffins Youth Foundation

DEC. 31 21st Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration presented by Farm Bureau Insurance/Post-Game Fireworks 6 p.m. start

JAN. 5 Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan JAN. 12 ‘80s Fauxback Night/Fan-Designed Jersey Auction

DEC. 8 Salute to Heroes Night presented by JR Automation DEC. 13 Presented by Precision Heating and Cooling DEC. 15 Presented by MedExpress Urgent Care DEC. 16 Arcade Night/Championship Canvas Photo Giveaway presented by Fifth Third Bank

JAN. 13 Superhero Night presented by Eikenhout/Scarf and Comic Book Giveaways

JAN. 20 Social Media Night presented by Comerica Bank/Mini Calder Cup Giveaway

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

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JAN. 20-21 15th Annual Great Skate Winterfest at Rosa Parks Circle, benefiting the Griffins Youth Foundation

FEB. 25

FEB. 10

JAN. 27 Championship Replica Ring Giveaway presented by Adventure Credit Union

FEB. 9 Presented by Spectrum Health Heart and Vascular Care FEB. 10 Evgeny Svechnikov Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union/ Championship Celebration Jersey Auction FEB. 24 Toy Night/Joe Hicketts Blockhead Giveaway presented by Chick-fil-A FEB. 25 Fourth Annual Bring Your Dog Game presented by Nestlé Purina

22 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

MARCH 17

MARCH 2 Seventh Annual Purple Community Game presented by Van Andel Institute/Purple Jersey Auction MARCH 3 Star Wars Night presented by DTE Energy MARCH 6 Seventh Annual Hockey, Hops & Hope (formerly Corks, Pucks & Brews) at the Goei Center, benefiting Easterseals Michigan

MARCH 16 Baseball Night/Whitecaps-Themed Jersey Auction

MARCH 30 ‘90s Night presented by Spectrum Health Stroke Awareness

MARCH 17 Brian Lashoff Bobblehead Giveaway presented

by Michigan Office Solutions/Griffins Booster Club Silent Auction

APRIL 14 Season Finale presented by Huntington Bank/ Friday Night Jersey Auction

MARCH 28 Presented by Brain Injury Association of Michigan

MARCH 6

MARCH 3

SEASON-LONG PROMOTIONS $2 Beers and $2 Hot Dogs: Every Friday, enjoy $2 domestic drafts and $2 hot dogs from 6-8 p.m., while supplies last.

Get in the D-ZONE: Every Friday night is a 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.

Hockey Night in Grand Rapids: For select Wednesday games (Dec. 13, Jan. 17, Feb. 7, March 28), show your Griffins ticket at participating Arena District restaurants and bars to enjoy Hockey Night

specials. Visit griffinshockey.com/hockeynight for participating establishments and more information.

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

Post-Game Parties at Peppino’s: After every Wednesday game, join Griffins players and staff for the official post-game party at Peppino’s Sports Grille downtown.

Library Nights: For all Wednesday and Sunday games (excluding New Year’s Eve), fans can present their Grand Rapids Public Library card or Kent District Library card at the Van Andel Arena box office on the night of the game or at The Zone anytime during the store’s regular business hours to purchase either an Upper Level Faceoff ticket for $14, an Upper Level Center Ice ticket for $17, or a Lower Level Faceoff ticket for $20. Limit four tickets per card per person, subject to availability.

Friends & Family 4-Packs: Available for all Saturday games, each pack incudes four tickets

and $12 in concession cash for a great low price.

Visit griffinshockey.com/f4p or call (616) 774-4585 ext. 2. Continuing this season, fans may use their concession cash to purchase healthy choice menu options at the stand located outside of section 125, including low-fat yogurt, apples, oranges, granola bars and smoothies.

Pepsi Reading Goals: Children with Griff’s Reading Goals bookmarks who have completed the required three hours of reading can redeem their bookmark for two free Upper Level Faceoff tickets to any of the following games: Bookmark #1 – Dec. 13; Bookmark #2 – Feb. 7 and 25; March 14 and 28.

Post-Game Open Skates: Dec. 31, Feb. 24, March 17 Huntington Bank Post-Game Autograph Sessions: Dec. 16, Jan. 13 and 27, March 3 MOS Corner Office: Presented by Michigan Office Solutions, this section, located on the terrace level above section 118, provides the best seats in the house for groups of up to 30 people, with La-Z-Boy chairs and an array of unprecedented amenities. Call (616) 774-4585 ext. 4.

J. Gardella’s Sliders and Beer Special: Available on select tickets, take your used Griffins ticket to J. Gardella’s Tavern to enjoy two sliders and a beer for $5. Refer to the back of select tickets for details.

Win With Wendy’s!: When the Griffins win at home, show your ticket the next day at participating Wendy’s locations in West Michigan to receive a free small cup of chili.

ALL PROMOTIONS AND DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT GRIFFINSHOCKEY.COM. Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

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The winning atmosphere fostered by the Griffins on the ice extends to the organization’s community relations efforts.

Success, for a professional hockey team, is people know, continue to have an indelible usually measured in wins and losses. impact in Grand Rapids and the surrounding The Grand Rapids Griffins organization, area,” he said. “We are proud to follow their however, has bigger goals. Through their many lead and contribute to the betterment of West community relations programs and events, the Michigan communities and the people that Griffins do their best to give back to the area live in them.” that has shown them tremendous support for Of course, it helps that the Griffins’ roster more than two decades. is comprised of big-hearted young men “We not only can boast of two Calder Cups who willingly embrace the organization’s in the past five years, but we are incredibly altruistic efforts. proud to share the many stories tied to our “What’s important to understand as it relates commitment to community and the many lives to the our community efforts is that we are so our organization has touched through countless fortunate to work with, in my estimation and community appearances and the raising of with all due respect to other sports, the very millions of dollars for those in need,” said Bob best of all athletes,” Kaser said. “Hockey players Kaser, vice president of community relations are extremely genuine and sincere in their and broadcasting for the Griffins. desire to make a difference in their respective The Griffins have embraced a philanthropic communities, and that’s universal in the pro philosophy that supports a wide variety of hockey ranks.” programs that impact individuals and groups of Tom McCollum, the team’s only three-time all sorts, from helping those who are financially IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year or physically disadvantaged, to school, safety nominee, embodies the tireless efforts of so and youth hockey many players to do initiatives that whatever they can ultimately help for the betterment make West of the community.

Michigan a better Other examples place to live. through the years Kaser said it’s a have included philosophy based Jimmy Howard (a on principles that two-time nominee), start at the top.

Bryan Helmer, “We have Francis Pare and owners, the Derek Meech, to DeVos and Van name just a few.

Andel families, Thanks to their Tom McCollum conducts a free clinic for goalies from the who, as most selfless spirit, the Griffins Youth Foundation.

24 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

The Griffins and Sled Wings will stage their annual tilt on Dec. 5 at Griff’s IceHouse at Belknap Park.

Fans can skate with future Detroit Red Wings at the Great Skate Winterfest (Jan. 20-21).

Griffins organization has been able to expand its outreach efforts over time.

“It’s been very exciting to watch several of our community programs grow each year,” Kaser said. “I love the fact that back in the day, we had this vision of the Great Skate blossoming into something far bigger and that the event now has grown from a 24-hour skate to a whole weekend’s worth of activities.

“The Great Skate Winterfest raises in excess of $40,000 for the Griffins Youth Foundation each year, thanks to our great fans, area youth and high school hockey teams, and continued support from local businesses and media. And the best part of all is to see the interaction between our players and fans at the event itself.”

Another event that has grown beyond the organization’s wildest dreams is the annual Griffins/Grand Rapids Sled Wings sled hockey game, which gives the Griffins a chance to get on the ice with a talented team of children and young adults with disabilities.

“We had to change the format a few years ago because the Sled Wings annually kicked the Griffins’ backside – it was always our worst loss of the year,” Kaser said with a smile. “When our players get on those sleds, it doesn’t take too long for them to figure out that the Sled Wings deserve a tremendous amount of respect.”

Kaser said that while many events and programs sponsored by the organization would not happen without the support of the players, he would be remiss not to mention that there are countless hours spent by Griffins staff to make each initiative a reality.

“From Tip-A-Griffin – where Griffins players serve food and wait tables at local restaurants – to Hockey, Hops & Hope – a wine and beer tasting benefit for Easterseals Michigan – everyone in the Griffins organization contributes in some form or another to our community endeavors,” Kaser said. “From top to bottom, we are very proud of all their efforts.”

