GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS

Detroit Red Wings defense prospect Eemil Viro isn’t sure what to expect playing for the Grand Rapids Griffins in his first season in North America, but he is ready for it. “(The Red Wings) said to get ready in battles, to get ready to come and play here,” Viro said. I’m really looking forward to that.”Before that, Viro, 20, will represent Finland at the World Junior Championship, which starts today in Edmonton. The Red Wings’ sixth selection in 2020 (70th overall in the third round) will participate in his first NHL training camp next month and possibly play in some preseason games before being assigned to the Griffins. Getting the pucks to the net and maybe creating more on the offensive.”More:Carter Mazur rides momentum into World JuniorsTrio of Red Wings prospects look to lift Sweden at WJC

The Detroit Red Wings’ American Hockey League affiliate will remain in Grand Rapids for the foreseeable future. On Monday, the Red Wings and Grand Rapids Griffins announced a five-year extension of their affiliation agreement through the 2026-27 season. “Grand Rapids continues to be a model franchise both on and off the ice and we’re excited to continue our partnership,” said Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said in a statement. The Red Wings will continue to oversee the Griffins’ day-to-day hockey operations, led by Red Wings assistant general manager Shawn Horcoff, who also serves as the Griffins’ general manager. Last season, 19 of the 38 players who suited up for the Red Wings once played for the Griffins.

The Grand Rapids Griffins will begin their 72-game schedule, in their 27th season, on Oct. 14 against the San Diego Gulls at Van Andel Arena (7 p.m.). This will be the Griffins’ 21st season as the Detroit Red Wings’ AHL affiliate. The Griffins will play 23 sets of back-to-back games and two three-in-threes. The schedule features 52 games against Central Division rivals, four against the Atlantic Division, 12 vs. the North Division and four against the Pacific Division. The Griffins will have an eight-game road trip from Oct. 22-Nov. 9, which ties for the team’s longest ever (March 22-April 5, 2009).

The Grand Rapids Griffins have signed former Michigan State goaltender John Lethemon to a one-year contract. Lethemon, a native of Northville, Mich., went 15-11-6, with a 2.69 goals-against average and .911 save percentage for ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits in 2021-22. If Lethemon doesn’t earn an AHL job he’ll be assigned to ECHL Toledo. The 6-3, 196-pound Lethemon, 25, went 2-0 (2.01 GAA, .931 save percentage) in his AHL debut last season with the Ontario Reign. Lethemon went 28-16-11 with a 2.70 GAA and a .908 save percentage in two seasons with Greenville.

Kirill Tyutyayev made a good impression at last year’s NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City with his skills but played only nine games for the Grand Rapids Griffins before a season-ending injury. The Detroit Red Wings drafted Tyutyayev 190th overall in the seventh round in 2019. After Tyutyayev scored twice in the first game of the Prospects Tournament, Red Wings rookie Lucas Raymond called him “smart, a bit unpredictable” and hard to play against. Griffins defenseman Jared McIsaac said at the time that Tyutyayev protects the puck, see the ice well and has good speed. More: Undersized Kirill Tyutyayev makes good early impression

Bruce Cassidy has ties to the Detroit Red Wings as a former head coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins. The Bruins fired Cassidy on Monday, a couple of weeks after their first-round playoff loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. They become the Red Wings’ AHL affiliate the following season, when they lost in the first round. Scotty Bowman retired after the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in 2002 and the club promoted longtime assistant coach Dave Lewis. More:Pros, cons of potential Red Wings coaching candidatesRed Wings coaching search not a quick, simple process

The Grand Rapids Griffins have re-signed right wing Dominik Shine to a two-year contract. Shine, 29, has played six seasons with the AHL club and is coming off his most productive year, with a career highs in goals (17), assists (15), points (32) and penalty minutes (141). Shine, from Northern Michigan, will join a select group of players to play at least parts of seven seasons in Grand Rapids, including current Griffins captain Brian Lashoff (14th season in 2022-23), as well as Travis Richards (10), Jakub Kindl (eight), Tom McCollum (eight) and Joey MacDonald (seven). The undrafted Detroit native has tallied 37 goals and 80 points in 288 games for Grand Rapids. More: Yzerman discusses Jonatan Berggren’s development

