Grand Rapids Griffins

Grand Rapids Griffins
2018–19 AHL season
City Grand Rapids, Michigan
League American Hockey League
Conference Western
Division Central
Founded 1996 (In the IHL)
Home arena Van Andel Arena
Colors Black, red, silver, white, gold
                        
Owner(s) Dan DeVos
General manager Ryan Martin
Head coach Ben Simon
Media Fox Sports Detroit
NewsRadio WOOD 1300 AM/
106.9 FM
Affiliates Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
Toledo Walleye (ECHL)
Website www.griffinshockey.com
Franchise history
1996–present Grand Rapids Griffins
Championships
Regular season titles 1 IHL (2000–01)
1 AHL (2005–06)
Division Championships 2 IHL (1999–00, 2000–01)
5 AHL (2001–02,
2002–03, 2005–06, 2012–13, 2014–15)
Conference Championships 1 IHL (1999–00)
2 AHL (2012–13, 2016–17)
Calder Cups 2 (2012–13, 2016–17)

The Grand Rapids Griffins are a professional hockey team in the American Hockey League (AHL). They play in Grand Rapids, Michigan at Van Andel Arena. They are the AHL affiliate to the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League, and are the 2013 and 2017 Calder Cup Champions.

The franchise began in the now-defunct International Hockey League in 1996 and merged into the AHL in 2001. The only player to have his number retired in team history is Travis Richards.[1]

Franchise history

Returning professional hockey to Grand Rapids

The beginnings of the third International Hockey League (IHL) franchise in Grand Rapids, following the Grand Rapids Rockets and Grand Rapids Owls – teams that existed in the 1950s and late 1970s, respectively – lie in the construction of a 10,000-plus capacity arena in the downtown area. Following the project's authorization, Amway executives Dave Van Andel and Dan DeVos formed West Michigan Hockey, Inc., in January 1995 with the intent of securing a minor league hockey franchise. The group promptly began discussions with the IHL, American Hockey League (AHL) and East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) to gauge interest in the Grand Rapids market.[2] Also that month, Bruce Saurs, owner of the IHL's Peoria Rivermen, visited Grand Rapids to discuss with the group potential relocation of his team.[3] In April, however, the IHL's board of directors voted to waive one of its expansion criteria – that the city's metropolitan area comprise at least one million people – and grant West Michigan Hockey a franchise for US$7 million. The league ultimately was swayed by the community's response, which included over 8,000 season ticket requests, and the new, fully financed arena.[4]

The construction of Van Andel Arena paved the way for professional hockey's return to Grand Rapids.

A "name the team" contest was held in June 1995; at the announcement, DeVos hinted that the group was looking for something "with a face ... with a personality, that we can translate into a mascot of some sort".[5] "Grand Rapids Griffins" was chosen as the winning entry, and the logo and colors of the hockey club were unveiled in November. The logo was designed by Sean Michael Edwards Design, Inc., a New York firm whose portfolio includes logos for the Florida Panthers and Seattle Mariners. In keeping with the traditional theme desired by the club, navy blue and gold were chosen as the primary colors, along with hunter green, red and silver accents. "We didn't want to be trendy in any way", DeVos said.[6]

Original Griffins logo, used from 1996 until 2015

Former IHL goaltender and Cleveland Lumberjacks assistant general manager Bob McNamara was hired in January 1996 as general manager.[7] His first move was to hire Dave Allison, who had briefly coached the Ottawa Senators that season, as head coach.[8] Among the first players to join the team were defensemen Todd Nelson and Travis Richards and goaltender Pokey Reddick, all of whom brought National Hockey League (NHL) experience.[9][10] On the business side, the Griffins secured a deal with WOOD-AM to broadcast all regular season and playoff games in their inaugural season.[11] Rich Kincaide then left his sportscaster position at WJR in Detroit to become the Griffins' play-by-play announcer and director of communications.[12] The team also signed agreements with WZZM and WWMT to televise a handful of games each.[13] Following lengthy negotiations with the City of Grand Rapids,[14][15][16][17] a DeVos-owned company took over operations of Belknap Ice Arena, which was then renovated for use as the Griffins' practice facility.[18]

Independent years (1996–99)

Grand Rapids was Pavol Demitra's last minor league stop before establishing himself in the NHL.

