2010-11 griffiti - issue #3

2010-11 SEASONISSUE #3

official magazine of the grand rapids griffins

Limited

Edition Posters of

Willie Coetzee &

Derek Meech

Inside!

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Vol. 15, No. 3

StARtING LINEUP

22 PRIME tIMEGoaltender Joey MacDonald is happy toreturn to the Griffins after NHL stints inDetroit, Boston, New York and Toronto.

31 RENEWED ZIPJordan Owens wants to show that theRed Wings made the right move when they traded for him last season.

41 GEttING StRONGERBrandon Straub earned a standard player’scontract with the Griffins by overcomingthe odds.

51 BUILt tO LAStThe names and faces change year afteryear, but the AHL has thrived during itsthree-quarters of a century history.

2............Next Opponents5............Chalk Talk6............Coming Attractions9............Griffins Schedule12 .........AHL Team Directory18 .........AHL Tradition21 .........Detroit Red Wings28 .........Promotional Calendar36 .........Meet the Griffins

46 .........Get Connected!48 .........Griffins Records54 .........Community Crease57 .........Penalty Calls58 .........Griffins History64 .........Arena Map/Ticket Info68 .........It All Starts Here71 .........Kids Page72 .........Parting Shot

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

ON tHE BENCH

COVER:Goaltender Joey MacDonaldis back in Grand Rapids afterspending the better part of the past four seasons in the NHL.

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 ©2011 Grand Rapids Griffins. For advertising information, contact Griffins Sales & Marketing, (616) 774-4585; fax (616) 336-5464. Unsolicited manuscripts and other materials will not be returned.

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2 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

NExt HOME OPPONENtSPLAYERS TO WATCH

HAMILtON (JAN. 5, FEB. 4, FEB. 16)e Bulldogs like the intelligence of J.T. WyMAN (#10), a dartmouthCollege product who recorded a career-high 17 goals last season. Afourth-round pick of the MontrealCanadiens in the 2004 NHL entrydra, the 24-year-old Wyman earned a three-game promotion to the NHL in Nov. 2009.

CHICAGO (JAN. 21, JAN. 22) e Wolves hope to get solid pointproduction from NIgeL dAWes (#15),a Winnipeg native who scored 14goals in 66 games for the NHL’sCalgary Flames last season. A veteranof more than 200 NHL games, the 5-foot-9, 195-lb. winger scored acareer-high 35 goals for the AHL’sHartford Wolf Pack in 2005-06.

ROCKFORD (JAN. 28)e IceHogs want to give some seasoningto top Chicago Blackhawks prospect NICk Leddy (#6), a first-round pick

(16th overall) of theMinnesota Wild in the2009 NHL entry dra. Only 19 years old,the 5-foot-11, 190-lb. defenseman has thepotential to be a strong two-way player. Hewon Minnesota’s Mr. Hockey Award in 2009.

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 3

tExAS (FEB. 18)e stars think MATHIeuTOusIgNANT (#40) has proven thathe belongs in the AHL aer spending20 games in the eCHL last seasonduring his first year as a pro. A 21-year-old center from st-etienne-de-Lauzon,Quebec, Tousignant averaged a point pergame in the Quebec Major JuniorHockey League.

MILWAUKEE (FEB. 5) e Admirals are encouraged thatdefenseman TeeMu LAAksO (#2)has nearly equaled the point total ofhis rookie season in less than half asmany games. A native of Tuusula,Finland, the 6-foot, 215-lb. bluelinerwas a third-round pick (78th overall)of the Nashville Predators in the 2005NHL entry dra.

PEORIA (FEB. 20) e rivermen are hoping toeventually get more production out ofTyLer sHATTOCk (#26), a 6-foot-3,200-lb. forward from Vernon, BritishColumbia. A fourth-round pick of thest. Louis Blues in the 2009 NHL entrydra, shattock is coming off back-to-back 30-goal seasons in the WesternHockey League.

LAKE ERIE (FEB. 25)e Monsters see nothing but upside for 20-year-old defensemanCAMerON gAuNCe (#3), thesecond-round choice (50th overall) ofthe Colorado Avalanche in the 2008NHL entry dra. A product ofMarkham, Ontario, gaunce knowshow to use his 6-foot-1, 203-poundframe to his advantage.


griffins head coach CurtFraser and assistant coach JimPaek have two jobs. One is towin hockey games, the other isto develop future players for thedetroit red Wings.

e path to the first is no easier than the processof the second.

“kids are draed and they come into a league that is very competitive,” Fraser said. “guys whowere good players on their junior hockey and collegeteams come into a league that is full of first-roundpicks and kids who have played in worldchampionships.

“Plus, there are mature players who have been inthe league for four, five, six or more years, and sothese young kids discover that the American HockeyLeague is a very difficult league to play in.”

young prospects are typically signed to three-yearentry-level contracts to give them a chance todevelop, but there is no timetable that says the playerwill be ready in any given time.

“Players come in and think everything’s going tohappen immediately, but it’s a long process,” Frasersaid. “ey have to learn the league, the players andthe team’s system, as well as what is generallyexpected of them.”

Conditioning is another concern, as players are encouraged to build their physical skills so theyare able to work harder on the ice for a longer periodof time.

In practice, the development of an NHL prospecttakes time, if it happens at all.

Fraser points to the example of Patrik stefan, the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 NHL entry dra.As the coach of the expansion Atlanta rashers,Fraser watched the prized prospect struggle to find his game.

“It wasn’t until his third or fourth year that hestarted to contribute (at the NHL level), and that wasaer playing all the time in all different situations. Ittook him that long to get strong enough and to learnwhat he needed to do to play well.”

Many younger players experience similar growingpains.

“A good example here is Cory emmerton,” Frasersaid. “He had a pretty good first year, a better second

year, and now he’s right on the edge of making thenext step to the NHL.

“Jan Mursak is another example. He had a slowstart, but he worked hard and his second year wasmuch better and now his third year is that muchbetter. you can point to guys like Frankie Pare andLogan Pyett as others who have developedthemselves into good hockey players, but it didn’thappen overnight.”

Fraser said the prospects in grand rapids have anadvantage over young players in other organizations,since the red Wings prefer to take the time to allowtheir players to ripen at the minor league level.

“ey give players more time to develop at thislevel so when they’re asked to go up and play for thered Wings, they are able to contribute to the successof the team, and that’s a big jump from the AmericanHockey League.”

skill and hard work will only take a player so far,Fraser contends. “ey have to learn to play a teamgame,” he said. “e individual game doesn’t work atthis level – that’s why players oen don’t have thenumbers they had in juniors or college. you have to learn to work with each other. It’s teamwork thatwins here.”

Players also have to develop two-way skills.Offensive players must be defensively responsible intheir zone, while defensive players have to learn tocontribute in the offensive end.

“All this takes time,” Fraser said. “It takes hardwork. It takes a commitment by the player. And ittakes a lot of patience by the coaches to watch themgrow and develop.”

e AHL provides the perfect venue for players tolearn, develop and grow, but it’s difficult for someplayers to progress to thenext level. “And yet ifthey pay attention, dothe work and developthemselves, the reward iswell worth all the effort,”Fraser said, “because oneday they will get to playin the NHL for thedetroit red Wings.”

W I T H G R I F F I N S H E A D C O A C H C U R T F R A S E R


By Jiminy! It’s a Howard Bobblehead!Jimmy Howard has had

few bobbles since grabbingthe No. 1 goaltendingposition in detroit, and thathas inspired his former teamto immortalize him with abobblehead of his own.

griffins fans can takehome a Jimmy Howardbobblehead, courtesy ofHuntington Bank, onsaturday, Jan. 22 when the

team plays the second of back-to-back games against theChicago Wolves at Van Andel Arena.

runner-up for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’stop rookie last season, Howard has established himself asone of the leading contenders for the Vezina Trophy thisseason.

rough his first 24 games, Howard had a 17-5-2 recordwith two shutouts, a 2.60 goals-against average and a .912save percentage. Over two regular seasons, he had gone 22consecutive games without a loss in regulation (19-0-3)before dropping a 6-4 decision to Vancouver on Nov. 6.

Joey Macdonald, who mentored Howard during 2005-06, said he came away impressed with what he saw whilebacking up his protégé in detroit earlier this season.

“during my five weeks with the team, he impressed me,”Macdonald said. “When I played with him in grandrapids, you knew he had potential, but he’s come a long way.I give him credit.”

Macdonald said critics should not underestimateHoward’s ability. “People may say he’s only facing 15-20shots per game, but he’s coming up with that big save whenhe has to,” he noted. “When you’re not getting a lot of work,you’ve got to be ready.”

Howard posted a 37-15-10 record last season when hefinished in the NHL’s top-5 for goals-against and savepercentage. He was the runner-up to Buffalo defensemanTyler Myers for the Calder Trophy.

e sky’s the limit for Howard, Macdonald contends.“you can see it in his confidence,” he said. “e more heplays, the more confident he’ll become.”

In addition to theHoward bobbleheadgiveaway, the griffins willwelcome an appearance bythe ZOOperstars, thosezany inflatable characterswho tickle the funny bonesof sports fans with theircrazy antics.

Hockey Day in West Michigan Presented by LakeMichigan Credit Union – Sat., Feb. 5

e likeness of square-jawedTravis richards, the griffins’ all-time leader in games played with655, will be chiseled into ceramics,the result being a bobblehead to begiven away in his honor.

richards, the only player ingriffins history to have hisnumber retired, was selected forthe distinction as the winner in fanvoting. e former defenseman’s bobblehead will be givento the first 2,500 fans entering Van Andel Arena before thegame against the Milwaukee Admirals.

A fan favorite since the griffins’ inaugural season,richards played for the team from 1996 to 2006.

Wednesday Is Hockey Night! – Wed., Jan. 5e griffins have partnered with

downtown restaurants to offer fansspecial discounts on food anddrinks.

griffins fans can show theirtickets before or aer everyWednesday night home game toenjoy drink specials and 20% off

food at participating Arena district restaurants. (Offercannot be combined with any other discounts, offers orspecials.) Other remaining dates are Feb. 16, March 16 andMarch 23.

“Many downtown employees come in at 8 and leave at 5each workday,” said Tim gortsema, senior vice president ofbusiness operations for the griffins. “e goal of HockeyNight is to entice these folks to stick around aer work, havea great meal at a downtown restaurant, and enjoy an action-packed game at the arena.”

For the complete list of 20 participating restaurants andbars – including Peppino’s sports Lounge, home of thegriffins’ Wednesday post-game parties – please visitgriffinshockey.com/hockeynight.

As a part of the Hockey Night endeavor, several localsponsors purchased griffins tickets for distribution to nearly3,000 downtown workers, including firefighters, policeofficers and those involved in health care, education and thenonprofit sector.

supporters include Huntington, Meijer, WolverineWorld Wide, rdV Corporation, Amway, CitadelBroadcasting, seyferth Pr, grand Valley state university,Wells Fargo, e grand rapids Press, rockfordConstruction, experience grand rapids, NAI WestMichigan, and Paul goebel group Insurance.

Wherever life takes you in the Grand Rapids metro area, The Rapid has an easy, low-cost way to get you there.

For more information visit www.ridetherapid.org.

Your Office Plus Michigan Office Solutions Equals significant savings.

Did you know that companies face document output costs of nearly $1,000 per office-based employee per year?¹ That might not seem very high, but you do the math. It adds up fast. And remember, you pay this every year, year after year. But there is good news. It can be managed and signifi-cantly reduced. It all starts with a FREE Managed Print Services (MPS) Document Assessment with us.

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Contact us for more information: Toll Free: 800.442.9070 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mos-xerox.com

Official Document Solutions Provider for the Grand Rapids Griffins

M T W T F S

M T W T F S

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M

M T W T F S

M T W T F S M T W T F S

TO PURCHASE TICKETS OR FOR MORE INFO, VISIT GRIFFINSHOCKEY.COM OR

CALL 1.800.2.HOCKEY

ABB – AbbotsfordCHI - ChicagoHAM - HamiltonHOU - HoustonLE – Lake ErieMTB - ManitobaMIL - Milwaukee

OKC – Oklahoma CityPEO - PeoriaRCH – RochesterRFD - RockfordSA - San AntonioTEX – TexasTOR - Toronto

2010-11SEASON SCHEDULE

*All times Eastern. Dates, opponents, and times subject to change.