Hockey, Hops & Hope (formerly Corks, Pucks & Brews) returns to the Goei Center on March 6.

25 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

26 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

THIRD TIME LUCKY Story and photos by Mark Newman

Dylan McIlrath played for three organizations last season, but his final stop proved to be unforgettable.

In every way, 2016-17 was a season to remember.

Whether or not it was a career year for Dylan McIlrath, it was a year that seemed like a career.

A former first-round draft pick, the hullking defenseman had never been traded in his life, but he found himself dealt not once but twice last season.

McIlrath played in five different cities for five different teams, culminating with his arrival last March in Grand Rapids, where he provided the missing piece in the team puzzle that produced the Griffins’ Calder Cup championship.

“It was definitely a crazy year, but the ending made it pretty sweet,” McIlrath said. “It was weird being traded twice, but it was all worth it.”

27 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

McIlrath is a former first-round draft pick of the New York Rangers.

A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, McIlrath became the 10th overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft when the New York Rangers selected the 6-foot-5, 235-lb. blueliner after he gained notice playing three years for the Moose Jaw Warriors in the Western Hockey League.

McIlrath would be the first to admit that his professional career has not gone exactly the way he had envisioned and that luck has not always been on his side. A bit of a late-bloomer in terms of his position, it probably didn’t help his development that he had to rebound from injuries early in his career.

In retrospect, McIlrath said he knew his advance to the NHL would take time.

“I never expected to make the NHL out of juniors,” he said. “I felt like I was the type of player who would take a few years to develop, because I had played defense only a couple of years before getting drafted by the Rangers.”

McIlrath bounced back and forth between New York and the Rangers’ AHL affiliate in Hartford, Conn., during his six years in the organization. He played 38 games in New York, the majority coming during the 2015-16

season when he appeared in 34 contests with the Rangers.

“I loved my time with the Rangers,” he said. “I spent six years in the organization and have nothing but good memories that I will cherish. They’re obviously a first-class organization and do everything to take care of their players.”

No player looks forward to knee surgery, but an operation in the summer of 2012 gave McIlrath a chance to overcome adversity and enabled him to see how much he meant to the organization. “They made sure I saw the best doctors and medical staff to treat and help rehab me,” he said.

Nonetheless, playing in the fishbowl known as the Big Apple is a challenge. Getting drafted 10th overall made it doubly difficult.

“Being a high pick is something I had never dealt with, but the expectations come with the territory of going high in the first round,” he said. “I dealt with the emotions associated with it, but it didn’t really change my approach because I put a lot of pressure on myself anyway.”

28 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

“I tried not to listen to the outside influences. Obviously, there’s more attention in New York with the media and all the fans, so it’s hard not to get caught up in it, but you try your best to block it out. It’s a big market and people expect the team to win, but you learn to love that.

“Like they say, if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere.”

So it was a bit of shock when he was traded to the Florida Panthers a month into last season. Still, he was excited about the new opportunity, looking at it as a fresh start. But as luck would have it, the Panthers fired head coach Gerard Gallant less than three weeks after his arrival. McIlrath appeared in five NHL games with Florida, but the new regime would ultimately deem him expendable.

“The situation was a little difficult,” he said.

“With all the stuff going on, it was tough to stay focused on the ice. It was too bad because I really wanted a fresh start there. I thought I could help the team, but it didn’t work out.”

When the Panthers traded McIlrath and a conditional third-round pick to the Red Wings for Thomas Vanek at last year’s

deadline, the Griffins were thrilled.

“He was the missing piece,” said Griffins head coach Todd Nelson. “We already had some grit, but we didn’t have an answer if other teams had a heavyweight. Just his presence meant that other teams didn’t take as many liberties with our players. After he joined the team, all of our guys played a foot taller.”

McIlrath admits that he initially was a bit dismayed after being traded for the second time in the same season. “It definitely caught me off-guard,” he said. “But when I realized I was coming to a team that wanted me, and it was evident that this was a team that could contend for a long playoff run, I was just happy to be a part of the team.”

He embraced his new team and his role within the organization. His reputation preceded him. “I knew what I had to do to help the team,” he said. “From the start, it seemed like a good fit.”

His true value was evident during the Calder Cup Playoffs, where he cleared space for the Griffins’ playmakers and goal scorers.

“He played so well for us,” Nelson said. “He’s McIlrath was rewarded with a new twoyear contract this past summer.

29 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

MEETING THE EXPECTATIONS YOU NEVER KNEW YOU HAD.

616.531.1900 | bhsins.com

McIlrath’s size allows him to clear the crease in front of the Griffins’ goaltender.

a bigger body, but he’s still rangy. He did a great job from the time he got here. He only had to fight twice because he commanded so much respect.”

When McIlrath arrived in Grand Rapids, he was sure that he was joining a team that could win it all. “It seemed like we had the right mixture of players,” he said. “From top to bottom, we didn’t have any holes.”

And yet the determination, drive and dogged teamwork necessary to capture the Cup was more than most expected. “I think we all learned how hard it is to win in this league, especially in the playoffs,” he said.

“Every round seemed to get harder and harder. Taking care of your body is one thing, but being able to beat your opponent requires that you stay mentally sharp.”

He notes that it was hardly a cakewalk. The Griffins swept Milwaukee in three games in the opening round, but two required overtime.

All four of the Griffins’ victories in the Finals were by a single goal. “It wasn’t easy,” he said.

“They were all tight games. We won a lot of one-goal games, including a few in overtime, so it was a lot of fun to be a part of.”

Winning the Cup after such a personally tumultuous season was especially gratifying.

“I think it still hasn’t completely sunk in,” he said. “It’s definitely the highlight of my hockey career. I’m sure it’s something that I will reflect on for years to come. I know I’ll remember all the guys on the team forever.”

After it was all over, the Red Wings rewarded McIlrath with a new two-year contract. “I love the city, and the organization has treated me with nothing but respect and the utmost care, so it was an easy decision,” he said.

This season, McIlrath looks to further establish himself as a defensive force who can be a difference maker. “I feel like I’ve grown every year,” McIlrath said. “Bouncing around a couple of times last year felt like a step back, but I feel those experiences will help me in the long run.”

Although he is thrilled to chip in offensively, McIlrath has no illusions of becoming a point producer. “My bread and butter is my defensive game, and I try to take care of my end first. I want to be physical and make room for my teammates. I know 31

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

I can play and contribute in ways to help the team win.”

Looking at his situation honestly, he admits that his career has been stuck in idle for a while. “I thought I would be in the NHL by now, but that’s the way it goes,” he said. “I’m just trying to develop all aspects of my game.”

After being paired mostly with Dan Renouf, he has partnered this season with 5-foot-8 Joe Hicketts, whom he may overshadow in size but not necessarily in the physicality department. “It’s all about working together,” he said. “Lots of communication is the key.”

“You try to find chemistry with your partner. It seemed like (Dan) Renouf and I had great chemistry right from the start. This year it’s (Joe) Hicketts. He has an offensive game and likes to throw his weight around, so we match up pretty well. I try to get him the puck because he’s a guy that likes to make plays.”

While McIlrath believes the Griffins will be tough to beat once the team finds its groove,

he concedes that winning it all might be more difficult the second time around. “Every other team is gunning for us because we won it all last year,” he said. “In this league, everyone is trying to make the NHL, so it’s hard to win.”

But when he looks around the room at his teammates, he can’t help but smile. He likes this team’s chances.

“We have the same culture,” he said. “With a lot of returning guys and the same coaching staff, we have all the pieces in play. A lot of new guys have come in and are doing a great job. After 12 games, we were still trying to find our way. I think if we can all get on the same page, we have a good chance of going far into the playoffs again.”

He is confident good things will happen if he can help the Griffins organization raise the Cup a third time. “In this league, you get an opportunity to prove yourself every night.

If you can do it on a consistent basis, you can build a path to the NHL,” he said. “I’m trying to keep my nose to the grindstone. My end goal is still to play in the NHL.”

McIlrath joined the Griffins during their stretch run to the Calder Cup Playoffs.

33 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

s d photo Story an ewman N

by Mark

Turner Elson is determined to overcome the odds and earn a spot in the NHL. Turner Elson is the classic overachieving player flying under the radar.

Hockey is in his blood, but it’s his upbringing that could spell the difference – it’s nurture, not nature, that will likely propel him to succeed where others might fail.