McNamara filled the Griffins' 1996–97 inaugural season roster with IHL and AHL veterans (notably Michel Picard, Jeff Nelson and Don McSween) and a handful of prospects. He also signed affiliation agreements with the Muskegon Fury of the Colonial Hockey League (CHL) and the Mississippi Sea Wolves of the ECHL.[19][20] The Griffins won their inaugural game on the road against the Indianapolis Ice,[21] but lost the home opener to the Orlando Solar Bears six days later.[22] An early-season record of 9–10–2 improved after the addition of Pavol Demitra, who was acquired in a trade with the Las Vegas Thunder in late November, and NHL veteran Danton Cole, who signed with the team after a stint in the German Ice Hockey League (DEL).[23][24][25] The Griffins were paced by the top forward line of Picard, Jeff Nelson and Demitra;[26] all three averaged over one point per game during the regular season.[27] Demitra left the Griffins in March 1997 after signing a contract with the St. Louis Blues,[28] and scored over 300 goals in sixteen NHL seasons.[29] He was replaced on the first line by rookie Kevyn Adams,[30] who went on to play in ten NHL seasons.[31] Grand Rapids finished in last place in a strong Northeast Division with a record of 40–30–12;[32] the team's opening round playoff series with Orlando ended in a 3–2 loss.[33] Picard was voted a first-team all star by the league's coaches after finishing fourth in league scoring with 46 goals and 55 assists in 82 games.[34][35] The franchise's first season was considered a success by the IHL,[36] which held its 1997 All-Star Game in front of a capacity crowd at the 10,834-seat Van Andel Arena. Thirty-nine of forty-one home games were also sellouts, and the Griffins set an IHL record with season ticket sales capped at 7,000.[37]

Before the 1997–98 season, the Griffins selected Glen Metropolit and two other players in the IHL expansion draft – postponed a year due to extended labor negotiations between the league and its players – signed NHL journeymen forwards Mark Greig and Ed Patterson,[38][39] and re-signed Michel Picard. Most of the previous season's defensive core also returned,[40] though Don McSween was traded following Kerry Huffman's signing early in the season.[41][42] Goaltender Pokey Reddick requested and was granted a trade after splitting playing time with Ian Gordon early in the season; Patrick Lalime signed with the team shortly thereafter.[43] By December, the Griffins were contending for first place in the Northeast Division, largely on the strength of their goaltending and the top forward line of Picard, Metropolit and Greig.[44] Picard was recalled by the St. Louis Blues in January for fifteen games;[45] Chris Lindberg signed with the team shortly after Picard's recall, but was later suspended by the IHL after bolting to play for Swiss team EV Zug.[46] The Griffins' record fell to 30–25–7 by March, and disagreements over what changes needed to be made prompted McNamara to fire head coach Dave Allison.[47] McNamara assumed the coaching duties for the final twenty games of the regular season, as well as the playoffs, in which the Griffins were swept in the first round by the Cincinnati Cyclones.[48] Picard, with 28 goals and 41 assists in 58 games, again led the team in scoring,[49] though another recall to the Blues left him unavailable for the playoffs.[50]

Glen Metropolit led the Griffins in scoring for the 1998–1999 IHL season. He has gone on to play in over 400 NHL games with seven teams.

In July 1998, Guy Charron was introduced as the Griffins' new head coach; his previous seventeen years of coaching experience included five years as an assistant coach with the Calgary Flames of the NHL.[51] His new team endured a flurry of roster moves following the departure of Mark Greig, Patrick Lalime and Shane Hnidy, all of whom signed NHL contracts.[52] Kip Miller signed with the Griffins in August but left the team before playing in a regular season game, instead earning an NHL roster spot after his rights were traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins.[53] Key additions who stuck with the team included forward Robert Petrovicky and Darren Rumble. Early-season signees Joe Frederick and Andrei Vasilyev provided an offensive boost,[54][55] but injuries on the defensive side preceded a franchise-record seven-game losing streak in November, leaving the Griffins with the worst record in the IHL at that point.[56][57] Among the few bright spots for the team was the play of linemates Metropolit, who scored the franchise's first ever natural hat trick that season,[58] and Petrovicky, who was named the IHL's Player of the Month for November after scoring five goals and 12 assists in 12 games.[59] Petrovicky signed an NHL contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning in February, and the Griffins made numerous roster moves in the following weeks in an effort to qualify for the playoffs.[60][61][62][63] The team finished with the second worst record in the 1998–99 IHL season, and failed to earn a playoff spot. (The IHL, down to 16 teams that year, had adopted a 12-team playoff format.)[64] Metropolit's 81 points led the team and placed him ninth in league scoring;[65][66] he went on to play in eight NHL seasons.[67]