Home Away

Games broadcast live on

ABB10:00

ABB10:00

4 5 7 ABB7:00

RFD8:05

APRILS M T W T F S

3 MIL8:00

MIL6:00

Post-Game Open SkateHuntington Bank Post-Game Autograph SessionFan 4-Pack Home Game

1

3 4 5 6 7 ABB7:00 9

RFD5:05 11 12 13 MTB

8:30MTB8:30

17 18 19 20 21 RCH7:35

TOR5:00 25 26 28

OCTOBERS M T W T F S

27 MTB7:00

2

14MIL7:00

OKC7:00

31

CHI7:00

8 9 11 12HAM4:00 15 LE

7:00 18 HOU7:00

LE7:00

22 TOR11 A.M.23 25 RFD

7:00CHI8:00

29

NOVEMBERS M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 MTB7:00

LE5:00

MILNoon

HAM4:00

16

21PEO4:00 30

1 2 MIL8:00

SA7:00

SA4:00 6 7 9

13 16

19 20 21 TOR7:00 23 25

28CHI8:00

DECEMBERS M T W T F S

MIL7:00

TEX7:00

PEO8:05

TEX4:00 14 HOU

7:00PEO7:00

PEO8:05

24LE4:00 29 30 TOR

6:00

PEO7:00

3 4 HAM7:00

MIL8:00

9 10 11 SA8:00 14

TEX8:30

JANUARYS M T W T F S

20 CHI7:00

24 25 RCH7:05 27 RFD

7:00PEO8:35

30

2 7 RFD8:05

12 HOU8:35

HOU5:05 17 19 CHI

8:00

23

31

2 3 HAM7:00

MIL7:00

7 8 CHI8:00 10 11 LE

7:30

RCH3:05 15 17 TEX

7:00TOR3:00

PEO4:00 21 22 24 LE

7:00LE7:30

FEBRUARYS M T W T F S

1

6

14 HAM7:00

23HAM4:00 28

1 3

6 7 PEO8:05 10

14 15 OKC7:00 17

RFD4:00 21 22

MARCHS M T W T F S

24

28 29

2 RCH7:00

RCH7:00

9 OKC7:05

OKC8:05

SA5:30

LE7:00

RCH7:00

TOR7:00

TEX8:30

TEX8:00

27 30 31

3 4

5:05RFD 11

1

5 6 7 7:00ABB 9

12 13 8:30MTB

8:30MTB

2

14

8 9 11 12

4:00HAM 15 7:00

LE 18 7:00HOU

1 2 3 4 7:00MTB

5:00LE

NoonMIL

16

7:00CHI

7:00LE

4:00HAM

17 18

5:00TOR 25

31

4:00SA 6

134:00TEX

19 20 21 7:35RCH

26 2827 7:00MTB

7:00MIL

7:00OKC

1 2 8:00MIL

7:00SA

7 9

16

7:00MIL

7:00TEX

8:05PEO

14 7:00HOU

7:00PEO

8:05PEO

22 11 A.M.TOR23 25 7:00

RFD

29

21

4:00PEO 30

3 4 7:00HAM

8:00MIL

9 10 11 8:00SA 14

2 7

12

8:00CHI

7:00PEO

8:05RFD

8:35HOU

19 20

8:00CHI

4:00LE

7

3:05RCH

6

14

21 7:00TOR 23 25

28

24

29 30 6:00TOR

2 3 7:00HAM

7:00MIL

8 8:00CHI 10 11 7:30

LE

15 17 7:00TEX

3:00TOR

1

7:00HAM

8:30TEX 20 7:00

CHI

24 25 7:05RCH 27 7:00

RFD

30

5:05HOU 17 19

23

31

1 3

6 7 8:05PEO 10

14 15 7:00OKC 17

2 7:00RCH

9 7:05OKC

5:30SA

7:00LE

8:35PEO

8:00CHI

7:00RCH

8:05OKC

7:00RCH

43

6:00MIL

4:00PEO 21

4:00HAM 28

10:00ABB

10:00ABB

5 7 7:00ABB

8:05RFD

8:00MIL

22 24 7:00LE

7:30LE23

Home wayAAway

4:00RFD 21 22 24

28 29

7:00TOR

8:30TEX

27 30 31

8:00TEX

dear grand rapids griffins Fans,

Welcome to a milestone season for the griffins franchise.

At times, it’s hard to believe that we are already entering our 15th season of providing the highest levelof sports entertainment in West Michigan, not to mention our 10th year of membership in theAmerican Hockey League.

since that first game on Oct. 5, 1996, the griffins have created a legacy of success, winning five divisiontitles, making 10 playoff appearances and sending 110 players to the NHL, 13 of whom have gone on towin the stanley Cup.

As proud as we are of the winning tradition we’ve established, we’re just as pleased at our continuingaccomplishments off the ice. The griffins’ front office has received three AHL awards for excellence inthe last two years, winning the Western Conference’s award for fan experience in 2009-10, after beinghonored in the areas of community service and overall ticket sales growth in 2008-09.

Bob kaser, whom everyone knows as the “voice of the griffins,” received the AHL’s 2009-10 elleryAward for excellence in radio broadcasting, joining several other griffins staffers who have won leagueawards through the years. While fans pay attention to player movement between grand rapids anddetroit, one of the strengths of our organization has long been the retention of key staff, often a rarity in professional sports. Three of our current employees have been with us since before the first puckdropped, while five others have at least 10 years of service to the organization.

The most important people in our equation of success, however, are you and the thousands of othergriffins fans. Thanks to you, we finished fourth in the AHL in attendance last season, behind threemarkets – Hershey, Winnipeg and Chicago – whose pro hockey histories date back much further thangrand rapids’. That’s a testament to your passion and your loyalty, two things that we try to earn on anightly basis.

We’ll continue to offer one of the most innovative promotional lineups in hockey. Check out page 28 forall the details. We also hope that this year’s two major upgrades to Van Andel Arena – the expansion ofthe northwest concourse and the installation of a state-of-the-art Led ribbon on the façade of the upperdeck – enhance your game-night experience and keep you coming back for more.

Thank you for your continued support of the griffins. On behalf of our players, coaches and staff, Ihope you enjoy the 2010-11 season.

Sincerely,

Dan DeVos

President & CEO

Grand Rapids Griffins



American Hockey LeagueOne Monarch Place – Spring�eld, MA 01144Phone: (413) 781-2030 Fax: (413) 733-4767

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER,

AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE

DAVID A. ANDREWS

Dear Fans,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the historic 75th anniversary season of the American Hockey League. This milestoneprovides a unique opportunity for a season-long celebration of our remarkable history in professional hockey.

Our opening weekend festivities and historic rivalry matchups feature Springfield, Providence, Rochester, Hershey, Syracuse andLake Erie, and throughout the season all of our clubs will be hosting events to recognize former stars and AHL Hall of Famers, andthe iconic Calder Cup -- the symbol of AHL supremacy for 75 years -- will visit many of our cities as well.

We’re thrilled to enter this special season with an all-time high of 30 teams competing for the 75th Calder Cup championship.All 30 National Hockey League clubs now have their own primary affiliates in the AHL, further solidifying our position as the homeof the NHL’s top draft picks and future superstars. Last season alone, more than 200 former first- and second-round NHL draft picksplayed in the American Hockey League, and more than 300 players saw action in both the AHL and the NHL.

As we recognize our past in 2010-11, we also look to a bright future in two outstanding new cities as the Charlotte Checkers andthe Oklahoma City Barons join the league. We welcome those cities and their fans to the entertainment, skill and excitement ofthe AHL.

We continue to be proud of our tradition of developing the best hockey talent in the world, with over 85 percent of today’s NHL players, coaches and officials having honed their skills in the American Hockey League, including reigning Vezina Trophy winnerRyan Miller and 2010 Norris Trophy recipient Duncan Keith. Our loyal fans over the past 75 years have enjoyed cheering for morethan 100 future Hockey Hall of Famers, and have rooted for more than 100 Calder Cup champions who would go on to have theirnames engraved on the Stanley Cup as well.

The Hershey Bears enter this season as the two-time defending league champions after capping a record-setting season withtheir 11th Calder Cup last June. This year’s Bears are looking to hold off 29 other teams whose ultimate goal will also be the 2011Calder Cup championship.

We invite fans from across the league to join us in Hershey, Pa., the most historic and storied town in all of professional hockey, aswe celebrate our 75th anniversary with all of the spectacular events which will take place at the 2011 Capital Blue CrossAHL All-Star Classic on January 30 and 31.

On behalf of all of our teams, thank you again for your continuing support and I wish you the utmost enjoyment in followingyour club through what promises to be another fantastic season.

Sincerely,

David A. AndrewsPresident & Chief Executive OfficerAmerican Hockey League

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E A S T E R N C O N F E R E N C EATLANTIC DIVISION: Bridgeport, Hartford, Manchester, Portland, Providence, Springfield, Worcester

EAST DIVISION: Adirondack, Albany, Binghamton, Charlotte, Hershey, Norfolk, Syracuse, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton

ADIRONDACK PHANTOMSNHL AFFILIATION: Philadelphia FlyersHOME ICE: Glens Falls Civic Center (4,816)GENERAL MANAGER: Paul HolmgrenHEAD COACH: Greg GilbertENTERED AHL: 1996-97 (as Philadelphia Phantoms)CALDER CUPS: Two (1998, 2005)SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 10 of 142009-10 RECORD: 32-41-3-4, 71 pts.WEB SITE: www.phantomshockey.com

ALBANY DEVILSNHL AFFILIATION: New Jersey DevilsHOME ICE: Times Union Center (6,691)GENERAL MANAGER: Chris LamorielloHEAD COACH: Rick KowalskyENTERED AHL: 2006-07 (as Lowell Devils)CALDER CUPS: NoneSEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 1 of 42009-10 RECORD: 39-31-4-6, 88 pts.WEB SITE: www.thealbanydevils.com

BINGHAMTON SENATORSNHL AFFILIATION: Ottawa SenatorsHOME ICE: Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena (4,710)PRESIDENT: Tim Smith HEAD COACH: Kurt KleinendorstENTERED AHL: 2002-03CALDER CUPS: NoneSEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 3 of 82009-10 RECORD: 36-35-6-3, 81 pts.WEB SITE: www.binghamtonsenators.com

BRIDGEPORT SOUND TIGERSNHL AFFILIATION: New York IslandersHOME ICE: Bridgeport’s Arena at Harbor Yard (8,412)GENERAL MANAGER: Garth SnowHEAD COACH: Jack CapuanoENTERED AHL: 2001-02CALDER CUPS: NoneSEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 6 of 92009-10 RECORD: 38-32-4-6, 86 pts.WEB SITE: www.soundtigers.com

CHARLOTTE CHECKERSNHL AFFILIATION: Carolina HurricanesHOME ICE: Time Warner Cable Arena (6,800)HEAD COACH/ GENERAL MANAGER: Je� DanielsENTERED AHL: 2010-11WEB SITE: www.gocheckers.com

HARTFORD WOLF PACKNHL AFFILIATION: New York RangersHOME ICE: XL Center Veterans Memorial Coliseum (9,801)GENERAL MANAGER: Jim SchoenfeldHEAD COACH: Ken GernanderENTERED AHL: 1997-98CALDER CUPS: One (2000)SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 12 of 132009-10 RECORD: 36-33-6-5, 83 pts.WEB SITE: www.hartfordwolfpack.com

HERSHEY BEARSNHL AFFILIATION: Washington Capitals HOME ICE: Giant Center (10,500)GENERAL MANAGER: Doug YingstHEAD COACH: Mark FrenchENTERED AHL: 1938-39CALDER CUPS: 11 (1947, 1958, 1959, 1969, 1974, 1980, 1988, 1997, 2006, 2009, 2010)SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 61 of 722009-10 RECORD: 60-17-0-3, 123 pts. WEB SITE: www.hersheybears.com

MANCHESTER MONARCHSNHL AFFILIATION: Los Angeles KingsHOME ICE: Verizon Wireless Center (9,852)GENERAL MANAGER: Ron HextallHEAD COACH: Mark MorrisENTERED AHL: 2001-02CALDER CUPS: NoneSEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 8 of 92009-10 RECORD: 43-28-3-6, 95 pts.WEB SITE: www.manchestermonarchs.com

NORFOLK ADMIRALSNHL AFFILIATION: Tampa Bay LightningHOME ICE: Norfolk Scope (8,725)GENERAL MANAGER: Julien BriseBoisHEAD COACH: Jon CooperENTERED AHL: 2000-01CALDER CUPS: NoneSEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 7 of 102009-10 RECORD: 39-35-3-3, 84 pts.WEB SITE: www.norfolkadmirals.com

PORTLAND PIRATESNHL AFFILIATION: Bu�alo SabresHOME ICE: Cumberland County Civic Center (6,733)GENERAL MANAGER: Darcy RegierHEAD COACH: Kevin DineenENTERED AHL: 1993-94CALDER CUPS: One (1994)SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 13 of 172009-10 RECORD: 45-24-7-4, 101 pts.WEB SITE: www.portlandpirates.com