The fourth of five boys, Elson, 25, learned to fend for himself at an early age. If you wanted something, you fought for it.

“I think I gained my work ethic just from growing up with four brothers,” he said. “You have to battle for everything: food, toys, Xbox and TV.” His father, a project manager in the oil industry, worked in farflung places like Saudi Arabia and New Guinea, which meant he was 34 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

often away for months at a time, leaving his mother to hold down the proverbial fort.

“Seeing our mom with five boys, a lot of the time all on her own, getting us to hockey and everything else, you learn,” he said.

Elson learned you have to roll up your sleeves, and when he does, you’ll see a large tattoo on his forearm – the same inked cross found on the same arm of all four of his brothers in honor of their grandfather, Antonie Kaiser.

“My grandpa was a big influence on all of us,” he said. “He was a marathon runner who also battled bladder cancer and a form of ALS.” Kaiser, who was well known among runners in the city of St. Albert, Alberta, northwest of Edmonton, competed in 30 marathons, finishing his first at the age of 50.

He also developed a type of aquatic exercise that combined karate with water fitness for wellness.

“He was a hard-nosed guy who always pushed my brothers and me to be better. He was a real straight-arrow guy, and he had the will, the character and the determination. I think that’s where I get my battle level.”

Elson signed a one-year contract with the Red Wings this summer after missing most of last season due to injury.

35 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

Elson tallied a goal and three assists for a four-point game against Manitoba in the Griffins’ season opener.

Like his “I really enjoyed my grandfather, Elson time,” he said. “In the “No matter what league it is, is a bit of a bulldog, East Coast, guys are less a hard-nosed kid winning a championship is one of stressed about hockey. with an indefatigable There’s a little less spirit, determined to pressure because guys the best feelings you’ll have.” overcome the odds. are there to have fun At 17, he was the and keep playing. Plus, odd man out, a player without a spot on with teams playing three lines (instead of any junior hockey team until he literally four), you see a lot more ice. It’s a cool league.” talked his way into a tryout with the Western Elson recorded five goals and 10 assists in Hockey League’s Prince George Cougars, the 18 games leading up to the postseason, only to later get a camp invitation from the then added seven goals and four assists in 21 Red Deer Rebels, with whom he would play playoff games as he helped the Aces capture four seasons. the Kelly Cup championship.

Ignored in the NHL Entry Draft during “No matter what league it is, winning a his eligibility year, Elson ultimately signed a championship is one of the best feelings you’ll free agent contract with the Abbotsford Heat have,” he said. “We had a great group of guys. for the 2013-14 season. He played limited Plus, Anchorage is beautiful with the ocean minutes and tallied two goals and an assist in and the mountains right beside you.”

37 AHL games before being assigned to the Elson spent two more seasons in the ECHL’s Alaska Aces late in the season.

Calgary organization, moving from In retrospect, Elson believes it was the best Abbotsford to the Adirondack Flames in thing that could have happened. The ECHL 2014-15 and the Stockton Heat in 2015-16. allowed him to shine.

He recorded 30 points each season, tallying 17 goals with the Flames and 14 with the Heat 36

Elson had a Gordie Howe hat trick – a goal, an assist and a fight – against San Antonio on Nov. 8.

37 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

while playing 59 and 63 games, respectively.

Elson got off to a great start with his new Playing for the same organization for three team. He had seven points in the Griffins’ years in three different cities presented a first three games, including a four-point unique challenge. “Whenever you go to a new effort on opening night when the team city, you have to learn the area, the different raised its second Calder Cup banner in Van spots to go,” he said. “As long as you’re with a Andel Arena. good group of guys, it makes it a lot easier.”

“I got a quick start out of the gate, and even At the end of 2015-16, he fulfilled a lifelong though the points have slowed a bit, I feel like goal and got to play in Calgary’s final game of I’m still playing good hockey,” he said. “I’m the season at Minnesota. He had missed out getting a lot of penalty killing time and I’m on an opportunity for a late-season call-up getting my share of chances. You have to work the previous season with the opportunities because of injury. you’ve been given.”

“You dream about Griffins head coach “I’ve had to work for it, but I never thought Todd Nelson has growing up that I would been pleased with everything I’ve been given the play of the 6-foot, be there,” he said. “It was pretty awesome.

195-lb. forward.

They sent me out early “I didn’t know what so far, and that’s driven me to skate around by we were going to get myself before the rest of every summer because I want out of him because the team came out, so he was injured last that was pretty cool. but he’s been to be better every year. I want season, “I didn’t think I a nice signing for us,” played that well – the Nelson said. “He’s to keep pushing the envelope.” very versatile – he can nerves got in the way – but I did get an assist.” play all three forward Elson, however, was positions. What he ready to try his luck in a new organization. brings is that he has a tremendous work He signed a one-year, two-way contract with ethic. He’s a smart player and he follows the the Colorado Avalanche, but he appeared systems to a T.” in just four games before he was sidelined Elson knows he still has plenty of room for with a sports hernia. He ended up missing improvement. most of the 2016-17 season, appearing in just “I think my defensive play has to keep nine more games. getting better,” he said. “I still need to push “It was a long year,” Elson said. “You’re the tempo offensively, maybe get a little watching other guys excel and you’re trying to grittier in front of the net to get those second figure out how long you will be out. It’s hard opportunities. I think I can still pick up my on your mind. But I was in Texas, so I got a game from a rattier perspective. I need to lot of sun. Plus, I was with a good group of make sure that I’m willing to finish checks, guys for support. Still, it’s always difficult to block shots and play a hard-nosed game. miss almost a whole year.”

“I’ve had to work for everything I’ve been Figuring he had fallen off the radar of most given so far, and that’s driven me every teams, Elson was more than thrilled when the summer because I want to be better every Detroit Red Wings extended him a one-year year. I want to keep pushing the envelope.” contract this past summer.

Elson said he has no fear of growing “I was really excited to come to a championship complacent. On the ice, he’s going to give the team,” he said. “You look at the roster and you game everything he has. That little voice in wonder how you will fit in. I thought I could fit in his head – he imagines his grandfather still a third line role, putting pressure on the top lines, encouraging, still pushing – won’t settle for not allowing goals against and chipping in a few of anything less. my own every now and then.”

38 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

Elson spent three years in the Calgary Flames organization.

39 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

2017

2018

39

21

45

TYLER BERTUZZI

MIKE BORKOWSKI

Forward 6-1, 195 lbs.

Born: 2/24/95 Sudbury, Ont.

47 COREY ELKINS

Forward 6-2, 220 lbs.

Born: 2/23/85 West Bloomfield, Mich.

2

TURNER ELSON

Forward 6-0, 195 lbs.

Born: 9/13/92 New Westminster, B.C.

Defenseman 5-8, 180 lbs.

Born: 5/4/96 Kamloops, B.C.

AXEL HOLMSTROM

Forward 6-1, 200 lbs.

Born: 6/29/96 Arvidsjaur, Sweden

JARED COREAU

Forward 6-1, 200 lbs.

Born: 4/17/91 Toronto, Ont.

19

25 JOE HICKETTS

40

Forward 6-0, 192 lbs.

Born: 4/23/92 Ottawa, Ont.

15

31 COLIN CAMPBELL

Goaltender 6-6, 215 lbs.

Born: 11/5/91 Perth, Ont.

55 LUKE ESPOSITO

MATTHEW FORD

Forward 5-10, 183 lbs.

Born: 10/18/93 Greenwich, Conn.

Forward 6-1, 210 lbs.

Born: 10/9/84 West Hills, Calif.

18

13 FILIP HRONEK

Defenseman 6-0, 178 lbs.

Born: 11/2/97 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

BRIAN LASHOFF Defenseman 6-3, 221 lbs.

Born: 7/16/90 Albany, N.Y.

when your is on the line

PROUD SPONSOR OF GRIFFINS HOCKEY

34

28 MATT LORITO

Forward 5-9, 171 lbs.

Born: 7/3/90 Oakville, Ont.

52

12

MATEJ MACHOVSKY

Goaltender 6-2, 200 lbs.

Born: 7/25/93 Opava, Czech Republic

5 ROBBIE RUSSO Defenseman 6-0, 196 lbs.

Born: 2/15/93 Westmont, Ill.

10

VILI SAARIJARVI

Defenseman 5-10, 178 lbs.

Born: 5/15/97 Rovaniemi, Finland

Forward 5-11, 200 lbs.