Ottawa Senators affiliation and joining the AHL (1999–2002)

Late in the 1998–99 season, general manager Bob McNamara on numerous occasions discussed an affiliation agreement with Rick Dudley, the first-year general manager of the Ottawa Senators. Dudley considered other franchises,[68] and left the Senators before a deal was in place, but his replacement, Marshall Johnston, ultimately chose Grand Rapids. The two-year agreement called for the assignment of twelve Senators prospects to the Griffins each year. "[T]he most significant reason we've pursued this is because we want to win a championship", said McNamara.[69] Griffins co-owner Dan DeVos echoed that sentiment: "This decision was not based on a financial analysis. Our intent was to improve our record."[69]

Detroit Red Wings affiliation (2002–present)

Located in-state only two hours from Detroit, the Grand Rapids Griffins have given the Detroit Red Wings what they had sought after for years – a local AHL affiliate. The previous affiliate, the Adirondack Red Wings, was considered too far away for the preferences of Red Wings management, and back-and-forth player assignments, so the franchise was suspended with the intention of relocation to Toledo, Ohio, just a short distance from Detroit. These plans never materialized, so that AHL franchise stayed dormant for years until being sold and reactivated as the San Antonio Rampage.

On January 24, 2002, the Griffins and Detroit Red Wings held a joint press conference at The B.O.B. in downtown Grand Rapids to announce a five-year affiliation agreement (2002–03 to 2006–07). Red Wings general manager Ken Holland and assistant GM Jim Nill were present for the announcement, which was made before an overflow crowd of media and sponsors. Terms of the affiliation called for the Red Wings to supply a minimum of thirteen players to the Griffins each season. The majority of the Griffins' roster is Detroit prospects and draft picks.

On April 5, 2002, with a 3–2 victory at Chicago, the Griffins won the AHL's inaugural Bud Poile Trophy as the 2001–02 West Division champions. On March 9, 2003, thanks to losses by Rochester and Cincinnati, the Griffins won the John Chick Trophy as the 2002–03 Central Division champions. The title marked their second straight as AHL members. On April 14, 2007, the Griffins and Detroit Red Wings announced an agreement in principle to extend their affiliation through the 2011–12 season. On June 4, 2008, nine-former Griffins won the Stanley Cup as part of the 2007–08 Detroit Red Wings.

Griffins celebrate winning the 2017 Calder Cup

After the 2010–11 season, general manager Bob McNamara, the only hockey operations chief in franchise history, retired. Initially, the Griffins opted to forgo having a general manager, instead relying on the Red Wings for hockey operations support.[70] However, in early 2012, Red Wings assistant general manager Ryan Martin was named general manager of the Griffins as well.

On March 7, 2012, the Griffins and Detroit Red Wings announced a five-year affiliation agreement extension through the 2016–17 season.[71] On June 18, 2013, the Griffins won the 2013 Calder Cup for the first time in franchise history, defeating the Syracuse Crunch in six games. On June 16, 2015, Todd Nelson was named head coach of the Griffins.[72] On June 13, 2017, the Griffins won the 2017 Calder Cup, defeating the Syracuse Crunch in six games in a repeat of the 2013 finals. This time they won it on home ice in front of a sell out crowd at Van Andel Arena — the first time that a Grand Rapids-based team had won a title on home ice. Tyler Bertuzzi was named MVP and received the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy.[73] On July 6, 2017, the Griffins and Detroit Red Wings announced a five-year affiliation agreement extension through the 2021–22 season.[74] After three seasons and one Calder Cup, head coach Todd Nelson was hired as an assistant with the Dallas Stars in the NHL[75] and was replaced by assistant Ben Simon for the 2018–19 season.[76]