PROVIDENCE BRUINSNHL AFFILIATION: Boston BruinsHOME ICE: Dunkin’ Donuts Center Providence (11,075)GENERAL MANAGER: Peter ChiarelliHEAD COACH: Rob MurrayENTERED AHL: 1992-93CALDER CUPS: One (1999)SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 15 of 182009-10 RECORD: 36-38-5-1, 78 pts.WEB SITE: www.providencebruins.com

2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1 A H L D I R E C T O R Y


W E S T E R N C O N F E R E N C ENORTH DIVISION: Abbotsford, Grand Rapids, Hamilton, Lake Erie, Manitoba, Rochester, Toronto

WEST DIVISION: Chicago, Houston, Milwaukee, Oklahoma City, Peoria, Rockford, San Antonio, Texas

ABBOTSFORD HEATNHL AFFILIATION: Calgary FlamesHOME ICE: Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre (7,046)PRESIDENT: Tom MautheHEAD COACH: Jim PlayfairENTERED AHL: 2009-10CALDER CUPS: NoneSEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 1 of 12009-10 RECORD: 39-29-5-7, 90 pts.WEB SITE: www.abbotsfordheat.com

CHICAGO WOLVESNHL AFFILIATION: Atlanta �rashersHOME ICE: Allstate Arena (16,692)GENERAL MANAGER: Wendell YoungHEAD COACH: Don LeverENTERED AHL: 2001-02CALDER CUPS: Two (2002, 2008)SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 7 of 92009-10 RECORD: 49-24-1-6, 105 pts.WEB SITE: www.chicagowolves.com

GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINSNHL AFFILIATION: Detroit Red WingsHOME ICE: Van Andel Arena (10,834)GENERAL MANAGER: Bob McNamaraHEAD COACH: Curt FraserBEGAN PLAY: 1996-97 (IHL)ENTERED AHL: 2001-02CALDER CUPS: NoneSEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 6 of 92009-10 RECORD: 34-39-3-4, 75 pts.WEB SITE: www.gri�nshockey.com

HAMILTON BULLDOGSNHL AFFILIATION: Montreal CanadiensHOME ICE: Copps Coliseum (8,819)GENERAL MANAGER: Pierre GauthierHEAD COACH: Randy CunneyworthENTERED AHL: 1996-97CALDER CUPS: One (2007)SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 11 of 142009-10 RECORD: 52-17-3-8, 115 pts.WEB SITE: www.hamiltonbulldogs.com

HOUSTON AEROSNHL AFFILIATION: Minnesota Wild HOME ICE: Toyota Center (8,939)GENERAL MANAGER: Jim MillHEAD COACH: Mike YeoENTERED AHL: 2001-02CALDER CUPS: One (2003)SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 7 of 92009-10 RECORD: 34-34-7-5, 80 pts.WEB SITE: www.aeros.com

LAKE ERIE MONSTERSNHL AFFILIATION: Colorado AvalancheHOME ICE: Quicken Loans Arena (10,025)GENERAL MANAGER: David OliverHEAD COACH: David QuinnENTERED AHL: 2007-08CALDER CUPS: NoneSEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 0 of 32009-10 RECORD: 34-37-1-8, 77 pts.WEB SITE: www.lakeeriemonsters.com

SPRINGFIELD FALCONSNHL AFFILIATION: Columbus Blue JacketsHOME ICE: MassMutual Center (6,789)GENERAL MANAGER: Bruce LandonHEAD COACH: Rob RileyENTERED AHL: 1994-95CALDER CUPS: NoneSEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 6 of 162009-10 RECORD: 25-39-12-4, 66 pts.WEB SITE: www.falconsahl.com

SYRACUSE CRUNCHNHL AFFILIATION: Anaheim DucksHOME ICE: Onondaga County War Memorial at Oncenter (6,159)GENERAL MANAGER: Vance LedermanHEAD COACH: Mark HolickENTERED AHL: 1994-95CALDER CUPS: NoneSEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 9 of 162009-10 RECORD: 34-39-4-3, 75 pts.WEB SITE: www.syracusecrunch.com

WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PENGUINSNHL AFFILIATION: Pittsburgh PenguinsHOME ICE: Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza (8,050)GENERAL MANAGER: Ray SheroHEAD COACH: John HynesENTERED AHL: 1999-00CALDER CUPS: NoneSEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 9 of 112009-10 RECORD: 41-34-2-3, 87 pts.WEB SITE: www.wbspenguins.com

WORCESTER SHARKSNHL AFFILIATION: San Jose SharksHOME ICE: DCU Center (6,800)GENERAL MANAGER: Wayne �omasHEAD COACH: Roy SommerENTERED AHL: 2006-07CALDER CUPS: NoneSEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 3 of 42009-10 RECORD: 49-25-3-3, 104 pts.WEB SITE: www.sharksahl.com

TM

2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1 A H L D I R E C T O R Y

MANITOBA MOOSENHL AFFILIATION: Vancouver CanucksHOME ICE: MTS Centre (8,800)SENIOR VP/GENERAL MANAGER: Craig HeisingerHEAD COACH: Claude NoelENTERED AHL: 2001-02CALDER CUPS: NoneSEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 8 of 92009-10 RECORD: 40-33-5-2, 87 pts.WEB SITE: www.moosehockey.com

MILWAUKEE ADMIRALSNHL AFFILIATION: Nashville PredatorsHOME ICE: Bradley Center (17,845)GENERAL MANAGER: Paul FentonHEAD COACH: Lane LambertENTERED AHL: 2001-02CALDER CUPS: One (2004)SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 8 of 92009-10 RECORD: 41-30-2-7, 91 pts.WEB SITE: www.milwaukeeadmirals.com

OKLAHOMA CITY BARONSNHL AFFILIATION: Edmonton OilersHOME ICE: Cox Convention Center (13,399)GENERAL MANAGER: Bill ScottHEAD COACH: Todd NelsonENTERED AHL: 2010-11WEB SITE: www.okcbarons.com

PEORIA RIVERMENNHL AFFILIATION: St. Louis BluesHOME ICE: Peoria Civic Center – Carver Arena (9,919)GENERAL MANAGER: Kevin McDonaldHEAD COACH: Jared BednarENTERED AHL: 2005-06CALDER CUPS: NoneSEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 2 of 52009-10 RECORD: 38-33-2-7, 85 pts.WEB SITE: www.rivermen.net

ROCHESTER AMERICANSNHL AFFILIATION: Florida PanthersHOME ICE: Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester War Memorial (7,528)GENERAL MANAGER: Michael SantosHEAD COACH: Chuck WeberENTERED AHL: 1956-57CALDER CUPS: Six (1965, 1966, 1968, 1983, 1987, 1996)SEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 41 of 542009-10 RECORD: 44-33-2-1, 91 pts.WEB SITE: www.amerks.com

ROCKFORD ICEHOGSNHL AFFILIATION: Chicago BlackhawksHOME ICE: Rockford MetroCentre (5,767)GOVERNOR: Mark Bernard HEAD COACH: Bill PetersENTERED AHL: 2007-08CALDER CUPS: NoneSEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 3 of 32009-10 RECORD: 44-30-3-3, 94 pts.WEB SITE: www.icehogs.com

SAN ANTONIO RAMPAGENHL AFFILIATION: Phoenix CoyotesHOME ICE: AT&T Center (6,374)GENERAL MANAGER: Brad TrelivingHEAD COACH: Ray EdwardsENTERED AHL: 2002-03CALDER CUPS: NoneSEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 2 of 82009-10 RECORD: 36-32-5-7, 84 pts.WEB SITE: www.sarampage.com

TEXAS STARSNHL AFFILIATION: Dallas StarsHOME ICE: Cedar Park Center (6,863)GENERAL MANAGER: Scott WhiteHEAD COACH: Glen GulutzanENTERED AHL: 2009-10CALDER CUPS: NoneSEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 1 of 12009-10 RECORD: 46-27-3-4, 99 pts.WEB SITE: www.texasstarshockey.com

TORONTO MARLIESNHL AFFILIATION: Toronto Maple LeafsHOME ICE: Ricoh Coliseum (7,851)GENERAL MANAGER: Dave NonisHEAD COACH: Dallas EakinsENTERED AHL: 2005-06CALDER CUPS: NoneSEASONS IN PLAYOFFS: 3 of 52009-10 RECORD: 33-35-6-6, 78 pts.WEB SITE: www.torontomarlies.com

2010-11 PLAYOFF FORMAT

The top four teams in each division will qualify for the 2011 Calder Cup Playo�s, with one possible exception in each conference. If the �fth-place team in the West Division �nishes with more points than the fourth-place team in the North Division, it will cross over and compete in the North Division playo�s. Likewise, if the �fth-place team in the East Division �nishes with more points than the fourth-place team in the Atlantic Division, it will cross over and compete in the Atlantic Division playo�s.

1. Division Semi�nals – Best of Seven - Within each division, the �rst-place team plays the fourth-place team, while the second-place team faces the third-place team.

2. Division Finals – Best of Seven

3. Conference Finals – Best of Seven - The winners of the North and West Divisions will play for the Western Conference title, while the champions of the Atlantic and East Divisions will face o� for the Eastern Conference crown.

4. Calder Cup Finals – Best of Seven

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Over the past three-quarters of a century, the American Hockey League has been home to some of the greatest players in the history of our sport. In fact, more than 100 honored members of the Hockey Hall of Fame have been affiliated with the AHL during their careers. All-time greats like George Armstrong, Toe Blake, Gump Worsley, Terry Sawchuk, Glenn Hall, Brad Park, Ken Dryden and Brett Hull came through the AHL ranks and now find themselves enshrined in Toronto, and the coveted Calder Cup trophy is enscribed with the names of legendary AHL alumni like Patrick Roy, Larry Robinson, Gerry Cheevers, Andy Bathgate, Tim Horton, Al Arbour, Emile Francis, Doug Harvey and Billy Smith.

The American Hockey League has created its own legends as well, and in 2006 began honoring them with the formation of the AHL Hall of Fame. The fifth class of inductees, recognized in 2010, included Macgregor Kilpatrick, John Paddock, Marcel Paille and Bill Sweeney. They join the likes of Johnny Bower, Fred Glover, Jody Gage, Willie Marshall, Frank Mathers, Eddie Shore, Bruce Boudreau, Tim Tookey and others as distinguished members of the American Hockey League Hall of Fame.

J

LEGENDS

HISTORY

The American Hockey League is excited to be celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2010-11, a milestone 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, Pittsburgh, Providence, Springfield and Syracuse.

Frank Calder, the National Hockey League’s president at the time, was instrumental in the forming of the new league, and his name would be given to its championship trophy. The first Calder Cup was won by the Syracuse Stars, beginning a tradition that continued in 2010 when the Hershey Bears captured a record 11th AHL championship.

In today’s National Hockey League, more than 85 percent of the players are AHL alumni, including 2010 Vezina Trophy winner Ryan Miller and 2010 Norris Trophy recipient Duncan Keith. More than 130 AHL alumni participated in the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, with 42 collecting medals including Canada’s Eric Staal and Dan Boyle, the United States’ Zach Parise and Dustin Brown, and Finland’s Mikko Koivu and Valtteri Filppula -- all former AHL All-Stars. The Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks were stocked with AHL graduates as well, among them Kris Versteeg, Dustin Byfuglien, Troy Brouwer, Patrick Sharp and Antti Niemi.

Ryan Miller2010 Vezina Trophy Winner

2005 AHL Goaltender of the Year

Photo: Buffalo Sabres

Johnny BowerHonored Member, Hockey Hall of Fame

Honored Member, AHL Hall of Fame

“


STARS

COACHES

At the start of the 2010-11 season, the NHL featured 23 head coaches who were former AHL bench bosses, including Joel Quenneville of the 2010 Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks and 2009 Stanley Cup champion Dan Bylsma of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Rookie head coaches in the NHL include Tampa Bay’s Guy Boucher and Columbus’s Scott Arniel, the last two winners of the Louis A.R. Pieri Award as the AHL’s coach of the year.

The AHL All-Star Classic showcases the league’s top talent each year in an All-Star Skills Competition and All-Star Game. The 2011 AHL All-Star Classic will be held at Giant Center in Hershey, Pa., on January 30-31, featuring the Eastern Conference All-Stars battling the Western Conference All-Stars in a game to be televised live across the U.S. and Canada.

Of the 528 players to take part in the AHL All-Star Classic since 1995, more than 93 percent have competed in the National Hockey League, including Patrice Bergeron, Brad Boyes, Daniel Briere, Brian Campbell, Zdeno Chara, Miikka Kiprusoff, Chris Kunitz, Bobby Ryan, Martin St. Louis, Jason Spezza and Tomas Vokoun.

