2010-11 Griffiti - Issue #1

2010-11 SEASON ISSUE #1

official magazine of the grand rapids griffins

Limited

Edition Posters of

CORY EMMERTON &

JAN MURSAK

Inside!

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Vol. 15, No. 1

StARtING LINEUP

23 ULtIMAtE tEAM GUY Defenseman Greg Amadio returns toGrand Rapids after celebrating back-to-back Calder Cup titles in Hershey.

31 UNCOMMON tALENtDefenseman Brendan Smith hopes tomake a name for himself on his way toearning a job in the NHL.

44 FIRE IN thE BELLYForward Francis Pare yearns to get ataste of the NHL.

53 NEW ARRIVALSThe AHL welcomes Charlotte and Oklahoma City to the fold.

2............Next Opponents5............Chalk Talk6............Coming Attractions9............Griffins Schedule12 .........AHL Team Directory18 .........AHL Tradition21 .........Detroit Red Wings28 .........Promotional Calendar36 .........Meet the Griffins 41 .........Stanley Cup Winner

48 .........Griff's Tech Corner 50 .........Griffins Records56 .........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:Defenseman Greg Amadio contendsthat he is a much improved playerfrom five years ago when he lastplayed in Grand Rapids.

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 ©2010 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.

23

31

44

53

2 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS

NExt hOME OPPONENtS

PLAYERS TO WATCHKEiTH sEaBrooK, 22, is determined tofollow in the footsteps of his older brother Brent,who celebrated a stanley Cup championship thispast summer as a member of the ChicagoBlackhawks. seabrook, a 6-foot, 198-pounddefenseman, is projected to be one of the Calgaryorganization’s future stars. He was traded to theFlames for future considerations by Washington,which had originally draed him in the secondround in 2006.

JoEl PErraulT, 27, came into Vancouver’straining camp this fall to compete for a job on theCanucks’ fourth line aer splitting the last fourseasons between Phoenix and its affiliate in sanantonio. originally draed by anaheim in the fihround of the 2001 nHl Entry Dra, Perraultcontemplated playing in switzerland this seasonbefore signing with the Canucks. e 6-foot-1, 197-pound center has seen action in a total of 89nHl games, recording 12 goals and 14 assists.

JEan-FranCois JaCquEs, 25, is apower forward who has spent time in Hamilton,Wilkes-Barre and springfield since the Edmontonoilers chose the Montreal native with a second-round pick in the 2003 nHl Entry Dra. Jacques,who notched 24 goals in his rookie aHl seasonback in 2005-06, played a career-high 49 nHlgames with the oilers last season. e 6-foot-4,217-pound le wing is recovering from the backsurgery he underwent in March.

Colin Wilson, 21, is a young prospect whoappears destined for a long career in the nHl aerbeing the seventh overall pick in the 2008 nHl EntryDra. e 6-foot-1, 215-pound center is the son ofCarey Wilson, who spent 10 seasonsin the nHl and played for TeamCanada in the 1984 olympics. Hisgrandfather, Gerry Wilson, had abrief stint in the nHl with theMontreal Canadiens and was laterthe Winnipeg Jets' team doctor.

OCt. 8 ABBOtSFORD hEAt

OCt. 30, NOV. 5 MANItOBA MOOSE

OCt. 29 OkLAhOMA CItY

BARONS

OCt. 22, NOV. 10 MILWAUkEE ADMIRALS

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 3

ClayTon sTonEr, 25, is a big, physicaldefenseman who can pack a punch. a third-roundpick (79th overall) in the 2004 nHl Entry Dra,the British Columbia native appeared in eight nHlgames with the Minnesota Wild in 2009-10, hisfih season with the aeros. e Wild thoughthighly enough of the 6-foot-3, 225 pound d-manthat the organization signed him to a two-yearextension last March. stoner has 283 aHl gameson his resume.

aDaM CraCKnEll, 25, is the proverbiallate bloomer. unheralded as a junior player, he hithis stride during his fourth season with theKootenay ice of the Western Hockey league in2005-06, tallying 42 goals and 51 assists for 93points in 72 games. originally a ninth-round pickof the Calgary Flames, the 6-foot-2, 210-poundright winger recorded 17 lamp-lighters last seasonwith the st. louis Blues’ top affiliate

JaKE DoWEll, 25, hopes to prove that he’sready to take his game to another level and earn aspot with the parent Chicago Blackhawks. a fih-round pick of the Hawks in the 2004 nHl EntryDra, Dowell is a product of the usa Hockey u-18Developmental Program. a native of Eau Claire,Wisc., Dowell played four years of college hockeyfor the Badgers, winning an nCaa championshipin 2006.

JusTin MErCiEr, 23, provides an energetic,physical presence on the ice. a tenaciousforechecker and strong positional player, Mercierlikes to skate in heavily trafficked areas. a four-year regular at Miami (ohio) university, the 5-11,190-pound center saw his first nHl action lastseason when he appeared in nine games with theColorado avalanche. He recorded 13 goals in 64aHl games during his rookie season a year ago.

arTurs KulDa, 22, entered the atlantarashers' training camp this fall as one of theorganization’s top prospects, battling for theseventh defenseman spot. a rugged 6-foot-2, 194-pound blueliner out of riga, latvia, Kulda honedhis skills last season playing alongside future Hall of Famer Chris Chelios. Kulda, who representedlatvia at the 2010 World Championship inGermany, made his nHl debut with the rasherslast season, appearing in four games.

NOV. 28 PEORIA RIVERMEN

NOV. 26 ROCkFORD ICEhOGS

NOV. 20 LAkE ERIE MONStERS

NOV. 19 hOUStON AEROS

NOV. 6 ChICAGO WOLVES


Balance – it is the hallmarkof many successful hockeyteams.

one player cannot carry an entire club no matterhow good he may be. although coaches love guys whocan put the puck into the net, they also appreciate thecontributions of the puck-pushing power playquarterback, the ferocious forechecker and the peskypenalty-killing specialist.

Coaches value the balance of youth and experience.While younger players can provide the energy andenthusiasm to propel a team to great things, veteranscan offer leadership, along with the knowledge andexperience that only comes with years of play.

e Griffins will enter the season with an excitingcontingent of dynamic rookies – Brendan smith, Brianlashoff and Brent raedeke – to go with solid veteranssuch as Doug Janik, Greg amadio, Jamie Johnson andChris Minard. e team feels it is well-positioned for arebound from a disappointing 2009-10.

one area in particular where head coach Curt Fraserfeels the Griffins should be stronger is netminding.

“Having two young players (Daniel larsson andomas McCollum) in goal last season presented a bitof a challenge,” Fraser said. “When they both started tostruggle, there was no one with experience to stabilizeeverything.”

e return of Joey MacDonald this season shouldpay dividends.

since leaving Grand rapids in early 2007, the veterangoaltender has seen nHl action with the Detroit redWings, Boston Bruins, new york islanders and TorontoMaple leafs. His 88 career wins as a Griffin still ranksecond only to Jimmy Howard’s 90, while his 16shutouts remain the all-time best.