The Griffins also signed center Tyler Spezia to a two-year deal. Lashoff’s 75 playoff games played ranks second in team history, behind Nathan Paetsch’s 78. Lashoff also has appeared in 136 games with the Detroit Red Wings over part of seven seasons (two goals, 13 assists). Spezia, 28, posted career highs in games played (74), goals (13), assists (22) and points (35) during his fourth season with the Griffins. More: Red Wings taking wait-and-see approach with Jonatan Berggren

The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Taro Hirose to a two-year extension. Hirose was tied for second in scoring for the Grand Rapids Griffins with 53 points (15 goals, 38 assists) in 59 games. He appeared in 15 games with the Red Wings (one goal, three assists). Hirose was an unrestricted free agent (G6) because he is 25 with three years of pro experience and fewer than 80 NHL games accrued. More: Red Wings ink Swedish forward to one-year contract

Grand Rapids Griffins forward Riley Barber scored a goal for the United States in its 4-1 victory Friday over Latvia in the opener of the World Championship in Tampere, Finland. Barber, who finished the AHL season on a 17-game points streak, opened the scoring at 7:11 of the first period.

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic and Grand Rapids Griffins right wing Riley Barber are among the 24 players representing Team USA for the World Championship in Finland May 13-29. “Anytime you get to represent your country it’s a great honor, it’s a special opportunity,” Nedeljkovic said. Barber recorded 28 goals and 53 points in 49 games with Grand Rapids. Former Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill will serve as an assistant coach under David Quinn. The U.S. had medaled in four of the past eight Worlds, winning bronze in 2013, 2015, 2018 and 2021.

The Grand Rapids Griffins will begin the 2022-23 on Friday, Oct. 14 at Van Andel Arena, one of six home dates confirmed by the AHL. The Griffins also will host their 25th annual New Year’s Eve Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 31.

The Grand Rapids Griffins’ seven-season playoff streak was snapped this year, but Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman liked what he saw from the team. Yzerman on Monday said he is not going to make any changes to the Griffins staff led by head coach Ben Simon. The Griffins finished 33-35-8 during Simon’s fourth season as head coach. Barber, Berggren honoredRight wing Riley Barber was named AHL player of the month for April and Jonatan Berggren rookie of the month. He recorded two hat tricks and five multi-point games, ending the season on a career-best five-game goals streak.

The Detroit Red Wings, needing some help in net for the Grand Rapids Griffins, today signed veteran KHL and AHL goaltender Magnus Hellberg for the remainder of the season. 1 goalie, was injured during a relief stint in the Red Wings’ 11-2 loss at Pittsburgh on March 27 and hasn’t returned. Hellberg (6-6, 209) was drafted in the second round by Nashville in 2011 (38th overall) but has appeared in only four NHL games (1-0-0, 2.70 GAA, .868 save percentage). Hellberg has appeared in 187 AHL games with Milwaukee and Hartford, posting an 84-71-28 record, 2.49 GAA and .914 save percentage. The Griffins, in Pickard’s absence, have been leaning on Victor Brattstrom, who has struggled in his first season in North America (7-14-3.

Should the Detroit Red Wings recall him before the season ends? “What I like about him being there is he’s got some stability, he knows where he’s playing tomorrow night, he knows who he’s playing with, he knows his role and not sitting there wondering, ‘Am I getting called up? That’s important. The Red Wings drafted Berggren (5-11, 195) 33rd overall in 2018, three spots after taking Joe Veleno. “I think Berggren’s grown through the course of the year,” Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said.

The Detroit Red Wings claimed defenseman Olli Juolevi on waivers Sunday from the Florida Panthers. In addition, the club assigned center Joe Veleno to the Grand Rapids Griffins as Jakub Vrana’s return to the lineup nears. Acquiring the left-shooting Juolevi gives Detroit nine defensemen, so this move could be a prelude to a deal before the March 21 trade deadline. Juolevi (6-2, 182) could be the latest reclamation project for Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman. More: Red Wings must apply lessons learned from tough seven-game stretch

Justin Abdelkader has been released from his tryout with the Grand Rapids Griffins so he can be an alternate for the U.S. Olympic team. Abdelkader, 34, had no points in three games during his stint with the Griffins. The former Detroit Red Wings forward hadn’t played since the 2021 World Championship, when he suffered a knee injury while serving as captain for Team USA. He was named an alternate captain in 2016. After struggling his final few seasons, the Red Wings bought out the final three years of Abdelkader’s contract in October 2020.