FANS

PLAYERS

During the 2009-10 season, more than 800 AHL alumni played in the National Hockey League, including 320 who skated in both leagues last year alone. Anaheim’s Corey Perry and Philadelphia’s Mike Richards were among the 13 AHL graduates who led their NHL teams in scoring, and former AHL All-Stars Tuukka Rask, Jaroslav Halak and Jimmy Howard were among the 26 AHL goaltending alumni who paced their NHL clubs in victories. More than 200 former first- and second-round draft picks developed their skills in the AHL last season, including breakout rookies like Logan Couture, P.K. Subban, Tyler Ennis, John Carlson and Lars Eller.

An AHL-record crowd of 21,508 fans packed the New York State Fairgrounds

in Syracuse for the Mirabito Outdoor Classic on Feb. 20, 2010.

Phot

o: K

evin

Col

ton

Sports Action Photography/AHL

Former AHL All-Star and Calder Cup champion Patrick Sharp won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago

Blackhawks last June.

Photo: Chicago Blackhawks

P.K. Subban’s memorable rookie season included a trip to the 2010 AHL All-Star Classic in Portland.

“The American Hockey League has been essential in developing my potential both as a player and as a coach. Being able to hone my skills and improve at a high level of competition was key to reaching my goals of

playing in the NHL, becoming a head coach and winning the Stanley Cup.”-- Dan Bylsma, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Penguins

The 2009-10 season saw more than 6 million fans attend AHL games for the ninth year in a row; since 2001, AHL games have been played before more than 58 million fans in arenas across North America. The Hershey Bears paced the league by averaging more than 9,500 fans per game last year; the Lake Erie Monsters drew a franchise-high 18,626 fans for a single game in January; and a league-record 21,508 fans were part of hockey history when the Syracuse Crunch hosted the Mirabito Outdoor Classic, the AHL’s first-ever outdoor game, on Feb. 20.



tOP AFFILIAtEgrand rapids griffins (AHL)

ARENAJoe Louis Arena

seating Capacity: 20,066

INFOPhone: (313) 394-7000

www.detroitredwings.com

StANLEY CUPS1936, 1937, 1943, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955,

1997, 1998, 2002, 2008

MANAGEMENtken Holland, executive VP/general Manager

Jim Nill, VP/Assistant general Manager

COACHING StAFFMike Babcock, Head Coach

Paul MacLean, Assistant CoachBrad McCrimmon, Assistant Coach

keith Mckittrick, Video CoachJim Bedard, goaltending Coach

Justin Abdelkader, 2008-09sean Avery, 2002-03ryan Barnes, 2003-04Patrick Boileau, 2002-03darryl Bootland, 2003-04Aaron downey, 2008-09Matt ellis, 2006-07Jonathan ericsson, 2007-08Valtteri Filppula, 2005-06Mark Hartigan, 2007-08darren Helm, 2007-08Jimmy Howard, 2005-06Jiri Hudler, 2003-04Matt Hussey, 2006-07doug Janik, 2009-10Jakub kindl, 2009-10Tomas kopecky, 2005-06Niklas kronwall, 2003-04Marc Lamothe, 2003-04

Josh Langfeld, 2006-07Brett Lebda, 2005-06Ville Leino, 2008-09Joey Macdonald, 2006-07donald MacLean, 2005-06darren McCarty, 2007-08derek Meech, 2006-07kevin Miller, 2003-04Mark Mowers, 2003-04Anders Myrvold, 2003-04kris Newbury, 2009-10kyle Quincey, 2005-06Mattias ritola, 2007-08Jamie rivers, 2003-04Nathan robinson, 2003-04stacy roest, 2002-03garrett stafford, 2007-08Jason Williams, 2002-03

GRIFFINS WHO HAVE EARNED tHEIR WINGS*

* not including conditioning stints for Curtis Joseph (2003-04), Chris Osgood (2005-06),Manny Legace (2005-06), Chris Chelios (2008-09) and Andreas Lilja (2009-10).

DetroitreD Wings

since the grand rapids-detroit affiliation began in 2002, griffins fans haveproudly watched 37 players move on to play for the red Wings – including thelikes of Justin Abdelkader, Jonathan ericsson, Valtteri Filppula, darren Helm,

Jiri Hudler and Niklas kronwall – while also enjoying the opportunity to see someof detroit’s brightest stars play at Van Andel Arena during conditioning stints.

Photo: Getty Images

Red Wings goaltenderJimmy Howard went 37-15-10 with a 2.26

GAA and a 0.924 save percentage as a rookielast season, finishing

second in voting for theNHL’s Calder Trophy

and becoming the latestin a long line of former

Griffins to make animpact in Hockeytown.


Photos and story by Mark Newman


griffins goaltender Joey Macdonald laughswhen someone wonders whether he’s too old tobe plying his trade in the AHL.

As far as he’s concerned, he is just entering his prime. “ ‘But you’re 30 years old,’ they’ll say,” Macdonald chuckles, knowing he can point to a couple of former teammates who were just beginning to show flashes of brilliance betweenthe pipes at that age.

Macdonald, who was the understudy ofdominic Hasek and Chris Osgood during thedetroit red Wings’ 2006-07 season, thinks backto watching the workouts of Hasek, who won thefirst of his six Vezina Trophies at the age of 29.

Better yet, he remembers backing up BostonBruins goaltender Tim Thomas, the Flint nativewho played several seasons in Finland beforebecoming an NHL starter at the creaky age of 31.

Thomas, currently the hottest goalie in theNHL, was a positively ancient 35 when he wonhis first Vezina Trophy in 2009.

Macdonald, of course, would never suggestthat his talent is comparable to either Hasek orThomas, but he believes that both playersunderscore the belief that netminders can takelonger than others to develop.


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And so now, after seeing playing time with the red Wings, Bruins, New york Islanders and TorontoMaple Leafs, Macdonald is looking to re-establishhimself in the city where his pro career firstblossomed.

Macdonald had no hesitation about returning togrand rapids, where he ranks among the griffins’all-time goaltending leaders in numerous categoriesand stands first in wins and shutouts.

“When detroit called last July 1st, I didn’t take anytime to think about it,” Macdonald said. “The redWings organization is great, but if I was going to playin the American Hockey League, there’s no betterplace than grand rapids.”

He figured he would see a lot of action with the griffins, but an injury to Osgood led to a late-October recall to detroit, where he enjoyed afive-week stay before being sent back to grand rapids on dec. 1.

Although he saw action in only one game in reliefof Jimmy Howard, the red Wings’ No. 1 netminder,Macdonald nevertheless appreciated the opportunityto fill the backup role.

“Whenever you get a chance to be on the ice withthe best team in the National Hockey League, youcan’t take it for granted,” he said. “sure, it’s a littlefrustrating because you want to play some games, but,at the same time, Howie was playing really well andyou’ve got to respect that.”

It wasn’t the first time that Macdonald had to ridethe pine. After four seasons in grand rapids, he spentthe majority of the 2006-07 season in detroit, wherehe was the red Wings’ third goaltender.

He saw action in only eight games, getting a rarestart in between backing up Osgood and sitting in the pressbox.

“Being the third guy was tough,” he said. “I wasn’tgetting into a lot of games because when Hasekplayed, Ozzie would back up. even in practices, Hasekwould be at one end and Ozzie at the other, with mefloating back and forth.”

To combat the inactivity, Macdonald spent a lot of time before and after practice working with redWings goaltending coach Jim Bedard. Being the third (winged) wheel also afforded him plenty of time to observe.

“even at age 41, Hasek was on the ice long beforepractice and he was one of the last guys off, too, andnow Ozzie is the same way,” he said. “When you seethe older guys doing it, it energizes you and makesyou work that much harder.”

And hard work is what it will take to earn a returnticket to the NHL. “Once you get a taste of the NHL,you want to keep working to get back,” Macdonaldsaid. “you can never give up.”

The Bruins claimed Macdonald on waivers inFebruary 2007 after the red Wings tried to send himto grand rapids to get more work. As the backup toThomas, Macdonald saw action in seven games,

posting a 2-2-1 record with a 2.68 goals-againstaverage and a .918 save percentage.

His Beantown performance led to a two-yearcontract with the New york Islanders. He spent the majority of the 2007-08 season in Bridgeport, but the following season saw him become a full-time NHL goalie after rick diPietro, the Islanders’No. 1 netminder, was idled with injuries.

Macdonald, who appeared in 49 NHL gamesduring the 2008-09 season, was chosen the NHL’sthird star of the month in November behindWashington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin andPittsburgh Penguins center evgeni Malkin.

excelling in relief of diPietro, Macdonald made14 consecutive starts that month, posting an 8-5-1record with a 2.64 goals-against average and a .916save percentage. He led all goaltenders in games (14),minutes (842) and shots faced (439), and shared thelead in victories.

The month also saw him outduel opposinggoaltenders roberto Luongo of the VancouverCanucks and Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiensin shootout victories that came just a week apart. “I think I proved that I could play in the NationalHockey League,” he said.

Being the No. 1 gave him the opportunity to relaxand not worry about being replaced the next game.

“When you’re the guy and you’re playing everynight, it makes things a lot easier,” he said. “you might get lit up for 5 or 6 goals one night, but youknow you’re going to have the chance to jump rightback in there the next night.

“When you’re playing on a regular basis, you getinto a rhythm and you don’t think. As a goalie, youdon’t want to think too much. you just want to go out and play the game.”

One of the highlights of his career to date came in his return to Joe Louis Arena. He made 42 saves for his lone NHL shutout in the Islanders’ 2-0 winover detroit on March 27, 2009.

“I was a little nervous; I think my legs were shakingalmost the whole game,” he said. “It was one of thosegames where they hit a couple of posts, I made a fewgood saves and we stuck with it. I beat Ozzie, so I stilltease him that I’m 1-0 against him.”

A month earlier, Macdonald led the Islanders to a big win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, the eventual2009 stanley Cup champions. “The game was at homein New york and we were tied 1-1, so we went into ashootout. We scored the first goal and after a coupleof stops, it came down to me and sidney Crosby, twoNova scotians, and I ended up stopping him for the win.”

Last season, Macdonald spent a good part of theseason with the Toronto Maple Leafs when injuriessidelined Jonas gustavsson and Vesa Toskala. He saw action in six games with the Leafs, including 40 minutes of a 3-0 shutout of Montreal and a 6-3 win at Columbus.


In 2004-05, MacDonald established Griffins marks with 24 consecutive starts and 31 consecutive games played in goal.

Playing hockey in Toronto is a pressure-packedexperience. “It’s a crazy spot,” he said. “Wherever you are, you’re always in the spotlight. It even filtered down to the Marlies.

“There’s a lot of pressure. I have a lot of respect forthe guys who played a long time in Toronto – guyslike (Mats) sundin and (Tie) domi. They dealt with itfor 10-15 years. It’s a tough place to play, but puttingon the Leafs jersey was a good experience for me.”

In his return to grand rapids, Macdonald notonly has provided veteran leadership but also hasmentored red Wings prospect Thomas McCollum,who was detroit’s first choice (30th overall) in the 2008NHL entry draft.

“Tommy has a lot of talent,” Macdonald said. “He’s big, moves really well and he’s a great kid. Tocome back and work with someone like that is fun. It’s the same as Marc Lamothe and me back in the day. Marc was my age then and I was Tommy’s age.I’m hoping I can help him.”

Macdonald was anxious to shake off any rust left from his extended his stay in detroit. “you canpractice all you want, but it takes a few games to getinto the flow of the game, the quickness, and just littlethings like picking up pucks through screened shots,”he said.

His goal is to prove that he belongs in the NHL.“you never know what’s going to happen, but I wouldlike to have a really good year and put myself in agood position for the next,” he said. “right now,however, the goal is to win here.”

Whatever happens, he knows there are peoplewatching back in his hometown of Pictou, Novascotia, where he lives with his wife Alyssa, sonCamden, 6, and daughter kendall, 3.

Camden is already following in his father’sfootsteps. He is an aspiring goaltender.

“When I was in New york, he would watch thegames to the very end, even criticizing me at times. I would come home and he would say, ‘dad, whydidn’t you do this?’ and he’d get down and show me.

“I’m thinking, ‘I have coaches and goalie coachesand now I have my five-year-old (at the time) tellingme what to do.’ I’m looking at him, thinking, ‘yeah, Iprobably should have done that,’ and it’s great becausehe’s already got a couple of years on me, because Ididn’t start playing in nets until I was 7 or 8.”

It’s obvious that Macdonald takes as much pride in being a father as he does in his playing. He finisheswith a story of Camden going to school with proof of his daddy’s success.

“He had taken my Toronto Maple Leaf card to school for show-and-tell and another little kidraised his hand andsaid, ‘I have that samecard, but mine issigned!’” Macdonaldrecalls with a chuckle.“Cam came home andsaid, ‘dad, can you signmy card, too?’”


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Dollar Beers and Hot Dogs: Every Friday, enjoy $1 hot dogs and $1 domestic drafts from 6-8 p.m.,while supplies last.