“We think Joey gives us some stability in net,” Frasersaid. “When things are going well, we know he’ll want topush (himself and McCollum) and when things aren’t sogood, he’ll be the one that helps us get back on track.He’s the type of player who’s going to settle everyonedown. We hope Joey can keep Tommy playing at a realhigh level the whole year.”

How well the goaltenders perform will depend inpart on the play of the Griffins’ defensive unit, a groupthat epitomizes the balance of youth and experience.

Expectations are high for smith, a highly skilledblueliner who was a Hobey Baker award candidate forcollege player of the year last season with the universityof Wisconsin, and lashoff, who has played six games for

the Griffins in each of the last two seasons plus eightgames in the playoffs two years ago.

e pair will watch, listen and learn from a coupleof well-traveled defensemen. Janik was re-signed bythe red Wings aer splitting his time last seasonbetween Detroit and Grand rapids. amadio,meanwhile, returns with back-to-back Calder Cuptitles in Hershey on his resume and a desire to repeatthe experience while playing in Van andel arena.

“you really need good leadership from guys whohave been around,” Fraser said. “When Janik wascalled up last year aer the Wings got the injury bug,we really missed him and that’s when our strugglesstarted. is year we think we’re going to have somereally good leaders who can help these young kids.”

success breeds success, and there is no betterplace to learn the secrets of success than Detroit andGrand rapids.

“When young players get to hang around veteranslike (nicklas) lidstrom and (Kris) Draper, they getto see where they are at and where they need to be.ere are no better examples to follow into the prosthan these guys, and to be able to have our youngguys sit beside them is fantastic.”

in the end, however, it may not be the rookies orthe veterans who make the difference. Fraser said itis important that a group of second- and third-yearpros shows significant improvement in its play thisseason. Jan Mursak and Tomas Tatar, for example,need to build on strong seasons a year ago when theyscored 24 and 16 goals, respectively.

“We’re looking for guys like Frankie Pare, CoryEmmerton, logan Pyatt and sergei Kolosov to take abig step up,” Fraser said. “if we get them to raise itanother level, we think we’ll be very competitive.”

Fraser is excited about his third season in Grandrapids. shortly aer the midpoint of the 2010-11season, he will become thelongest tenured coach inGriffins history.

“We’re going to have agood, strong unit and itlooks like we’re going to be areally entertaining hockeyteam,” he said.

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


hEAD OVER hEELSa hockey season can be topsy-turvy with many

ups and downs, as wins turn into losses and vice versa.e Griffins are hoping their fans won’t experience

any vertigo while turning cartwheels over the success of the 2010-11 team.

it’s only appropriate then that a unique acrobatic acthighlights the upcoming promotional schedule, which ispacked with a long list of unique giveaways. (see page 28for the complete list.)

RUSSIAN BAR tRIO – SUN., NOV. 28e russian Bar Trio

has nothing to do withMoscow or vodka, butinstead is a remarkableperforming act fromquebec City, quebec,that excites crowds withits combination ofcircus-like stunts andolympic athleticism.

originally part of thecircus company CirqueEos, the trio of ChristineBédard, MarcoDieckmann and yves Gagnon performhigh-flying jumps,fantastic flips anddaredevil stunts.

Dieckmann andGagnon brace a 13-footflexible beam betweenthem that allows Bédardto flip high into the airand land squarely on thenarrow, 4-inch-wide trampoline-like rod.

e act combines the gymnastic skills of the balancebeam, the rebound tempo skills of trampoline and theswing handstands skills of the uneven bars and theparallel bars.

During a performance, the act collaborates on many levels. it requires acrobats to be highly skilled in tumbling and have experience with the trampolineand/or sports acrobatics. e act requires not onlyphysical skill, but psychological and communicativeskills as well.

Featured on the third season of America’s Got Talent,the russian Bar Trio has performed over a thousandshows in the last five years, including appearances onOprah and e Ellen Degeneres Show as well as the nBa Finals.

e russian Bar Trio “is singly the most exciting act i’ve seen in the two years i’ve been doing this show,”said America’s Got Talent host Jerry springer.

Freebies on nov. 28 include a Francis Pare JerseyCard and a Griffins logo CrazyBand giveaway presentedby nordic Hot Tubs.

hALLOWEEN COStUME PARtY – SAt., OCt. 30Whether you prefer ghosts and goblins or vampires

and zombies, the Griffins' annual costume party is sureto haunt your memories when the Manitoba Moosecome to Van andel arena.

Fans can take advantage of Clingz schedules and arally Towel giveaway presented by Play n Trade alpine.a post-game open skate and Huntington Bank post-game autograph session are also slated.

FAIth AND FAMILY NIGht PRESENtED BYAPPLEtREE ChRIStIAN LEARNING CENtERS –SAt., NOV. 6

an aluminum water bottle giveaway highlights this special night that welcomes families for a whollyentertaining evening. Parents and kids are welcome to bring their skates for a post-game open skate.

tENth ANNUAL MAtINEE GAME PRESENtED BYLAkE MIChIGAN CREDIt UNION – WED., NOV. 10

While the Griffins hope to school the Milwaukeeadmirals in the finer points of hockey, thousands ofschoolchildren will participate in pregame presentationsdesigned to enchance the educational experience.

Elementary students will discover topics centered on science, technology, engineering and mathematicsthrough interactive exhibits and hands-on activitieshosted by Michigan Technological university.

Meanwhile, the middle/high school career forum will focus on career strategies. West Michigan expertsand professionals will share secrets and tips to helpstudents strengthen their skills as they take their careers into the future.

lake Michigan Credit union’s Director of Businessand Community involvement Vickie smith will shareinformation on the institution’s Hutt scholarship anddiscuss financial responsibility following high school.

ANNUAL tEDDY BEAR tOSS – FRI., NOV. 26Bring a new stuffed animal for Hug-a-Bears of Kent

County and toss it onto the ice when the Griffins scoretheir first goal of the game against the rockfordiceHogs. as with every Friday throughout the season,fans can enjoy dollar beers and hot dogs from 6-8 p.m.while supplies last.

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.

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Official Document Solutions Provider for the Grand Rapids Griffins

M T W T F S

M T W T F S

M T W T F S

M T W T F S

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

2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1 A H L D I R E C T O R Y2 0

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NOT JUST ANOTHERPRETTY FACE.

FOX BUICK GMC Only the Best.

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.


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Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 23Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 23

Defenseman Gregamadio returnsto Grand rapidsaer celebratingback-to-backCalder Cup titlesin Hershey.

Whether it’s taking a punch to the head or a puck to the face, Greg amadio will dowhatever takes to win. it’s better than thealternative – losing – which oen feels like a kick in the gut.

in the end, it’s all about sacrificing oneselffor the good of the team. Players like amadioexemplify the axiom that “teamwork dividesthe task and multiplies the success.” it’s thespirit that is embodied in the “all for one andone for all” mantra.

