2025-26 Griffiti - Issue #3

GROWTH MINDSET

PROUD TO BACK THE GRIFFINS. EVEN PROUDER TO STAND WITH THEIR FANS.

Huntington Bank is honored to support the Grand Rapids Griffins. With every pass and shot, through each hard-fought win and heartbreaking loss, watching you give your all is a thrill we never take for granted.

From your biggest fans at Huntington: Let’s Go Griffins!

Vol. 29, No. 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

STARTING LINEUP

26......... A BRAND-NEW OPPORTUNITY

Twenty-year-old Michael Brandsegg-Nygård is applying important lessons learned from his season-opening NHL experience.

34......... FROM THAILAND WITH LOVE

As the first Thai-born draft pick in NHL history, Alex Kannok Leipert’s life has taken him from the beaches of Thailand to the Canadian prairies and beyond.

42......... GRIFFINS FLY ‘HIGHER, FASTER, STRONGER’

Eduards Tralmaks headlines an alumni group that will continue Grand Rapids’ rich Olympic tradition.

46......... CHANGING HIS STRIPES

From Griffins player to pro referee, Hayden Verbeek’s on-ice career has come full circle.

54......... NOBODY DOES IT BETTER

The Griffins’ unprecedented start and 30th anniversary celebration combined to shine a spotlight on stars of past and present during the first half of the season.

58......... IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Most of their work takes place in empty arenas, but the Griffins’ skill development coaches are key to the team’s success.

Michael Brandsegg-Nygård’s work ethic will define his path back to the NHL.

Photo by Nicolas Carrillo

CHALK TALK

WITH GRIFFINS HEAD COACH DAN WATSON

By Jonathan Mills

Through the first 31 games of their 2025-26 season, the Grand Rapids Griffins were still high atop the Central Division, enjoying a franchiserecord start of 28-1-1-1 (58 points) that also marked the best start by any team over the American Hockey League’s rich 90-year history.

For perspective, more than 1,400 team-seasons have been played since the league first took to the ice in 1936. And the Griffins stood alone at the top. When asked what’s the driving force behind the Griffins’ remarkable start, head coach Dan Watson – understandably – had trouble narrowing it down to just one thing.

“We’re a mature and very professional team,” Watson said. “What I mean by that is our guys show up every day, regardless of what that day looks like, ready to work. That’s what’s impressive – these guys don’t take days off. Their days off are certainly warranted, for all the rest and recovery, but when they show up to the rink, they know it’s time to work. That’s led by our leadership group and experience that we have inside the locker room. Also, the attention to detail. Whether it’s our systems, our players are detailed with that and have great habits. Whether it’s adjustments we must make, they’re attentive to that then they go out and execute it.”

Considering everything that Grand Rapids has accomplished so far this campaign, one might assume a lot changed systematically and structurally during the offseason. However, Watson explained that wasn’t really the case.

“We had calls every other week and there were certain areas that we wanted to improve on, so

we went to work and watched how other teams played,” Watson said. “We saw how other teams did things, then picked what we liked as far as what we could implement into what we already do. There wasn’t a huge overhaul in the way that we think about the game, but we always want to get better. Last summer was a big summer for us. We also looked at and simplified how we do postgame video sessions as a team.”

From an offensive perspective, as of Jan. 6, the Griffins’ 3.90 goals per game ranked first in the AHL. What’s more, they were outscoring their opponents by 55-25 at Van Andel Arena and a ludicrous 66-29 on the road, where they began the season with a 15-game points streak (14-0-0-1).

According to Watson, a collective commitment to defense – reflected by a league-best 1.74 team goals-against average – was translating into valuable production at the other end of the ice.

“Our ability to track has been big, and that’s a will,” Watson said. “Guys must be willing to do that. It’s hard to put the brakes on, stop, and be able to sprint all the way back to get pucks back. The other part of that is our forecheck. I think we have a pretty good forecheck. We talk about being relentless on the forecheck and not letting anybody off the hook. When we get pucks back, even [Red Wings head coach] Todd [McLellan] has been talking about this in Detroit, we’re also being direct at the net. That’s with bodies, and you have to be willing to go there. There’s a lot of things you must be able to do in the hard areas, but that’s where you’re going to score goals during games when it matters. We’ve scored a lot of net-front goals here

as of late, which I’m impressed with. Our guys have really done a good job.”

Buy-in from every corner of their roster has also helped the Griffins develop a shared identity, even as players embrace their individualized roles and responsibilities on the ice.

“Our guys have a close bond,” Watson said. “They know that working together and team success will bring individual success. They also understand that the systems in place aren’t complicated and just require work ethic, dedication, and commitment to what we’re trying to do. With these guys who have all this skill, the system allows them to play their own game within the structure.”

Emphasizing that he aims to give his skaters the freedom to grow and succeed by playing to their strengths, Watson said he doesn’t want to “handcuff anybody.”

“If guys are shooters, we want them to shoot, get to the areas that allow them to shoot and be productive,” Watson said. “If guys are playmakers, same thing. If you’re able to make plays, make them but do it in a smart manner and when the time is right. It’s getting guys to understand that. As we go along here, we want players to get better,

understand and learn the habits, details, and work ethic it takes to get to the NHL. And for the guys that have already been in the NHL, here are the things that we can help them with that can get them back there. You’ve got to be ready to play every day and help this team win. Obviously, that will help your individual cause.”

On the topic of wins, Watson recorded his 100th behind the Griffins’ bench on Dec. 27, when his club earned a 3-0 shutout over the Milwaukee Admirals at Panther Arena. As a result, Watson tied Danton Cole (172 contests) for the second-fastest coach in team history to reach the mark.

For Watson, he truly cherishes being an AHL head coach and the impact he has on shaping player development as well as readiness for the NHL. That’s something, historic start or not, he’s committed to keep fostering for these Griffins.

“The importance of the job was huge,” Watson said. “And now, being able to turn on the TV and see the Red Wings play, and to see all of those guys that had previously stepped foot in the Griffins’ locker room out there, it’s an appreciation that you really don’t get to sit back and have until it actually happens.”

2025-26 GRIFFINS HOCKEY OPERATIONS STAFF

SCOUTING REPORT

By Andrew Streitel

CLEVELAND JAN. 28, FEB. 18

The Monsters are led by rookie Luca Pinelli, who had 19 points (8-11—19) in 22 games at the Christmas break to rank among the AHL’s rookie leaders in points (T11th), assists (T12th) and goals (T10th). The 20-year-old made his NHL debut with Columbus on Nov. 26 against Toronto and has skated in three games with the Blue Jackets this season. Prior to turning pro, Pinelli spent four seasons in the OHL with Ottawa and totaled 252 points (128-124—252) in 246 regular-season games from 2021-25. The Hamilton, Ontario, native was the 114th overall pick by Columbus in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.

Stats and records through games of Dec. 25, 2025

Grand Rapids had points in 27 out of its last 34 meetings against Cleveland, with a 19-7-4-4 record (.676). In the five seasons since 2021-22, the Griffins were 16-9-4-4 (.606) against Cleveland and outscored them 101-92. On home ice during that span, Grand Rapids had lost just once in regulation against the Monsters (11-1-3-2, .794), with a plus-23 scoring margin. The Griffins also had points in eight of the last nine overall meetings against Cleveland (7-1-0-1), with a plus-19 margin (37-18).

CHICAGO

JAN. 30, FEB. 20

On Dec. 12, the Carolina Hurricanes fired Wolves head coach Cam Abbott after just one full season as the AHL club’s bench boss. At the time of his departure, Chicago was tied for third in the Central Division with a 11-7-3-1 record, and last season finished fourth in the division with a 37-31-4-0 mark. The Hurricanes promoted Spiros Anastas to interim head coach after he had served as an assistant coach on Abbott’s staff. Anastas, who is also the head coach for Team Greece, was an assistant coach for the Griffins from 2012-14, aiding the team to its first Calder Cup in 2013.

At the end of the Hurricanes’ training camp, netminder Cayden Primeau was claimed off waivers by the Toronto Maple Leafs and appeared in three NHL games. After being waived by Toronto, he was reclaimed by Carolina on Nov. 7 and assigned to the Wolves. Through 10 games with Chicago, Primeau had a 3-3-4 record with a 2.54 GAA and a .912 save percentage. Last season with the Laval Rocket, the 26-year-old logged a 21-2-2 ledger with a 1.96 GAA and a .927 save percentage in 26 games and, alongside Connor Hughes, won the Harry Holmes Memorial Award as the best goaltending duo in the AHL.

TEXAS

FEB. 13, FEB. 15

After winning the Central Division last season and reaching the Western Conference Finals, the Texas Stars found themselves out of a playoff spot and in sixth place in the division at the Christmas break. In addition, the Stars’ power play ranked last in the AHL at 11.1% and their penalty kill placed 17th at 81.2%. Texas also ranked 28th out of 32 teams with 2.56 goals per game and 19th with 3.15 goals against per contest.

Texas’ Antonio Stranges is a native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and played his youth career with Belle Tire and Little Caesars in Detroit. Stranges was selected 123rd overall by the Dallas Stars in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft and is in his fifth professional campaign. He had a breakout season last year with 43 points (18-25—43) in 55 regularseason games before suffering an injury that kept him sidelined for the final month and a half of the regular season and parts of the postseason. With Texas from 2020-21 and 2022-25, Stranges accumulated 88 points (37-51—88) in 163 regular-season outings, adding three points (2-1—3) in 13 playoff games.

MANITOBA FEB. 25

After ranking last in the Central Division and 31st out of 32 AHL teams last season, the Moose were positioned second in the division at Christmas. At the break, Manitoba was led by David Gustafsson’s 19 points (6-13—19) in 26 games, while Domenic DiVincentiis spent the most time in net with a 2.64 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage in 16 appearances. The only two changes to the coaching staff from last season were the additions of assistant coach Bob Nardella and video coach Kody Degenstien. Nardella spent the previous 12 years (2012-24) holding multiple positions with the Chicago Wolves, while Degenstien was formerly the video coach for the ECHL’s Florida Everblades.

Back in October, Mason Shaw was named the 13th captain in Manitoba franchise history after serving as an alternate captain in 2024-25 and leading the team with 37 points (17-20—37) in 72 games. Shaw is in his second season with the Moose after spending the previous six campaigns within the Minnesota Wild organization, after being selected 97th overall by the Wild in 2017. Shaw was also named to Team Canada for the 2025 Spengler Cup – held in Davos, Switzerland, from Dec. 26-31 – and logged one goal, two penalty minutes and a minus-one rating in three games.

IOWA

FEB. 27, FEB. 28

Iowa’s Bradley Marek hails from Big Rapids, Michigan, and is in his third season as a professional. Marek spent two seasons (2021-23) at Ferris State University and totaled 36 points (17-19—36) and 22 penalty minutes in 72 games. In 2021-22, he was named the CCHA Rookie of the Year when he tied for second on the roster with 19 points (10-9—19) in 36 games. Prior to joining the Bulldogs, Marek finished his USHL career with the Muskegon Lumberjacks in 2020-21. The 25-year-old also spent his U16 career with Fox Motors AAA in Byron Center, Michigan, from 2015-17.

Carson Lambos is the lone first-round selection from the Minnesota Wild on Iowa’s roster. Lambos, a thirdyear pro, was chosen with the 26th overall pick by the Wild in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. At the Christmas break, he had a mere five points (2-3—5) in 27 games with Iowa. The 22-year-old made his NHL debut with Minnesota on Dec. 18, 2025, at the Columbus Blue Jackets and posted a plus-one rating. In his previous two seasons with Iowa (2023-25), Lambos registered 33 points (9-24—33), 107 penalty minutes, and a minus-eight rating in 137 outings.

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Dear Griffins Fans,

A lot can happen in 30 years.

Unbreakable friendships can be forged. Beloved traditions can be passed down by generations. Breathtaking moments can be shared and indelible memories made. Cities can unite around common goals and celebrations. Downtowns can be transformed.

All of that and so much more have occurred since the Griffins first skated out onto Van Andel Arena’s ice on Oct. 11, 1996. West Michigan fell in love with this team that bears a mythical moniker, but the franchise’s impact has been very real.

Three times the Griffins have competed in our league’s championship finals, and we brought home the coveted hardware in both 2013 and 2017 to cap off arduous playoff runs that captivated the Calder City.