Born: 2/13/87 Coquitlam, B.C.

EVGENY SVECHNIKOV

Forward 6-3, 208 lbs.

Born: 10/31/96 Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia

DAN RENOUF

Forward 6-1, 205 lbs.

Born: 1/24/93 Windsor, Ont.

29

77 BEN STREET

MATT PUEMPEL

Forward 6-1, 200 lbs.

Born: 3/30/95 Barrie, Ont.

9

Goaltender 6-3, 215 lbs.

Born: 12/7/89 Sanborn, N.Y.

20

ZACH NASTASIUK

Defenseman 6-4, 235 lbs.

Born: 4/20/92 Winnipeg, Man.

TOM McCOLLUM

Defenseman 6-3, 205 lbs.

Born: 8/13/94 Toronto, Ont.

73

37

DYLAN McILRATH

30

PATRICK McCARRON

Defenseman 6-3, 210 lbs.

Born: 6/1/94 Ajax, Ont.

65 DYLAN SADOWY

DOMINIK SHINE

Forward 6-1, 210 lbs.

Born: 4/2/96 Brampton, Ont.

26

Forward 5-11, 180 lbs.

Born: 4/18/93 Pinckney, Mich.

23 ERIC TANGRADI

Forward 6-4, 230 lbs.

Born: 2/10/89 Philadelphia, Pa.

DOMINIC TURGEON

Forward 6-2, 203 lbs.

Born: 2/25/96 Pointe-Claire, Que. 41

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

WHEN FATE BECKONS Story and photos

by Mark Newman

Matt Puempel is hoping the latest twist in his career turns out to be the best move for his future.

42 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

If Matt Puempel is destined to play for the Red Wings, his past includes enough close brushes with the organization that it will ultimately seem like fate.

Puempel grew up in Essex, Ontario, which sits close enough to Windsor that the Wings were a short car ride away across the Detroit River.

“I saw a few games when they were winning their last Cups,” he recalled. “That time was really exciting around Detroit and Windsor, so it was hard not to pay attention to them, that’s for sure. All my buddies were Wings fans, but I was a Leafs fan.”

Puempel would grow up to be quite the offensive dynamo on the ice. He was chosen in the first round – the sixth overall pick – of the 2009 OHL Priority Selection by the Peterborough Petes, a team that has sent numerous players to the NHL over the years, including Red Wings notables Steve Yzerman and Mickey Redmond.

He started his junior career in impressive fashion. He was named OHL Rookie of the Year for 2009-10, when he led all first-year players in goals and points. It was his first of three 30-goal seasons at the junior level, including two with Peterborough and one with the Kitchener Rangers.

“Playing in the OHL was awesome and a lot of fun,” he said. “To get drafted by Peterborough and play three seasons there, then move on to

Kitchener meant I had an exciting four years, but the time flew by. I can’t believe this is already my fifth year as a pro. That’s how quick the time goes.”

Puempel was selected 24th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators.

Ironically, the pick had originally been Detroit’s, but the Red Wings traded the spot to the Senators for a pair of second-round picks (35th and 48th overall) that led to Tomas Jurco and Xavier Ouellet wearing the Winged Wheel instead.

He scored 30 goals in his first full pro season with the Binghamton Senators, then split the next two seasons – 2014-15 and 2015-16 – bouncing back and forth between the AHL and Ottawa. He saw action in 39 NHL games, tallying four goals in a limited role.

Puempel made Ottawa’s roster out of training camp last season, but he became a healthy scratch after going scoreless in his first 13 games with the Senators. He was eventually claimed by the New York Rangers when he was placed on waivers by Ottawa.

Asked about his time with the Senators, Puempel responds with the grace of a seasoned diplomat. “It was good,” he said, before adding that “every organization is different,” reluctant to complain. “To play hockey for a living is a good gig,” he adds.

Like many players trying to establish

Puempel scored 30 goals in his first pro season with the Binghamton Senators.

43 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

Puempel scored a hat trick against the Arizona Coyotes while playing for the New York Rangers.

44 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

themselves in the NHL, Puempel hungered for a unofficial good luck charm to Matt. “I had only larger role. In reality, young players usually don’t two goals the previous season and he was at both get to play big minutes. games,” Puempel said.

“In Ottawa, I played ‘little’ minutes,” he said.

His story took a turn for the worse the next “It’s hard to get going when you’re not playing game after his hat trick. Playing against the a lot, but it’s part of the process. A lot of players Colorado Avalanche in Denver on New Year’s go through that and you have to battle and find Eve, Puempel suffered a concussion, his second consistency in spite of it.” of the season.

The trick, of course, “I was just starting to feel “Having attended a few of good and getting things going is to take advantage of the few minutes you’re when it happened again,” he the team’s recent Calder said. “I tried to battle it, but we given without trying to do too much and to make had a team get-together after Cup events, I could tell an impression without the game and I had to just lay making a mistake. low. I thought it might be the how exciting it was and “When you’re only altitude, but it wasn’t. After our playing four or five minutes next practice, I knew it was that it would be fun to help something that wasn’t going to a night, that’s not much time,” he said. “Little things get better without rest.” the team win another.” are going to affect your Puempel sat out a good confidence. At the end month as a result. “When you of the day, it’s not really miss time at any point in a something you can control, so you just try to season, it’s not good,” he said. “To miss a month is keep working hard and do the right things.” frustrating, but there’s nothing you can do about Puempel found himself scrambling to do it because you’ve got to get yourself better and whatever he could to stay in the lineup. Often it get healthy. It’s part of the business, but it’s hard meant that he was playing in situations that were to swallow.” not always the best for creating scoring chances.

Forced to play catch up the rest of the season, His confidence waned.

Puempel never really regained his confidence.

He insists that he didn’t mind, as long as he Nonetheless, he was excited about getting was still on the ice. “I looked at every opportunity another chance with the Rangers this year. He as a chance to learn different aspects of the game,” even talked about wanting to be more physical he said. “I wanted to learn how to play the game this season, an idea that was suggested by his at the next level.” coaches in New York. “When you’re playing It’s no surprise that he was happy to get a lower in the lineup, you’re willing to do whatever chance to start over with the Rangers. “New you can do to stay there,” he said, “but I guess it York was amazing,” said Puempel, who lived in wasn’t enough.” midtown Manhattan. “The Rangers had a great New York dealt Puempel to the Red Wings in group of guys and a great coaching staff, so a trade for defenseman Ryan Sproul. The Oct. everything was positive.”

21 transaction threw him for a loop. When he When the team was hit by injuries, Puempel talks now about the trade, he repeats the word found himself getting time on New York’s power “shocked,” not for emphasis, but because he truly play. He made the most of the opportunity, was caught completely off-guard. getting a hat trick against the Arizona Coyotes, Even so, he stresses that he is enthusiastic with all three goals coming with the manabout his latest opportunity with the Griffins. advantage. “It’s obviously something I’ll never “Having attended a few of the team’s recent forget and something I was very happy to Calder Cup events, I could tell how exciting it accomplish,” he said. was and that it would be fun to help the team win What made his feat on Dec. 29, 2016 even another,” he said. sweeter is that it came with his older brother Puempel has quickly acclimated himself to in attendance, as he was on the Rangers’ road Grand Rapids, even though he stresses that he trip for siblings. Currently finishing his PhD in isn’t the most gregarious guy. “I’m a little more economics at Yale, Mike evidently serves as an 45

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

Puempel joined the Griffins early this season after the Red Wings acquired him in a trade for defenseman Ryan Sproul.

46 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

on the quiet side, so can play defense,” he said. it takes me a while “I’ve really tried to bear Puempel wasted little time in to get to know down on my defensive everyone,” he said. establishing himself as an offensive play the last four years.”

“But the guys here Puempel believes he force on the ice in Grand Rapids, has become a better are all great, so they understand where all-around player. Seeing recording nine points in his first more ice time with the you’re coming from.”

Griffins head Griffins will enable him seven games with the Griffins. coach Todd Nelson to improve even more. said the addition “Getting to play of Puempel has a lot of minutes in provided a welcome increase in offense. different situations should allow me to “He has tremendous upside,” Nelson said. work on everything,” he said. “The key is “He’s still a young guy (Puempel won’t turn to learn every day, no matter where you are 25 until January) and he’s capable of scoring playing. That’s the most important thing, a lot of goals, so we’re looking forward to him to play. You’re not getting better if you’re helping us in that department.” not playing.”