Season-by-season results

This is a partial list of the last five seasons completed by the Griffins. For the full season-by-season history, see List of Grand Rapids Griffins seasons

Players

Current roster

Updated October 17, 2018.[77][78][79]

# Nat Player Pos S/G Age Acquired Birthplace Contract
45 Canada Colin Campbell F R 27 2014 Pickering, Ontario Griffins
19 United States Carter Camper C R 30 2018 Rocky River, Ohio Griffins
27 United States Jake Chelios D L 27 2018 Chicago, Illinois Red Wings
17 Canada Marcus Crawford D R 21 2018 Ajax, Ontario Griffins
15 Canada Turner Elson C L 26 2017 New Westminster, British Columbia Griffins
6 Canada Matt Finn D L 24 2018 Toronto, Ontario Griffins
55 United States Matthew Ford (C) RW R 34 2016 West Hills, California Griffins
14 United States Trevor Hamilton D R 23 2018 Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan Griffins
10 Sweden Axel Holmstrom F L 22 2016 Arvidsjaur, Sweden Red Wings
52 Canada Dylan McIlrath (A) D R 26 2016 Winnipeg, Manitoba Red Wings
22 United States Wade Megan (A) C L 28 2018 Canton, New York Red Wings
12 Canada David Pope LW L 24 2018 Edmonton, Alberta Red Wings
73 Canada Matt Puempel LW L 25 2017 Essex, Ontario Red Wings
42 Slovakia Patrik Rybar G R 25 2018 Skalica, Slovakia Red Wings
9 Finland Vili Saarijarvi D R 21 2016 Rovaniemi, Finland Red Wings
29 Finland Harri Sateri G L 28 2018 Toijala, Finland Red Wings
65 United States Dominik Shine RW R 25 2017 Pinckney, Michigan Griffins
54 Canada Givani Smith LW L 20 2016 Thornhill, Ontario Red Wings
4 Czech Republic Libor Šulák D L 24 2018 Pelhřimov, Czech Republic Red Wings
25 Canada Chris Terry LW L 29 2018 Brampton, Ontario Red Wings
23 Canada Dominic Turgeon C L 22 2016 Pointe-Claire, Quebec Red Wings
51 Canada Trevor Yates C L 23 2018 Beaconsfield, Quebec Griffins
11 Czech Republic Filip Zadina RW L 18 2018 Pardubice, Czech Republic Red Wings

Retired numbers

Team captains

Club records

Single season
Career
  • Most goals: Michel Picard, 158
  • Most assists: Michel Picard, 222
  • Most points: Michel Picard, 380
  • Most penalty minutes: Darryl Bootland, 1,164
  • Most wins: Jimmy Howard, 90
  • Most shutouts: Joey MacDonald, 16
  • Most games: Travis Richards, 655