Craig Kennedy, a former ontario Hockeyleague forward and a longtime friend ofamadio, described his pal succinctly for their hometown sault ste. Marie, ontario,newspaper. “He’s the ultimate team guy,”Kennedy said.

amadio credits his dad ron and olderbrother Terry for instilling the propercharacter and attitude. “it’s the way i’ve

story and photos by

Mark newman


always played hockey and it’s really the only way iknow how to play,” he said. “When people say thosethings about me, i don’t know what to say.”

He is excited to return to the Griffinsorganization, which he feels helped prepare him forthe success that he would later enjoy in Hershey,where he won back-to-back Calder Cupchampionships the last two seasons.

“Grand rapids gave me my first real chance andi really enjoyed the city, the fans and the peoplethere. Everything about it was a good experience,”amadio said. “i love the idea that i’m coming backhere.”

He is returning to the state where he attendedcollege, havinggraduated fromMichigan Techwith a degree inindustrialmanagement andmarketing in 2003.His father playedhockey for theHuskies in the late1960s.

amadio spentone and a halfseasons in theECHl before hegot a one-gameaudition with theManitoba Moose in Dec. 2004. TheGriffins camecalling a monthlater and amadiostayed in Grandrapids for theremainder of the2004-05 campaignas well as thefollowing season.

He has fondmemories of histime in Grandrapids, particularly2005-06 when theGriffins won theaHl’s regularseasonchampionship. His teammates that year includedcurrent red Wings Jimmy Howard, Jiri Hudler and Valtteri Filppula, as well as Tomas Kopecky,Matt Ellis and Kyle quincey.

“i had learned a lot from older guys like BryanHelmer, Kip Miller, Travis richards and PeteVandermeer during the previous season,” he said.“The following year we had a great group of guys

when we had a great regular season. althoughthings didn’t work out in the playoffs, it was asuccessful year.”

amadio bounced from iowa to Portland toBinghamton the next two seasons. in Portland, heplayed for head coach Kevin Dineen, who played1,188 nHl games over his 19-year playing career.

“He had a pretty big influence on me, eventhough it was only half a season,” amadio said. “Hetaught me how to play the game and improve, andshowed me how to do the right things to win.”

after a frustrating 2007-08 season inBinghamton, amadio came to Hershey, where hewould experience the best two years of his career.

“it was incrediblefrom the day i gotthere,” he said. “Wehad a great group ofguys.”

That groupincluded teamcaptain and formerGrand rapidsteammate Helmer, aswell as high-scoringcenter alexandreGiroux, who beganhis pro career withthe Griffins in 2001-02 when the teamwas affiliated withthe ottawa senators.

Winning theCalder Cup for thefirst time was anexperience amadiowill never forget.“until you win it,you can’t really know(what it feels like).it’s not somethingthat you candescribe.”

amadio broughtthe Cup back tosault ste. Marie, theplace where he firstlearned to skate

some 25 years earlier.His father used to

build an outdoor rink for amadio and his brotherTerry every winter. “My dad was pretty busy withwork, but whenever he had time, he’d come outwith us. He had a huge influence on mydevelopment as a hockey player.”

He celebrated the championship with his entirefamily – parents, sibling, aunts, uncles and cousins –at a party held at an uncle’s home. The occasion was

hershey became the first team since 1991 to repeat as Calder Cup champions.


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captured on video for apopular youTube clip thatasks “How many Coors lightto fill the Calder Cup?”

in the video, amadioshows his father the properway to hold the Cup, rattlesoff the names of sault ste.Marie players who are etchedon its side (there’s five) andjokes that it’s the mostitalians that have evertouched the trophy. “Ha, i know that’s true, for sure,”he chuckles.

Winning the Cup asecond time last year was justas sweet. “There was somuch pressure on us rightfrom the beginning becauseon paper, it was virtually thesame team. luckily we had aspecial group of guys whowere able to handle thepressure all year.”

Hershey set team recordsfor wins (60), points (123),home wins (34), road wins(26), consecutive wins (12),consecutive home wins (24),playoff overtime wins (eight)and consecutive playoffseries won (eight).

The marks for wins, homewins, consecutive homewins, playoff overtime winsand consecutive series wonalso established leaguerecords in the 74-year-oldaHl.

When the Bears droppedthe first two games of thefinals, amadio said Helmerhelped to rally the troops.“He got us all together in theroom and told us to play withheart and courage and thingswould work out. Everybody listened and justresponded to what he said.”

amadio might have stayed in Hershey had it not been for the fact that he has played 316 aHlgames, which means he now qualifies as a veteran.Teams are limited to five veterans with experienceof more than 260 games.

He is looking forward to assuming the role andresponsibility of being a veteran with the Griffinsthis season. “i don’t expect anybody to do anything

i wouldn’t do myself,” he said. “i like to lead byexample.”

While amadio is quite vocal – his chatter andenthusiasm were hallmarks of high-tempo practicesin Hershey – he is not outspoken. “i’m not averse totalking to someone but it has to be the right timeand right situation. if there’s an issue that has to beaddressed, you address it.”

amadio never hesitates to stick up for ateammate by dropping the gloves. “i don’t like to go


Amadio has played for six different AhL teams.


looking for it, but i know that the way i play,sometimes it’s going to find you,” said amadio, wholed Hershey in penalty minutes the last twoseasons. “i’ve never minded doing it – that’s justpart of the game, like blocking shots.”

last season amadio took a puck in the kisserafter a deflected pass bounced off a stick right intohis face. “it hurts initially, (then) it just keepsgetting worse. your lip feels like it’s about 10 timesthe size it normally is. But it happens. it’s just a bad bounce.”

amadio would like to think he is a better playerthan he was five years ago when he last played forthe Griffins.

“i’m still a stay-at-home, physical defensemanbut i move my feet a lot more. i used to be morestationary, but (Griffins assistant coach) Jim Paekused to get all over me to keep my feet moving. ithink i have better positioning now, too, and ilearned how to relax a bit and not be so uptight.”

at age 29, amadio knows his chances of playingin the nHl are dwindling, but they are still there.“it’s something that’s always in the back of yourmind because you play with so many guys who getthat chance,” he said. “i realize the percentages (aresmall) but it’s still the dream. it keeps memotivated.”

in terms of motivation, however, it’s hard to beat the thrill of winning a team championship,whether it’s the CalderCup or the nHl’sstanley Cup.

“i enjoy winning somuch that i’m willingto do anything to win,whether it’s blockingshots or dropping thegloves,” he said. “in theend, it’s so worth it.”

Amadio led the two-time defending CalderCup champion hershey Bears in penalty

minutes both seasons.


Dollar Beers and Hot Dogs: EveryFriday, enjoy $1 hot dogs and $1domestic drafts from 6-8 p.m., whilesupplies last.

College Nights presented byChemical Bank: Every Friday, collegestudents can show their ID to purchase alower bowl ticket for $12 (or $10 inadvance at The Zone) and stop by theMcFadden’s concourse table to receive afree pass to the post-game party atMcFadden’s.