Puempel wasted little time in establishing Puempel wants to work his way back to himself as an offensive force on the ice in the NHL, but he is not going to obsess about Grand Rapids, recording nine points in his his situation. first seven games with the Griffins, but he “You can’t worry about the NHL,” he said. wants to be sure that he isn’t seen as a one“You can’t worry about getting called up or dimensional player. any of that stuff. I’m concentrating on being “Sometimes when you’re labeled as an part of a winning team here. This is a good offensive player, people take your defensive group to be a part of, so my goal is to have ability for granted, like they don’t think you fun each day here.”

A former first-round pick of the Ottawa Senators, Puempel is a natural goal scorer with a high-end shot and good skating skills.

47 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

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Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

49

Colin Chaulk 2001-02 Brampton (ECHL)

HEAD COACHES

John Gruden 1999-02 Hamilton (OHL)

Todd Nelson 1996-98; 99-00; 01-02 Grand Rapids

Ryan Oulahen 2005-09 Flint (OHL)

Aaron Schneekloth 2002-04 Colorado (ECHL)

Chris Chelios 2008-09 Detroit (NHL)

Jared Bednar 1998-99 Colorado (NHL)

ASSISTANT COACHES

Doug Janik 2009-12 Springfield (AHL)

Konstantin Shafranov 1999-00 Khabarovsk (KHL)

Andy Delmore 2009-10 Toledo (ECHL)

Bruce Ramsay 1996-99 Grand Rapids

Ben Simon 2006-07 Grand Rapids

Ryan Keller 2005-07 Saskatoon (WHL)

Robert Petrovicky 1998-00 Bratislava (KHL)

Kerry Huffman 1997-99 Lehigh Valley (AHL)

Mike Knuble 2012-13 Grand Rapids

Sheldon Brookbank 2001-03 Rockford (AHL)

Mark O’Leary 2007-08 Moose Jaw (WHL)

Cail MacLean 2000-01 Stockton (AHL)

Mike Ayers 2004-05 Boston College (Hockey East)

Riley Armstrong 2009-10 Wheeling (ECHL)

STILL BEHIND A BENCH

Jody Hull 2001-02 Peterborough (OHL)

Derek King 1999-01; 02-04 Rockford (AHL)

Brett Skinner 2012-13 Sioux Falls (USHL)

Coach Griffins Position (Seasons) Current Team Position Jeff Blashill Head coach (2012-15) Detroit (NHL) Head coach Pat Ferschweiler Assistant coach (2014-15) Detroit (NHL) Assistant coach Jeff Salajko Goalie coach (2013-16) Detroit (NHL) Goaltending coach Bruce Cassidy Head coach (2000-02) Boston (NHL) Head coach Curt Fraser Head coach (2008-12) Dallas (NHL) Assistant coach Mike Stothers Head coach (2007-08) Ontario (AHL) Head coach Jeff Pyle Assistant coach (1997-98) Evansville (SPHL) Head coach/GM Jim Paek Assistant coach (2005-14) Korean National Team Head coach/director of hockey Greg Ireland Head/assistant coach (2003-07) Lugano (Swiss) Head coach Curtis Hunt Assistant coach (1996-00) Prince Albert (WHL) General manager Dave Allison Head coach (1996-98) Des Moines (USHL) Head coach Dave Noel-Bernier Assistant coach (2014-15) Omaha (NCHC) Assistant coach Spiros Anastas Assistant coach (2012-14) Lethbridge (Canada West) Head coach

Jared Nightingale 2014-15 Omaha (USHL)

FROM TAKING SHOTS TO CALLING THEM Player (Seasons)

Current Team

Position

Daniel Cleary (2015-17)

Detroit (NHL)

Player development assistant

Dave Baseggio (1999-00)

Anaheim (NHL)

Assistant to the GM

Mark Eaton (2004-05)

Chicago (NHL)

Director of player development

David Oliver (2000-01)

Colorado (NHL)

Director of player development

Bryan Helmer (2004-06)

Hershey (AHL)

VP of hockey operations

Mike Watt 2006-07 Central Illinois (USHL)

infoGRIFFics

Joel Bouchard 2000-01 Blainville-Broisbriand (QMJHL)

Danton Cole 1996-00 Michigan State (Big Ten)

GOALTENDING COACHES

Darren Rumble 1998-00 Moncton (QMJHL)

Curtis Joseph 2003-04 Carolina (NHL)

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT COACHES

Stacy Roest 2002-03 Tampa Bay (NHL)

Patrick Rissmiller 2009-10 New Jersey (NHL)

PLAYER/ ASSISTANT COACH

Manny Legace 2005-06 Cleveland (AHL)

Ian Gordon 1996-99 Seattle (WHL)

VOLUNTEER COACHES

Dieter Kochan 1999-00 Northern Michigan (WCHA) David Brisson 2003-04 Omaha (NCHC)

A look at former KEY: Jamie Tardif 2006-11 Quad City (ECHL)

NHL AHL

GRIFFINS COACHING

TREE

KHL ECHL JUNIOR COLLEGE

Griffins players

currently making their marks as

coaches in the

professional, junior

and collegiate ranks.

51

THE LIGHTS The AHL will shine during its upcoming All-Star Classic in Utica, while teaming up with a sponsor for a unique promotion to award a free sports lighting system to a community rink in one of the league’s markets.

52 52

Grand Grand Rapids Rapids GRIFFINS GRIFFINS •• 2017 2017 Calder Calder Cup Cup Champions Champions

For the second time in four seasons, the AHL’s All-Star Classic is coming to Utica, N.Y., where the league will induct four new members into the AHL Hall of Fame.

The Comets, who hosted the event in 2015, will host the 2018 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Turning Stone Resort Casino on Jan. 28-29. The event begins with the 2018 AHL All-Star Skills Competition on Sunday, Jan. 28, followed by the HOF Induction and Awards Ceremony on Monday, Jan. 29 and the 2018 AHL All-Star Challenge that evening.

The skills and challenge events will take place in the newly renovated Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium in downtown Utica. All other events during the All-Star Classic will take place at Turning Stone Resort Casino in nearby Verona.

As is the tradition, the skills competition will pit the all-stars from the Eastern Conference against those from the Western Conference in seven events, including hardest shot, fastest skater and accuracy shooting.

The All-Star Challenge, meanwhile, will divide the league’s all-stars into four teams, each representing one of the league’s divisions (Atlantic, North, Central, Pacific). The assembled teams will participate in a roundrobin 3-on-3 tournament featuring six games of 10 minutes each. The two teams with the best records at the end of the round-robin will face off for the championship in a final six-minute game.

Both events will highlight the top talent of the AHL, which since 1995 has sent 93 percent of its All-Star Classic participants to the National Hockey League, including Ben Bishop, Zdeno Chara, Braden Holtby, Tyler Johnson, Chris Kunitz, Zach Parise, Tuukka Rask, Pekka Rinne, Jason Spezza and P.K. Subban, to name a few.

Slated for induction into the AHL Hall of Fame during the second day are a quartet of former players, including one who now works as a pro scout for the Detroit Red Wings.

Elder statesman among those being honored is Jim Bartlett, 85, who appeared in 191 NHL games with the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins and New York Rangers but is best known for having spent the majority of his 21year career in the AHL, mainly playing for the Baltimore Clippers and Providence Reds.

Nicknamed “Rocky” for his feisty style of play, Bartlett was a fan-favorite in New York

JIM BARTLETT alongside his partner in crime, Eddie Shack.

The pugilistic duo was known as “Nuts and Bolts.” Bartlett nearly saw his career come to an end in 1963 when he was hit in his eye by an errant stick, but as tough as he was, he was back playing within months.

Bartlett set an AHL record in 1958 when he scored two goals five seconds apart. The record still stands today. He scored 503 pro goals during his career, topping the 20-goal mark a dozen times in the AHL. He retired in 1973, having played 955 regular-season games in the AHL, good for 10th on the league’s all-time list.

Life after hockey led Bartlett to eventually work as a chauffeur to New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. Bartlett would later tutor him about hockey after Steinbrenner’s company purchased the New Jersey Devils in 2000.

53

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

BRIAN KILREA Another old-timer heading into the AHL Hall of Fame is Brian Kilrea, 83, the former Ottawa 67’s general manager and coach who spent 10 seasons in the AHL as a player, including nine with the Springfield Indians under legendary owner Eddie Shore.