Fans who endured 16 years without a professional hockey team to cheer for following the departure of the Owls turned out in droves from the start, and we have unending gratitude for your passionate support that continues not just season after season but decade after decade. We have opened the doors to the “Freezer on Fulton” nearly 1,200 times, and we have strived night after night to do our absolute best to not just entertain all 9.1 million of you but truly earn your allegiance.

Five other times we’ve been fortunate to welcome the Detroit Red Wings to town for their annual intrasquad game, and the incredible energy and enthusiasm nearly 11,000 of you brought for the long-awaited return of the Red & White Game on Sept. 21 made a powerful and unforgettable impression on every player wearing the Winged Wheel. (Not to mention Steve Yzerman.)

Far beyond the ice, we remain dedicated to helping improve our community through a range of programs, events and initiatives that since our inception has generated just shy of $10 million for various schools, organizations and nonprofits throughout West Michigan. That commitment is currently amplified by the similar efforts of our third-year women’s pro volleyball team, the Grand Rapids Rise of Major League Volleyball, and it will be further enhanced when our city’s new soccer team, Athletic Club Grand Rapids, begins play in 2027 at Amway Stadium as a member of MLS NEXT Pro.

Thirty years ago, none of us could have imagined the incredible playground for professional sports that downtown Grand Rapids would one day become. I cannot wait to see what the next 30 have in store for us.

Sincerely,

Dan DeVos Chief Executive Officer Grand Rapids Griffins

a message from the president

Dear Fans,

the president

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the historic 90th season of the American Hockey League.

Since we first dropped the puck in 1936, our league has grown to include 32 cities from coast to coast and a truly global community with fans cheering on our teams from around the world. And we remain proud of our commitment to being the top development league for nearly all of the players, coaches, executives, trainers, broadcasters and officials who you see throughout the National Hockey League today.

Since we first dropped the puck in 1936, our league has grown to include 32 cities from coast to coast and a global community with fans cheering on our teams from around the world. And we remain proud of our commitment to being the top development league for nearly all of players, coaches, executives, trainers, broadcasters and officials who you see throughout the National Hockey

For nine decades, you have cheered on future superstars, Stanley Cup champions and Hockey Hall of Famers as they have come through the AHL. This season we reflect on our past while continuing our tradition of excellence, from the excitement of opening night to the pageantry of the AHL All-Star Classic in Rockford to the pure emotion of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

On behalf of all of our teams, thank you for your continuing support of the American Hockey League.

Sincerely,

Scott Howson President & CEO | American Hockey League

For nine decades, you have cheered on future superstars, Stanley Cup champions and Hockey Hall of Famers have come through the AHL. This season we reflect our past while continuing our tradition of excellence, the excitement of opening night to the pageantry of AHL All-Star Classic in Rockford to the pure emotion

On behalf of all of our teams, thank you for your continuing support of the American Hockey League.

THE BEGINNINGS

Celebrating its 90th season in 2025-26, the American Hockey League is continuing a tradition of excellence that began in 1936 when the Canadian-American Hockey League joined with the International Hockey League to form what is today known as the AHL. Eight teams hit the ice that first season, representing 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 this new league, and his name would be given to its championship trophy. The Abbotsford Canucks are the reigning Calder Cup champions after capturing their first title last spring.

From those roots, the American Hockey League has grown into a 32team, coast-to-coast league that provides fans with exciting, high-level professional hockey while preparing thousands of players, coaches, officials, executives, trainers, broadcasters and more for careers in the NHL.

BY THE NUMBERS

87.0%

Percentage of all NHL players in 2024-25 who were graduates of the AHL

891

Former AHL players who skated in the NHL last season

330

AHL players who also played in the NHL in 2024-25

245

Former 1st- and 2nd-round NHL draft picks who skated in the AHL in 2024-25

THE PLAYERS

In today’s National Hockey League nearly 90 percent of the players are AHL alumni, including 202425 Vezina Trophy winner and NHL MVP Connor Hellebuyck and Art Ross Trophy recipient Nikita Kucherov. The 2025 Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers were stocked with AHL graduates including former league scoring champion Carter Verhaeghe

During the 2024-25 season, a total of 891 AHL alumni played in the National Hockey League. There were 330 players who skated in both leagues last year alone, and 245 former first- and second-round NHL draft picks developed their skills in the AHL last season, including Artyom Levshunov, David Reinbacher, Nate Danielson, Simon Nemec Denton Mateychuk, Lian Bichsel, 2025 AHL All-Star Challenge MVP Kevin Korchinski, and 2024-25 AHL Top Prospects team members Dalibor Dvorsky Konsta Helenius, Logan Mailloux , Scott Morrow and Bradly Nadeau

THE LEGENDS

For nine decades, the American Hockey League has been home to some of the greatest players in the history of our sport. In fact, there are 136 honored members of the Hockey Hall of Fame who have been affiliated with the AHL during their careers.

All-time greats from Milt Schmidt and Gump Worsley to Roberto Luongo and Martin St. Louis came through the AHL ranks and now find themselves enshrined in Toronto, and the coveted Calder Cup is inscribed with the names of legendary AHL alumni like Johnny Bower, Larry Robinson, Gerry Cheevers Bathgate, Tim Horton

Francis, Patrick Roy Billy Smith.

THE COACHES

At the start of the 2025-26 season, the National Hockey League featured 21 head coaches who were former AHL bench bosses, including Paul Maurice of the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers and 2024-25 Jack Adams Award winner Spencer Carbery of the Washington Capitals.

Tampa Bay’s Jon Cooper, Colorado’s Jared Bednar, Edmonton’s Kris Knoblauch, New Jersey’s Sheldon Keefe, San Jose’s Ryan Warsofsky and Winnipeg’s Scott Arniel are also among the current NHL coaches who spent time in the American Hockey

AHL DIRECTORY

EASTERN CONFERENCE

ATLANTIC DIVISION:

Bridgeport, Charlotte, Hartford, Hershey, Lehigh Valley, Providence, Springfield, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton

NORTH DIVISION: Belleville, Cleveland, Laval, Rochester, Syracuse, Toronto, Utica

BRIDGEPORT ISLANDERS

NHL Affiliation:.......................... New York Islanders

Home Ice: Total Mortgage Arena (8,412)

General Manager: Chris Lamoriello

Head Coach: ................................. Rocky Thompson

Entered AHL: ..............................................2001-02

Calder Cups: None

Seasons In Playoffs:.................................... 10 Of 22

2024-25 Record: ..................15-50-4-3, 37 Pts./.257 Website: ...........................Bridgeportislanders.com

CHARLOTTE CHECKERS

NHL Affiliations: ............................ Florida Panthers

Home Ice: Bojangles’ Coliseum (8,500)

General Manager: Paul Krepelka

Head Coach: .................................. Geordie Kinnear

Entered AHL: ..............................................2010-11

Calder Cups: One (2019)

Seasons In Playoffs:...................................... 9 Of 13

2024-25 Record: ..................44-22-3-3, 94 Pts./.653 Website: .............................. Charlottecheckers.com

HARTFORD WOLF PACK

NHL Affiliation:........................... New York Rangers

Home Ice: PeoplesBank Arena (15,635)

General Manager: ............................... Ryan Martin

Head Coach: ...................................... Grant Potulny

Entered AHL: ..............................................1997-98

Calder Cups: One (2000)

Seasons In Playoffs:.................................... 17 Of 26

2024-25 Record: ..................30-33-7-2, 69 Pts./.479 Website: .............................. Hartfordwolfpack.com

HERSHEY BEARS

NHL Affiliation:....................... Washington Capitals

Home Ice: Giant Center (10,500)

General Manager: ............................. Bryan Helmer

Head Coach: ...........................................Derek King

Entered AHL: ..............................................1938-39

Calder Cups: 13 (1947, 1958, 1959, 1969, 1974, 1980, 1988, 1997, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2023, 2024)

Seasons In Playoffs:.................................... 72 Of 85

2024-25 Record: ..................44-20-7-1, 96 Pts./.667 Website: Hersheybears.com

LEHIGH VALLEY PHANTOMS

NHL Affiliation:.......................... Philadelphia Flyers

Home Ice: ...................................PPL Center (8,420)

General Manager: Alyn Mccauley

Head Coach: .....................................John Snowden

Entered AHL: . 1996-97 (As Philadelphia Phantoms) Calder Cups: .................................Two (1998, 2005)

Seasons In Playoffs: 15 Of 27 2024-25 Record: ..................36-28-6-2, 80 Pts./.556 Website: ............................... Phantomshockey.com

PROVIDENCE BRUINS

NHL Affiliation:.................................. Boston Bruins

Home Ice: .............. Amica Mutual Pavilion (11,273)

General Manager: ................................... Evan Gold

Head Coach: Ryan Mougenel

Entered AHL: ..............................................1992-93

Calder Cups: .......................................... One (1999)

Seasons In Playoffs:.................................... 26 Of 31

2024-25 Record: 41-23-5-3, 90 Pts./.625

Website: ...............................Providencebruins.com

SPRINGFIELD THUNDERBIRDS

NHL Affiliation: St. Louis Blues

Home Ice: ..................... Massmutual Center (6,793)

General Manager: ............................Kevin Maxwell

Head Coach: ............................. Steve Konowalchuk

Entered AHL: 2016-17

Calder Cups: ................................................... None

Seasons In Playoffs:........................................ 3 Of 7

2024-25 Record: ..................34-32-2-4, 74 Pts./.514 Website: Springfieldthunderbirds.com

WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PENGUINS

NHL Affiliation: Pittsburgh Penguins

Home Ice: Mohegan Arena At Casey Plaza (7,500)

General Manager: .............................. Jason Spezza

Head Coach: ................................... Kirk MacDonald

Entered AHL: 1999-00

Calder Cups: ................................................... None

Seasons In Playoffs:.................................... 20 Of 24 2024-25 Record: ..................41-23-5-3, 90 Pts./.625 Website: Wbspenguins.com

BELLEVILLE SENATORS

NHL Affiliation:..............................Ottawa Senators

Home Ice: CAA Arena (4,365)

General Manager: .................................. Matt Turek

Interim Head Coach.....................Andrew Campbell

Entered AHL: ..............................................2017-18

Calder Cups: None

Seasons In Playoffs:........................................ 2 Of 6

2024-25 Record: ..................34-27-6-5, 79 Pts./.549

Website: .....................................Bellevillesens.com

ROCHESTER AMERICANS

NHL Affiliation: Buffalo Sabres

Home Ice: ........................... Blue Cross Arena At The Rochester War Memorial (10,662)

General Manager: ......................... Jason Karmanos

Head Coach: Michael Leone

Entered AHL: ..............................................1956-57

Calder Cups: ......................... Six (1965, 1966, 1968, 1983, 1987, 1996)

Seasons In Playoffs: 50 Of 67

2024-25 Record: ..................42-22-5-3, 93 Pts./.639

Website: .............................................. Amerks.com

CLEVELAND MONSTERS

NHL Affiliation:.................... Columbus Blue Jackets

Home Ice: Rocket Arena (18,277/9,447 Lower Bowl)

General Manager: .................................. Chris Clark

Head Coach: .................................Trent Vogelhuber

Entered AHL: ......... 2007-08 (As Lake Erie Monsters)

Calder Cups: One (2016)

Seasons In Playoffs:...................................... 5 Of 16

2024-25 Record: ..................35-26-5-6, 81 Pts./.563 Website: ............................ Clevelandmonsters.com

LAVAL ROCKET

NHL Affiliation:........................ Montreal Canadiens

Home Ice: Place Bell (10,043)

General Manager: ........................... John Sedgwick

Head Coach: ..................................... Pascal Vincent

Entered AHL: ..............................................2017-18

Calder Cups: None

Seasons In Playoffs:........................................ 3 Of 6

2024-25 Record: ................48-19-3-2, 101 Pts./.701

Website: ........................................ Rocketlaval.com

THE ROAD TO THE CALDER CUP

SYRACUSE CRUNCH

NHL Affiliation: Tampa Bay Lightning

Home Ice: ....... Upstate Medical University Arena At Onondaga County War Memorial (6,150)

General Manager/Head Coach:..........Joel Bouchard

Entered AHL: 1994-95

Calder Cups: ................................................... None

Seasons In Playoffs:.................................... 19 Of 29

2024-25 Record: ..................37-23-8-4, 86 Pts./.597

Website: Syracusecrunch.com

A total of 23 teams will qualify for the AHL’s 2026 postseason, with five rounds of playoffs leading to the crowning of a Calder Cup champion.