Winning Wednesday: Every time theGriffins win at home on Wednesday,each fan in attendance will receive a freeticket to the next Wednesday game.

sunday is fun Day!: Every Sunday,enjoy $1 Cole’s Breadsticks and $1 soft

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fan 4 Packs: For select games, receivefour tickets and $12 in concession cashfor a great low price. Valid for games onNov. 28; Dec. 5, 12, 26 and 31; Jan. 1;Feb. 20; and March 20. Visit griffinshockey.com/f4p or call (616) 774-4585 ext. 2.

Library Nights: For every Sunday andWednesday home game, fans whopresent their Grand Rapids PublicLibrary card or Kent District Library cardat the Van Andel Arena box office on thenight of the game or at The Zone

anytime during the store’s regularbusiness hours can purchase a lowerbowl ticket for just $10 - a savings of $7!Limit four tickets per card per person.

Post-Game Open skates: Oct. 8 and30; Nov. 6, 20 and 28; Dec. 5, 12, 26 and31; Jan. 1 and 22; Feb. 5 and 20; March5, 19 and 20.

Huntington Bank Post-GameAutograph sessions: Oct. 30; Nov. 20;Dec. 5 and 26; Jan. 1 and 22; Feb. 5 and20; March 5 and 20.

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D-ZONE Nation presented byWGRD: D-ZONE Nation citizenshipincludes specially priced tickets to theseven primary D-Zone games of theseason, $1 beer $1 hot dog in-seat wait service from 6-8 p.m., the officialD-ZONE t-shirt (exclusive to seven-game citizens) and much more. New for2010-11, seven-game D-ZONE citizensenjoy a lower price per ticket thansingle-game D-ZONE buyers and avoidservice fees. Go togriffinshockey.com/dzone or call (616)774-4585 ext. 3042.

All promotions and dates subject to change.

Oct. 8: Opening Night presentedby Comcast/Glow Bam and ClingzSchedule Giveaway

Oct. 11: Third Annual Pups andPucks Fall Walk-a-thon atMackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary

Oct. 30: Halloween CostumeParty/Rally Towel and ClingzSchedule Giveaway presented byPlay N Trade Alpine

Nov. 5: Rally Towel Giveaway

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Nov. 10: 10th Annual MatineeGame presented by Lake MichiganCredit Union

Nov. 20: Fleece Blanket Giveawaypresented by Comerica

Nov. 26: Annual Teddy Bear Tossfor Hug-A-Bears of Kent County

Nov. 28: Francis Pare Jersey Cardand CrazyBand Giveawaypresented by Nordic HotTubs/Appearance by the RussianBar Trio circus act featured onAmerica’s Got Talent

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Dec. 31: 14th Annual New Year’sEve Celebration presented by DeltaImports/Team CalendarGiveaway/Jersey Auction tobenefit GVSU club roller hockey

Jan. 1: Inaugural New Year’s DayGame presented by Dodge/U-M &MSU-Themed Griffins HatGiveaway

Jan. 22: Jimmy HowardBobblehead Giveaway presentedby Huntington Bank/Appearanceby the ZOOperstars

Jan. 22-23: Annual Great SkateWinterfest at Rose Parks Circle inDowntown Grand Rapids

feb. 5: Hockey Day in WestMichigan presented by LakeMichigan Credit Union/Fan VoteBobblehead Giveaway/JerseyAuction #2

feb. 20: Jersey Card #5 andCrazyBand Giveaway presented byOne Communications

March 5: Star Wars Night/BottleOpener Giveaway

March 19: Mascot Maniapresented by CentennialSecurities/Team PosterGiveaway/Jersey Auction #3

March 20: Fan Appreciation Daypresented by Michigan OfficeSolutions/Griffins #1 Fan Sign andCrazyBand Giveaway/Appearanceby Quick Change, performersfeatured on America’s Got Talent

April 8: Season Finale presentedby Chrysler

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DefensemanBrendansmith hopesto make aname forhimself onthe way toearning ajob in thenHl.

ere are close to three millionnorth americans named smith,with roughly about one percent(or more than 30,000) of themalso sharing the first name ofBrendan.

in other words, it is a fairlycommon name that is not likely toget you noticed, so it helps to havesome kind of talent or skill ifyou’re looking to stand out fromthe crowd.

Canadian-born Brendan smith,21, would like to make a name forhimself in the nHl, but it lookslike Griffins fans are going to havethe opportunity to get to know thered Wings prospect first.

story and photos by Mark newman

“He’s been one of the best defensemen in college hockey, so i think he’ll be able to step into Grand rapids and make

an immediate impact,” said Griffins head coach Curt Fraser.“in training camp with the Wings, he didn’t look out of

place at all. if anything, he looked very strong.”Fraser does not think smith will take long to

adapt to the style of play in the aHl, thanks to his uncommon talent and the hockey smarts that he developed at the university of Wisconsin. “i don’t think he’s going to have trouble adjusting,”Fraser said.

Families in the blue-collar neighborhood ofMimico, ontario, have known the smith family for many years.

ere were many times when the basement of lester and Deirdre smith was filled with boys playing with mini hockey sticks, and theoutcome was almost always the same.

Brendan and his older brother rory andyounger brother reilly were extraordinarilycompetitive and they didn’t like to lose. Ever.

“When we were younger, we were socompetitive,” smith said. “We would have three or four friends over to play mini-sticks until there would be six or seven of us. By the end of the night, it would only be us three and the other kids would be upstairs crying and sitting with my parents.”

With boys being boys, things sometimes ended up getting broken. “We broke lots of stuff – vases,TVs, couches, doors – but our parents still

encouraged us to keep playing. e only time we got in trouble was when we got into fights.”

Brendan and his brothers also played lacrosse. “We were actually better at lacrossethan hockey,” he said. “i loved playing lacrosse, but your options are limited if you want to turn pro. To keep the dream alive, it’s kind

of a tough life. Most guys have to workdouble jobs.”

nevertheless, smith played lacrosse into his teens. “Hockey players like Joe

nieuwendyk and Gary roberts play the sport because it’s great conditioning since

you’re always running and it requires good eye-hand coordination,” smith said. “But i

went strictly hockey around age 16 or 17 as hockey got a little more demanding.”smith honed his offensive skills with the st.

Michael’s Buzzers of the ontario Provincial Junior aHockey league, but it was at Wisconsin where he truly

blossomed as a player while overcoming injuries to hisback and wrist.

under the tutelage of head coach Mike Eaves and hisBadger staff, smith took significant strides defensively.

“ey totally changed my game while emphasizing the little things that i never really learned until i went tocollege: the importance of making that first good pass, how to block shots or use your stick effectively,” he said.

Smith led all NCAAdefensemen in scoringlast season.