Springfield won three straight Calder Cup championships from 1960-62, a feat that has never been duplicated by another team.

Kilrea, who finished with 624 points in 623 AHL games, is still the all-time assist leader in Springfield with 442.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

54

DON BIGGS Although best remembered for his 35-year association with Ottawa’s junior team in the Ontario Hockey League, he was a multipletime all-star as a player. He only played 26 NHL games but had the distinction of scoring the first-ever goal for the Los Angeles Kings.

The AHL will also honor Don Biggs, 52, who played nine seasons in the AHL and would later play six seasons in the IHL. Although he only stood 5-foot-8, Biggs put together the best statistical season in AHL history in 1992-93 when he led the

The AHL and power management company Eaton have combined for an innovative consumer promotion, “Light Like the Pros,” which will award a free Ephesus LED sports lighting system to one community ice skating rink in an AHL market.

The season-long promotion is asking ice skating rink owners, coaches, skating instructors and even hockey moms and dads to share why their rink is deserving of Eaton’s Ephesus advanced LED lighting retrofit solution.

A panel of judges will narrow the nominees to 32 semi-finalists – one rink in each of the 29 eligible AHL markets plus three wild-card facilities – before the community will be asked to demonstrate how much they support their local skating rink through an

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

GLENN MERKOSKY Binghamton Rangers to the league’s best-ever regular season with a record of 57-13-10.

Biggs registered 54 goals and 84 assists for 138 points in 78 games. It was his sixth straight season topping the 30-goal mark, his best previous total being the 39 lamp-lighters he tallied with the Hershey Bears in 1989-90.

In his 597-game AHL career, Biggs scored 273 goals and assisted 419 others, which places him 24th on the league’s scoring list and seventh in points per game among members of the 500-point club.

online vote at LightLikeThePros.com that will begin on Jan. 8, 2018.

After the refrigeration system, lighting is typically an ice rink’s largest electricity consumer, as a typical rink uses its lights for more than 6,500 hours annually.

Metal-halide lighting systems, which are currently installed at most skating rinks, generate heat that must then be removed from the building by the ice refrigeration system.

In contrast, energy-efficient LED lights use less energy, generate less heat and help reduce the load on the rink’s ice plant refrigeration system. An ice rink that makes the switch to LED can typically expect a 70 percent reduction in energy use, as well as a nearelimination of maintenance costs.

Biggs, who played in 11 NHL games with the Philadelphia Flyers and one with the Minnesota North Stars, was the on-ice double for actor Patrick Swayze’s skating scenes in the movie Youngblood.

Finally, the AHL will pay tribute to Glenn Merkosky, 57, a former player and coach with the Adirondack Red Wings who is a two-time winner of the Fred T. Hunt Award for sportsmanship, determination and dedication to hockey.

Merkosky, who played 66 NHL games with the Hartford Whalers, New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings, played 10 seasons in the AHL, scoring a total of 325 goals that still ranks 13th in league history.

His best season came in 1986-87 when he collected 54 goals and 31 assists for 85 points in 77 games with the Adirondack Red Wings. He won a total of three Calder Cups, one with Maine (1985) and two in Adirondack (1986, 1989).

Merkosky also helped Adirondack win another Calder Cup in 1992 as an assistant coach, then served as head coach of the team for the Red Wings’ final three seasons (199699). He now serves as a pro scout for Detroit.

Van Andel Arena replaced its original metal-halide lighting system with Eaton’s state-of-the-art Ephesus Lighting system before last season. Eaton’s lightemitting diode sports lighting product line provides optimal lighting that illuminates more uniformly on the playing surface and offers an improved stage for players and fans at little to no maintenance cost.

“Our Ephesus LED sports lighting solution is well-known for illuminating some of the most famous sports venues in the world, including more than a dozen AHL and NHL arenas,” said Mike Lorenz, president, Eaton’s Ephesus Lighting business. “We hope that by rewarding one deserving rink with this fantastic prize, we’ll inform all hockey rinks across North America that LED lighting is within their reach.”

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

55

GRIFF’S ICEHOUSE WEST The rebranded ice rink in Holland hosted a grand reopening early this season.

56

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

Griff’s IceHouse West is located at 4444 Holland Avenue in Holland.

It’s not every day that a professional hockey team shows up in a neighborhood ice rink.

But the Grand Rapids Griffins did just that when the team staged an Oct. 29 open house and practice as part of their grand reopening of Griff ’s IceHouse West, formerly the Edge Ice Arena.

The event served the dual purpose of reintroducing the rink to the community as well

as showcasing the Griffins team to the lakeshore, approximately one year after the facility was purchased by DP Fox Ventures, LLC, owners of the AHL team.

“We believe in hockey and we believe in investing in the community,” said Dan DeVos, Griffins co-owner and CEO. “The building’s previous owners approached us because they wanted to find someone who would continue

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

57

A large crowd watched the Griffins stage a full practice in the newly rebranded rink.

the tradition of providing hockey in the Holland community, and we felt it was important for us to step up and make it happen.”

DeVos admits that there was a small personal incentive, given that his son Cole plays for the Hope College team that calls the rink home.

“As an organization, we felt we could bring our experience to the building’s operation and bring the facility up to the next level,” DeVos said. “There was a little tweaking that needed to be done, whether it was adding a new coat of paint or improving the overall ice surface.”

A large crowd was present for the rink’s

rechristening as fans watched the Griffins practice then met the players afterward for autographs. Fans also had the opportunity to take photos with the Calder Cup while enjoying complimentary hot dogs, popcorn and soda during the free event.

Griffins President Tim Gortsema said the team appreciates the support of the lakeshore over the years and that Griff ’s IceHouse West is a way to strengthen ties with the community.

“It gives us an opportunity to more effectively market the Griffins to the lakeshore directly through hockey players, teams and families in an

Fans enjoyed free concessions during the Oct. 29 open house.

58 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

Griffins players signed autographs following their practice.

area where we did not have a presence before,” Gortsema said.

The IceHouse is the current home to the West Ottawa High School hockey team as well as Hope College, in addition to hosting a number of tournaments each year. With two NHL-size hockey rinks, the facility is also the base for the Holland Hockey Association. Known as the Holland Ice Dogs, the youth program sponsors a number of teams ranging from entry-level Mites to the more advanced Bantam players.

Gortsema said the Griffins worried that closing the rink would have created “a significant

void” in the market, so the organization jumped at the chance to help inject new blood into the facility.

The purchase of the building represented a significant investment, but there was also considerable deferred maintenance that added substantially to the cost. “It was not a surprise,” Gortsema said. “We knew that we would have to appropriately invest in the facility to raise the operating standards to a level we felt was necessary.”

The rink’s ice surfacing machines were completely overhauled, but most of the

Lakeshore hockey fans enjoyed the opportunity to take photos with the Calder Cup.

59 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

Motivational hockey quotes adorn the walls of Griff’s IceHouse West.

improvements involved “back of the house” mechanicals not visible to the public: compressors, fans and the like. “There were a number of equipment improvements that had to be done,” Gortsema said. “We also made considerable cosmetic improvements, from signage outside the building to the inside lobby and viewing areas.”

New heaters above the stands and theatertype seating in the viewing areas above the two rinks add to the fans’ comfort. Motivational quotes from famous hockey players add a professional flavor to the lobby walls.

Additional improvements are planned for the team locker rooms.

While the Oct. 29 practice was a one-off event, Gortsema said the Griffins organization would like to find some kind of annual event to keep the lakeshore fans engaged with the team.

DeVos believes Griff ’s IceHouse West will be a win-win for everyone.

“We appreciate the support that lakeshore hockey fans have shown for the Griffins, so this is a chance for us to showcase the sport right in their backyard,” he said.

Theater-style seats should prove to be a popular addition to the overhead observation areas.