Former Detroit Red Wings forward and Muskegon native Justin Abdelkader has signed a professional tryout contract with the Grand Rapids Griffins. Abdelkader, 34, won a Switzerland National League Title with EV Zug last season. He appeared in 22 games last season including the playoffs (10 goals, seven assists, 69 penalty minutes). He spent 13 seasons with the Red Wings from 2008 to 2020, appearing in 739 games and collecting 106 goals and 252 points. After struggling his final few seasons, the Red Wings bought out the final three years of Abdelkader’s contract in October 2020.

When Steve Yzerman summoned Grand Rapids Griffins coach Ben Simon to Detroit to fill in for Jeff Blashill for a game, he gave him a bit of advice. Whether or not Simon, 43, realizes his dream to coach in the NHL one day, he will always remember this experience. “Knowing the people in Detroit, how prepared Jeff Blashill and his staff are, it was going to be a fun experience regardless. “Jeff Blashill, two of his biggest strengths are his communication skills and his preparation,” Simon said. After, Larkin gave Simon, Houda and Krygier each a puck.

The Detroit Red Wings have recalled center Joe Veleno from the Grand Rapids Griffins. The 30th pick in the 2018 draft, Veleno had one goal during a five-game stint with the Red Wings near the end of last season. Former Red Wing Petr Mrazek is expected to start in goal tonight for Toronto (3-4-1). The Red Wings (4-2-2) are expected to start Thomas Greiss in net. More: Red Wings’ sacrifice, commitment apparent during late shift

The Detroit Red Wings would prefer Joe Veleno continue his development as a top-line player with the Grand Rapids Griffins rather than be a bottom-six NHL forward to start the 2021-22 season. That is why the Red Wings assigned Veleno to Grand Rapids Monday, setting their season-opening 23-man roster. Veleno and Lucas Raymond, who made the roster, were the last remaining waiver-exempt forwards in camp. The Red Wings also assigned forwards Riley Barber and Taro Hirose to the Griffins after they cleared waivers. The Red Wings earlier today announced that right wing Bobby Ryan was released from his professional tryout.

Kirill Tyutyayev is listed at 146 pounds, remarkably light for a player poised to start his AHL career this season with the Grand Rapids Griffins. “If he is, he certainly plays bigger.”That was the case Thursday, when Tyutyayev scored two goals to lead the Detroit Red Wings past the Dallas Stars 5-4 in their first game of the NHL Prospects Tournament at Centre I.C.E. I thought he played really well.”Tyutyayev skated in Detroit for part of the summer. He did a really good job of holding the net and holding down the fort.”The Red Wings drafted the 6-5 Brattstrom 160th in 2018. More: Five to watch for Red Wings at Prospects Tournament

The Grand Rapids Griffins will retire the jersey numbers of Michel Picard (7) and Jeff Hoggan (10) in separate ceremonies at home games during the second half of the 2021-22 season. He led the team in scoring in each of his first five full seasons, something no Griffin has done more than twice. He is the only Griffin to ever reach 100 points in a season, picking up 101 (46 goals, 55 assists) in 1996-97. Hoggan, signed as a free agent just prior to the 2012-13 season, became the longest-tenured captain in franchise history (2012-16). He led the Griffins to their first Calder Cup title that season – the team’s first championship in its 17 seasons to that point.

The Detroit Red Wings will not hire a replacement for Ryan Martin, opting to expand Pat Verbeek’s role. The club announced Thursday that Verbeek will assume general manager duties for the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins while also continuing his role as Red Wings assistant GM. In his expanded role with the Griffins, Verbeek will be responsible for the team’s day-to-day operations, including personnel decisions, contract negotiations and player movement. “The Griffins are a first-class organization, and Grand Rapids is a fantastic market for hockey,” Verbeek said in a statement. “His experience and proven hockey acumen put us in a prime position to continue fielding competitive hockey teams now and into the future.”More: Red Wings to buy out veteran center

The Detroit Red Wings have signed left wing Tyler Bertuzzi to a two-year contract extension.