“Coach Eaves uses a method called TWiG – ‘TakeWhat is Given’ and i live by that motto. When you tryto force plays, that’s when you get yourself intotrouble. you need to keep things simple.”

smith was the first pick of the red Wings in 2007when the organization selected him in the first round(27th overall) of the nHl Entry Dra. as a result ofbeing chosen so high in the dra, smith realizesexpectations are high.

“i’ll put pressure on myself because i want to bethe best that i can be,” he said. “it fuels the fire andmakes me want to produce and make the nHl evenearlier. i think it’s a good type of pressure.”

smith exploded with a monster season as aWisconsin junior last year. in 42 games, he tallied 15 goals and 37 assists for 52 points, which led allnCaa defensemen in scoring and tied for sixthoverall. His performance set the stage for his signinga three-year entry-level contract with the red Wingslast May.

“obviously i love Wisconsin and you want to comeout with a degree,” said smith, who was majoring insociology. “it was a tough decision, but aer i haddone so well this past season, i was ready to bechallenged more. i just think it’s the right timing forme to turn pro. i talked to my coach and he agreed.”

Days aer signing his contract, smith got into awell-publicized scrap outside a Madison home that Smith was a top-10 finalist for the hobey Baker

Award given to the best college hockey player.


led to a disorderly conduct charge, immediatelyprompting concerns among the red Wings’ faithfulthat Detroit might have enlisted a problem.

smith insists they need not worry.“i just want people to get to know me and

understand who i am, and that people can be in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he said. “if people get to know me, i’m not like what they read on the internet.”

He plans to stay focused on his primaryobjective: making himself a better hockey player. “i want to come to every practice and improve myself.

obviously i would like to play in Detroit, but if i’min Grand rapids, that’s great because i’m learningthe system.”

red Wings head coach Mike Babcock has goneon record saying that he is excited by smith’s game-breaking ability. But Babcock knows the youngdefenseman faces a steep learning curve in order todevelop into a more-rounded player.

“Game-breakers have a tendency to want to breakthe game all the time,” Babcock told a group ofreporters aer a training camp practice in TraverseCity this fall. “as you become a pro, you realize lots

of shis, nothing happens and youwait for opportunity and then youtake advantage. and then you don’tget yourself into trouble becauseyou’re not forcing things.”

Patience will be key.“For me, the biggest thing is

being responsible defensively,”smith said. “i know my upside ismy offense, so the red Wings willwant to know that i’ve adaptedand learned the defensive side ofthe game.”

smith feels like he has alreadymade giant strides. “you canalways improve and get better, buti think my defensive game hasalready improved,” he said. “Myplay is 10 times better than it was afew years ago.”

He said his parents are excitedthat his apprenticeship willbegin closer to home.“Wisconsin was a 12-hour drivefor them, so they’re kind of excited about that,” he said. “My family is very close, so it’sawesome that they will be able to watch me even more.”

Getting the chance to make aname for himself in the pros maytake time, and that’s alright by him.“Whether i’m in Detroit or Grandrapids, it’s a win-win situation.Either way, i’m in a greatorganization.”

Smith’s future rests on his ability to improve his defensive play.

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GREG AMADiODefenseman6-2, 232 lbs.

Born: 5/13/81sault ste. Marie, Ont.

JOAKiM ANDERssONCenter

6-2, 198 lbs.Born: 5/5/89

Munkedal, sweden

WiLLiE COETZEEforward

5-10, 186 lbs.Born: 11/7/90

Maple Ridge, B.C.

TRAVis EHRHARDTDefenseman5-11, 203 lbs.Born: 4/12/89Calgary, Alta.

sERGEi KOLOsOVDefenseman6-4, 217 lbs.

Born: 5/22/86Novopolotsk, Belarus

BRiAN LAsHOffDefenseman6-3, 204 lbs.

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

JOEY MacDONALDGoaltender6-0, 197 lbs.Born: 2/7/80Pictou, N.s.

THOMAs McCOLLUMGoaltender6-2, 210 lbs.

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

CORY EMMERTONCenter

6-0, 188 lbs.Born: 6/1/88

st. Thomas, Ont.

iLARi fiLPPULAforward

5-11, 191 lbs.Born: 11/5/81

Vantaa, finland

DOUG JANiKDefenseman6-1, 215 lbs.

Born: 3/26/80Agawam, Mass.

JAMiE JOHNsONCenter

5-11, 185 lbs.Born: 1/3/82

Port franks, Ont.

18 17

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44

fRANCis PARERight Wing

5-10, 188 lbs.Born: 6/30/87

Lemoyne, Que.

JORDAN PEARCEGoaltender6-1, 195 lbs.

Born: 10/10/86Anchorage, Alaska

sEBAsTiEN PiCHEDefenseman6-0, 194 lbs.Born: 2/4/88

La sarre, Que.

LOGAN PYETTDefenseman5-10, 200 lbs.Born: 5/26/88Regina, sask.

BRENT RAEDEKEforward

6-0, 190 lbs.Born: 5/29/90Regina, sask.

BRENDAN sMiTHDefenseman6-2, 190 lbs.Born: 2/2/89Mimico, Ont.

JAMiE TARDifRight Wing6-0, 200 lbs.

Born: 1/23/85Welland, Ont.

TOMAs TATARLeft Wing

5-10, 179 lbs.Born: 12/1/90ilava, slovakia

13

9

DEREK MEECHDefenseman5-11, 200 lbs.Born: 4/21/84

Winnipeg, Man.

CHRis MiNARDforward

6-1, 200 lbs.Born: 11/18/81

Owen sound, Ont.

JAN MURsAKRight Wing

5-11, 184 lbs.Born: 1/20/88

Maribor, slovenia

JORDAN OWENsLeft Wing

6-0, 189 lbs.Born: 5/1/86Toronto, Ont.

14

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Wayne Gretzky, followingthe advice of his father,knew to skate where thepuck was going, not whereit had been.

Chicago Blackhawks equipment assistant JimHeintzelman is no Gretzky, but he would be thefirst to admit that he has had a knack for being inthe right place at the right time.

Heintzelman, who previously served as theGriffins' assistant equipment manager (2003-07)and visiting locker room attendant (1998-03), willhave his name etched on the stanley Cup aer

gooD going!griffins Alum CelebrAtes stAnley Cup ChAmpionship

Former Griffinsequipment assistantJim heintzelmanspent a day with theStanley Cup on theshores of Gun Lake.

tending to the needs of the nHl championBlackhawks in his first season at the nHl level.

“i feel really fortunate,” he said, standingalongside hockey’s holy grail during a privatecelebration at Bay Pointe inn in shelbyville inearly september. “i have to thank the Griffinsorganization for giving me my start. i wouldn’t behere without them.”

Heintzelman, a graduate of Wyoming ParkHigh school, was just another hockey fan whencurrent Griffins equipment manager Bradompson (who also graduated from WyomingPark) first recruited him out of the stands.

“i knew Brad (who was the equipmentassistant at the time) and heneeded someone in the lockerroom, so i came down andhelped,” he recalled. “i guess idid okay because he asked if iwould be interested in workingthe rest of the season.”