The playoff field will include the top six finishers in the eight-team Atlantic Division, the top five finishers each in the seven-team North and Central Divisions, and the top seven teams in the 10-team Pacific Division.

TORONTO MARLIES

NHL Affiliation: Toronto Maple Leafs

Home Ice: ..................... Coca-Cola Coliseum (7,851)

General Manager: .................................Ryan Hardy

Head Coach: ........................................ John Gruden

Entered AHL: 2005-06

Calder Cups: .......................................... One (2018)

Seasons In Playoffs:.................................... 14 Of 18

2024-25 Record: ..................37-23-4-8, 86 Pts./.597

Website: Marlies.ca

UTICA COMETS

NHL Affiliation: New Jersey Devils

Home Ice: ............... Adirondack Bank Center At The Utica Memorial Auditorium (3,917)

General Manager: .......................... Dan Mackinnon

Head Coach: Ryan Parent

Entered AHL: ..............................................2013-14

Calder Cups: ................................................... None

Seasons In Playoffs:...................................... 5 Of 10

2024-25 Record: 31-33-6-2, 70 Pts./.486

Website: .......................................Uticacomets.com

First Round matchups will be best-ofthree series. The two highest seeds in the Atlantic, the three highest seeds in each of the North and Central, and the first-place team in the Pacific will receive byes into the best-of-five Division Semifinals, with the First Round winners re-seeded in each division. The Division Finals will also be best-of-five series, followed by best-ofseven Conference Finals and a best-ofseven Calder Cup Finals.

Rapids

AHL DIRECTORY

WESTERN CONFERENCE

PACIFIC DIVISION:

Abbotsford, Bakersfield, Calgary, Coachella Valley, Colorado, Henderson, Ontario, San Diego, San Jose, Tucson

CENTRAL DIVISION: Grand Rapids, Chicago, Iowa, Manitoba, Milwaukee, Rockford, Texas

ABBOTSFORD CANUCKS

NHL Affiliation:.......................... Vancouver Canucks

Home Ice: ....................... Abbotsford Centre (7,073)

General Manager: Ryan Johnson

Head Coach: ................................. Manny Malhotra

Entered AHL: ..............................................2021-22

Calder Cups: One (2025)

Seasons in Playoffs: ........................................ 4 of 4

2024-25 Record: ..................44-24-2-2, 92 pts./.639

Website: ........................... abbotsford.canucks.com

BAKERSFIELD CONDORS

NHL Affiliation:..............................Edmonton Oilers Home Ice: ...................Dignity Health Arena (8,751)

General Manager: Keith Gretzky Head Coach: ........................................ Colin Chaulk Entered AHL: ..............................................2015-16 Calder Cups: None Seasons in Playoffs: ........................................ 4 of 8 2024-25 Record: ..................32-30-7-3, 74 pts./.514

............................ bakersfieldcondors.com

CALGARY WRANGLERS

NHL Affiliation:................................ Calgary Flames

Home Ice: Scotiabank Saddledome (19,289)

General Manager: ................................ Brad Pascall

Head Coach: ......................................... Brett Sutter

Entered AHL: ..............................................2022-23

Calder Cups: None

Seasons in Playoffs: ........................................ 3 of 3

2024-25 Record: ..................37-28-4-3, 81 pts./.563 Website: calgarywranglers.com

COACHELLA VALLEY FIREBIRDS

NHL Affiliation:.................................Seattle Kraken

Home Ice: Acrisure Arena (10,087)

General Manager: .................................. Troy Bodie

Head Coach: ....................................... Derek Laxdal

Entered AHL: ..............................................2022-23

Calder Cups: None

COLORADO EAGLES

NHL Affiliation:......................... Colorado Avalanche Home Ice: Blue Arena (5,089) General Manager: ......................... Kevin McDonald Head Coach: .......................................

ONTARIO REIGN

Seasons in Playoffs: ........................................ 3 of 3

2024-25 Record: ..................37-25-5-5, 84 pts./.583 Website: cvfirebirds.com

HENDERSON SILVER KNIGHTS

NHL Affiliation:......................Vegas Golden Knights

Home Ice: ...................... Lee’s Family Forum (5,567)

General Manager: Tim Speltz

Head Coach: ........................................... Ryan Craig

Entered AHL: ..............................................2020-21

Calder Cups: None

Seasons in Playoffs: 1 of 4

2024-25 Record: ..................29-38-3-2, 63 pts./.438 Website: ..................... hendersonsilverknights.com

ONTARIO REIGN

NHL Affiliation:............................ Los Angeles Kings

Home Ice: ............................... Toyota Arena (9,491)

General Manager: Richard Seeley

Head Coach: ........................................Andrew Lord

Entered AHL: ..............................................2015-16

Calder Cups: None Seasons in Playoffs: 7 of 8

2024-25 Record: ..................43-25-3-1, 90 pts./.625 Website: ...................................... ontarioreign.com

SAN DIEGO GULLS

SAN JOSE BARRACUDA

NHL Affiliation: San Jose Sharks

Home Ice: ..............................Tech CU Arena (4,200)

General Manager: ....................................... Joe Will

Head Coach: John McCarthy

Entered AHL: ..............................................2015-16

Calder Cups: ................................................... None

Seasons in Playoffs: ........................................ 5 of 8

2024-25 Record: 36-27-5-4, 81 pts./.563 Website: ........................................sjbarracuda.com

TUCSON ROADRUNNERS

NHL Affiliation: Utah Mammoth

Home Ice: ............................... Tucson Arena (6,521)

General Manager: ............................ John Ferguson

Head Coach: Steve Potvin

Entered AHL: ..............................................2016-17

Calder Cups: ................................................... None

Seasons in Playoffs: ........................................ 4 of 7

2024-25 Record: 34-32-4-2, 74 pts./.514 Website: ............................ tucsonroadrunners.com

CHICAGO WOLVES

NHL Affiliation:......................... Carolina Hurricanes

Home Ice: Allstate Arena (16,692)

General Manager: ...............................Darren Yorke

Interim Head Coach.......................... Spiros Anastas

Entered AHL: ..............................................2001-02

Calder Cups: Three (2002, 2008, 2022)

Seasons in Playoffs: .................................... 15 of 22

2024-25 Record: ..................37-31-4-0, 78 pts./.542 Website: chicagowolves.com

IOWA WILD

NHL Affiliation:............................... Minnesota Wild

Home Ice: Casey’s Center (8,356)

General Manager: ........................... Matt Hendricks

Head Coach: ......................................... Greg Cronin

Entered AHL: ..............................................2013-14

Calder Cups: None

Seasons in Playoffs: ...................................... 2 of 10

2024-25 Record: ..................27-37-6-2, 62 pts./.431 Website: iowawild.com

GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS

NHL Affiliation: Detroit Red Wings

Home Ice: ........................Van Andel Arena (10,834)

General Manager: ............................Shawn Horcoff

Head Coach: Dan Watson

Entered AHL: ..............................................2001-02

Calder Cups: .................................Two (2013, 2017) Seasons in Playoffs: .................................... 15 of 22

2024-25 Record: 37-29-4-2, 80 pts./.556 Website: .................................... griffinshockey.com

MANITOBA MOOSE

NHL Affiliation:..................................Winnipeg Jets Home Ice: Canada Life Centre (7,667)

General Manager: ........................... Craig Heisinger

Head Coach: ..................................... Mark Morrison

Entered AHL: .....2001-02 (played through 2010-11; re-entered 2015-16)

Calder Cups: ................................................... None Seasons in Playoffs: .................................... 13 of 18

2024-25 RECORD: 25-41-3-3, 56 pts./.389 Website: .....................................moosehockey.com

MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS

NHL Affiliation:......................... Nashville Predators

Home Ice: ............................. Panther Arena (9,450)

General Manager: Scott Nichol

Head Coach: ........................................... Karl Taylor

Entered AHL: ..............................................2001-02

Calder Cups: One (2004)

Seasons in Playoffs: 19 of 22

2024-25 Record: ..................40-21-5-6, 91 pts./.632

Website: ...........................milwaukeeadmirals.com

ROCKFORD ICEHOGS

NHL Affiliation:........................ Chicago Blackhawks

Home Ice: ................................. BMO Center (5,895)

General Manager: Mark Bernard

Head Coach: ................................ Jared Nightingale

Entered AHL: ..............................................2007-08

Calder Cups: None Seasons in Playoffs: 10 of 16

2024-25 Record: ..................31-33-6-2, 70 pts./.486 Website: .............................................. icehogs.com

TEXAS STARS

NHL Affiliation:......................................Dallas Stars

Home Ice: .......... H-E-B Center at Cedar Park (6,778)

General Manager: Scott White

Head Coach: ...................................... Toby Petersen

Entered AHL: ..............................................2009-10

Calder Cups: One (2014) Seasons in Playoffs: 11 of 14

2024-25 Record: ..................43-26-3-0, 89 pts./.618

Website: .......................................... texasstars.com

Grand Rapids GRIFFINS 19

DETROIT RED WINGS

Defenseman Simon Edvinsson and forward Marco Kasper spearhead the latest generation of players making an impact in Hockeytown after honing their skills in Grand Rapids, alongside other young Griffins alumni like Moritz Seider, Albert Johansson and Elmer Soderblom.

TOP AFFILIATE: Grand Rapids Griffins • 24th Season

ARENA: Little Caesars Arena • Seating Capacity: 19,515

CONTACT: (313) 471-7000 • detroitredwings.com

STANLEY CUPS: 1936, 1937, 1943, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2008

MANAGEMENT

EXECUTIVE VP/GENERAL MANAGER: Steve Yzerman

VP/HOCKEY OPERATIONS: Nicklas Lidstrom

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGERS: Shawn Horcoff, Kris Draper, Aaron Kahn