The Detroit Red Wings made a trade and signed a handful of players, each who were once a part of the organization, over the past couple of days to boost their organizational depth with the Grand Rapids Griffins. The 24-year-old right-handed shooter had a goal and seven assists in four games with AHL Syracuse, for whom he has played in parts of six seasons. The Holland, Mich. native and Western Michigan University product played two seasons with the Red Wings from 2017-2019 (65 games, one goal, five assists). Lashoff, 31, has appeared in 136 games for the Red Wings over parts of seven seasons (two goals, 13 assists). He played in just one game for the Red Wings in 2016-17.

The Detroit Red Wings have acquired center Mitchell Stephens from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a 6th-round pick in the 2022 NHL draft.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed Luke Witkowski to a two-year contract.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed lefthanded defenseman Dan Renouf to a one-year contract.

Darren Helm signed a one-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche this week, effectively ending his long tenure with the Detroit Red Wings.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed center Pius Suter to a two-year contract.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed defenseman Jordan Oesterle to a two-year contract.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed goalie Calvin Pickard to a one-year contract extension.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed goalie Calvin Pickard to a one-year contract extension.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed center Sam Ganger to a one-year contract extension.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed left wing Taro Hirose to a one-year contract extension.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed 29-year-old center Kyle Criscuolo to a two-year contract extension.

The upcoming season will be the 26th for the Grand Rapids Griffins. But with the American Hockey League playing a limited schedule this past season due to the coronavirus pandemic, Griffins officials decided to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2021-22. The Griffins introduced its 25th anniversary logo along with the schedule for the 2021-22 season, which begins with the Oct. 15 season opener against the Rockford IceHogs at 7 p.m. It will mark the first time since 2017 that the Griffins will open on their home ice at Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids. “We are thrilled to welcome back the best fans in the American Hockey League and excited to kick off our 25th anniversary season.

Former Grand Rapids Griffins center Stacy Roest will have his named engraved on the Stanley Cup for the second consecutive season. Roest is now the assistant manager and director of player development for the Tampa Bay Lightning, who finished off the Montreal Canadians Wednesday night. The Lightning beat the Canadians 1-0, enabling Tampa Bay to clinch the series 4-1. It marks the eighth time in the past 14 years and 10th in the last 17 that a former Griffins player has participated on a Stanley Cup champion. In all, 17 Griffins have won the Stanley Cup.

Riley Barber’s 20th goal of the season sent the Grand Rapids Griffins to a 4-1 win over Cleveland in Saturday’s season finale at Van Andel Arena. Barber’s decisive goal came on Grand Rapids’ fifth power play chance of the game. But at the same time, I have a chance to play in the American League with the Grand Rapids Griffins, and I love to win and I love to score goals. Notes• The Griffins’ 0.563 points percentage gave them a third-place finish in the six-team Central Division, as they leap-frogged Iowa tonight. Grand Rapids’ last 16 games, constituting half of its season, were played without any COVID interruptions.

A season like none other will come to an end this weekend for the Grand Rapids Griffins. Grand Rapids will visit Cleveland for a 7 p.m. game today before hosting the Monsters in Saturday’s 7 p.m. season finale at Van Andel Arena. In all, the Griffins will have played a 32-game schedule when the final buzzer sounds this weekend. In addition, it was a season that didn’t start until early February and saw the Griffins play just four Central Division opponents all year. The obstacles the Griffins were forced to overcome is one reason why Grand Rapids coach Ben Simon said this year’s squad has been so special.

The Grand Rapids Griffins have signed left wing Kirill Tyutyayev to a standard player’s contract, the team announced Saturday. Tyutyayev, 20, was the 10th pick of the Detroit Red Wings in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. In 2017-18, Tyutyayev scored 114 points (47-67—114) in 31 games for Spartakovets Yekaterinburg of Russia’s U18 league, leading the team in all three scoring categories. He then averaged a point per game in 2018-19 with Avto Yekaterinburg of the MHL, Russia’s junior hockey league. The Griffins will visit Rockford tonight at 7 p.m. for their first road game in four weeks.