Eventually he worked his wayinto the assistant’s job a coupleof years aer ompson himselfwas promoted, althoughHeintzelman admits that hedidn’t feel so fortunate at thetime.

“i didn’t feel lucky because iwas losing my uaW factory job– all the work was going downsouth,” he said. “so i jumpedship when i was offered the position because(working in hockey) was something i loved.”

Heintzelman spent nine seasons with theGriffins before he landed the equipmentmanager’s position with the rockford iceHogs,aHl affiliate of the Blackhawks, beginning withthe 2007-08 season. Two years later, he got thecall to come to Chicago.

“it’s a pretty big step,” Heintzelman said,comparing the difference between the nHl andaHl. “e work is about the same, but thedemands are heightened because there is so muchmore pressure and media exposure, especiallyduring the playoffs when there is so much ridingon every game.”

e Blackhawks had a storybook season,ending a 49-year championship drought bydefeating the Philadelphia Flyers in six gamesduring the stanley Cup Finals.

“it was unbelievable,” he said. “(Before Game6) i was so nervous, i couldn’t eat. i had a hardtime even watching the game behind the bench. i

wanted to win so bad, but it was out of mycontrol.”

While the Blackhawks were confident, therewas no air of inevitability about the team’s Cuprun, according to Heintzelman. “We struggled fora little bit, but once (goalie antti) niemi tookover, you could see the confidence building. Wefelt we had such a good offense that we alwayshad a chance no matter what the deficit or howthe game was going.”

Winning the Cup was even better than hecould have ever imagined. Getting to hoist thehallowed hardware on the ice aer the Cup-clinching win is something he will never forget.

“When i got my turn, theadrenalin was going so hard thati probably could have held it upthere for an hour.”

e scene inside the lockerroom was pure bedlam.

“at was the best part,” hesaid. “it wasn’t a huge room –everybody was shoulder toshoulder – and people werecheering and yelling andspraying champagne and beereverywhere. it was a madhousebut a lot of fun.”

an estimated two millionpeople turned out tocongratulate the Blackhawkswhen the players and front office

personnel rode double-decker buses throughdowntown Chicago for the city’s ticker-tapeparade and rally.

“i don’t know if the two million is true or not,but the amount of people there was insane,” saidHeintzelman, who was thankful that his brother,sister-in-law and their kids were able to join thecelebration. “e parade was pretty wild. i think i had goose bumps the whole way.”

While the Blackhawks are anxious to defendtheir title, Heintzelman says he is looking forwardto an nHl campaign that should be a little lesshectic and much less stressful than his rookieseason.

“We started last season in Europe with a coupleof games in Finland, then we had the compressedschedule due to the olympics and then the longplayoff run,” he said. “it was an unbelievableexperience, but it seemed like it was non-stop.”

“i’m excited just to get back to a normalschedule this year.”

“It’s a pretty big step,”

Heintzelmansaid, comparing

the differencebetween the

NHL and AHL.




Forward FrancisPare yearns toget a taste of the NHL.

story and photosby Mark newman

Francis Pare isdetermined to be a hungrier hockeyplayer this season.

His hankering began this summer when he changedphysical trainers and moved back home. He wanted toconcentrate on getting his career back on a track that hehopes will bring an opportunity to play in the nationalHockey league.

“i had a great summer to be honest with you,” he said. “it’salways good to be home, so i went back to Montreal and stayedwith my family. i kept a diet and my mom cooked all the meals.no more McDonald’s. no more beer. i was eating a lot morevegetables and lost some fat.”

e result is that Pare is now leaner and, if not meaner, at leastmore determined than ever to succeed. He knows his contractexpires aer this season and that his performance in 2010-11 willlikely decide whether the red Wings show even a nibble of interest.

“i worked out seriously this summer,” he said, noting that heabstained from skating while working out in the gym twice a day.“obviously i want to sign a new contract with the Wings, so i have toplay my best.”

Watching what he ate was only one part of his off-season regimen,but his belt-tightening diet was a critical component in his efforts tobuckle down. He even showed the willpower to avoid poutine, whichare French fries topped with fresh cheese curds and covered in gravy.

Well almost.“My favorite dish is poutine, but it’s way too fat, so i ate a lot of

chicken and Caesar salad,” he said. “But there is no poutine in thestates, so i had to get at least some in my body to hold me throughthe winter.”

in pure hockey terms, Pare would be the first to admit that lastseason was hard to stomach. He went the first 21 games of theyear without a goal.

“i had never been through anything like that before,” he said.“it was unbelievable. Fortunately i learned a lot out of it and i’mready to go this year.”

Pare knew he wasn’t the first hockey player to squeeze thestick a little too tightly in hopes of putting the biscuit in thebasket, but that knowledge provides little comfort. as anatural goal scorer – he tallied 54 goals in his final juniorseason before turning pro in 2008 – he struggled mightilyto understand what was wrong.

“i was talking to my dad every single day. He told meto keep shooting, keep it simple and stay positive – justkeep good thoughts in my head,” Pare said.

“When you start thinking negative stuff, that’s whenyou’re done. unfortunately, the negative stuff wentthrough my head for a long time and i got away fromthe things that i had done the year before. i wasn’tplaying my game – i was just looking for a goal.”

Griffins head coach Curt Fraser provided somenecessary encouragement.

“i think what happened to him was a fluke becausethere’s no way you can keep a player of his ability off the Pare has recorded the Griffins’ best plus-minus

rating in each of the past two seasons.


board for that long,” Fraser said. “i told him, ‘Just keepgoing. We’re not changing our mind about you. Weknow you can do it.’ it was just reinforcing the positivethings because we know how good a player he is.”

Hearing that kind of verbal support was important,Pare said.

“When coach talked to me that helped, but we’re prosand you’ve got to get through it by yourself,” Pare said.“nobody’s going to take you by the hand and put thepuck into the net for you. But it was good to know thatmy family, friends and teammates were there for me.”

in fact, Pare’s secret santa had planned to present himwith a puck for a free goal, but he spoiled the surprisewhen he finally scored on a penalty shot the night beforethe Griffins’ gi exchange. “e joke was over, but i washappy,” he said.

Pare may have been feeling pressure or at least somesense of responsibility to outperform. in april 2009, redWings general manager Ken Holland signed Pare to atwo-year entry level contract that would allow him tohone his skills in Grand rapids.

“Ever since i was three years old, my dream has beento play in the nHl,” he said. “When i signed the contractwith the Wings, i was very proud because it was a greatachievement for my family. ey had made a lot ofsacrifices and spent a lot of energy on me, so it was verymoving.”

up until last year’s disastrous start, Pare had doneeverything in his power to prove to Detroit that hedeserved an opportunity. His rookie season in 2008-09

had seen him record 24 goals and 24 assists in 63 aHlgames.

in addition, his plus-minus rating, whichdemonstrates a player’s ability to be defensivelyresponsible on the ice, was a team-best plus-23 duringhis rookie year. He led the Griffins with a plus-19 ratinglast season, becoming the first player to ever pace Grandrapids in consecutive seasons.