COACHING STAFF

HEAD COACH: Todd McLellan

ASSISTANT COACHES: Alex Tanguay, Trent Yawney

GOALTENDING COACH: Michael Leighton

VIDEO COORDINATOR: Jeff Weintraub

ASSISTANT VIDEO COORDINATOR: Erich Junge

GRIFFINS WHO HAVE EARNED THEIR WINGS

Justin Abdelkader 2008-09

Adam Almquist 2013-14

Joakim Andersson 2011-12

Zach Aston-Reese 2023-24

Andreas Athanasiou 2015-16

Sean Avery 2002-03

Riley Barber 2021-22

Ryan Barnes 2003-04

Jonatan Berggren 2022-23

Tyler Bertuzzi 2016-17

Patrick Boileau 2002-03

Darryl Bootland 2003-04

Madison Bowey 2019-20

Michael BrandseggNygård 2025-26

Mathias Brome 2020-21

Fabian Brunnstrom 2011-12

Mitch Callahan 2013-14

Jake Chelios 2018-19

Alex Chiasson 2022-23

Dennis Cholowski 2018-19

Ty Conklin 2011-12

Chris Conner 2011-12

Jared Coreau 2016-17

Sebastian Cossa 2024-25

Kyle Criscuolo 2021-22

Austin Czarnik 2022-23

Nate Danielson 2025-26

Danny DeKeyser 2013-14

Aaron Downey 2008-09

Patrick Eaves 2013-14

Simon Edvinsson 2022-23

Christoffer Ehn 2018-19

Matt Ellis 2006-07

Turner Elson 2021-22

Cory Emmerton 2010-11

Jonathan Ericsson 2007-08

Adam Erne 2022-23

Landon Ferraro 2013-14

Valtteri Filppula 2005-06

Emmitt Finnie 2025-26

Martin Frk 2017-18

Luke Glendening 2013-14

Erik Gustafsson 2025-26

Mark Hartigan 2007-08

Darren Helm 2007-08

Joe Hicketts 2017-18

Taro Hirose 2019-20

Jimmy Howard 2005-06

Filip Hronek 2018-19

Jiri Hudler 2003-04

Matt Hussey 2006-07

Ville Husso 2024-25

Michael Hutchinson 2023-24

Doug Janik 2009-10

Nick Jensen 2016-17

Albert Johansson 2024-25

Tomas Jurco 2013-14

Marco Kasper 2024-25

Jakub Kindl 2009-10

Tomas Kopecky 2005-06

Niklas Kronwall 2003-04

William Lagesson 2024-25

Marc Lamothe 2003-04

Josh Langfeld 2006-07

Dylan Larkin 2015-16

Brian Lashoff 2012-13

Brett Lebda 2005-06

Ville Leino 2008-09

John Leonard 2025-26

Gustav Lindstrom 2019-20

Matt Lorito 2016-17

Matt Luff 2022-23

Joey MacDonald 2006-07

Donald MacLean 2005-06

Anthony Mantha 2015-16

Alexey Marchenko 2013-14

Carter Mazur 2024-25

Darren McCarty 2007-08

Tom McCollum 2010-11

Dylan McIlrath 2018-19

Derek Meech 2006-07

Wade Megan 2018-19

Drew Miller 2016-17

Kevin Miller 2003-04

Mark Mowers 2003-04

Petr Mrazek 2012-13

Jan Mursak 2010-11

Anders Myrvold 2003-04

Alex Nedeljkovic 2022-23

Andrej Nestrasil 2014-15

Kris Newbury 2009-10

Tomas Nosek 2015-16

Gustav Nyquist 2011-12

Xavier Ouellet 2013-14

Chase Pearson 2021-22

Calvin Pickard 2019-20

Matt Puempel 2018-19

Teemu Pulkkinen 2013-14

Kyle Quincey 2005-06

Michael Rasmussen 2018-19

Dan Renouf 2016-17

Mattias Ritola 2007-08

Jamie Rivers 2003-04

Nathan Robinson 2003-04

Stacy Roest 2002-03

Robbie Russo 2016-17

Axel Sandin-Pellikka 2025-26

Moritz Seider 2021-22

Riley Sheahan 2011-12

Dominik Shine 2024-25

Brendan Smith 2011-12

Givani Smith 2019-20

Elmer Soderblom 2022-23

Ryan Sproul 2013-14

Garrett Stafford 2007-08

Ben Street 2016-17

Libor Sulak 2018-19

Evgeny Svechnikov 2016-17

Eric Tangradi 2015-16

Tomas Tatar 2010-11

Jordin Tootoo 2013-14

Dominic Turgeon 2017-18

Joe Veleno 2020-21

Jakub Vrana 2022-23

Austin Watson 2024-25

Jason Williams 2002-03

Luke Witkowski 2021-22

Filip Zadina 2018-19

* not including conditioning stints for Curtis Joseph (2003-04), Chris Osgood (2005-06), Manny Legace (2005-06), Chris Chelios (2008-09), Andreas Lilja (2009-10), Jonas Gustavsson (2012-13), Carlo Colaiacovo (2012-13), Stephen Weiss (2014-15), Gemel Smith (2021-22) and Magnus Hellberg (2022-23).

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 2025-26

FEB. 15

Sensory & Support Night presented by Comerica Bank/Wall Flag Giveaway/Sensory & Support

Jersey Auction/4 p.m. Start

FEB. 16

19th Annual Griffins & Sled Wings Sled Hockey Game at Griff’s IceHouse at Belknap Park, benefiting the Grand Rapids Sled Wings and the Griffins Youth Foundation FEB. 28

Princess Night presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union/Character Appearances

MARCH 13

14th Annual Purple Community Game presented by Van Andel Institute/Purple

Jersey Auction

MARCH 28

Top Gun Night presented by Adventure Credit

Union/Austin

Watson Aviator

Bobblehead

Giveaway

APRIL 11

Fan Appreciation Night presented by Huntington Bank

MARCH 14

CHECKPROMOTIONS OUT THESE SEASON-LONG

Be sure to make note of these promotions occurring regularly throughout the season! Take advantage of cheap beer and dogs, free tickets, military and student discounts and more!

$2 BEERS AND $2 HOT DOGS

Every Friday, enjoy $2 domestic drafts and $2 hot dogs from 6-8 p.m., at select stands while supplies last.

MILITARY NIGHTS

Every home game, current members of our military can purchase up to four Upper Level Faceoff or Crease tickets for $16 each, four Upper Level Center Ice tickets for $19 each, or four Lower Level Faceoff tickets for $23 each with a valid military ID. The offer also extends to veterans who present a VA ID or discharge papers.

COLLEGE DISCOUNT

College students can buy online using their school .edu email address or show their ID at every Friday game to purchase an Upper Level Faceoff or Crease ticket for $16, an Upper Level Center Ice ticket for $19, or a Lower Level Faceoff ticket for $23. Limit one ticket per ID if purchasing in-person. Visit griffinshockey.com/college to purchase College Night tickets and sign up for text alerts. (Online purchase fees not applied at the box office).

FREE RIDE FRIDAY ON THE RAPID

Ride the Rapid to and from any Friday game and enjoy a complimentary fare by showing your ticket to that night’s game. Visit ridetherapid.org for schedule information, routes and maps.

WINNING WEDNESDAYS

Presented by Gun Lake Casino Resort, every time the Griffins win at home on

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

LIBRARY NIGHTS

For all Wednesday and Sunday games, fans can present their Grand Rapids Public Library card or Kent District Library card at the Van Andel Arena box office on the night of the game or at The Zone anytime during the store’s regular business hours to purchase an Upper Level Faceoff ticket for $18 (regularly $24), an Upper Level Center Ice ticket for $21 (regularly $27), or a Lower Level Faceoff ticket for $25 (regularly $30). Limit four tickets per card per person, subject to availability.

FRIENDS & FAMILY 4-PACKS

Presented by Morning Belle, these packs are available for all Saturday games and include four or more game tickets, $20 or more in concession cash, and one free “share it” item from Morning Belle. Visit griffinshockey.com or call (616) 774-4585 ext. 2.

SUNDAY IS FUN DAY

For all Sunday games, enjoy $1 small Pepsi drinks and $1 small ice cream cups from 3-5 p.m., while supplies last.

PEPSI READING GOALS

Children with Griff’s Reading Goals bookmarks who have completed the required three hours of reading can redeem their bookmark for two free Upper Level tickets to any of the following games: Bookmark #2 – Feb. 15, Feb. 18, Feb. 25, and March 4.

APPLIED INNOVATION ISLAND

Presented by Applied Innovation, this section, located on the terrace level above section 118, provides the best seats in the house for groups of up to 30 people, with La-Z-Boy chairs and an array of amenities. Call (616) 744-4585 ext. 4.

A BRAND-NEW OPPORTUNITY

Twenty-year-old Michael BrandseggNygård is applying important lessons learned from his season-opening NHL experience.

Michael Brandsegg-Nygård didn’t sulk upon being assigned to the Griffins by the Detroit Red Wings on Oct. 27, which came after the 20-year-old forward had earned a spot on the NHL club’s opening night roster out of training camp and recorded one assist in nine games while donning the Winged Wheel sweater to kick off the 2025-26 season.

As a matter of fact, all Brandsegg-Nygård has been doing since then is working harder.

“Hopefully, I’ll keep playing well and improving so I can get called back up,” Brandsegg-Nygård said. “Playing in the NHL is all you want to do as a player, but I won’t be disappointed if I’m not able to be up there right now. I’m really enjoying my time in Grand Rapids and continuing to develop myself.”

To best understand where BrandseggNygård is at this stage of his professional hockey career, one must trace his still-winding development path back to its starting point, when he skated for the first time as a twoyear-old in Oslo, Norway.

“For me, I‘ve always wanted to play hockey,” said Brandsegg-Nygård, who was 5 when he

Through his first 26 games with the Griffins this season, the 20-year-old forward collected 21 points on eight goals and 13 assists.

joined his first hockey team. “There were no questions about that. This is the only thing I’ve really wanted to do. When I was younger, my dream was just to play in Norway for the team that my dad played for. As I got older, I knew I wanted to play in the NHL.”

After rising through the youth ranks, Brandsegg-Nygård made his professional debut as a 16-year-old with Vålerenga in the EliteHockey Ligaen and played eight games in Norway’s top professional league during the 2021-22 campaign. He also recorded 42 points (24 goals, 18 assists) in 25 games with Vålerenga’s U20 team, and 19 points (10 goals, nine assists) in seven games with the U18 club that same season. And in the campaign prior, Brandsegg-Nygård led Norway’s U18 circuit with 16 goals in just eight games.

Following the 2021-22 season, leaving home for Sweden marked a defining step for Brandsegg-Nygård. Although being apart from his family was difficult, especially as a teenager, Brandsegg-Nygård said he knew he needed to embrace feeling uncomfortable if he wanted to keep pursuing his hockey dreams.

At the international level, BrandseggNygård has participated in four World Junior Championships with Team Norway in addition to the past two World Championships.

“Without my family, I wouldn’t be here,” Brandsegg-Nygård said. “They’ve helped me a lot along the way. When I moved away, it was tough in the beginning, but they really helped me through it.”

Then came Brandsegg-Nygård’s debut with Mora IK in Sweden’s second-highest professional league, where he spent the next two seasons (2022-24) and collected 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 52 games. He also racked up 50 points (22 goals, 28 assists) in 42 games with Mora IK’s U20 team, along with 10 points (five goals, five assists) in four games at the U18 level.

“I was kind of forced to grow up and mature when I moved to Sweden a few years ago, so that helped me a lot,” Brandsegg-Nygård said. “Even with hockey, by being more mature on the ice and playing with older guys. I was able to learn more from them, so I feel like that’s still helping me today.”

But what really makes Brandsegg-Nygård proud isn’t so much his own journey, but for how his accomplishments might inspire upand-coming Norwegian hockey players. That

was very clear in June 2024, when BrandseggNygård became the first Norwegian-born skater to be selected in the first round of an NHL Entry Draft. Detroit took him at No. 15 overall.

“I’m still really close to everyone back home,” Brandsegg-Nygård said. “It meant a lot for me to be drafted. I still follow Norway’s national team a lot. Hockey in the region is only getting better and better, so it’s really fun to see how things will keep going for Norwegian hockey.”

Brandsegg-Nygård kept going too, logging 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 42 regularseason games in 2024-25, in addition to six points (four goals, two assists) in 11 playoff contests with Skellefteå AIK in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).

When looking back on his time in Sweden, Brandsegg-Nygård said those formative years proved to be a key step in his journey, accelerating his development and leading to his North American professional debut with the Griffins on April 19, 2025.

“I’m still trying to pick up a lot of things,” Brandsegg-Nygård admitted. “That’s mostly

because I’m a young player and have a lot to learn. That learning will come with the years, but it’s still the same game even though the rink is smaller [in North America compared to Europe]. I just try to go out there and play.”

Last spring, Brandsegg-Nygård played two AHL regular-season games before tying for the club lead with three points (two goals, one assist) in three Calder Cup Playoff contests. A small sample size, sure, but enough for the young forward to begin adjusting to the North American game.

But making the Red Wings out of training camp was something that Brandsegg-Nygård admittingly “didn’t expect at all.”

“I was just going out there and playing as hard as I could,” Brandsegg-Nygård said. “I was trying to make the team, of course, and I really wanted to. I had a really good preseason. I just wanted to show the coaching staff and everyone else in the Red Wings organization that I really wanted to play there.”

Brandsegg-Nygård said that during his time in Detroit, he learned a lot while spending time with experienced players like captain

Brandsegg-Nygård became the highestdrafted Norwegian-born player ever when Detroit selected him No. 15 overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.

Dylan Larkin and future Hockey Hall of Famer Patrick Kane.

“As a young player, playing with people like Larkin and Kane, you’re really trying to look at what they’re doing,” Brandsegg-Nygård said. “You see them play hockey in games and stuff, but the real work is off the ice and in practices. I saw what they do, how they take care of their bodies and what their mindsets are. I try to learn from them. I want to do the same, but I have my own little ways of doing it too. Everything they work on has been working well for them, so I know they’re doing something right.”

What Brandsegg-Nygård picked up from the Red Wings players shifted his approach upon rejoining the Griffins. So much so that Grand Rapids head coach Dan Watson noticed right away.