References

  1. ↑ Cleves, Randy, ed. (2008). Grand Rapids Griffins 2012–2013 Media Guide (PDF). Grand Rapids Griffins. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 24, 2013. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  2. ↑ Becker, Bob (January 23, 1995). "Group's goal is to net hockey franchise". The Grand Rapids Press. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Booth Newspapers, Inc. p. A1.
  3. ↑ Eminian, Dave (January 24, 1995). "Soon to be Michigan Rivermen?". Peoria Journal Star. Peoria, Illinois. p. D1.
  4. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (April 25, 1995). "It's on ice – Grand Rapids gets IHL expansion franchise". The Grand Rapids Press. p. A1.
  5. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (November 20, 1995). "Can you name that hockey team in three weeks?". The Grand Rapids Press. p. A1.
  6. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (April 25, 1995). "'Something different' for IHL team with Griffins unveiled as nickname". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  7. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (January 26, 1996). "Griffins' new GM ready to build a winning team". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  8. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (June 27, 1996). "Griffins check in with head coach from NHL stockpile". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  9. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (July 26, 1996). "Griffins sign former K-Wing Richards". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C4.
  10. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (July 31, 1996). "Griffins acquire experience by trading for goaltender". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B1.
  11. ↑ Beardsley, Howie (April 25, 1996). "Griffins pick WOOD to air opening-season games on radio". The Grand Rapids Press. p. E2.
  12. ↑ Beardsley, Howie (June 6, 1996). "Griffins hire sportscaster Kincaide to do radio play-by-play". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C7.
  13. ↑ Beardsley, Howie (June 17, 1996). "Unique TV pact has Griffins, foes excited for season". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C6.
  14. ↑ Root, Kelley (March 6, 1996). "Ice time – Griffins owner offers city a deal to operate the Belknap rink". The Grand Rapids Press. p. A1.
  15. ↑ Root, Kelley (March 27, 1996). "Griffins owners skate closer to Belknap pact". The Grand Rapids Press. p. A5.
  16. ↑ Root, Kelley (April 24, 1996). "Griffins' management get first city OK to run Belknap". The Grand Rapids Press. p. A10.
  17. ↑ Czurak, David (June 3, 1996). "Belknap add-on plans approved". Grand Rapids Business Journal. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Gemini Publications. 14 (23): 3. ISSN 1045-4055. OCLC 12223622.
  18. ↑ Czurak, David (July 15, 1996). "Belknap arrangement approved for DP Fox". Grand Rapids Business Journal. 14 (29): 2.
  19. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (August 1, 1996). "Griffins, Fury to work together". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C6.
  20. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (August 7, 1996). "Griffins forge partnership with ECHL team in Biloxi". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B8.
  21. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (October 6, 1996). "First game is a winner for Griffins". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  22. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (October 12, 1996). "'It was frustrating' – Excited Griffins fall to Orlando in home opener, 3–1". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  23. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (November 26, 1996). "Griffins deal for big scorer". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C5.
  24. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (November 26, 1996). "Let's get physical". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  25. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (January 15, 1997). "Slumping Armstrong on his way out". The Grand Rapids Press. p. D5.
  26. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (December 17, 1996). "Pic's Pack – Top line paced by Picard quenches Griffins' thirst for goals". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  27. ↑ "1996-97 Grand-Rapids Griffins (IHL) player statistics". The Internet Hockey Database. hockeydb.com. Retrieved May 3, 2009.
  28. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (March 15, 1997). "Griffins juggle lineup after loss of Demitra to NHL". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C5.
  29. ↑ "Pavol Demitra's hockey statistics profile". The Internet Hockey Database. hockeydb.com. Retrieved May 3, 2009.
  30. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (March 16, 1997). "Griffins glide past Kansas City". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  31. ↑ "Kevin Adams's hockey statistics profile". The Internet Hockey Database. hockeydb.com. Retrieved May 3, 2009.
  32. ↑ "1996-97 International Hockey League (IHL) standings". The Internet Hockey Database. hockeydb.com. Retrieved May 3, 2009.
  33. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (April 29, 1997). "Griffins' season ends". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B1.
  34. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (May 2, 1997). "Griffins' Picard honored". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C5.
  35. ↑ "1996-97 IHL League Leaders". The Internet Hockey Database. hockeydb.com. Retrieved May 3, 2009.
  36. ↑ Brower, Gary (January 3, 1997). "IHL commissioner praises 'most successful situation' with Griffins". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C6.
  37. ↑ "Griffins' DeVos IHL's top exec". The Grand Rapids Press. June 26, 1997. p. C6.
  38. ↑ "Griffins sign expansion pick". The Grand Rapids Press. July 18, 1997. p. C6.