“i’m not the best player on defense, but i try to workhard every time that i touch the ice,” Pare said. “i just tryto play both sides of the zone.”

While it is his offensive talents that may ultimatelygive Pare a shot at the nHl, he is far from being adefensive liability, according to his coach.

“He’s just a plus player all the time,” Fraser said. “He’smore than capable of putting up huge numbers. i thinkhe’s going to have a great year. He’s a special player.”

Pare would like nothing more than to show that hiscoach’s faith is not misplaced. He is not going to get hungup on numbers, whether this year’s or last season’s.

“My attitude coming into this season is to forgetabout last year,” Pare said.“i’m just going to take it onepractice, one game and oneday at a time.”

and that, he hopes, is arecipe for success.

Pare won the Michel Briere trophyas the MVP in the Quebec MajorJunior hockey League for 2007-08.


• 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:

After a 21-game goal drought to open last season, Pare scored 16 goals over his last 37 games.


Have you visited the new griffinshockey.com yet?launched on the eve of training camp, the Griffins’revamped home on the web features a cleaner andsharper design with improved content, expandedteam coverage, easier navigation and betterorganization.

e home page provides expanded coverage of theGriffins through an embedded GriffVision videoplayer, a multimedia/social media hub that includes alink to the team’s new blog, and a featured-articlearea. roughout the 2010-11 season, these elementswill be frequently updated with player interviews, off-the-ice features and in-depth articles about the team,

giving fans an enhanced look at their favorite Griffinsplayers and Detroit red Wings prospects.

in addition, the home page offers fans quick andeasy access to ticket deals, promotions and schedulinginformation, including a one-stop shop for tickets inthe Buy Tickets now area. Fans can also view livestatus updates from the Griffins’ Facebook andTwitter pages, making it easier to “like” or “follow”the team and be granted access to deals found only onthese social media sites.

Griffinshockey.com continues to offer extensivephoto galleries through Flickr, free subscriptions tothe Griff info news/information service, an in-depthroster page with detailed bios of each player, and themost recent news and coverage of the team. e sitealso remains the preferred portal for Griffins fans toorder tickets, access live audio and video webcasts,shop for team merchandise, and view live scores fromaround the aHl. WhAt IS thIS?

it’s called a qr code, and you’llsee them throughout the pages ofGriffiti this season. Take a pictureof one with your smartphone toaccess multimedia content thatsupplements the stories andfeatures you find in the magazine.

For example, want to sit in on Greg amadio’s day

griff’steCh

Corner

e Griffins Toolbar is now available for internetExplorer or Firefox users, giving you a new way to stayconnected.

Designed to make your life on the internet easier,this free toolbar offers shortcuts to the most popularpages at griffinshockey.com, along with a yahoosearch box that has an adult filter to make it safer forchildren.

e Griffins Toolbar will not replace any of yourexisting toolbars. ere are no pop-ups, adware,spyware or any other annoyances or threats to yourprivacy, and it’s quick and easy to download (andremove, if necessary).

Visit griffinshockey.com today to download yourtoolbar!

YOUR SEARCh IS JUSt BEGINNING


GOiNG MOBiLEThe Griffins are set to unveil our latest

tech offering, GriffMobile, a version of

griffinshockey.com optimized for the

smaller screens of smartphones and

tablet PCs. Launching in October, our

mobile site will provide for a better

browsing experience for Griffins fans

on the go.

with the Calder Cup in 2009? use the code on page 27. Want a sneak preview of the amazing russian Bar Trio, who will perform at the nov. 28 Griffins game? Turn to page 6.

if you’ve never used a qr code before, you’ll need to install a qr scanner app on your smartphone. search the Web for "qr reader" and the model of your phone to find a scanner app; they're available for the iPhone, Windows Mobile, nokia, BlackBerry, and other app-based phones with a camera built in. We like the one available at i-nigma.com, but feel free to find the app that works for you.GEt thE GRIFFINS IPhONE/ANDROID APP!

Get the all new official Griffins iPhone and android app!Everything about your favorite aHl team is now available in the palm of your hand…for free! stay up to date on our schedule,merchandise, roster and much more.

Griffins iPhone/Android App Features:• Schedule• Promotions and game details• Coupons• Exclusive photos • Videos • team and front office roster • Directions to every game • Store• Van Andel Arena seating maps

and information• team history

available now through the Griffins’ website at griffinshockey.com/app, on iTunes, or at the android Market.


GAMES PLAYED1. Travis richards...............6552. Michel Picard .................3643. ryan oulahen.................302 4. Darryl Bootland .............2935. Matt Ellis .........................2826. Dave Van Drunen ..........2807. Derek King......................2648. Evan McGrath ................2629. Tomas Kopecky ..............24310. Jamie Tardif.....................239

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 ..................6110. 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 .....................2008-0910. 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 .....................1996-9710. Chris neil ......................301 .....................1999-00

(rough october 7, 2010)

GRIFFINS ALL-tIME LEADERS

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SAVOR...and Fifth third Bank willshare in the opening of the

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.

Please join us in celebrating thispartnership by cutting out thecoupon at right. Be sure to make your reservations in advance asspace is limited.

SAVOR...Coupon Valid for One Free Sand-

wich with Purchase of a Sandwichat equal or lesser value.

Advance reservations required.Call 616.742.6453 or e-mail [email protected]

Expires 12/31/10Must present original coupon to server at time of order

Not valid for alcohol


a couple of historic nicknames and another namefamiliar to West Michigan hockey fans highlight the arrival of new aHl teams in Charlotte and oklahomaCity this season.

The Charlotte Checkers, who begin play in the aHlas the affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes, borrowedtheir identity from the team of the same name thatcompeted in the ECHl from 1993-94 until last season.

actually, the moniker goes back even further.Hockey history buffs may remember that there was ateam called the Charlotte Checkers that played in theEastern Hockey league and southern Hockey leaguefrom 1956 to 1977.

neWArriVAls

the Ahl WelComes ChArlotte AnDoklAhomA City to the folD.

Former Griffins defensemantodd Nelson was hired bythe Edmonton Oilers to bethe head coach of their AhLaffiliate in Oklahoma City.

Phot

o Cre

dit:

Getty Im

ages


With their home ice at Time Warner Cablearena in Charlotte, the Checkers are led by JeffDaniels, who was named head coach and generalmanager, and Geordie Kinnear, who was hired tobe the team’s assistant coach.

Daniels, 41, is entering his 13th season withthe Carolina Hurricanes and third year as thehead coach and general managerof the team’s aHl affiliate. Priorto his current position, he spentfour seasons with the Hurricanesas an assistant coach, helpingguide the team to a stanley Cupchampionship in 2006.

During his 15-yearprofessional playing career as aforward, Daniels spent time withPittsburgh, Florida, nashvilleand Carolina. in 425 nHlregular-season games, he scored17 goals and 26 assists, whileadding three goals and fiveassists in 41 playoff games. Theoshawa, ontario, native alsowon a stanley Cup withPittsburgh in 1992, as ateammate of Griffins assistantcoach Jim Paek.