“I think he realized how hard the NHL is,” Watson said. “He prides himself on doing everything hard and strong. He’s a physical player, so his game is already in that North American style. There’s still a little bit of an adjustment going on. But for him to come

down here, the work ethic he possesses before and after practice – he does so much extra work. That’s all the little things that guys who want to get to the NHL, they just do it. He does that naturally, but it’s more.”

Watson also views Brandsegg-Nygård’s brief NHL stint as the kind of experience that will only benefit him moving forward.

“There’s a hunger there, because now they know how close they are,” Watson said. “They’ve tasted it just a little bit, and now they want the whole meal because it’s life-changing for them. The way you live and the quality of life in the NHL comes with knowing how hard it is to stay there. I just think that small, little taste shows they’re so close but there’s still work to be done.

“They’re hungry to get back here to Grand Rapids to do the work that’s necessary to get to where they obviously want to get to, which is Detroit. We understand the NHL is the best league in the world and it’s extremely hard to get there. So, when you do get back there, how hard are you going to work to stay there? Those glimpses show some promise and how close

Like his father, Brandsegg-Nygård played with Valerenga’s youth program in his native Norway.

they truly are.”

Brandsegg-Nygård said that when talking to Detroit’s coaching staff in late October, Todd McLellan and his group pointed out specific areas that he should focus on as this season progresses.

“Game management and moving my feet a little bit more,” Brandsegg-Nygård said. “I want to get more used to the game and rink in North America too, so I’m just going to keep developing. I’m a young player. Playing in the NHL is hard. It’s a tough league, so you need to be good in everything.”

As of Jan. 6, Brandsegg-Nygård had 21 points on eight goals and 13 assists in 26 games with the Griffins this season. He believes his individual success goes hand in hand with the team’s success.

“We have a really good group here,” Brandsegg-Nygård said. “When everyone is playing well, it’s easier to play well yourself. In practice, we’re competing and playing hard. You can see that happening during games too, because we’ve been pretty good in a lot of areas. The group has a lot of confidence too. We’re

Brandsegg-Nygård made his NHL debut on Oct. 9 against Montreal, then recorded his first NHL point on Oct. 23 versus the New York Islanders.

going into every game wanting to compete and work as hard as we can. If we’re doing that, we know we’re going to win. We’re just having fun. It’s always fun winning, that’s why you play, so we’re just trying to do that. We’re having a really good time.”

Watching how Grand Rapids’ veterans, like captain Dominik Shine and Sheldon Dries, carry themselves has prompted BrandseggNygård to raise the standard he sets for himself.

“I really look up to Shine and Dries,” Brandsegg-Nygård said. “They work hard. They always stay long out there on the ice to work on the little things. As a young player, I know I have a lot to learn. For them, even though they’re older, there’s still a lot for them to learn. And because of that, they’re working hard to try to get better. It’s never too late to get better.”

When Brandsegg-Nygård talks, it doesn’t take long to recognize that everything he’s about is driven by his love for the game.

“It’s kind of hard for me to not think about hockey,” Brandsegg-Nygård said. “That’s pretty much all that I do now. When you get back from a practice or game, you’re still thinking about hockey.”

That bodes well not only for BrandseggNygård, but the Griffins and the entire Red Wings organization.

“We’re counting on him to play big 5-on-5 minutes in a major top-six role, plus be on our top power-play unit,” Watson said. “For a young guy, that’s a lot of responsibility to shoulder. But he’s got the maturity level to do that and understand what’s expected of him. He’s done a really good job of it so far. There are still things to learn. There are still some puck and game management issues that he’s going to continue to learn, but as he progresses here throughout the season, he’s a big part of our success.”

Jonathan Mills has served as the Detroit Red Wings’ team reporter since the 2021-22 season. He’s covered a broad array of sports and events, including roles at U.S. Figure Skating and the University of Wisconsin athletics department. He earned his master’s degree in sports media from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications after receiving his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the UW-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

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FROM THAILAND WITH LOVE

As the first Thai-born draft pick in NHL history, Alex Kannok Leipert’s life has taken him from the beaches of Thailand to the Canadian prairies and beyond.

July 20, 2000: A baby boy is born in Nakhon Ratchasima, Northeastern Thailand, to a Canadian father and a Thai mother. Their family’s story began when Saskatchewanian Tim Leipert was traveling the world teaching English and landed in Thailand, a country he fell for as hard as he fell for Jit, his future wife and mother of his three boys.

Holding his firstborn son – Alexander Chulladit Kannok Leipert – in his arms, surrounded by sesame and rice fields, breathtaking Buddhist temples, and dragon fruit growing everywhere, did Tim ever imagine that the boy would one day take to hockey like green papaya to Som Tum Thai? That Alex would become the first Thai-born player to be picked in an NHL draft?

Being Canadian, he may have imagined just that, even though the little family’s life was a world away – over 7,000 miles – from his hometown of Regina in the Canadian prairies.

Tim and Jit moved from historic Nakhon Ratchasima, the site of several ancient outposts of the Khmer Empire, to the powdery sand beaches of Hua Hin. There they opened an inn on the beach, with a pub downstairs and

rooms to rent upstairs. It was paradise, with palm fronds, cerulean blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand, and warm-to-hot temperatures all year round.

But Saskatchewan was calling, and the Kannok Leiperts answered the call.

From Sesame to Sunflowers

Wait. What? They did what? When Alex was about 5 years old, he and his parents moved from Heaven to earth; Saskatchewan earth, frozen and lying flat under a polar air mass during the winter. Instead of rice and sesame, the local soil yielded mustard and sunflowers. Instead of Buddhist temples, grain elevators rose up into the prairie sky. And the mangoes? Best not to talk about the disparities of tropical fruit between Thailand’s trees and Saskatchewan’s grocery stores.

However, there were compensations to be had, Alex’s schooling, for one. “There’s no middle class in Thailand,” Kannok Leipert said. “School is either really expensive or not good.”

Tim was also back in his hometown with family and friends, while Jit joined the thriving Thai community, where she has “tons of friends” and they host Thai students attending the nearby University of Regina.

Thailand is one of 20 countries to produce a future Griffins player.

And there was hockey, a Canadian obsession and its national sport. Soon after arriving on the prairies, Kannok Leipert’s little feet were laced into skates, and he was off and skating.

From a very young age, the now 25-year-old knew he was destined for bigger things, hockeywise. “My grandpa always says that when I was little I said, ‘I am going to be a hockey player and take care of you guys.’”

He worked hard on the ice and off, reading books to motivate him to be his best. When he was 12 or 13, Kannok Leipert read The Secret, a huge bestseller written in 2006 by Rhonda Byrne.

The main gist of the influential book is the Law of Attraction: your thoughts directly shape your reality, meaning positive thoughts attract positive outcomes.

“I began to manifest it and visualize it,” he said of his future hockey career. Soon the defenseman was suited up with Regina Pat Blues U15 AA team, followed by two years with the Regina Pat Canadians. In 2016-17, he and his teammates won the SMAAAHL (Saskatchewan Male Under 18 AAA Hockey League) title.

From the sunny prairies, Kannok Leipert moved to the rainy but glorious Western coast

of Canada to play major junior hockey for the Vancouver Giants of the WHL. During parts of five seasons with the Giants, he experienced both the thrill of victory – the team went all the way to Game 7 of the 2019 WHL Finals before losing in overtime – and the agony of defeat, namely the frustration and disappointment of not being able to play for almost two seasons of prime junior hockey.

“COVID canceled my 19-year-old season,” he said. “In my 20-year-old season I played for two months in a bubble.” He calls that period his biggest challenge so far. What should have been a peak time to show scouts what he could do on the ice and develop his game became a year-plus of watching that precious time slip away.

Besides his family members, including brothers Hunter, 21, and Branson, 15, Alex had someone else in his corner to help him stay the course and keep his focus in difficult times. His grandfather, Brian Leipert, helped him manage the mental aspects of the game. “He taught me about being in the moment, controlling what you can control,” said Kannok Leipert. That advice and more from his grandpa served the player well for his junior years and beyond, as he captained the Giants for his final two years, from

Kannok Leipert’s grandpa, Brian Leipert, taught him about being in the moment and controlling what you can control.

2019 to 2021 – yes, during those tough years of COVID.

Through it all, Thailand was always there, in the language that swirled in his brain alongside English, in the bowls of green curry and the rice that were always cooking, “from 10 a.m. on, every day.” Thailand, always beckoning him home for a visit or just reminding him of his roots.

Hockey Night in Bangkok

In 2013, 13-year-old Kannok Leipert was in his homeland for a visit, something he and his family did every couple of years when he was growing up. “I’ve been to Thailand seven or eight times,” he said.

While at a mall, he and his mother ran into the coach of the Thai national hockey team. They spotted the hockey emblem on his clothing. This chance encounter led to him skating with the national team a couple of years later.

“All their rinks are in malls and are mainly designed for figure skating,” he said. “For hockey games they will put up netting to stop flying pucks.”

Hockey is growing in Thailand, currently ranked 51st in the IIHF World Rankings. The nation’s teams have been entered in the World Championship tournaments since 2019 but have not yet participated at any Olympic Games. Currently they sit in seventh place in the Asian Ice Hockey Rankings. The “Big Four” of Kazakhstan, Japan, South Korea, and China consistently lead Asian ice hockey.

One can’t imagine that the Thai National Team doesn’t have eyes on Kannok Leipert and the other pro hockey player with Thai roots, Jonas Siegenthaler, a Swiss national who is a defenseman for the New Jersey Devils. Kannok Leipert has met Sieganthaler, whose mother is Thai, too.

Might he walk the path of former Griffins assistant coach Jim Paek, the first Korean player to play in the NHL, who, after coaching the Griffins for nine years, from 2005-2014, accepted a position as the director of hockey for the Korea Ice Hockey Association?

Who knows what will happen in the future, but for now Kannok Leipert is holding fast to his dream of skating in the NHL someday.

Hockey is growing in Thailand, Kannok Leipert’s birthplace. Currently the country sits in seventh place in the Asian Ice Hockey Rankings.

In the meantime, he is riding the high of the Griffins’ “crazy” record-breaking season, while remembering the lessons learned in the peaks and valleys of hockey life.

Fortunately, Unfortunately …Fortunately There’s a children’s storytelling game called “Fortunately, Unfortunately,” in which participants withdraw a random item from a bag and either advance the main character’s goals or throw obstacles in their way. Life is like that, too, and Kannok Leipert has witnessed this pattern in his hockey career.

Fortunately: He was selected 161st overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, becoming the first Thai-born player to be drafted in the NHL. In 2019, he and the Giants made it to the WHL Finals.

Unfortunately: COVID.

Fortunately: In 2021, he was picked up by the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks in a one-year pro contract, then re-signed for a second and third year.

Unfortunately: “In my first three years of pro I watched a lot of hockey, I didn’t play a lot of hockey,” he said. “I would sit out 30 games a year

as a healthy scratch.”

Here’s where his grandpa Brian’s mindset coaching really came into play. Kannok Leipert couldn’t control whether or not he played or sat in a suit, watching. But he could control his attitude and answer the question, ‘What can I do today to stay in the lineup?’ He could maintain a stance of gratitude.

Things took a fortunate swing for the 2024-25 season when the defenseman signed a one-year contract with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors, where he played 59 games and contributed consistently to the team’s defense. He was playing the game he loved, and a bonus was all that sunshine, which he had missed from … Regina.

“I love the sunlight [in the prairies],” he said. “That sun bouncing off the snow … I’ve gotten a little soft though. In Regina, we could stay inside for recess only if it was minus-25 or colder.”

Now playing for the Griffins after signing a one-year contract for 2025-26, Kannok Leipert has found a warm welcome in the city and on the team, where he is valued for his ability to kill a penalty and protect his teammates physically if need be. “It’s a big thing to be trusted on the PK,”

he said of his coaches’ faith in him.

Uncomfortable with the label “enforcer,” Kannok Leipert says “I know I am capable of standing up for my teammates if I have to. I don’t look for it, but I will [fight] if I have to.”

Midseason, the Thai-Canadian has played in 31 contests with the Griffins, only missing one game, with seven points and 33 minutes in the box. “I love it here,” he says. “Everyone plays their role. It’s special to be on a team where everyone pulls their rope in the same direction, and we have great chemistry on and off the ice.”

Part of making himself at home in Grand Rapids is checking out the food scene.