60 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

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R E C O R D

B O O K

ALL-TIME ACTIVE LEADER SINGLE-SEASON 2016-17

GAMES PLAYED Travis Richards Brian Lashoff (6th)

ERIC TANGRADI

Kyle Criscuolo

655 343 *82 76

GOALS *Led league Michel Picard 158 Eric Tangradi (T22nd) 50 Donald MacLean (2005-06) *56 Martin Frk 27

ASSISTS *Led league Michel Picard 222 Robbie Russo/Eric TangradI (T37th) 61 Jiri Hudler (2005-06) 60 Matt Lorito 34

POINTS Michel Picard Eric Tangradi (27th) Michel Picard (1996-97) Matt Lorito

380 111 101 56

PLUS/MINUS Travis Richards Robbie Russo (7th) Ivan Ciernik (2000-01) Eric Tangradi

PENALTY MINUTES Darryl Bootland Tyler Bertuzzi (41st) Darryl Bootland (2005-06) Dan Renouf

1,164 178 390 95

WINS Joey MacDonald Tom McCollum (2nd) Joey MacDonald (2004-05) Mike Fountain (2000-01) 2.33 Jared Coreau

109 106 34 *34 19

SAVE PERCENTAGE Martin Prusek Jared Coreau (T5th) Joey MacDonald (2003-04) Eddie Pasquale

0.930 0.919 0.936 0.919

*Led league

5 players tied

GOALIE GAMES PLAYED ALL-TIME Tom McCollum ACTIVE LEADER Tom McCollum (1st) SINGLE-SEASON Joey MacDonald (2004-05) 2016-17 Jared Coreau ALL-TIME ACTIVE LEADER SINGLE-SEASON 2016-17

L E A D E R S

BRIAN LASHOFF

MICHEL PICARD

ALL-TIME ACTIVE LEADER SINGLE-SEASON 2016-17

A N D

SHUTOUTS Joey MacDonald Jared Coreau (3rd) 6 players tied Eddie Pasquale

+131 +54 *+41 +16

GOALS AGAINST AVERAGE 233 Martin Prusek 1.83 233 Jared Coreau (T8th) 2.44 *66 Martin Prusek (2001-02) *1.83 33 Jared Coreau 20 11 6 4

SAVES Tom McCollum Tom McCollum (1st) Joey MacDonald (2004-05) Jared Coreau

5,831 5,831 1,785 849

(Through Nov. 16, 2017)

MARTIN PRUSEK

TOM McCOLLUM

JARED COREAU

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

63 63

64

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

65

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GRI

FFIN

S

ALL STARS 2017 AHL All-Star Robbie Russo Photo by JustSports Photography/AHL

2017 AHL All-Star Matt Lorito Photo by JustSports Photography/AHL

1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06

Jeff Nelson, Michel Picard, Pokey Reddick Ian Gordon, Kerry Huffman, Michel Picard Robert Petrovicky, Maxim Spiridonov John Gruden, Jani Hurme, Kevin Miller, Petr Schastlivy Mike Fountain, Joel Kwiatkowski, Travis Richards, Todd White, Bruce Cassidy (co-coach) Chris Bala, John Gruden, Kip Miller, Martin Prusek, Petr Schastlivy, Bruce Cassidy (head coach), Gene Reilly (asst. coach) Marc Lamothe, Mark Mowers Jiri Hudler, Niklas Kronwall, Travis Richards, Nathan Robinson Niklas Kronwall, Joey MacDonald Valtteri Filppula, Jiri Hudler, Donald MacLean

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

2013 AHL All-Star Petr Mrazek

Photo by Alan Sullivan/AHL

2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17

Derek Meech, Kip Miller Jonathan Ericsson, Jimmy Howard Jakub Kindl, Daniel Larsson Patrick Rissmiller Ilari Filppula, Brendan Smith Gustav Nyquist Chad Billins, Petr Mrazek, Gustav Nyquist Alexey Marchenko, Jeff Blashill (head coach) Xavier Ouellet, Teemu Pulkkinen Jeff Hoggan (captain), Xavier Ouellet Matt Lorito, Robbie Russo, Todd Nelson (head coach)

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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71 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

STAY CONNECTED. STAY NNECTED. STAY AY CONNECTED. CTED. THEAHL.COM ISIS YOUR YOUR ONE-STOP ONE-STOP SOURCE SOURCE FOR FOR ALL ALL THE THE THEAHL.COM LATEST HIGHLIGHTS, NEWS, STATS, AND LIVE UPDATES LATEST Visit HIGHLIGHTS, NEWS, STATS, AND LIVE UPDATES PHPA.com FOR ALL ALL 30 30 TEAMS TEAMS and follow us @The PHPA FOR

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EAHL.COM FOR THE EAHL.COM ISIS YOUR YOUR ONE-STOP ONE-STOP SOURCE SOURCE FOR ALL ALLTO THE REPRESENT ALL AHL AND ECHL PLAYERS PROUD EST HIGHLIGHTS, NEWS, STATS, AND LIVE UPDATES TEST HIGHLIGHTS, NEWS, STATS, AND LIVE UPDATES FOR FOR ALL ALL 30 30 TEAMS TEAMS WATCH WATCH

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72 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

P E N A LT Y C A L L S

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

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

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

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

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

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

ROUGHING Called for engaging in fisticuffs or shoving.

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

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

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

SLASHING Striking an opposing player with the stick.

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

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

SPEARING Called for using the stick like a spear.

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

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

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

73

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74 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

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Since their inception in 1996, the Griffins have sent 166 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 10 years and in eight of the last 13 seasons.

In chronological order, here are the 21 goalies and 145 skaters who have worn an NHL sweater after playing for Grand Rapids, along with the dates of their NHL debuts/returns.

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1............Pavol Demitra............................3/17/97 STL at PHX 2............Kevyn Adams...........................10/1/97 TOR vs. WSH 3............Tyler Moss................................10/28/97 CGY vs. PIT 4............Michel Picard..................................1/6/98 STL at SJ 5............Jeff Nelson.............................10/10/98 NSH vs. FLA 6............Patrick Traverse.......................10/10/98 OTT at COL 7............Mark Greig...................................1/7/99 PHI vs. NYI 8............Radim Bicanek............................2/1/99 OTT at VAN 9............Robert Petrovicky........................2/15/99 TB at NYI 10..........Andrei Vasilyev...........................3/5/99 PHX vs. DET 11..........Todd Hlushko...............................4/25/99 PIT vs. NJ 12..........Patrick Lalime............................10/2/99 OTT at PHI 13..........Glen Metropolit......................10/2/99 WSH at FLA 14..........Kevin Miller.............................10/31/99 OTT at ATL 15..........Karel Rachunek.......................10/31/99 OTT at ATL 16..........Erich Goldmann....................11/11/99 OTT vs. NSH 17..........Yves Sarault...............................11/20/99 OTT at NJ 18..........John Gruden...........................11/30/99 OTT vs. CHI 19..........Mike Fountain..............................12/3/99 OTT at NJ 20..........Dave Van Drunen....................12/13/99 OTT at TOR 21..........Petr Schastlivy..............................1/3/00 OTT vs. NJ 22..........John Emmons............................1/6/00 OTT vs. PHX 23..........Slava Butsayev..........................1/28/00 OTT at BUF 24..........Aris Brimanis.............................2/13/00 NYI at NYR 25..........Dieter Kochan............................3/28/00 TB vs. DAL 26..........Jani Hurme....................................4/9/00 OTT vs. TB 27..........Shane Hnidy.............................10/5/00 OTT at BOS 28..........Donald MacLean...................10/14/00 TOR vs. OTT 29..........David Oliver...............................11/4/00 OTT vs. CBJ 30..........Jamie Rivers............................11/12/00 OTT at CAR 31..........Sean Gagnon.........................11/26/00 OTT at NYR 32..........Joel Bouchard........................11/29/00 PHX at COL 33..........Mike Crowley..........................12/8/00 ANA at MIN 34..........Ivan Ciernik.................................1/23/01 OTT at NYI 35..........Darren Rumble..............................2/6/01 STL at COL