Meanwhile, the oklahomaCity Barons are led by generalmanager Bill scott, who workedin the aHl office for fourseasons.

as director of hockey operations for the aHl,scott was responsible for creating the leagueschedule, assisting in determining player finesand suspensions, supervising aHl games in theregular season and playoffs, and interpreting by-laws, regulations and CBa for the member teams.He also oversaw all on-ice and off-ice officialsand managed the on-ice branding program forthe league.

scott, who was born and raised in unionville,ontario, graduated from Michigan stateuniversity with a bachelor’s degree in businessmanagement in 2003. He started his career as an intern with the nashville Predators in theirhockey operations department.

The Barons are the aHl affiliate of theEdmonton oilers and play their home games at the newly renovated Cox Convention Center.

The head coach in oklahoma City is Toddnelson, who is assisted by Gerry Fleming.Fleming served as an assistant coach last seasonwith springfield, the oilers’ former aHl affiliate,under rob Daum.

nelson, 41, was the first player signed by theGrand rapids Griffins before the team’s inauguralseason in 1996-97. He played 236 games with the

Griffins before finishing his career as a player-assistant coach with the Muskegon Fury in2001-02.

He served as a Griffins assistant coach underDanton Cole in 2002-03 before becoming thehead coach of the Fury. in Muskegon, he wonback-to-back championships in 2003-04 and

2004-05 and compiled anoverall record of 149-58-0-9.

nelson spent two years as an assistant coach with theaHl’s Chicago Wolves, thenserved as an assistant coachwith the nHl’s atlantaThrashers during the past twoseasons. Prior to landing theBarons job, he had interviewedfor the head coach positionwith the Edmonton oil Kings,the junior hockey team ownedby the same group that ownsthe nHl’s oilers.

The oilers made a majoreffort this summer to deepentheir ranks and bolster theBarons, signing the likes ofalex Giroux, Brad Moran, Ben ondrus and shawn Belle.

“i think the emphasis is ondevelopment and a lot ofpeople agree that winning is apart of development,” nelsontold the Edmonton sun. “you

want players to feel good about themselves, so ifthey get called up to play in the nHl, they canbring that winning attitude with them. That’svery important.

“We think we’ll have some good veteranpresence there with some character, and it’s going to help us a lot.”

This will be the third time that the aHl willcount a team called the Barons among its ranks.The Cleveland Barons first played in the aHlfrom 1937 to 1973. The name was reclaimed bythe former san Jose sharks’ aHl affiliate from2001 to 2006.

There was also a Cleveland Barons team thatplayed two seasons in the nHl from 1976 to1978. The team merged with the financiallytroubled Minnesota north stars before the 1978-79 season, retaining the latter’s name.

The aHl also welcomes a third new team thisseason in the albany Devils, who relocated fromlowell and assumed the city’s hockey mantlefrom the river rats. The Devils share the nameof their nHl affiliate in new Jersey.

“We think we’llhave some

good veteranpresence there

with somecharacter, and

it’s going tohelp us a lot.”



1. Grand Cycling Classic2. Griffins Youth foundation

Golf Classic3. ArtPrize 20104. Habitat for Humanity Build

5. fourth of July Parades6. Lids at the Library7. Bike Rodeos8. Playhouse Dedication at

Ronald McDonald House

What We Did DuringOur Summer Vacationere comes a time in every hockey season when thegames end and the ice must melt, but summer isn’tmuch of an offseason for Griff and the Griffins staff,who stay busy throughout the warmer months by making dozens of community appearances throughoutWest Michigan. Here’s just a sampling.

2010-11 GRIFFINS COMMUNItY EVENtSOct. 11, 2010 Pups & Pucks Fall Walk-a-thon

(Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary)

Oct. 18, 2010 Griffins Booster Club Meet the team Dinner

Jan. 22-23, 2011 Great Skate Winterfest (Rosa Parks Circle)for information on these and many other events, please visit griffinshockey.com.

Community CreAse

1 11 2

3 4

5

7

8

6

PhOtOS:


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


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)

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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

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Suites & Hospitality Areas Call for pricing and availability

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

Keep your team healthy.

Leading Michigan to a healthier future.SM

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 Mark 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

Bold = Played in the NhL duringthe 2009-10 season.

Italics = Had name engraved on theStanley Cup after playing forGrand Rapids

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

Since their inception in 1996, the Griffins have sent 110 players on to the National Hockey League, 13 of whom have gone on to win the Stanley Cup. Infact, a Griffins alumnus has had his name engraved on the Cup each of the lastthree 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 94 skaters who have donnedan NHL sweater aer playing for Grand Rapids, along with the dates of theirNHL debuts/returns.


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:


KIDS PAGE

ANAGRAMS1. Entrée Be Dark2. Liar Pupil Fail3. Got Penalty4. Demand Cola Joy5. thin Arms Bend6. Mired Fajita7. Fancier Raps8. Word on Jeans9. Ninja’s Rodeo Mask10. Avert third Rash11. Join Mean Josh12. tweeze Oil Lice13. Jeep Con Radar14. Do Rag Image15. Rats at Moat16. Ink Jag Duo17. Beseech Pianist18. his Lab Ran Off19. A Ram’s Junk20. Car’s hind Rim21. to Call Moms Much22. Met My Crooner23. Rookie’s Gloves

PLAYERSGreg AmadioJoakim AnderssonWillie Coetzeetravis EhrhardtCory EmmertonIlari FilppulaDoug JanikJamie JohnsonSergei kolosovBrian LashoffJoey MacDonaldthomas McCollumChris MinardJan MursakJordan OwensFrancis PareJordan PearceSebastien PicheLogan PyettBrent RaedekeBrendan SmithJamie tardiftomas tatar

fAns embrACing slim ref(= griffins name scramble)

unscramble the goofy words to form

the name of a griffins player. good luck!

ANSWERS 1. Brent Raedeke2. Ilari Filppula3. Logan Pyett4. Joey MacDonald5. Brendan Smith6. Jamie tardif7. Francis Pare

8. Jordan Owens9. Joakim Andersson10. travis Ehrhardt11. Jamie Johnson12. Willie Coetzee13. Jordan Pearce14. Greg Amadio15. tomas tatar

16. Doug Janik17. Sebastien Piche18. Brian Lashoff19. Jan Mursak20. Chris Minard21. thomas McCollum22. Cory Emmerton23. Sergei kolosov

Do

Rag

Imag

e

Met My Crooner

thin

Arm

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his Lab Ran Off

Ninja’s Rodeo Mask

Entrée Be Dark

the Griffins hope they have a sweetgoaltending tandem this season withtheir M&Ms – thomas McCollum andJoey MacDonald. During the recenttraining camp in traverse City, thepair practiced under the watchful eyeof Red Wings goaltending coach JimBedard.

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 #1

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