“[Dominik] Shine told me to go to the Thai restaurant at the Downtown Market,” he said. He adores the hamburgers at Gin Gins, although he prefers to cook at home, whipping up dishes such as chicken bowls, Thai green curry, and his favorite, Pad Thai, although, “it’s easy to mess up with rice noodles.”

His culinary efforts no doubt make mom Jit proud as she cheers him on from afar. The Thai woman quickly fell in love with hockey and became “the yelling mom” at her boys’ hockey games. “‘Go! Go! Go!’”

Kannok Leipert is riding the high of the Griffins’ record-breaking season, while remembering the lessons learned in the peaks and valleys of hockey life.

Her grasp of the game is so deep that she can physically be at one son’s game and virtually watch her two other boys compete on different screens. She can proudly watch Alex and his team beat nearly every opponent, peaceful in the knowledge he is playing consistently and well.

One more bonus of her firstborn playing in Grand Rapids? “The Griffins are an hour ahead instead of two hours behind [her time zone],” Kannok Leipert said. “So now she can finally get some sleep.”

Lorilee Craker is the author of 16 books, including Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter and Me, the CBA and ECPA bestseller My Journey to Heaven with Marv Besteman, the Audie Awards nominee Money Secrets of the Amish, and the New York Times bestseller Through the Storm with Lynne Spears. A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, she lives in a century-old house in Grand Rapids, with her husband, pets, and various international students from around the world. She has loved hockey since becoming a card-carrying member of the Winnipeg Jets Junior Booster Club at age 11.

2025 - 26 GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS ROSTER

5-11, 176 lbs. Born: 9/30/00 Niagara Falls, Ont.

6-3,

5-9, 181 lbs.

4/23/94 Macomb, Mich.

6-1, 200 lbs. Born: 2/22/04 Ostrava, Czechia

6-5, 215 Born: 1/22/02 Onalaska, Wis. ONDREJ BECHER

6-1, 210 lbs. Born: 10/5/05

1/30/92

from the biggest of the big, to the littlest of the little.

Whenever you shop Meijer, you help support the Grand Rapids Griffins and hundreds of local sports teams across the Midwest.

Proud Sponsor of the Grand Rapids Griffins

ALEX KANNOK LEIPERT Defenseman

6-0, 205 lbs.

Born: 7/20/00

Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

CARTER MAZUR Forward

6-0, 197 lbs. Born: 3/28/02 Jackson, Mich.

GABRIEL SEGER Forward

6-4, 215 lbs.

Born: 11/15/99

Uppsala, Sweden

ANTTI TUOMISTO Defenseman

6-5, 218 lbs.

Born: 1/20/01

Pori, Finland

WILLIAM LAGESSON Defenseman

6-2, 210 lbs. Born: 2/22/96 Gothenburg, Sweden

IAN MITCHELL Defenseman

6-0, 195 lbs. Born: 1/18/99 St. Albert, Alta.

DOMINIK SHINE Forward

5-11, 180 lbs. Born: 4/18/93 Detroit, Mich.

WILLIAM WALLINDER Defenseman

6-5, 210 lbs. Born: 7/28/02 Solleftea, Sweden

JOHN LEONARD Forward

5-11, 190 lbs. Born: 8/7/98 Amherst, Mass.

MICHAL POSTAVA Goaltender

6-1, 205 lbs. Born: 2/28/02 Valasske Mezirici, Czechia

EDUARDS TRALMAKS Forward

6-4, 225 lbs. Born: 2/17/97 Riga, Latvia

AUSTIN WATSON Forward

6-4, 215 lbs. Born: 1/13/92 Ann Arbor, Mich.

AMADEUS LOMBARDI Forward

5-11, 182 lbs. Born: 6/5/03 Aurora, Ont.

JAKUB RYCHLOVSKY Forward

5-11, 200 lbs.

Born: 8/7/01 Vrchlabi, Czechia

JACOB TRUSCOTT Defenseman

6-1, 198 lbs. Born: 4/12/02 Port Huron, Mich.

GRIFFINS FLY ‘HIGHER, FASTER, STRONGER’

Eduards Tralmaks headlines an alumni group that will continue Grand Rapids’ rich Olympic tradition.

Story by Randy Cleves

It’s been 12 years since the top hockey players in the world took part in the Winter Olympics, dating to the 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia.

But it’s not just the National Hockey League’s best who will take the ice in Italy at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games, whose men’s hockey tournament will run from Feb. 11-22. Some of the American Hockey League’s top talent will participate as well, including the Griffins’ own Eduards Tralmaks, who was named to Team Latvia on Jan. 6.

Tralmaks, who had an outstanding performance for Latvia at the 2025 World Championship with seven points (3-4—7) in seven games, was tied for second on the Griffins and 10th in the AHL with 14 goals as of Jan. 7, making it a well-deserved Olympic selection for the Riga native.

“These Olympics are special, especially this year with all the NHL guys involved, so I can’t wait,” said Tralmaks on the day Latvia’s team was announced. “I’ve been waiting for this moment, but there’s still a month to go, so I have more time to prepare and get confidence. We’ll see how it goes, but it’s going to be a surreal experience for sure.

“It’s been my dream outside of playing in the NHL. You’re a part of something bigger than a

team and an organization, you’re representing your national team and your country. It’s an honor every time I get to put that jersey on.

“Honestly, my expectations for us as a team are to make something special happen. We have a great team, great leaders, so we really want to get a few wins and see how far we can go,” he added.

Tralmaks, who will become the seventh player to participate in an Olympics while playing for Grand Rapids, was one of four Griffins alumni named to a 2026 Olympic roster as of press time, joining the USA’s Dylan Larkin, Germany’s Moritz Seider, and Czechia’s Filip Hronek.

Continuing the Griffins’ long and storied history with the Olympic Games, a record 15 former Griffins took part in the 2022 Games in Beijing, China. Eight former Griffins participated as players or coaches in the 2018 Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, after a then-record 11 alumni played in the 2014 Games in Sochi.

A Griffins alum has medaled in each of the last five Olympics. In the 2006 Games in Turin, Italy, Niklas Kronwall became the first Griffins alumnus to earn an Olympic medal, winning gold thanks to Sweden’s victory over Finland in the championship game. Valtteri Filppula became the second to medal in 2010 in Vancouver, earning a bronze with Finland. Kronwall then became the first former Griffin to win two Olympic medals by taking silver in 2014 in Sochi alongside fellow Grand Rapids alumni Jonathan Ericsson, Jonas Gustavsson and Gustav Nyquist, completing the Olympic medal spectrum for

former Griffins.

The 2018 Games in PyeongChang featured two medal winners, as Alexey Marchenko won gold with the Olympic Athletes from Russia while Chris Kelly scored the gamewinning goal for Canada in the bronze medal game. PyeongChang also saw longtime Griffins assistant coach Jim Paek serve as head coach of the host country’s team in its Olympic debut, while former player Chris Chelios was an assistant coach for the United States squad.

Four Griffins alumni reached the podium in 2022 in Beijing. Filppula and Harri Sateri led Finland to its first-ever men’s hockey gold

medal, with team captain Filppula joining Kronwall as the only former Griffins to earn two Olympic medals. Meanwhile, Patrik Rybar was named to the tournament’s all-star team after backstopping Slovakia to its first Olympic medal in men’s hockey, a bronze. Teammate Tomas Jurco, playing in his second Olympics, became the first player to medal after winning a Calder Cup with the Griffins (2013). With the inclusion of Pat Nagle on the U.S. squad, all three goalies from the Griffins’ 2018-19 campaign – Sateri, Rybar and Nagle – took part in the 2022 Games.

THE GRIFFINS’ RICH OLYMPIC TRADITION

Julien

Aigars

Pavol

Pavol

Erich

Jani

Tomas Kopecky

continued on next page

Alexey

Patrik

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Proud Partner of the Grand Rapids Griffins

CHANGING HIS STRIPES

From Griffins player to pro referee, Hayden Verbeek’s on-ice career has come full circle.

When Hayden Verbeek steps onto the ice at Van Andel Arena these days, the feeling is familiar, but the vantage point is entirely new.

Once a forward known for his relentless energy and attention to detail, Verbeek still possesses those same qualities as he watches the game unfold all around him. To see him in action is to see a quick and polished skater who doesn’t miss a thing amidst a ballet of speed, spacing, and splitsecond decisions.

“The toughest adjustment is shifting your focus from being in the play to being responsible for the entire game’s flow and fairness.”

American Hockey League referee.

“Stepping onto the ice in stripes brings a familiar focus, but from a completely new center point,” Verbeek said. “I actually keep my same pregame warm-up routine from my playing days, which helps me tap into that same feeling of readiness.”

But these days he’s not backchecking or forechecking, not killing penalties or blocking shots, not trying to light the lamp or earn more ice time.

He’s still working hard, but the ice time is plentiful – all 60 minutes – as the former Grand Rapids Griffin has traded his stick for stripes, embracing one of hockey’s most demanding and, ideally, least visible roles:

After playing eight games with Grand Rapids during the COVID-truncated 2020-21 season, then another 21 in 202122, Verbeek finished that second season with ECHL Toledo. He then plied his trade overseas in Slovakia (2022-23) and Germany (2023-24) before deciding to follow a new career path in the sport he loves.

“After stepping away from playing, officiating became the next natural step in my career,” he said. “What’s surprised me most, and been the most rewarding, is how much I’ve grown to love this role. You see the game from a different perspective and

As an official, Verbeek brings a former player’s understanding to managing game flow, positioning, and communication on the ice.

have a new appreciation for its flow and strategy.”

Hockey as a First Language

Verbeek’s love for the game was formed early. Born on Oct. 17, 1997, and raised in Winchester, Ontario, he grew up in a household where hockey wasn’t just played, it was spoken.

“Growing up in the Verbeek family, hockey was the language of our household for as far back as I can remember,” he said. “It was simply the center point of everything.”

His family’s hockey roots run deep, beginning with his father Brian, who played in the OHL, IHL, AHL, and Europe.

His uncle, Pat Verbeek, enjoyed a long NHL career, playing 1,424 games with 1,062 points and 2,905 penalty minutes, while also wearing one of hockey’s most infamous monikers: The Little Ball of Hate. Pat Verbeek, who was the GM of the Griffins for the first part of the 2021-22 season before departing to become GM of the Anaheim Ducks – a role he still fills – was

given the nickname during his time with the New York Rangers as a bookend to Ray Ferraro, who was The Big Ball of Hate.

Despite those big skates to fill, Hayden Verbeek said he never felt burdened by the family surname. Perhaps the opposite.

“No, I never really felt pressure,” he said. “But it certainly motivated me. I always hoped to make everyone proud through the way I played and by chasing the dream of playing pro hockey.”

He added that at every step of his hockey journey, he learned to lean into the habits he could control: competing hard, showing up prepared, and earning respect shift by shift.

Earning Every Step

That approach defined his junior career with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, where he became known as a dependable, hard-working forward and a respected teammate.

His coach at the time, Drew Bannister, once told Sportsnet that Verbeek’s compete level and intensity, at not just games but

also practices, earned him his spot in the lineup. And once he was there, Verbeek took every advantage of his opportunity.

He remembers his time in the Soo fondly.

“What stands out most is the closeness of our teams,” he recalled recently. “We were a tight-knit group, and we had competitive, successful teams every year.”

His final OHL season was his strongest — 30 goals, 61 points — and it led to an achievement that still defines how he sees himself as a player.

“As for a moment that best reflects me as a player, it would have to be signing an NHL contract as an undrafted player at the end of my final OHL year,” Verbeek said. “That moment wasn’t given; it was earned. It perfectly captured the persistence that defined my entire playing career.”

The professional journey that followed took him across leagues and continents, with each stop adding layers of perspective.

“That grind built a strong foundation for me going forward in my career,” he said. “Each stop brought unique experiences

Verbeek’s journey reflects a deep family connection to the sport and a commitment to earning every opportunity.

and introduced me to incredible people and cultures I wouldn’t trade for the world. That journey taught me resilience and adaptability, lessons I still carry with me every day.”

A New Way to Stay in the Game

Officiating wasn’t an option Verbeek had always envisioned, but once his playing chapter came to a close, it quickly felt right.