GRAND RAPIDS – The Chicago Wolves have had the Grand Rapids Griffins’ number most of the season, and Monday night was no different. Chicago defeated the Griffins 5-1 at Van Andel Arena, with three-straight goals coming off power plays. Grand Rapids’ seven-game homestand had been going well up until Monday’s contest, with the Griffins going 3-0-1. In fact, the loss was Grand Rapids’ first regulation home loss in nine games. Chicago rolled into Grand Rapids on its first three-game winless streak of the season (0-1-1), but the Wolves quickly took control against the Griffins.

The Grand Rapids Griffins went toe-to-toe with Cleveland in more ways than one Tuesday night at Van Andel Arena. Grand Rapids scored three third-period goals to beat the Monsters 5-3, which snapped Cleveland’s six-game winning streak. The game also saw Grand Rapids defenseman Dylan McIlrath and Cleveland’s Brett Gallant exchange a series of haymakers, which can be viewed by clicking here. Grand Rapids will host the Monsters at 7 p.m.Grand Rapids fell behind 3-2 Tuesday in the second period. *Turner Elson is tied for third in the AHL goal-scoring race and tied for the lead with 11 power play points.

GRAND RAPIDS – Iowa scored three third-period goals in 36 seconds and later took the lead Friday night against the Grand Rapids Griffins. The stunned Griffins quickly regrouped and scored a pair of goals in the final 2:48 to beat the Wild 5-4 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids’ first game in nearly two weeks. Grand Rapids tied the game on a goal from Taro Hiro, and with 41 seconds remaining, Dominic Turgeon knocked in the goal-winner on an assist from Givani Smith. “Any time you are up 3-0 in the third period it’s not ideal like that to let in four quick goals,” Turgeon said. Kyle Criskuolo and Albin Grewe punched in two quick goals in third to put the Griffins up 3-0.

The Grand Rapids Griffins were scheduled to open a seven-game homestand tonight against the Chicago Wolves. However, that game has been postponed due to coronavirus protocols affecting the Wolves. As of this time, all tickets for tonight’s game will be valid for the new game date. Ticket holders who want more information or would prefer to request a refund may visit https://griffinshockey.com/refund-request-form. The Griffins are set to host the Iowa Wild on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. Fans can watch the games on WXSP-TV or AHLTV, or tune in to ESPN 96.1 FM.

The Grand Rapids Griffins have played four home games all season, but that is about to change over the next two weeks. In addition, Grand Rapids will host the Cleveland Monsters on Tuesday, April 20 and Wednesday, April 21. That will give Grand Rapids five home games in a span of seven nights. It will be a seven-game homestand in all, since the Griffins will host the Wolves on Monday, April 26, and Rockford, Wednesday, April 28. All tickets for Tuesday’s game will now be valid for Thursday.

Joe Veleno is being recalled to the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins after his Swedish pro league season came to an end.

The Grand Rapids Griffins have postponed games for the first time this season due to coronavirus protocols affecting themselves. Griffins officials reported that Friday’s road game at Cleveland and Saturday’s home contest versus Rockford have been called off. No make-up dates have been announced. All tickets for Saturday’s game will be valid for the new game date. Ticket holders who want more information or would prefer to request a refund may click here.

The Detroit Red Wings announced Monday that Dennis Cholowski and Mathias Brome have been reassigned from its taxi squad to the Grand Rapids Griffins. Cholowski, a 23-year-old defenseman, saw action in two games with Detroit this season, averaging 14:26 in ice time. Over three seasons as a pro, Cholowski has totaled 67 games as a Griffin (6-27—33) and 90 more as a Red Wing (9-15—24). A year ago, Cholowski recorded eight points (2-6—8) in 36 games with the Red Wings and 13 points (3-10—13) in 30 contests with Grand Rapids. Brome, a 26-year-old left wing, has registered one goal and eight penalty minutes in 24 appearances in his first season with the Red Wings.

The Grand Rapids Griffins have signed Albin Grewe to an amateur tryout. Grewe, who turned 20 Monday, was the Detroit Red Wings’ fifth pick in the 2019 National Hockey League Draft. The Red Wings selected Grewe in the third round with the 66th overall selection. Griffins Notes*Having earned points in nine of their last 10 games (7-1-2-0), the Griffins will travel to Iowa this weekend for a Friday-Saturday set against the Wild. The rescheduled games will give the Griffins seven home games during April, the most regular season contests they have hosted during the month.