College Nights presented by Chemical Bank:Every Friday, college students can show their ID topurchase a lower bowl ticket for $12 (or $10 inadvance at The Zone) and stop by the McFadden'sconcourse table to receive a free pass to the post-game party at McFadden's.

Wednesday is Hockey Night: Before or after everyWednesday home game, show your ticket to thatnight’s game to receive drink specials and 20% offfood at participating Arena District restaurants andbars, including Peppino’s Sports Lounge, home of the Griffins’ Wednesday post-game parties. Visitgriffinshockey.com/hockeynight for a list ofparticipating restaurants.

Winning Wednesday: Every time the Griffins win at home on Wednesday, each fan in attendance willreceive a free ticket to the next Wednesday game.

sunday is Fun Day!: Every Sunday, enjoy $1 Cole’sBreadsticks and $1 Pepsi drinks from 3-5 p.m. EnjoyJersey Card and Crazy Band giveaways for the kids,live music from Jaded 8, and the J & H Family StoresPost-Game Skate.

Fan 4 Packs: For select games, receive four ticketsand $12 in concession cash for a great low price. Valid for games on Feb. 20 and March 20. Visitgriffinshockey.com/f4p or call (616) 774-4585 ext. 2.

Library Nights: For every Sunday and Wednesdayhome game, fans who present their Grand RapidsPublic Library card or Kent District Library card at theVan Andel Arena box office on the night of the game orat The Zone anytime during the store’s regular businesshours can purchase a lower bowl ticket for just $10 - a savings of $7! Limit four tickets per card per person.

J & H Family stores Post-Game skates: Jan. 22; Feb. 5 and 20; March 5, 19 and 20.

Huntington Bank Post-Game Autographsessions: Jan. 22; Feb. 5 and 20; March 5 and 20.

MOs Corner Office presented by Michigan Officesolutions: Located on the terrace level above section118, this section provides the best seats in the housefor groups of up to 30 people, with La-Z-Boy chairs and an array of unprecedented amenities. Call (616) 774-4585.

D-Zone Nation presented by WGRD: Come jointhe D-Zone Nation on Friday nights and enjoy $1beer and $1 hot dog service in your seats between6-8 p.m. Avoid concession lines and pay no fees orservice charges, with $68 four-packs of ticketsavailable now. Go to griffinshockey.com/dzone or call 616-774-4585 ext. 2. Ask about deeperdiscounts when you buy two or more four-packs of tickets!

Puck in the stands: Catch a puck during a game?Present it to guest services to receive a $10 giftcertificate to 25 Kitchen and Bar. (Don’t worry, you get to keep the puck!)

All promotions and dates subject to change.

Jan. 22: Jimmy Howard BobbleheadGiveaway presented by HuntingtonBank/Appearance by the ZOOperstars

Jan. 22-23: Annual Great Skate Winterfest atRosa Parks Circle in Downtown Grand Rapids

Feb. 5: Hockey Day in West Michiganpresented by Lake Michigan CreditUnion/Travis Richards BobbleheadGiveaway/Jersey Auction #2/NationalAnthem by the Red Wings’ Karen Newman

Feb. 18: Vows at the Van

Feb. 20: Mattias Ritola Jersey Card andZamboni CrazyBand Giveaway presented byOne Communications

Feb. 22: Annual Griffins vs. Grand Rapids SledWings sled hockey game at Griff’s IceHouse

Feb. 23: Inaugural Griffins Wine Gala at Noto’sOld World Italian Restaurant

Feb. 25: Locks of Love presented by Douglas JAveda Salons

March 4: Ladies Night, with makeup,hairstyling and pampering by PanopoulosSalons

March 5: Star Wars Night/Bottle OpenerGiveaway presented by MetroPCS

March 19: Mascot Mania presented byCentennial Securities/Team PosterGiveaway/Jersey Auction #3

March 20: Fan Appreciation Day presented byMichigan Office Solutions/Griffins #1 Fan Signand Griffins Crest Logo CrazyBandGiveaway/Appearance by Quick Change,performers featured on America’s Got Talent

April 8: Season Finale presented byChrysler/Jersey Auction #4

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reneWeD ZiPJorDan oWens Wants to shoW that the

reD Wings maDe the right move When they traDeD for him last season.

Photos and story byMark Newman

sometimes a change of address will boost aplayer’s fortunes. Jordan Owens certainly hopesso.

Owens was traded by the New york rangers tothe detroit red Wings last March in exchange forkris Newbury. e Toronto native had spent themajority of his professional career with the AHL’sHartford Wolf Pack, and he felt it was time for achange.

“I had been in Hartford for three years and thesituation was becoming stale,” Owens said. “Plus,the team was struggling, so it was prettymiserable. I needed a change.”


Nevertheless, he never expected to have hiswish granted.

“I thought that I would have been the last guyto get traded, but it happened,” he said. “Whenthey said I was going to grand rapids, I’m suremy eyes lit up, but I tried to contain my emotionsbecause it was kind of bittersweet leaving.”

Hartford, it seemed, had been good to Owens.He had been signed to an amateur tryout

toward the end of the 2006-07 season, then madea favorable enough impression in two regularseason games and six playoff contests to be signedto an AHL/eCHL contract.

Owens had no permanent address during the2007-08 season. His rookie year was spent livingin a residence Inn on the outskirts of Hartford ashe bounced between the Wolf Pack and theeCHL’s Charlotte Checkers.

“I was in the hotel for the whole year, and thatwas quite the experience on its own,” he said.“Living in a hotel is like nothing else, really. It’slike you’re on the road the entire year.”

He became well acquainted with the restaurantnext door. “I lived right beside a TgI Friday’s andI probably ate there a good 4-5 times a week,” herecalled. “sometimes I’d eat both lunch and dinner

Owens totaled 58 goals in his last two junior seasons before becoming a tenacious forechecker and penalty killer in the pros.


there, so I became really familiar with their menu. To this day, I could probably rattle off the whole menu.”

even eating the best food gets old after a while, but Owens wasn’t goingto complain. He was living outa dream that had beendeveloping since he had playedthree years of junior hockey forthe Mississauga Icedogs.

“I was excited because that’swhere I wanted to be,” he said,shrugging off his provisionalaccommodation. “It was allgood, just part of theexperience. To me, that was prohockey.

“I just came to the rink andtried to earn a spot every singleday of the year.”

He played well enough forthe rangers to pick up hisoption for a second year. In2008-09, he enjoyed his bestseason to date, tallying 12 goals and 25 assists for 37 points in 67 games.

“I felt really positive,” he said. “everything went my way and I gained a lot of confidenceevery night.”

A point-per-game player during his last twoyears in junior hockey, Owens discovered that heneeded to find a new role in the pro ranks.

“In junior, I was one of those guys who wasexpected to create offense andscore points, but in the pros, theskill level is elevated that muchmore. There are some reallygood players at this level, evenmore so at the NHL.

“I wasn’t blessed with thesame skill as the top NHL guysor even the best players in theAmerican Hockey League, so Ihave to show something.”

That “something” was speed,along with a willingness to workharder than his opponent. Aformer participant in both theOHL and eCHL all-star games,Owens finished second in theeCHL’s fastest-skater event inthat league’s 2007-08 all-starskills competition.

“I fell into the role of forechecker and penaltykiller,” he said. “I think the role suits me because Ican use my speed to my benefit. Plus, I’ve neverbeen one to shy away from physical play and that’sa good attribute for a checker.”

“It’s aboutgiving second

and third effort,and taking

pride in yourwork ethic.”


Prior to his trade to the red Wings last season,Owens compiled 19 points (6-13--19) and a team-high plus-eight rating in 50 games with Hartford,after the rangers had rewarded him with a freeagent NHL contract.

“Points, for me, are a bonus,” he said. “WhenI’m doing my job and also contributing by scoringsome big goals for the team, that always feelsgood. It adds to your confidence when you’re ableto chip in and contribute on a regular basis.”

He came to the griffins reinvigorated, ready toroll with renewed zip.

“I was happy and excited tocome to detroit,” he said, “sowhen I arrived in grand rapids,I wanted a fresh start.”

Owens’ #46 jersey had been afan favorite in Hartford, but hedecided to symbolically changehis number. He chose #22 inhonor of Willie O’ree, the firstblack player in NHL historywhen he made his debut withthe Boston Bruins on Jan. 28,1958.

“seeing that the 50thanniversary wasn’t too long ago,I decided there wasn’t a betternumber to wear,” he said.

He admits that he never reallyencountered the bigotry thatO’ree faced half a century earlier. “I’m sure it’s notas serious as an issue as it was back in the day,” hesaid.

even so, he wasn’t oblivious to the color of hisskin. “As a young hockey player, it’s kind of funnywhen you’re sitting in a room and no one elselooks like you, but I’ve never felt uncomfortable,”he said. “To be honest, it never really crosses mymind.”

He is much more concerned with creating theright impression, to demonstrate the kind ofcharacter and work ethic that makes people color-blind. Whether he’s killing penalties or leading theforecheck, he wants people to notice only onething – he’s giving everything he has.

“It’s a matter of outworking your opponent,” hesaid. “On the penalty kill, you have to be willing towork hard and be a little fearless and reckless interms of getting into shooting lanes and blockingshots. It’s about giving second and third effort, andtaking pride in your work ethic.”

For the past couple of summers, Owens hasfollowed the guidance of former griffins captainMatt ellis, whom he describes as the “dad” of thegym where he and several other players work outin the Niagara Falls area during the offseason.

“He’s the veteran who everybody looks to foradvice and tips,” Owens said. “He’s probably the

hardest worker there every single day, so he’s aninspiration for everybody in the gym.”

Owens points to ellis as the type of player he’dlike to become. “He worked his way up – he didn’tleave anything in someone else’s hands,” he said.“He left nothing to chance and left it all on thetable every day. He’s a worker. I see it in his eyesevery day in the gym.”

Owens opened some eyes of his own this fallwhen he made a positive impression on redWings coach Mike Babcock during training camp.

“He’s not going to make ourhockey club, but I didn’t knowwho he was and now I do.That’s a good camp,” Babcocktold reporters in Traverse City.“He played with real goodenergy, real good speed and hewas tenacious.

“If you would have saidwhat’s the red and Whitelineup at the start of the camp,he wouldn’t have been in it. sohe earned his way into thatopportunity, so good for him.”

Owens looked at the camp asanother step in hisdevelopment as a player.

“I think I accomplishedwhat I set out to do, which wasjust to have the best camp that

I could,” he said. “I wanted to have a great campand worked hard all summer toward that goal. Igot to show them how I play, and hopefully theywere happy with my play.”

For Owens, the opportunity to witness thework ethic of established players like Paveldatsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg only served tounderscore what it is necessary to excel at thehighest level.

“you think you are working out hard and thenyou see datsyuk and Zetterberg and these guysare working out even harder,” he said. “It showsyou what it takes to be a world-class athlete. If Ican imitate what they do, I think I’ll be pretty well off.”

And while home for the time being is VanAndel Arena, Owens hopes to eventually showthat he’s worthy of another change of address – to 600 Civic Centerdrive in detroit,home to Joe LouisArena.

“My goal is to cometo the rink here, bethe best that I can be,and hope everythingworks out,” he said.

Owens openedsome eyes of his

own this fallwhen he made

a positiveimpression on

Red Wings coachMike Babcock

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FRANCis PARERight Wing

5-10, 195 lbs.Born: 6/30/87

Lemoyne, Que.

JORDAN PEARCEGoaltender6-1, 195 lbs.

Born: 10/10/86Anchorage, Alaska

LOGAN PYETTDefenseman5-10, 195 lbs.Born: 5/26/88Regina, sask.

BRENT RAEDEKECenter

6-0, 200 lbs.Born: 5/29/90Regina, sask.

BRENDAN sMiTHDefenseman6-2, 195 lbs.Born: 2/8/89Mimico, Ont.

BRANDON sTRAUBForward/Defenseman

6-4, 225 lbs.Born: 3/1/83

Colorado springs, Colo.

JAMiE TARDiFRight Wing6-0, 200 lbs.

Born: 1/23/85Welland, Ont.

TOMAs TATARLeft Wing

5-10, 186 lbs.Born: 12/1/90ilava, slovakia

13

9

DEREK MEECHDefenseman5-11, 205 lbs.Born: 4/21/84

Winnipeg, Man.

CHRis MiNARDLeft Wing

6-1, 205 lbs.Born: 11/18/81

Owen sound, Ont.

JAN MURsAKRight Wing

5-11, 192 lbs.Born: 1/20/88

Maribor, slovenia

JORDAN OWENsLeft Wing

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gettingstronger

Brandon straubearned a standardplayer’s contract

with the griffins byovercoming the odds.

story and photos by Mark Newman

“Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.”– African proverb

success, it has been said, is measured not bywhat one accomplishes, but by the opposition oneencounters and the courage one must summon toovercome the odds.