36..........Joel Kwiatkowski......................2/19/01 OTT at BUF 37..........Todd White................................2/19/01 OTT at BUF 38..........Chris Neil....................................10/3/01 OTT at TOR 39..........Toni Dahlman..........................1/3/02 OTT vs. WSH 40..........Steve Martins............................1/11/02 OTT at FLA 41..........Kip Miller.......................................1/17/02 NYI at SJ 42..........Jody Hull.........................................2/4/02 OTT at TB 43..........Dmitry Afanasenkov.......................2/6/02 TB at FLA 44..........Simon Lajeunesse..........................3/7/02 OTT at SJ 45..........Martin Prusek...........................3/23/02 OTT vs. ATL 46..........Chris Bala....................................3/27/02 OTT at NYI 47..........Neil Little...................................3/28/02 PHI at CAR 48..........Josh Langfeld..............................3/30/02 OTT vs. TB 49..........Gaetan Royer...............................4/1/02 TB vs. NYR 50.........Jason Spezza...................10/24/02 OTT at BOS 51..........Sean Avery................................10/29/02 DET vs. SJ 52..........Jason Doig.................................12/3/02 WSH at PIT 53..........Jason Williams.........................12/5/02 DET at PHX 54..........Patrick Boileau......................12/19/02 DET vs. DAL 55..........Stacy Roest.............................2/20/03 DET vs. EDM 56..........Wade Brookbank..................10/9/03 NSH vs. ANA 57..........Julien Vauclair........................10/25/03 OTT at MTL 58........ Jiri Hudler............................10/29/03 DET vs. STL 59..........Curtis Joseph..........................10/30/03 DET at NSH 60..........Darryl Bootland......................11/8/03 DET vs. NSH 61..........Mark Mowers........................11/19/03 DET vs. CBJ 62..........Nathan Robinson..................11/28/03 DET vs. NYI 63..........Blake Sloan.................................12/4/03 DAL at LA 64.........Niklas Kronwall...............12/10/03 DET at BUF 65..........Ryan Barnes...........................12/15/03 DET vs. FLA 66........ Chris Kelly............................... 2/5/04 OTT vs. TOR 67..........Marc Lamothe.........................2/23/04 DET at EDM 68..........Anders Myrvold........................2/26/04 DET at CGY 69..........Mathieu Chouinard...................2/29/04 LA at ANA 70..........Brett Lebda..................................10/5/05 DET vs. STL

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

2016-17GRADUATES JARED COREAU

NICK JENSEN

TYLER BERTUZZI

MATT LORITO

MARTIN FRK 71..........Mark Eaton..................................10/5/05 NSH vs. SJ 72..........Chris Osgood.............................10/29/05 DET at CHI 73.........Kyle Quincey...................11/25/05 DET at ANA 74.........Jimmy Howard.................11/28/05 DET at LA 75.........Valtteri Filppula................12/15/05 DET at FLA 76..........Rob Collins..............................12/17/05 NYI vs. COL 77..........Manny Legace............................1/5/06 DET vs. STL 78..........David Gove...............................1/31/06 CAR at MTL 79..........Tomas Kopecky..............................2/28/06 DET at SJ 80..........Alexandre Giroux........................3/25/06 NYR at TB 81..........Joey MacDonald........................10/19/06 DET at SJ 82..........Derek Meech...............................12/7/06 DET vs. STL 83..........Matt Ellis...................................12/18/06 DET at CBJ 84..........Matt Hussey...............................1/26/07 DET at STL 85..........Sheldon Brookbank.......................2/6/07 NSH at PIT 86..........Danny Syvret..........................2/27/07 EDM vs. PHX 87..........Mark Hartigan.........................11/29/07 DET vs. TB 88..........Drew MacIntyre........................12/13/07 VAN at SJ 89..........Peter Vandermeer..................2/10/08 PHX vs. NSH 90.........Jonathan Ericsson.............2/22/08 DET at CGY 91..........Garrett Stafford.........................2/23/08 DET at VAN 92.........Darren Helm.......................3/13/08 DET vs. DAL 93..........Mattias Ritola..........................3/15/08 DET vs. NSH 94..........Clay Wilson................................3/25/08 CBJ at NSH 95..........Darren McCarty..........................3/28/08 DET vs. STL 96..........Krys Kolanos.................................11/4/08 MIN at SJ 97..........Landon Wilson.....................11/22/08 DAL vs. ANA 98..........Bryan Helmer.....................11/28/08 WSH vs. MTL 99..........Chris Chelios ..........................12/13/08 DET at PHX 100........Aaron Downey.........................1/29/09 DET vs. DAL 101......Justin Abdelkader..........1/31/09 DET at WSH 102........Ville Leino................................1/31/09 DET at WSH 103........Aaron Gagnon......................10/16/09 DAL vs. BOS 104........Scott Parse................................10/24/09 LA at PHX 105........Doug Janik...............................11/3/09 DET vs. BOS

106.........Ryan Keller................................11/25/09 OTT at NJ 107........Jakub Kindl.............................12/3/09 DET vs. EDM 108........Kris Newbury........................12/14/09 DET vs. PHX 109.........Darren Haydar...........................2/10/10 COL vs. ATL 110........Andreas Lilja................................3/1/10 DET at COL 111.........Jeremy Williams......................10/24/10 NYR vs. NJ 112........Jan Mursak..............................12/27/10 DET at COL 113........Chris Mueller.........................12/28/10 NSH vs. DAL 114........Tomas Tatar......................12/31/10 DET vs. NYI 115........Cory Emmerton........................1/22/11 DET vs. CHI 116.........Patrick Rissmiller......................2/23/11 ATL at BUF 117 .......Tom McCollum .........................3/30/11 DET vs. STL 118 ......Gustav Nyquist ...............11/1/11 DET vs. MIN 119 ........Fabian Brunnstrom....................11/5/11 DET vs. ANA 120.......Brendan Smith..................11/17/11 DET at SJ 121......Mark Cullen.................11/29/11 FLA at CAR 122........Chris Conner..............................12/2/11 DET at BUF 123........Joakim Andersson.................12/27/11 DET vs. STL 124.......Ty Conklin ..........................3/21/12 DET at NYR 125.......Riley Sheahan......................4/7/12 DET vs. CHI 126.....Brian Lashoff................. 1/21/13 DET at CBJ 127........Mike Knuble...............................1/26/13 PHI at FLA 128........Jamie Tardif.................................2/2/13 BOS at TOR 129........Petr Mrazek ...........................2/7/13 DET at STL 130........Jonas Gustavsson....................2/19/13 DET at NSH 131........Carlo Colaiacovo.........................4/1/13 DET vs. COL 132.......Danny DeKeyser..............10/2/13 DET vs. BUF 133.......Luke Glendening...........10/12/13 DET vs. PHI 134.......Xavier Ouellet....................10/21/13 DET vs. SJ 135........Adam Almquist .....................11/4/13 DET at WPG 136........Chad Billins...............................11/5/13 CGY at MIN 137.......Patrick Eaves....................12/14/13 DET vs. PIT 138........Tomas Jurco..............................12/15/13 DET vs. TB 139........Jordin Tootoo..........................12/19/13 DET vs. CGY 140........Alexey Marchenko......................1/4/14 DET at DAL

141........Teemu Pulkkinen ..................3/14/14 DET vs. EDM 142.....Landon Ferraro.............3/18/14 DET vs. TOR 143.......Calle Jarnkrok....................3/21/14 NSH at CGY 144........Mitch Callahan...........................3/25/14 DET at CBJ 145........Ryan Sproul................................4/13/14 DET at STL 146........Andrej Nestrasil.......................10/9/14 DET vs. BOS 147........Stephen Weiss.......................11/24/14 DET vs. OTT 148.....Mattias Janmark............10/8/15 DAL vs. PIT 149.......Dylan Larkin.....................10/9/15 DET vs. TOR 150...... Kevin Porter...........................10/10/15 PIT at ARI 151.......Andreas Athanasiou......11/8/15 DET vs. DAL 152.....Tomas Nosek...............12/26/15 DET at NSH 153........Eric Tangradi...............................1/25/16 DET at NYI 154.......Anthony Mantha..............3/15/16 DET at PHI 155.....Alan Quine.......................4/9/16 NYI vs. PHI 156.......Martin Frk.......................10/18/16 CAR at EDM 157........Tyler Bertuzzi.............................11/8/16 DET at PHI 158........Jared Coreau...............................12/3/16 DET at PIT 159.......Nick Jensen........................12/20/16 DET at TB 160........Drew Miller...............................2/28/17 DET at VAN 161........Robbie Russo..............................3/7/17 DET at TOR 162........Dan Renouf.............................. 3/27/17 DET at CAR 163........Ben Street..................................3/28/17 DET at CAR 164........Evgeny Svechnikov....................4/3/17 DET vs. OTT 165........Matt Lorito.................................4/8/17 DET vs. MTL 166.......Kyle Criscuolo.............11/17/17 BUF at DET

Bold = Played in the NHL this season

(as of Nov. 17) Italics = Had name engraved on the Stanley Cup

after playing for Grand Rapids All photos by Dave Reginek.

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2017 Calder Cup Champions

77

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PARTING SHOT

Brian Lashoff shows off his newly minted 2017 Calder Cup ring to the Grand Rapids media.

80 by Mark Newman Photo

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