For the second time in five days, the Grand Rapids Griffins will have a home game postponed. The American Hockey League announced Sunday that the Chicago Wolves, which were scheduled to visit the Griffins Tuesday, will have to postpone due to coronavirus issues. This past Friday’s Chicago at Grand Rapids also was postponed because of COVID-19 protocols affecting the Wolves. Grand Rapids will return to action next weekend with games Friday and Saturday at Iowa. The Griffins’ next home game is April 10 against Rockford.

Grand Rapids defenseman Dylan McIlrath played in his 200th game for the Griffins during their 2-1 overtime loss to Rockford on March 13. One game later this past Tuesday, left wing Turner Elson played in his 200th game, which also was a 2-1 overtime loss to Rockford. Of the 531 players in Grand Rapids history, 47 have reached the milestone. Five of Grand Rapids’ next six games will be on the road, with Tuesday’s 7 p.m. game against Chicago being the exception. We just have to make sure to try to continually improve and teach, but maybe do so in different methods.”MORERockford spoils Calvin Pickard’s return to Grand Rapids Griffins

The American Hockey League announced Thursday that the Grand Rapids Griffins’ home game scheduled for Friday has been postponed due to league COVID-19 protocols affecting the Chicago Wolves. As of this time, all tickets will be valid for the new game date. Ticket holders who want more information or would prefer to request a refund by clicking here. Grand Rapids will return to the ice on Saturday. The Griffins will visit the Cleveland Monsters for a 7 p.m. game.

Calvin Pickard recorded 20 saves in his first game with the Grand Rapids Griffins in more than a year Tuesday night at Van Andel Arena. The 28-year-old Pickard was reassigned to Grand Rapids Monday. Grand Rapids went up 1-0 with a goal from Chase Pearson 10:26 into the first period. Tomkins set a career-high 46 saves, breaking his previous high of 42 that he set against Grand Rapids Saturday. • In the five-game season series, Grand Rapids has now out-shot Rockford by a massive 200-96 margin.

Svechnikov will replace Bobby Ryan, who is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He just needs to make sure he wins every shift, make sure he’s accountable. To play as a five-man unit, you got to make sure everybody is doing their job, so he has to make sure he’s doing his job in each particular instance. He’s got to make sure he’s winning battles by skating. The Red Wings are 8-17-4.

Donovan Sebrango was the fifth player the Detroit Red Wings selected in the 2020 draft but the first one they signed, agreeing to terms Sunday on a three-year entry level deal that begins with the 2021-22 season. Detroit selected the 6-1, 189-pound Sebrango 63rd overall (third round) out of OHL Kitchener. With the Ontario Hockey League season on hold, Sebrango began the 2020-21 campaign with HK Levice in second-tier Slovakia, appearing in five games. “I think I’m a bit of an old-school defenseman with a little bit of new school,” Sebrango said when Detroit drafted him. #lgrw pic.twitter.com/3FpQiHck81 — Donovan S (@D_sebrango3) March 15, 2021More: Kris Draper breaks down Red Wings’ 2020 draft class

Thursday night’s victory was 25 years in the making for the Grand Rapids Griffins. The Griffins defeated host Rockford 3-1, giving Grand Rapids its 1,000th regular-season win in franchise history. pic.twitter.com/XVKTeE7Opx — Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) March 12, 2021Grand Rapids built up a 3-0 lead in the third period, and that proved to be plenty of support for Griffins goaltender Pat Nagle. Joe Hicketts, Gustav Lindstrom, Max Humitz, Chase Pearson and Tyler Spezia each had an assists for Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids improved to 6-3 overall after winning its sixth game out of its past seven.