In other words, it is the epitome of the belief“that which does not kill us makes us stronger,” acontention that griffins forward Brandon straubwould not argue against.

straub knows his hockey career could havebeen over a couple of times had he not perseveredand showed the kind of determination that hasenabled him to triumph over various difficultiesand distractions.


Nothing sharpened his focus more than a calamitythat befell his family when his father lost his eyesightafter something went horribly wrong during a routineprocedure to repair vertebrae in his back.

straub was in his freshman year of high school inVail, Colo., having been recruited to play midget AAAhockey there. His parents had given their blessing forhim to leave their Colorado springs home and livewith a host family, but his father’s circumstancescaused him to question his move.

“I came home for two weeks, but my parents moreor less forced me to go back,” he recalled. “I was readyto quit and just stay home, but they wanted me tofinish the year in Vail.”

All straub could think about was how his familyneeded him. “When something like that happens, it’salmost immediate,” he said. “everyone just wanted todo what they could to help get my dad back on hisfeet.”

It was his father who convinced him to return toVail the following fall. He recognized his son’s passionfor hockey and did not want to rob him of the chanceto chase the dream. “It put things in perspective, forsure,” straub said. “I think it helped me mature andgrow up almost overnight.”

straub found motivation in his father’s struggle,watching how much his father had to work just toregain the ability to do things that had been so simplebefore the accident.

“The way he bounced back was amazing,” he said.“I’ve never seen someone so strong and so positive inmy life. He still tries everything. Within a few years ofhis surgery, he was waterskiing and snowskiing with aguide. The things he does are amazing. It gives memotivation to this day.”

straub, who graduated from Battle Mountain Highschool, signed to play for the Tulsa Crude in the u.s.Hockey League in 2001, but the team eventuallyfolded. “knowing your team is going under is reallyhard,” he said. “guys are playing just to get picked upfor next season, so you stick together because, at thatpoint, you only have your teammates.”

He found a spot to play on Vancouver Island – “youdon’t see the sun a lot in the winter, but it’s gorgeous,surrounded by water and green year-round,” he says –and was named the most valuable defenseman for theNanaimo Clippers of the British Columbia HockeyLeague.

despite the honor, he couldn’t land a scholarship toColorado College in his hometown, so he accepted anoffer to play hockey for the university of Findlay inOhio. Midway through his freshman year in 2003-04,the school announced it was dropping its hockeyprogram.

“We decided all we could do was to continue to goout and win games for each other,” he said. “Wewanted to be able to feel good about ourselves, becausethat’s all we really had. It was just a matter of everyonebuying in and doing it for the team.”

The situation was unusual, with Findlay playerstrying to impress their opponents in hopes of beingrecruited after the season.

straub ultimately was offered that scholarship toColorado College, where he would play the next threeseasons (2004-07), eventually becoming a teamcaptain like his Findlay teammates Mike Batovanja(Michigan Tech) and kenny Macaulay (Vermont).

“Colorado College is where I always wanted to playwhen I was growing up,” he said. “It really was a no-brainer to go back home and play Fridays andsaturdays at home in front of everybody I knew, thengo to my parents for dinner on sunday. It was veryrewarding.”

He realized another dream when he was invited asan undrafted free agent to the Colorado Avalanche’s2007 rookie camp and then spent a couple of days inthe NHL team’s regular camp, even playing in theclub’s intrasquad Burgundy scrimmage.

“If there’s ever one place you’d want to play whenyou’re growing up, it’s your home state team,” he said.“It was awesome, a memorable experience that I’ll beable to someday tell to my kids and grandkids.”

straub was paired defensively with formerMichigan state university standout John-MichaelLiles, who helped ease the rookie’s nerves and offeredhelpful pointers and tips. From all indications, he faredwell.

“He got our attention in rookie camp,” then-Avalanche head coach Joel Quenneville told theColorado Springs Gazette. “I didn’t know that muchabout him, but he showed his versatility and he wasbeing active in the game. I thought he did a nice job.”

His play earned him a chance to play with theAvalanche’s AHL affiliate, the Lake erie Monsters. Hesaw action in nine games with the Monsters but spentmost of the 2007-08 season playing for the eCHL’sJohnstown Chiefs.

The Chiefs played their home games in the historic3,745-seat Cambria County War Memorial Arena inJohnstown, Pa., where most of the hockey scenes inthe movie Slap Shot were filmed. steve Carlson, one ofthe Hanson Brothers, was the team’s original coach.

“Johnstown was a very unique place,” straub said.“you could sense the history with the team and thepride the fans took in having the Chiefs there. It madefor a very special place to play, despite what (the arena,built in 1950) might have looked like on the exterior.”

shuttling back and forth between Cleveland (whereLake erie calls home) and Johnstown helped straub’sdevelopment. “I think I was up and down five or sixtimes between Lake erie and Johnstown, and thatexperience made me mature as a pro very quickly,” hesaid. “I think I learned quite a bit.”

He started the 2008-09 season with the Quad CityFlames, but once again spent most of the year in theeCHL, this time playing for the Las Vegas Wranglers.

“Las Vegas was a lot of fun,” he said. “We had agorgeous rink that was two minutes off the strip, so


there was no shortage of things to do during your timeoff. you never get bored, that’s for sure.”

As a result, the Wranglers had a pretty good homerecord. “When away teams would come into town,they tended to go out a little more than they should,”said straub, who enjoyed playing roulette, craps andblackjack himself.

unable to land a permanent spot in the AHL –although he did play two games with the HoustonAeros in 2009-10 – straub spent most of last seasonwith the Allen (Texas) Americans of the CentralHockey League.

rather than look at his situation as a step down, hesaw it as an opportunity. A natural defenseman, he hadstarted to play forward and, after talking with his agentand family, realized that he might be able to prolonghis career by making himself more versatile to teams.

“Learning to play forward, I was able to makemistakes that I wouldn’t have been able to get awaywith at higher levels,” he said. “I was able to work ontwo positions, where I would have been stuck in onerole at a higher level.”

straub admits that bouncing between differentcities and different levels has presented a challenge, butit’s one that he hopes will ultimately make him astronger hockey player.

“With a new team, you have a very small window totry to make an impression, so you try to takeadvantage of every opportunity you get,” he said.“There were some places where I’ve felt great and feltlike I really did my job, and then there were othertimes when I felt like I could have done more. Thoseare the tough ones to swallow, especially after you getsent down.”

Straub has played for seven different teams during his short pro career.


He had planned to play this season in Allenuntil the griffins offered him a professional tryoutin October. He signed his first AHL contract withthe team in November and now looks to establishhimself as a dependable forward.

“I really enjoy playing forward,” he said. “Mypassion was always defense and I loved being adefenseman, but there’s something about playingforward that’s a lot of fun. It’s a position where it’seasier to spark the team, whether you’re goinghard to the net and scoring or just finishing bigchecks. Being able to create energy that way isvery exciting. I’m growing to enjoy it a lot.”

Most of all, he is excited about being able toprove himself at the AHL level.

“I’ve played in some very cool spots, but mywife has been very patient and has dealt with a lotsince I started taking my tour around NorthAmerica,” he said.

Last July, straub married his longtimegirlfriend, sandra “sandy” rucker, a figure skaterwho was the 2005 u.s. Junior National Championbefore a back injury ended her competitive career.she did much of the skating for actress MichelleTrachtenberg in the movie Ice Princess and was afeatured performer in the West Coast cast ofdisney's High School Musical: The Ice Tourin 2007.

The couple met in Colorado springs while straubwas in college. His team skated at the club whererucker practiced. “she’s definitely the better skater,”he said, noting that she plans a career in coaching.

Meanwhile, straub is doing what he can to makehis family proud. His father has partial sight in oneeye. surgeons cut a hole in the center of his father’sleft eye, giving him 3 degrees of the usual 180degrees of sight.

“If you looked through a coffee straw out of yourleft eye, that’s about what he sees,” he said. “If he sitsup high enough in the stands and is told where I’mat, he can watch me while I skate around the ice.”

As far as straub is concerned, there’s nothingbetter than a smile on his father’s face. “My dad wasthe biggest role model of my life before the surgeryand now he’s a huge inspiration, too,” he said.

“How he handles everything day-to-day isamazing. This is my fourth year as a pro now, andevery year I’ve been upand down, up anddown, just trying tostick. I’ve never beenquite able to do it andto finally have ithappen here… well, it’sa great feeling.”


The Griffins have more waysthan ever to help you stay

connected with your team,both during games and

when you are away fromVan Andel Arena.

Download the official Griffins iPhone

and Android app, featuring schedule,

roster, team and arena information

and more. Visitgriffinshockey.com/app.

Check out our new blog, Half Eagle, Half Lion, All Griffin, for a dailycompilation of links to news, videos and features about the Griffins and ourNHL alumni gathered from dozens ofsources across the Web. Go to grgriffins.wordpress.com.

Text your song requests to Griff

at 88188. Simply send a message

reading: “Griff (song title/artist)” to

88188 and we’ll do our best to play

your song during the game.

For our fans who use Twitter, make sure

you use the hashtag #LetsGoGriffins

when tweeting from the games. Your

tweets will be projected onto an

exterior screen near the SE corner of

the Van Andel Arena using technology

provided by GR Computer Solutions.

We want to see your photos from

the game! Take pictures with your

camera phone and send them to us at

[email protected]. Then after

the game, check out rtag.mobi/griffins

to see the game from other fans’

perspectives. You can also email us

pictures from your digital cameras

after the game. We’ll be awarding

prizes for the best pictures, so snap

away and send us your best.

Let your friends know that you’re at thegame and that they are missing out ifthey’re not here too – check in when youget here on Foursquare or Facebook.Check out our deal onFoursquare while you’re here.

Most importantly, introduceyourself to your fellow fans

sitting around you, have a goodtime, and cheer your hearts

out for the Griffins!


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GAMES PLAYED1. Travis richards...............6552. Michel Picard .................3643. ryan Oulahen.................302 4. darryl Bootland .............2935. Matt ellis .........................2826. dave Van drunen ..........2807. Jamie Tardif.....................2718. derek king......................2649. evan Mcgrath ................262

10. derek Meech ..................260

GOALS1. Michel Picard .................1582. kip Miller..........................753. derek king........................734. darryl Bootland ...............725. Matt ellis ...........................696. Jiri Hudler .........................657. Tomas kopecky ................638. donald MacLean..............629. slava Butsayev ..................61

10. Travis richards .................56

ASSISTS1. Michel Picard .................2222. Travis richards...............1823. kip Miller........................1334. derek king......................1305. Jiri Hudler .......................1146. glen Metropolit................887. Jeff Nelson .........................878. Matt ellis ...........................849. Tomas kopecky ................75

ed Patterson......................75

POINTS1. Michel Picard................101 .....................1996-972. Jiri Hudler .......................96 .....................2005-063. Jeff Nelson .......................89 .....................1996-974. donald MacLean............88 .....................2005-065. Michel Picard..................84 .....................2002-036. derek king ....................*83 .....................2000-017. Mark Mowers..................81 .....................2002-03

glen Metropolit..............81 .....................1998-999. darren Haydar................80 .....................2008-09

10. eric Manlow....................73 .....................2005-06

GOALS1. donald MacLean ..........*56 .....................2005-062. Michel Picard..................46 .....................1996-973. Jiri Hudler .......................36 .....................2005-064. Mark Mowers..................34 .....................2002-03

Jeff Nelson .......................34 .....................1996-976. slava Butsayev.................33 .....................2000-01

Michel Picard..................33 .....................1999-008. Jeremy Williams .............32 .....................2009-10

Tomas kopecky ..............32 .....................2005-06Michel Picard..................32 .....................2002-03derek king......................32 .....................2000-01*Led League

ASSISTS1. Jiri Hudler .......................60 .....................2005-062. Jeff Nelson .......................55 .....................1996-97

Michel Picard..................55 .....................1996-974. glen Metropolit..............53 .....................1998-995. Michel Picard..................52 .....................2002-036. derek king......................51 .....................2000-017. Valtteri Filppula..............50 .....................2005-068. darren Haydar................49 .....................2008-099. eric Manlow....................48 .....................2005-06

stacy roest ......................48 .....................2002-03

PENALTY MINUTES1. darryl Bootland ...........390 .....................2005-062. Matt ruchty ..................364 .....................1996-973. Chris Neil ......................354 .....................2000-014. Wade Brookbank..........337 .....................2001-025. darryl Bootland ...........336 .....................2004-056. darcy simon .................327 .....................1996-977. Peter Vandermeer ........310 .....................2004-05

Bruce ramsay ...............310 .....................1997-989. Bruce ramsay ...............306 .....................1996-97

10. Chris Neil ......................301 .....................1999-00

(rough december 21, 2010)

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SAVOR... INVItES YOU tO DINE IN At VAN ANDEL ARENA

savor… Grand Rapids, the Foodservice provider for the Van AndelArena is teaming up with FifthThird Bank in the operation of theRestaurant located on the lowerlevel of the Arena. This newopportunity is for all patrons toenjoy the delicious food andatmosphere that the Fifth ThirdBank Vault has to present.