  39. ↑ Iole, Kevin (July 3, 1997). "Thunder waits for draft". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Las Vegas, Nevada: Stephens Media LLC. p. 9C.
  40. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (September 14, 1997). "Griffins hit the ice looking for defense". The Grand Rapids Press. p. E1.
  41. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (October 16, 1997). "Griffins sign NHL veteran Huffman". The Grand Rapids Press. p. D8.
  42. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (October 18, 1997). "Griffins trade McSween, McCann". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  43. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (November 27, 1997). "Trade is made: Pokey's a Dragon". The Grand Rapids Press. p. D1.
  44. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (December 11, 1997). "Griffins stack up well in I's best division". The Grand Rapids Press. p. F3.
  45. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (February 1, 1998). "Griffins lose, but expect Picard to return for tonight's game". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B9.
  46. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (February 26, 1998). "Lindberg's playing in Europe but Griffins still want him back". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B3.
  47. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (March 4, 1998). "Allison: I did the best job I could". The Grand Rapids Press. p. D1.
  48. ↑ Mayo, David (April 23, 1998). "Playoffs end painfully for Griffins' GM". The Grand Rapids Press. p. D7.
  49. ↑ "1997-98 Grand-Rapids Griffins (IHL) player statistics". The Internet Hockey Database. hockeydb.com. Retrieved May 7, 2009.
  50. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (April 17, 1998). "Griffins ready for Cinci, even with no Picard". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  51. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (July 8, 1998). "It's official: Charron named new Griffins coach". The Grand Rapids Press. p. D1.
  52. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (August 7, 1998). "Griffins' defenseman signs with Red Wings". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C5.
  53. ↑ Molinari, Dave (October 8, 1998). "3 Penguins heal, but season-opening roster still not a done deal". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Post Gazette Publishing Co. p. D-3.
  54. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (November 5, 1998). "Griffins sign winger to spur offense". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C3.
  55. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (November 27, 1998). "Struggling Griffins hope trade will stir offense". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B3.
  56. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (November 4, 1998). "Griffins' Tucker joins injured ranks". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B3.
  57. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (November 25, 1998). "Griffins battle, but lose seventh straight game". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C3.
  58. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (October 28, 1998). "Trigger man – Metropolit's hat trick lifts Griffins over Grizzlies". The Grand Rapids Press. p. D1.
  59. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (December 3, 1998). "Griffins' red-hot center Petrovicky named IHL Player of the Month". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C3.
  60. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (February 20, 1999). "Griffins' roster full of changes". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C6.
  61. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (March 10, 1999). "Griffins trade Rumble for Kaminsky to spark offense". The Grand Rapids Press. p. D3.
  62. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (March 19, 1999). "Griffins add winger, defenseman to beef up depleted lineup". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B1.
  63. ↑ VanOchten, Brian (March 26, 1999). "Griffins hoping trade will stop fade". The Grand Rapids Press. p. B1.
  64. ↑ "1998-99 International Hockey League (IHL) standings". The Internet Hockey Database. hockeydb.com. Retrieved June 14, 2009.
  65. ↑ "1998-99 Grand-Rapids Griffins (IHL) player statistics". The Internet Hockey Database. hockeydb.com. Retrieved June 14, 2009.
  66. ↑ "1998-99 IHL League Leaders". The Internet Hockey Database. hockeydb.com. Retrieved June 14, 2009.
  67. ↑ "Glen Metropolit's hockey statistics profile". The Internet Hockey Database. hockeydb.com. Retrieved June 14, 2009.
  68. ↑ Flemming, Gretchen (April 19, 1999). "NHL's Ottawa Senators may affiliate with Griffins". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  69. 1 2 Flemming, Gretchen (June 10, 1999). "Griffins join forces with the Ottawa Senators". The Grand Rapids Press. p. C1.
  70. ↑ "McNAMARA DEPARTS AFTER 15 SEASONS AS GM". Grand Rapids Griffins. Retrieved 26 June 2011.
  71. ↑ Griffins and Red Wings Extend Affiliation Through 2016-17
  72. ↑ "Todd Nelson named head coach of Griffins". June 19, 2015. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
  73. ↑ Wakiji, Dana (June 13, 2017). "Grand Rapids Griffins win Calder Cup at home". Detroit Red Wings. Retrieved June 13, 2017.
  74. ↑ Kujawa, Kyle (July 6, 2017). "Red Wings and Griffins extend affiliation for five years". Detroit Red Wings. Retrieved July 6, 2017.
  75. ↑ "Todd Nelson talks about leaving Griffins for NHL: 'I have to go'". mlive.com. May 31, 2018.
  76. ↑ "Ben Simon named new coach of Grand Rapids Griffins". MLive.com. June 5, 2018.
  77. ↑ "Grand Rapids Griffins 2017–18 Regular Season". Retrieved October 10, 2017.
  78. ↑ "Eliteprospects.com - Grand Rapids Griffins". Retrieved October 8, 2015.
  79. ↑ "Grand Rapids Griffins Roster". Retrieved October 3, 2018.
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