“The path to officiating wasn’t something we specifically talked about,” he says, “but it doesn’t feel like a departure from tradition at all. It feels like a natural evolution. I’m still deeply connected to the game, and in many ways, I feel more involved with and understanding of hockey than ever before.”

The early days came with a learning curve.

“There were mistakes, and in some ways you do have to relearn the game from an entirely different angle,” he said. “The toughest adjustment is shifting your focus from being in the play to being responsible for the entire game’s flow and fairness.”

Much of what made him a successful

player translated naturally. Reading plays, anticipating movement, and understanding the emotional temperature of a game became tools rather than instincts.

“Combining my playing experience with my new officiating role gave me a unique perspective,” Verbeek said. “That growth was accelerated immensely by the support of the AHL and NHL officiating managers. They’re incredible mentors and genuinely great people.”

The mindset, he added, remains familiar.

“It’s the same as playing: you take it game by game, learn every time you step on the ice, and review video constantly to be the best you can be in your next outing.”

Composure, Communication, and the Craft

As an official, Verbeek has seen his temperament intentionally evolve.

“When I was a player, it was about controlled emotion and intensity,” he said. “Now it’s about controlled perspective and clarity.”

That composure is essential when

tensions rise along the boards or behind the bench.

“My experience as a player helps me understand frustration,” he said. “But my role now is to manage it.”

Clear communication has become his most valuable tool.

“Clear, calm, respectful communication is the most effective way to de-escalate tension,” Verbeek said. “Listening, briefly explaining a call when possible — that builds trust and keeps the game under control.”

A successful night, he says, is one where the spotlight never lands on the officials.

“A good game is one that’s safe, fair, and allows the players’ skill to decide the outcome,” he said. “Where our officiating crew is a steady, consistent presence, but isn’t the story after the final buzzer.”

Behind that steadiness is significant preparation, much of it unseen.

“My preparation is actually very similar to when I was a player,” Verbeek said. “It’s the same focused routine and mental approach

to being ready.”

And the evaluation doesn’t stop when the horn sounds.

“If I feel I’ve made a mistake, I review that scenario constantly afterward to learn and make sure it doesn’t happen again,” he said. “I will lose sleep over a bad call. But just like in playing, you let it sting, learn from it, and move forward to be better next time.”

It’s a level of accountability that surprised even him.

“When I played, I had no idea how hard officiating was,” he admitted. “I didn’t understand the angles, the perspective, or the behind-the-scenes work. That’s why communication is so important. It’s our most effective tool to manage the game together.”

Returning to Grand Rapids

That steady presence brought Verbeek back to Van Andel Arena for a pair of games between the Griffins and Iowa Wild on Nov. 28 and 30. It’s a place he once thought he’d never return to professionally.

“When I left Grand Rapids, I honestly

Verbeek prepares for a game using the same focused routine he relied on during his playing career.

thought it might be a place I’d never see again,” he said. “But walking in now, a lot of the core feelings are surprisingly similar, because I take the same focused, prepared approach.”

The difference, of course, is perspective.

“You’re no longer locked into the battle of one bench,” he said. “You’re responsible for the entire flow and fairness of the game between both teams. It gives you a deep appreciation for the arena’s atmosphere from a whole new angle.”

Officiating has reshaped how Verbeek even watches the sport.

“When I watch an NHL game now, I find myself studying the officials’ positioning and calls more than the play itself,” he said.

The transition has reinforced familiar principles.

“You still need confidence in yourself to succeed,” he said. “It’s given me a renewed sense of purpose — staying at the highest level of the sport I love, but with a new challenge and a different kind of responsibility.”

His goal remains clear.

“Wearing the NHL crest is absolutely the goal,” said Verbeek, who was selected to officiate several games during the recent 2026 World Junior Championship in Minnesota. “But the path is the same as when I played. You can’t look too far ahead. You focus on the next game, the next assignment, and doing the job in front of you to the absolute best of your ability.”

A Message to the Kid He Was

If he could speak to his younger self, Verbeek knows exactly what he’d say.

“I’d tell him to soak in every single moment: the early-morning practices, the bus rides, the wins, and even the tough losses,” he said. “The path won’t be a straight line, but every experience will teach you something valuable if you’re willing to learn.”

And the constant, through every chapter?

“The work ethic you’re building now,” Verbeek said. “That’s the one thing that will never let you down, no matter where the

game takes you.”

And while there are still destinations ahead, Verbeek knows better than to rush the process. He’s learned that progress is built assignment by assignment, shift by shift, call by call.

Whether the future brings another return to Van Andel Arena or new rinks altogether, one thing is certain: Verbeek will arrive prepared. From player to official, competitor to caretaker, his second life in hockey reflects the same truth that defined his first: the game rewards those willing to serve it well.

Phil de Haan brings years of experience as a writer and communications professional to the pages of Griffiti, having crafted features and stories for organizations across West Michigan. A hockey fan since his childhood in Exeter, Ontario, and a longtime member of a local 6 a.m. hockey group, he combines a lifelong love of the sport with a storyteller’s instinct for bringing players and teams to life.

Legends Among Us

NOBODY DOES IT BETTER

With the calendar having turned to 2026, let’s take a look back at the current Griffins players and all-time greats who dominated the headlines during the opening months of the 2025-26 campaign.

The Griffins’ unprecedented start and 30th anniversary celebration combined to shine a spotlight on stars of past and present during the first half of the season.

Story by Randy Cleves and Andrew Streitel

Photos by Nicolas Carrillo

For the Nov. 30 game against Iowa, the three former Griffins who’ve had their numbers retired returned to Grand Rapids for the team’s 30th anniversary celebration, marking the first time that all three franchise legends were together at Van Andel Arena.

Travis Richards (24), Michel Picard (7) and Jeff Hoggan (10) participated in media opportunities and a private meet-and-greet with longtime Griffins season ticket members before the game, then were honored on the ice during the ceremonial puck drop.

The current Griffins did the trio proud by earning a 1-0 win over the Wild, their 16th victory in 18 games to begin the season.

Exclusive Company

On Dec. 7 in Toronto, right wing and captain Dominik Shine became the third player in Griffins history to play 500 regular-season games, and he was honored for his remarkable milestone prior to Grand Rapids’ home game versus Rockford on Dec. 13.

Now in his 10th season in Grand Rapids, Shine – whose 509 games played through Jan. 8 ranked behind only a pair of former defensemen in Travis Richards (655) and current assistant coach Brian Lashoff (629) – is the only player in franchise history who ranks in the franchise’s top 10 for games played, goals, assists, points, and penalty minutes.

Playing 500 games with one team is an amazing milestone now achieved by just 49 AHL players all time. Even more impressively, only 15 of those players spent their entire career with just one team, and Shine and Lashoff are the only two of that exclusive group to play at any time in the last 52 years.

Before the Griffins’ 1-0 win over the IceHogs, Shine was joined on the ice by his wife Taylor and son Cooper, along with Griffins president Tim Gortsema and general manager Shawn Horcoff. They presented Shine with a framed piece featuring photos commemorating his Griffins career and every milestone leading up to his landmark 500th game, including his nine-game NHL debut with his hometown Detroit Red Wings last season. He also received a watch from Shinola Detroit and an all-expenses-paid trip for him and Taylor to the incredible Cape Eleuthera Resort in the Bahamas.

To the Victors Go the Spoils

It’s no surprise that a Griffins team setting franchise and AHL records left and right should take home an impressive haul of individual regular-season hardware.

Sebastian Cossa

AHL Goaltender of the Month – Nov. 2025

AHL Goaltender of the Month – Dec. 2025

AHL Player of the Week – Dec. 1, 2025

Befitting someone who, at press time, was leading the AHL in goals-against average

(1.68), wins (17), shutouts (4) and save percentage (.937), Cossa became the first netminder in franchise history to be named AHL Goaltender of the Month twice in the same season, as well as the first AHL goalie to win consecutive awards since Henderson’s Logan Thompson in Feb.-March 2021.

During November, Cossa went 5-1 with one shutout to go along with a 1.50 goalsagainst average and a .941 save percentage. The 6-foot-7 goalie was also dubbed the Howies Hockey Tape/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Nov. 30, 2025, when he went 3-0 with a 1.33 GAA and a .945 save percentage, allowing just four goals on 73 shots.

His December numbers were spectacular as well, as he went 7-0-1 with two shutouts, a 1.76 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage.

John Leonard

AHL Player of the Month – Nov. 2025

Left wing John Leonard, who led the AHL in goal scoring prior to his mid-December callup to Detroit, became just the third player in franchise history to win the AHL Player of

the Month award, joining Riley Barber (April 2022) and Chris Minard (Feb. 2012). The sixth-year pro was held scoreless just once in November and compiled 16 points (9-7—16) in 10 games, including three game-winners, two three-point outings, and five multi-point games. He tallied 20 goals in his first 23 games with the Griffins this season.

Sheldon Dries

AHL Player of the Week – Dec. 22, 2025

Center Sheldon Dries made it two Player of the Week honors for the Griffins during December, following up Sebastian Cossa’s award by logging six points (2-4—6) and a plus-eight rating in three games. He posted

two points in all three outings, beginning the slate with two assists in Grand Rapids’ comefrom-behind 5-2 victory on Dec. 17 at Iowa. The 31-year-old followed that performance by tallying a goal and an assist in both a 6-2 win at Iowa on Dec. 19 and a 5-0 shutout of Cleveland on Dec. 21.

Dan Watson

Head Coach – Central Division AHL AllStars

At the absurdly early date of Dec. 19, Griffins head coach Dan Watson secured the honor of coaching the Central Division at the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic presented by BMO, scheduled for Feb. 10-11 at the BMO Center in Rockford, Illinois. This marks Watson’s second-consecutive all-star nod, as he becomes just the second coach in franchise history to attend two all-star events and the first in its AHL history.

Grand Rapids’ 6-2 win at Iowa clinched the top spot in the division for the Griffins through the end of play on Jan. 11, with a 24-1-0-1 record and 49 points.

Claim to Fame

Former Griffins forward Alexandre Giroux will be inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame during the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic in Rockford, Illinois. The ceremony is set for Feb. 11, when he’ll become the fourth former Grand Rapids player to be inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame, joining Michel Picard (GRG 1996-00 & 2002-04, Class of 2025), Bryan Helmer (GRG 2004-06, Class of 2017), and Darren Haydar (GRG 2008-09, Class of 2020).

Giroux made his pro debut with the Griffins during the 2001-02 campaign, which was the team’s first year in the AHL and final season of affiliation with the Ottawa Senators. The 213th overall pick by Ottawa in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft appeared in 70 games with Grand Rapids and totaled 27 points (11-16—27), 74 penalty minutes and a plus-five rating for the West Division champions.

Giroux competed in 11 AHL seasons, climbing all the way to seventh place on the all-time list with 368 career goals. His 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons are among the greatest ever by an AHL player: in leading the Hershey Bears to backto-back Calder Cups, Giroux won both league MVP honors and the regular-season scoring title in 2008-09; became the fourth player in league history with consecutive 50-goal campaigns; was the fifth player ever to score 60 goals in a single season; set an AHL record by scoring goals in 15 straight games; and amassed 139 goals and 255 points in 181 contests (regular season and playoffs combined) during the two-year span. Giroux totaled 704 points in 771 contests with Grand Rapids, Binghamton, Hartford, Hershey, Chicago, Oklahoma City and Springfield, and added 103 points in 118 Calder Cup Playoff games, including a record five career playoff overtime goals.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

Most of their work takes place in empty arenas, but the Griffins’ skill development coaches are key to the team’s success.

It wasn’t all that long ago when NHL teams regarded player development as a selfmotivated endeavor. The thought was that the cream would rise to the top, and that if a player wanted an NHL job, all they needed to do was put their head down and earn it.

Hard work remains central to what it takes; there are no shortcuts up the rungs of professional hockey. But teams today leave no stone unturned to help their players reach the next level, as evidenced by the Griffins’ skill development team of Dwayne Blais, Kevin Galerno, and Rebecca Babb.

“I remember back in 2000 after signing with the Blue Jackets, they gave us one big book in the summertime,” said head coach Dan Watson, who spent four seasons as a defenseman for Columbus’ minor league affiliates. “They said, ‘Here’s your program – go!’ It was probably the same one for every single player. There was no individualized training at that time.”