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BUilt to last

Over the course of 75 seasons,the American Hockey Leaguehas seen its share of teams comeand go.

Like most professional sportsleagues, the AHL has weatheredchanges to its ranks throughgrowth and expansion,countless relocations and thesimple attrition that occurs inany financial enterprise.

In 1936, Cleveland,Pittsburgh, Buffalo andsyracuse of the InternationalHockey League joined with New Haven, Philadelphia,Providence and springfield ofthe Canadian-American Leagueto form a new league that wouldeventually be known as theAHL. That lineup, however,would not even last the 1936-37season.

The Buffalo Bisons startedthe season playing in an arenain Niagara Falls, Ontario. Theteam has lost its home arena theprevious season when the roofof the Peace Bridge Arenacollapsed due to 13 inches ofwet snow deposited by an earlyspring storm on March 17,1936.

Located in Fort erie,Ontario, Peace Bridge Arenawas only eight years old at thetime of its demise. It had been built with thespectator in mind, featuring a “Lamella Trussless”design that reduced the number of supportframes obstructing the view of fans. Thestructure, however, proved to be too weak andcollapsed under the weight of the snow, forcingthe Bisons to play the remainder of the 1935-36season on the road.

Buffalo had joined the new league with highhopes, but it soon became clear that the teamwould not be able to make a profit or pay players’salaries from ticket sales in the smaller NiagaraFalls arena. The Bisons withdrew from the league

only 11 games into the season, and all gamesinvolving the financially strapped team were not counted in the standings.

The league continued operations with onlyseven members until the 1938-39 season, whenthe void was filled by the admission of the thentwo-time defending eastern Amateur HockeyLeague champion Hershey Bears.

seven decades later, Hershey remains the onlyone of the eight original cities to have beenrepresented in the league without interruption.

since its inception 75 seasons ago, the AHL haswelcomed more than 120 different teams. Teams

In celebration of the AHL’s 75th season, the Griffins will wear thiscommemorative jersey during their Feb. 5 home game against Milwaukee.

The names and faces change year afteryear, but the AHL has thrived during its

three-quarters of a century history.


from 25 different cities have won the CalderCup, the league championship trophy named inhonor of Frank Calder, the first president(1917-43) of the National Hockey League.Hershey has hoisted the trophy a record 11times.

some cities have had several incarnationsduring the AHL’s 75-year history. syracuse, forexample, has been home to five different AHLteams.

The syracuse stars played inthe AHL from 1936-40, thesyracuse Warriors from 1951-54, the syracuse eagles from1974-75, the syracuse Firebirdsfrom 1979-80, and the currentsyracuse Crunch, who haveplayed in the league since the1994-95 season.

Other notable defunct teamsinclude the Washington Lions(1941-42, 42-43, 47-48 and 48-49), the only AHL team to playin the nation’s capital; and thespringfield Indians, who werethe first AHL team to win threeconsecutive Calder Cup titles(1960-62).

springfield was owned byeddie shore, the former NHLdefenseman who was a four-time winner of theHart Trophy, the award given to the league’smost valuable player.

known for being about as tough they come –as a rookie, he nearly lost an ear in aconfrontation with teammate Billy Coutu, onlyto have it sewn back on without anestheticwhile he watched with a mirror – shore wasalso a shrewd businessman.

shore purchased the bankrupt springfieldfranchise in 1939 for $42,000, beating out thedetroit red Wings, who had also wanted theteam. “They were too late,” laughed shore, whoalso secured ownership stakes in the san diegoskyhawks in the Pacific Coast Hockey League,the Fort Worth rangers in the united statesHockey League, and the New york Americansof the NHL.

As an owner, shore could be cantankerousand was often accused of treating players withlittle respect. Inactive players, for example,were often required to sweep the arena, makepopcorn or blow up balloons by the thousands.

In fact, shore unwittingly started the firstsuccessful hockey players' unions.

His actions led to a players’ revolt during the1966-67 season. He suspended three players,

including future NHL star Bill White, for whathe said was “indifferent play,” which led the restof the team to refuse to take the ice.

Asked for an explanation, the two playerswho spoke for the team (one of whom wasfuture junior hockey coaching legend Briankilrea) were suspended by shore. Alaneagleson, then a little-known lawyer andaspiring politician, was summoned to settle the dispute.

eagleson convincedshore that the playerswere serious aboutquitting, which ultimatelyled shore to relinquishday-to-day operations tohis son, Ted. The incidentled directly to theformation of both theProfessional HockeyPlayers' Association andthe National HockeyLeague Players'Association.

shore eventually leasedthe springfield franchiseto the NHL’s Los Angeleskings, although he retookcontrol of the teamduring the 1974-75

season when he enjoyed his final hurrah.Changing the team name from the kings

back to the Indians in January 1975, the 72-year-old shore brought the club’s oldblue-white-red uniforms out of the mothballsand got a cast of relative no-names to win theCalder Cup after finishing the regular season in fourth place.

shore sold the team following the nextseason, his reputation having long beensecured. The eddie shore Award is presentedannually to the AHL’s best defenseman.

Of the past six winners of the eddie shoreAward, four are former griffins. danny groulx(2002-05) won the 2009-10 award while playingfor the Worcester sharks. sheldon Brookbank(2001-03) took home the award for 2006-07 asa member of the Milwaukee Admirals. Andydelmore (2009-10) was honored for his 2005-06 season with the springfield Falcons, whileNiklas kronwall (2003-06) is the only player to be so honored for his play in grand rapids.kronwall won the award for the 2004-05season.

Eddie Shore wasknown for being

about as tough theycome. As a rookie, he nearly lost an

ear in a confrontationwith teammate

Billy Coutu


C o m m U n i t y C r e a s e

GGRREEAATT SSKKAATTEEWWIINNTTEERRFFEESSTT

GGRREEAATT SSKKAATTEEWWIINNTTEERRFFEESSTTGREAT SKATEWINTERFEST

3rD annUal Winterfestsat., Jan. 22 from noon until 10 p.m.• Free admission. Donations encouraged.• ice skating - $1 skating fee/free skate rental• Winter sports demonstrations, including Grand Rapids

sled Wings, GVsU synchronized skating Club, Greater Grand Rapids Figure skating Club, Mascot Broomball

• Family activity tent, with *Caricatures by David Wodarek,Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Public Library, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Greater Grand Rapids safe Kids

• Dog sled presentations by snow Bound Adventures• Winter animals from the John Ball Zoo• *Horse-drawn carriage rides by Classic Carriage• ice sculpture demonstration by the ice Gurus, stars of ArtPrize

and the upcoming Food Network series, Ice Brigade• silent auction item every hour

9th annUal great sKatesat., Jan. 22 at 10 p.m. until sun., Jan. 23 at 10 p.m.

• Free admission and skate rental, no skating fee.Donations encouraged.

• skate around the clock with Griffins players and coaches, aswell as local celebrities and media personalities.

• Help raise money for the Griffins Youth Foundation bysponsoring a Griffin or collecting pledges for your ownparticipation.

• Winter animals from the John Ball Zoo• *Horse-drawn carriage rides by Classic Carriage• ice sculpture demonstration by the ice Gurus, stars of ArtPrize

and the upcoming Food Network series, Ice Brigade• silent auction item every hour

…Plus games, fire pits, a warming tent and more!All events subject to change. *Certain activity fees apply.For more information, including a schedule of Griffinsskating times and a link for making/collecting pledges,please visit griffinshockey.com/greatskate.

Join the griffins at the

2011 great skate Winterfest!

saturday, Jan. 22 – sunday, Jan. 23

rosa Parks Circle

Downtown grand rapidsCelebrate winter in our city and skate with Griffins players, all to benefit the GriffinsYouth Foundation! Enjoy a day full of winter-inspired events, sports demonstrationsand family activities, followed by a 24-hour skating marathon with Griffins players.


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• Official Kids Club t-shirt• Free ticket to a Griffins game• Members-only Kids Club

parties• Monthly newsletters

and contests• And more!

For more information, visitthe Griffins Kids Club Boothlocated at the top of thestairs near section 101, go to griffinshockey.com, or call (616) 774-4585 ext. 3038.

JOIN THEGRIFFINSKIDS CLUB!

Membership for kids 12 and under includes:

4875 28th Street SEGrand Rapids, MI 49512616.956.5398

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NHL AFFILIAtIONSOttawa senators 1999-2002, detroit red Wings 2002-Present

1996-97 Jeff Nelson, Michel Picard, Pokey Reddick

1997-98 Ian Gordon, Kerry Huffman, Michel Picard

1998-99 Robert Petrovicky, Maxim Spiridonov

1999-00 John Gruden, Jani Hurme, Kevin Miller,Petr Schastlivy

2000-01 Mike Fountain, Joel Kwiatkowski,travis Richards, todd White

2001-02 Chris Bala, John Gruden, Kip Miller, Martin Prusek, Petr Schastlivy

2002-03 Mark Mowers, Marc Lamothe

2003-04 Jiri Hudler, Niklas Kronwall, travis Richards, Nathan Robinson

2004-05 Niklas Kronwall, Joey MacDonald

2005-06 Valtteri Filppula, Jiri Hudler, Donald MacLean

2006-07 Kip Miller, Derek Meech

2007-08 Jonathan Ericsson, Jimmy Howard

2008-09 Jakub Kindl, Daniel Larsson2009-10 Patrick Rissmiller

SEASON RECORDS (IHL 1996-2001, AHL 2001- Present)YEAR GP W L T OTL SOL PTS GF GA FINISH1996-97 82 40 30 - - 12 92 244 246 10 of 191997-98 82 38 31 - - 13 89 225 242 11 of 181998-99 82 34 40 - - 8 76 256 281 15 of 161999-00 82 51 22 - - 9 111 254 200 2 of 132000-01 82 53 22 - 4 3 113 279 196 1 of 112001-02 80 42 27 11 0 - 95 217 178 4 of 272002-03 80 48 22 8 2 - 106 240 177 2 of 272003-04 80 44 28 8 0 - 96 195 166 5 of 282004-05 80 41 35 - 2 2 86 200 200 17 of 282005-06 80 55 20 - 1 4 115 323 247 1 of 272006-07 80 37 32 - 6 5 85 226 244 17 of 272007-08 80 31 41 - 2 6 70 210 245 25 of 292008-09 80 43 25 - 6 6 98 255 226 8 of 292009-10 80 34 39 – 3 4 75 244 265 26 of 29

G R I F F I N S A L L - S tA R S

2005 All-Star Joey MacDonaldPhoto by: Jim McIsaac

2008 All-Star Jimmy HowardPhoto by: JustSports Photography


NHL AFFILIAtIONSOttawa senators 1999-2002, detroit red Wings 2002-Present

SEASON LEADERS (* = Led League)

2008 All-Star Jonathan EricssonPhoto by: JustSports Photography

2004 All-Star Jiri HudlerPhoto by: BBS Dave Kaye

2005 All-Star Niklas KronwallPhoto by: Jim McIsaac

SCORING1996-97 . . . . . Michel Picard ...........................101 points1997-98 . . . . . Michel Picard.............................69 points1998-99 . . . . . Glen Metropolit .........................81 points1999-00 . . . . . Michel Picard.............................68 points2000-01 . . . . . Derek King...............................83 points*2001-02 . . . . . Kip Miller ..................................56 points2002-03 . . . . . Michel Picard.............................84 points2003-04 . . . . . Michel Picard.............................54 points2004-05 . . . . . Niklas Kronwall .........................53 points2005-06 . . . . . Jiri Hudler .................................96 points2006-07 . . . . . Kip Miller ..................................72 points2007-08 . . . . . Carl Corazzini.............................60 points2008-09 . . . . . Darren Haydar ...........................80 points2009-10 . . . . . Jeremy Williams.........................63 points

GOALS1996-97 . . . . . Michel Picard.......................................461997-98 . . . . . Michel Picard.......................................281998-99 . . . . . Glen Metropolit ...................................281999-00 . . . . . Michel Picard.......................................332000-01 . . . . . Slava Butsayev ....................................332001-02 . . . . . Petr Schastlivy ....................................222002-03 . . . . . Mark Mowers.......................................342003-04 . . . . . Kevin Miller.........................................272004-05 . . . . . Eric Manlow.........................................212005-06 . . . . . Donald MacLean.................................56*2006-07 . . . . . Matt Ellis ............................................262007-08 . . . . . Carl Corazzini.......................................242008-09 . . . . . Darren Haydar .....................................312009-10 . . . . . Jeremy Williams ..................................32

PENALTY MINUTES1996-97 . . . . . Matt Ruchty ......................................3641997-98 . . . . . Bruce Ramsay ....................................3101998-99 . . . . . Jared Bednar .....................................2201999-00 . . . . . Chris Neil...........................................3012000-01 . . . . . Chris Neil...........................................3542001-02 . . . . . Wade Brookbank ...............................3372002-03 . . . . . Ryan Barnes ......................................1512003-04 . . . . . Ryan Barnes, Darryl Bootland .............1752004-05 . . . . . Darryl Bootland .................................3362005-06 . . . . . Darryl Bootland .................................3902006-07 . . . . . Darryl Bootland .................................2222007-08 . . . . . Kyle Quincey......................................1492008-09 . . . . . Aaron Downey ...................................1262009-10 . . . . . Paul Crosty ........................................170

GOALTENDING WINS1996-97 . . . . . Pokey Reddick ..........................(30-14-10)1997-98 . . . . . Ian Gordon.................................(23-16-4)1998-99 . . . . . Neil Little ..................................(18-21-5)1999-00 . . . . . Jani Hurme ................................(29-15-4)2000-01 . . . . . Mike Fountain ..........................(34-10-6)*2001-02 . . . . . Martin Prusek..............................(18-8-5)2002-03 . . . . . Marc Lamothe ..........................(33-18-8)*2003-04 . . . . . Joey MacDonald .........................(22-12-3)2004-05 . . . . . Joey MacDonald .........................(34-29-2)2005-06 . . . . . Jimmy Howard .............................(27-6-2)2006-07 . . . . . Jimmy Howard ...........................(21-21-3)2007-08 . . . . . Jimmy Howard ...........................(21-28-2)2008-09 . . . . . Daniel Larsson ...........................(22-12-2)2009-10 . . . . . Daniel Larsson ...........................(23-24-2)

VISIT PHPA.COM

Your source for PHPA news, officially licensed collectors items, and PHPA merchandise.