GRAND RAPIDS – The Grand Rapids Griffins extended its winning streak while snapping Chicago’s Friday night at the Van Andel Arena. Here are five takeaways from Friday’s win:1) Grand Rapids beat the Wolves 4-1 for its fourth consecutive victory, a winning streak that started after the Griffins opened the season with two-straight losses to Chicago on the road. Grand Rapids then scored two goals in the first 2:02 of the second. pic.twitter.com/sG5yhipBZk — Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) February 27, 20214) Chicago struck quickly in the third period when the Wolves’ Rem Pitlick scored 42 seconds into the period. pic.twitter.com/t8jASsPUkH — Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) February 27, 20215) Grand Rapids’ homestand is now over.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – All Pat Nagle needed was an opportunity. The 33-year-old goalie never lost faith in himself as he traveled through the ECHL and AHL for the past 10 years and appears to be finding his groove as a member of the Grand Rapids Griffins. Michael Rasmussen scored on a power-play opportunity 3:35 into the third period off assists from Taro Hirose and Dennis Cholowski to give Grand Rapids a 1-0 lead. In 20 games last season, Nagle was 9-8-1 as a starter with a 2.32 goals-against average and a 0.920 save percentage. 1 spot in Grand Rapids right now.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids Griffins returned to Van Andel Arena on Saturday for the team’s first home competition in 356 days. With no fans in attendance, the Griffins scored a 2-1 overtime win against the Cleveland Monsters in a Central Division showdown. Neither team would secure the game-winning goal in regulation, however, and the game would enter a five-minute overtime session. 🚨🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/BjDSEKsjMQ — Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) February 20, 2021Here's your 3 stars of the game! pic.twitter.com/icnuOTgOVt — Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) February 21, 2021---MORE GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS COVERAGE ON MLIVEHome ice advantage still a thing even without fans for Grand Rapids GriffinsEvgeny Svechnikov might get another opportunity with Red WingsWatch: Highlights from the Griffins’ 3-1 victory over Rockford Thursday night

DETROIT – Evgeny Svechnikov -- the 19th overall pick in 2015 -- did not make the Red Wings roster after he was hurt and missed much of that short training camp in January. He cleared, of course, but it wasn’t the best situation for a player who we all expected to be an impact for the Red Wings, especially at this point. So here we are -- will this be his last opportunity with the Red Wings organization? Smith, 22, appeared in 8 games with the Red Wings this season -- 1 goal and 3 assists. I hope we see him again this season with the Red Wings.

The Detroit Red Wings have reassigned left wing Givani Smith to the Grand Rapids Griffins from their taxi squad. Smith, 22, has appeared in eight games with the Red Wings this season, contributing four points (1-3--4), 11 penalty minutes and an even rating in 9:54 average time on ice. Smith also logged 37 games with Grand Rapids in 2019-20, leading the club with 75 PIM while scoring 19 points (9-10--19). For his Griffins career (2016-17; 18-20), he has 32 points (15-17--32) and 163 PIM in 104 games. MOREGrand Rapids Griffins notch first win after scoring two third-period goalsGrand Rapids Griffins: ‘We are learning on the fly’All Grand Rapids Griffins home games to be televisedGrand Rapids Griffins’ rally falls short in ChicagoGrand Rapids Griffins announcer Bob Kaser undergoes successful heart surgery

Grand Rapids Griffins fans will not be permitted to attend the team’s Feb. 20 home opener at the Van Andel Arena due to coronavirus restrictions. Fans will still be able to catch the game, however, and all of the rest of the Griffins’ home games this season, too. The team announced Friday that WXSP-TV will televise Grand Rapids’ 15 home games. A sister station to WOOD TV8 and WOTV, WXSP can be found on all Grand Rapids area cable systems as well as a series of low-power channels across the region, including in Grand Rapids (WOLP channel 27), Holland (WOHO channel 33), Muskegon (WOMS channel 29), Kalamazoo (WOKZ channel 50) and Battle Creek (WOBC channel 14). “Our continued partnership ensures that Griffins fans in West Michigan have a convenient way to watch every home game this season, even if they can’t do it from a seat in Van Andel Arena quite yet.”MOREGrand Rapids Griffins: ‘We are learning on the fly’Grand Rapids Griffins’ rally falls short in ChicagoGrand Rapids Griffins announcer Bob Kaser undergoes successful heart surgery

The Detroit Red Wings have released a roster ahead of their 2020-21 season opener this week. This year there teams are allowed a taxi squad of up to six additional players to the normal 23-man roster. The Red Wings released a 22-man roster and six more players on the taxi squad. He’ll remain in the Red Wings organization after clearing waivers. I have placed the full Red Wings 2020-21 season schedule here.