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Located at West Michigan Meijer stores, www.startickets.com or 616.222.4000

THE ZONE Located on the West side of Van Andel Arena

ONLINE griffinshockey.com

Seats may not be available in all price categories. For season, game-plan and group ticket information, call 616.774.4585 or 1.800.2.HOCKEY.

TICKETS VAN ANDEL ARENAVIP Glass $30

Lower Level Preferred $25

Lower Level Center Ice $20

Lower Level Faceoff $17

VIP Edge $17

Upper Level Preferred $15

Upper Level $13

Suites & Hospitality Areas Call for pricing and availability

At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, we believe that being physically active and eating right are vital to a long, healthy life — especially for your family. It’s why we fund programs that encourage families and educate kids to eat right, stay fi t and make smart decisions about health. It’s also why we created an online community devoted to a healthier future for Michigan. Because good health isn’t just about your personal health, it’s about the health of your community, your business and even Michigan’s health care system.

To join the conversation, just go to aHealthierMichigan.org.

Keep your team healthy.

Leading Michigan to a healthier future.SM

BC081026 Grand Rapids_F1.indd 1 9/24/10 11:37 AM

1 Pavol Demitra3/17/97 STL at PHX

2 Kevyn Adams10/1/97 TOR vs. WSH

3 Tyler Moss10/28/97 CGY vs. PIT

4 Michel Picard1/6/98 STL at SJ

5 Jeff Nelson10/10/98 NSH vs. FLA

6 Patrick Traverse10/10/98 OTT at COL

7 Mark Greig1/7/99 PHI vs. NYI

8 Radim Bicanek2/1/99 OTT at VAN

9 Robert Petrovicky2/15/99 TB at NYI

10 Andrei Vasilyev3/5/99 PHX vs. DET

11 Todd Hlushko4/25/99 PIT vs. NJ

12 Patrick Lalime10/2/99 Ott at PHI

13 Glen Metropolit10/2/99 WSH at FLA

14 Kevin Miller10/31/99 OTT at ATL

15 Karel Rachunek10/31/99 OTT at ATL

16 Erich Goldmann11/11/99 OTT vs. NSH

17 Yves Sarault11/20/99 OTT at NJ

18 John Gruden11/30/99 OTT vs. CHI

19 Mike Fountain12/3/99 OTT at NJ

20 Dave Van Drunen12/13/99 OTT at TOR

21 Petr Schastlivy1/3/00 OTT vs. NJ

22 John Emmons1/6/00 OTT vs. PHX

23 Slava Butsayev1/28/00 OTT at BUF

24 Aris Brimanis2/13/00 NYI at NYR

25 Dieter Kochan3/28/00 TB vs. DAL

26 Jani Hurme4/9/00 OTT vs. TB

27 Shane Hnidy10/5/00 OTT at BOS

28 Donald MacLean10/14/00 TOR vs. OTT

29 David Oliver11/4/00 OTT vs. CBJ

30 Jamie Rivers11/12/00 OTT at CAR

31 Sean Gagnon11/26/00 OTT at NYR

32 Joel Bouchard11/29/00 PHX at COL

33 Mike Crowley12/8/00 ANA at MIN

34 Ivan Ciernik1/23/01 OTT at NYI

35 Darren Rumble2/6/01 STL at COL

36 Joel Kwiatkowski2/19/01 OTT at BUF

37 todd White2/19/01 Ott at BUF

38 Chris Neil10/3/01 Ott at tOR

39 Toni Dahlman1/3/02 OTT vs. WSH

40 Steve Martins1/11/02 OTT at FLA

41 Kip Miller1/17/02 NYI at SJ

42 Jody Hull2/4/02 OTT at TB

43 Dmitry Afanasenkov2/6/02 TB at FLA

44 Simon Lajeunesse3/7/02 OTT at SJ

45 Martin Prusek3/23/02 OTT vs. ATL

46 Chris Bala3/27/02 OTT at NYI

47 Neil Little3/28/02 PHI at CAR

48 Josh Langfeld3/30/02 OTT vs. TB

49 Gaetan Royer4/1/02 TB vs. NYR

50 Jason Spezza10/24/02 Ott at BOS

51 Sean Avery10/29/02 DEt vs. SJ

52 Jason Doig12/3/02 WSH at PIT

53 Jason Williams12/5/02 DET at PHX

54 Patrick Boileau12/19/02 DET vs. DAL

55 Stacy Roest2/20/03 DET vs. EDM

56 Wade Brookbank10/9/03 NSH vs. ANA

57 Julien Vauclair10/25/03 OTT at MTL

58 Jiri Hudler10/29/03 DEt vs. StL


it all starts

here

Matt Ellis

Kyle QuinceyJimmy HowardMark Eaton

Kevyn Adams

59 Curtis Joseph10/30/03 DET at NSH

60 Darryl Bootland11/8/03 DET vs. NSH

61 Mark Mowers11/19/03 DET vs. CBJ

62 Nathan Robinson11/28/03 DET vs. NYI

63 Blake Sloan12/4/03 DAL at LA

64 Niklas Kronwall12/10/03 DEt at BUF

65 Ryan Barnes12/15/03 DET vs. FLA

66 Chris Kelly2/5/04 Ott vs. tOR

67 Marc Lamothe2/23/04 DET at EDM

68 Anders Myrvold2/26/04 DET at CGY

69 Mathieu Chouinard2/29/04 LA at ANA

70 Brett Lebda10/5/05 DEt vs. StL

71 Mark Eaton10/5/05 NSH vs. SJ

72 Chris Osgood10/29/05 DEt at CHI

73 Kyle Quincey11/25/05 DEt atANA

74 Jimmy Howard11/28/05 DEt at LA

75 Valtteri Filppula12/15/05 DEt at FLA

76 Rob Collins12/17/05 NYI vs. COL

77 Manny Legace1/5/06 DET vs. STL

78 David Gove1/31/06 CAR at MTL

79 tomas Kopecky2/28/06 DEt at SJ

80 Alexandre Giroux3/25/06 NYR at TB

81 Joey MacDonald10/19/06 DEt at SJ

82 Derek Meech12/7/06 DET vs. STL

83 Matt Ellis12/18/06 DEt at CBJ

84 Matt Hussey1/26/07 DET at STL

85 Sheldon Brookbank2/6/07 NSH at PIt

86 Danny Syvret2/27/07 EDM vs.PHx

87 Mark Hartigan11/29/07 DET vs. TB

88 Drew MacIntyre12/13/07 VAN at SJ

89 Peter Vandermeer2/10/08 PHX vs. NSH

90 Jonathan Ericsson2/22/08 DEt at CGY

91 Garrett Stafford2/23/08 DEt at VAN

92 Darren Helm3/13/08 DEt vs. DAL

93 Mattias Ritola3/15/08 DEt vs. NSH

94 Clay Wilson3/25/08 CBJ at NSH

95 Darren McCarty3/28/08 DET vs. STL

96 Krys Kolanos11/4/08 MIN at SJ

97 Landon Wilson11/22/08 DAL vs. ANA

98 Bryan Helmer11/28/08 WSH vs. MTL

99 Chris Chelios 12/13/08 DET at PHX

100 Aaron Downey1/29/09 DET vs. DAL

101 Justin Abdelkader1/31/09 DEt at WSH

102 Ville Leino1/31/09 DEt at WSH

103 Aaron Gagnon10/16/09 DAL vs. BOS

104 Scott Parse10/24/09 LA at PHx

105 Doug Janik11/3/09 DEt vs. BOS

106 Ryan Keller11/25/09 OTT at NJ

107 Jakub Kindl12/3/09 DEt vs. EDM

108 Kris Newbury12/14/09 DET vs. PHX

109 Darren Haydar2/10/10 COL vs. ATL

110 Andreas Lilja3/1/10 DEt at COL

111 Jeremy Williams10/24/10 NYR vs. NJ

Bold = Has played in the NHL thisseason (as of Dec. 20)

Italics = Had name engraved on theStanley Cup after playing for Grand Rapids

All photos by Getty Images except NiklasKronwall (Dave Reginek).

Since their inception in 1996, the Griffins have sent 111 players on to the National Hockey League, 13 of whom have gone on to win the Stanley Cup. In fact, a Griffins alumnus has had his name engraved on the Cup each of thelast three years and in five of the last six seasons. Last June, Chicago's TomasKopecky became the first former Griffin to win his second Stanley Cup.

In chronological order, here are the 16 goalies and 95 skaters who have donned an NHL sweater aer playing for Grand Rapids, along with the dates of their NHL debuts/returns.


it all starts

here

Jimmy HowardChris Neil

Ville Leino

Niklas Kronwall

tomas Kopecky

Whether the Griffins are at Van Andel Arena or on the road, the New ESPN 96.1 FM will bring it home, live with Bob Kaser

Brought to you by the new home for Griffins Hockey:


�all star WorDsearCh�The 2011 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Capital BlueCross, which

will take place at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa., will feature theleague’s top young talent competing in the AHL All-Star SkillsCompetition (Sunday, Jan. 30) and the AHL All-Star Game (Monday, Jan. 31).

Vote for your favorite Griffins and the most deserving AHL players byvisiting theahl.com or facebook.com/theahl and completing the officialReebok AHL All-Star Fan Ballot before 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 9.

While Grand Rapids’ 2011 representatives have yet to be determined,the Griffins had 32 different players selected to play in an all-star gamein either the AHL or IHL during their first 14 seasons.

KIDS PAGE

��

��

��

��

Chris BALAJonathan ERICSSONValtteri FILPPULAMike FOUNtAIN

Ian GORDONJohn GRUDEN

Jimmy HOWARDJiri HUDLER

Kerry HUFFMANJani HURMEJakub KINDL

Niklas KRONWALLJoel KWIAtKOWSKI

Marc LAMOtHEDaniel LARSSON

Joey MACDONALDDonald MACLEAN

Derek MEECHKevin and Kip MILLER

Mark MOWERSJeff NELSON

Robert PEtROVICKYMichel PICARDMartin PRUSEKPokey REDDICK

Travis RICHARDSPatrick RISSMILLERNathan ROBINSONPetr SCHAStLIVY

Maxim SPIRIDONOVTodd WHItE

PRESENTED BY

Find the last name of each Griffins All-Star by searching horizontally, vertically and diagonally, both forward and backward. Have fun!

Join theGriffins

Kids Club!

Turn to page 56

for membership

information.

FOWL PLAY – Griff hands roses to a lucky fanand then gives her the “bill” during a break inthe action at Van Andel Arena.

Photo by Mark Newman


TOP OF THE LINE EQUIPMENT, ON AND OFF THE ICE.

THE THINGS WE MAKE, MAKE US.

GRAND CHEROKEETHIS IS THE 2011

Proud sponsor of Grand Rapids hockey.

Visit Jeep.com or see your local Grand Rapids Jeep dealer.

JEEP IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF CHRYSLER GROUP LLC.

2010-11 griffiti - issue #3

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