The efforts of Blais and Galerno, both skill development coaches, and Babb, the organization’s skating coach, are not often seen by fans, but they’re essential to the Red Wings’ efforts to develop their players – spanning Detroit,

Grand Rapids, and affiliated prospects scattered throughout the hockey world. If the proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” rings true for parents, this trio comprises a substantial part of the village that helps create an NHL player.

Red Wings assistant director of player development Dan Cleary has had a front-row seat to the evolution of this process, as a former first-round draft pick who played 938 NHL games over a 20-year professional career and has worked in his current role since retiring in 2017.

“I don’t think I even got a book,” Cleary said. “I wish my young, arrogant, know-it-all 18-year-old self had a more mature me to say, ‘Get your head right. Who’s your trainer? Let’s meet with him weekly. I want to see test results.’ Now, every one of these kids has a whole group of us that know what they need to work on and how we can help them.”

All About Balance

Blais, Galerno and Babb supplement the Griffins’ coaching staff with on-ice sessions typically held in small groups before or after the team’s practices. The structure of a full

team practice can vary depending on how the team is playing, focusing on reinforcing concepts of the team’s system: breaking out of the defensive zone, stopping an opponent in the neutral zone, and fine-tuning special teams positioning, with less time spent on players’ individual skills.

“I don’t think any of the guys love to hear the words ‘system’ or ‘structure,’ especially at this time of year,” said Watson. “This is a way to mix it up and keep it fresh for them. It’s part of the routine. We’ll mix in a strictly skillsand-skating practice, where there’s no systems work. We go all over the map to be creative and do something for the guys so they don’t get bored.”

Blais started in the industry while balancing his own professional hockey career, playing primarily in the ECHL from 2000-04. He cofounded Total Package Hockey, which grew from camps and clinics to a full-service hockey academy with 16 locations in the United States and Canada and more than 75 alumni who have been drafted to the NHL.

“It started as a hockey school in the

summer,” said Blais. “I ended up setting up shop in London, Ontario. I was fortunate to meet players that I worked with individually or privately that would go on to play in the NHL. By doing that, you get to know more people in junior hockey and then in the NHL, so eventually I got an opportunity with Nashville, when Barry Trotz was their coach.”

After working a couple of development camps for the Predators, Blais eventually reconnected with Trotz with the Washington Capitals, before taking a job with the Red Wings during the 2021-22 season. As the Red Wings added more prospects through each NHL Draft, the workload grew. Luckily, Blais knew a stable of experienced skills coaches from Total Package Hockey who could help deliver a consistent message in Grand Rapids, including Galerno.

“I really wanted to make development camps really skill-based,” said Blais. “Not as much just getting on the ice to run drills, but focus on specific areas of the game. When you bring in new people, you have to be on the same page, use the same lingo.”

“We’re massive on things that translate to games,” said Galerno. “So much of the game is played on the wall [the boards]. We give them reps in different situations, stopping a puck that’s been rimmed along the wall, making a play under pressure, being fast in small areas. They learn different kinds of fakes to go over, under or around a stick. We key on little details that are going to translate to them being successful here.”

Blais’ work expanded with the Red Wings, especially as more young players began to crack the roster, so Galerno has increased his trips to Grand Rapids, typically visiting about twice a month when the schedule allows for a stretch of multiple home practices in a week. There are many voices that go into creating a cohesive practice and development plan.

“I work with Dwayne, Dan Cleary, Dan Watson, and the coaching staff,” said Galerno. “The coaches are the ones who are here every day in the trenches, and we get to come relieve a little bit of pressure where we can take over a couple days. Whether it’s a bigger group or grabbing three guys before or after practice, we try to work with the whole team.”

The Cutting Edge

In addition to the second skills coach in Galerno, the Red Wings wanted to further boost their skill development department with a specialist, so they looked to another sport for an expert.

“My background is figure skating, but I’ve been a skating coach in a couple different disciplines for about 25 years,” said Babb. “I’ve been teaching hockey players for about 20 years.”

It’s not uncommon for figure skating coaches to work with professional hockey players, but few have the resume of Babb. After an international career that saw her win a Canadian junior ice dancing gold medal, Babb would go on to train two-time Olympic champions Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, and three-time World medalists Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje.

The technical aspects of figure skating and ice dancing naturally lend themselves to what hockey players need to work on – sometimes developing skills they have little experience with until they work with a high-level skating coach.

“I think what happens is that parents put

An All-Encompassing Development Plan

In addition to the skill development staff and Griffins coaching staff, trainers and strength coaches throughout the organization are often cited as resources that serve key roles in developing players. Off the ice, the organization offers resources to help players with whatever they may need.

“Steve Yzerman is a big believer in development and the mental side as well,” said

Cleary. “We have a mental performance coach who’s excellent, Jim Soda. I’ve had numerous times where players reach out and ask, ‘Hey, what’s Jim’s number?’ I never ask why and never discuss with Jim, because it’s super important that player has that trust.

“I used those resources when I was a player, both when things were going great and not going so great. A lot of guys use them. It just helps you get in a great mindset. I’ve asked as well, if I see someone looks really frustrated, I’ve said, ‘Why don’t you call Jim?’ He can help with your mind, focus, sleep, breathing, so many different areas. We encourage everyone, whether you’re feeling great or you’re just not sure.”

their kids into hockey and they’re given a stick and a puck, and that’s the focus,” said Babb. “Really, the basis of the sport is moving from point A to point B. If you do that flawlessly, handling the puck and the stick are much, much easier. All of a sudden, your balance is better, and you’re not struggling to get from point A to point B.”

Despite never playing competitive hockey, Babb’s no stranger to the sport. Growing up in rural Newfoundland, she was surrounded by hockey through her close friends and spending hours at the rink, even bumping into a future Red Wing and Griffin.

“Cleary and I grew up in the same very small community,” said Babb. “Our paths crossed quite a bit. He left at a very young age for hockey, and I left at a very young age for figure skating. Our lives took us in different directions, but all came back full circle.”

“I’ve known her family basically my entire life,” said Cleary. “Once I got to see her work as a skating coach, I was really impressed. Her ability to command the guys, her knowledge of the stride, it was a great fit for us. The players

trust what she’s saying. No one’s forcing them to come out and do the work, they’re all totally willing.”

Putting The Pieces Together

While the development staff is focused on the investments made in the younger players, the Griffins’ veterans are quick to utilize the skills coaches and provide their own expertise.

“When guys come down from the NHL, a lot of times those third and fourth lines aren’t touching the puck much. All of a sudden, they’re sent down and playing in the top six and are expected to produce,” said Watson. “I firmly believe no matter how old you are, there are always things you can get better at. If you can be great at the simple things, you’ll be a better hockey player.”

Development plans for players are a collaborative effort, with daily communication between Red Wings management, Griffins coaches, and the skills instructors in order to balance extra on-ice work with proper rest and recovery.

“It starts when we draft a kid,” said Cleary. “Rebecca comes in to look at their stride. Then

we say, ‘What other strengths does he have?’ and work on different areas with Blazer and Kev. We build out a plan for the summer and keep in touch. When they’re ready for Grand Rapids, Watty and [assistant coaches Steph Julien and Brian Lashoff] become heavily involved. Then we meet not just together, but with the player, to ask, ‘Here’s what we feel, what do you think?’”

“That’s a daily conversation we have, and it’s ongoing,” said Babb. “I’m very lucky to work with a group of men that are open to collaboration, and we communicate extremely well. Grand Rapids is my favorite place to work because everybody is so keen, morale is so great, and they’re having such success right now. I’ll put out a list of players I need to work with, but other guys jump in, which is always rewarding as a coach.”

Ultimately, while the on-ice results in Detroit and Grand Rapids this season serve as a ringing endorsement for the success of this program, all parties involved believe the best is yet to come.

“[Marco Kasper] is a perfect example – his first year was my first year,” said Galerno. “He

wanted to work to the point of needing to say, ‘Hey, get off the ice, give your body and brain a rest.’ Some players go to the NHL and feel they made it, and they lose that drive. That’s not the case with him. He’s still up there every day asking Dwayne what he can do.”

“These young players are very into this,” said Cleary. “When you get that buy-in, it makes it even better. It comes down to them, because there are days when no one is around. Most of these guys are into this in almost an addictive way. They know the kids that do the work are the ones that are going to see the growth.”

Kyle Kujawa is a Grand Valley State University graduate and lifelong hockey fan who enjoyed a 12-year career in sports that began as a public relations intern with the Griffins in 2010. After two seasons (and one Calder Cup!) as a full-timer, he moved on to the Detroit Red Wings’ PR staff, where he spent nine seasons (2013-22). He turned in his press credentials for the corporate world in 2022 but has remained involved in hockey through various freelance writing gigs, coming full circle with an opportunity to contribute to Griffiti.

RECORD BOOK AND LEADERS

Through games of Jan. 8, 2026

The AHL All-Star Classic was not held in either 2020-21 or 2021-22 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2025-26 Sebastian Cossa, John Leonard, Dominik Shine, Dan Watson (head coach)

2024-25 Sebastian Cossa, Austin Watson, Dan Watson (head coach)

2023-24 Jonatan Berggren, Simon Edvinsson

2022-23 Brian Lashoff (captain)

2019-20 Matthew Ford (captain), Chris Terry

2018-19 Chris Terry

2017-18 Matt Lorito, Matt Puempel

2016-17 Matt Lorito, Robbie Russo, Todd Nelson (head coach)

GRIFFINS IN THE ALL-STAR GAME

2015-16 Jeff Hoggan (captain), Xavier Ouellet

2014-15 Xavier Ouellet, Teemu Pulkkinen

2013-14 Alexey Marchenko, Jeff Blashill (co-coach)

2012-13 Chad Billins, Petr Mrazek, Gustav Nyquist

2011-12 Gustav Nyquist

2010-11 Ilari Filppula, Brendan Smith

2009-10 Patrick Rissmiller

2008-09 Jakub Kindl, Daniel Larsson

2007-08 Jonathan Ericsson, Jimmy Howard

2006-07 Derek Meech, Kip Miller (captain) 2005-06 Valtteri Filppula, Jiri Hudler, Donald MacLean

2004-05 Niklas Kronwall, Joey MacDonald 2003-04 Jiri Hudler, Niklas Kronwall, Travis Richards (captain), Nathan Robinson

2002-03 Marc Lamothe, Mark Mowers

2001-02 Chris Bala, John Gruden, Kip Miller, Martin Prusek, Petr Schastlivy, Bruce Cassidy (head coach), Gene Reilly (asst. coach)

INTERNATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

2000-01 Mike Fountain, Joel Kwiatkowski, Travis Richards, Todd White, Bruce Cassidy (co-coach)

1999-00 John Gruden, Jani Hurme, Kevin Miller, Petr Schastlivy 1998-99 Robert Petrovicky, Maxim Spiridonov

1997-98 Ian Gordon, Kerry Huffman, Michel Picard

1996-97 Jeff Nelson, Michel Picard, Pokey Reddick

PENALTY

BOARDING

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

CHARGING

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

CROSS CHECKING

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

DELAYED PENALTY

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

HIGH STICKING

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

CALLS

HOLDING

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

HOOKING

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

INTERFERENCE

ELBOWING

Called when a player uses an elbow to impede an opponent.

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

KNEEING

Called when a player uses a knee to impede an opponent.

MISCONDUCT

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

ROUGHING

Called for engaging in fisticuffs or shoving.

SLASHING

Striking an opposing player with the stick.

SPEARING

Called for using the stick like a spear.

TRIPPING

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

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

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

WASH-OUT

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

ABBOTSFORD CANUCKS

BAKERSFIELD CONDORS

BELLEVILLE SENATORS

BRIDGEPORT ISLANDERS

CALGARY WRANGLERS

CHARLOTTE CHECKERS

CHICAGO WOLVES

CLEVELAND MONSTERS

COACHELLA VALLEY FIREBIRDS

COLORADO EAGLES

GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS

HARTFORD WOLF PACK

HENDERSON SILVER KNIGHTS

HERSHEY BEARS

IOWA WILD

LAVAL ROCKET

LEHIGH VALLEY PHANTOMS

MANITOBA MOOSE

MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS

ONTARIO REIGN

PROVIDENCE BRUINS

ROCHESTER AMERICANS

ROCKFORD ICEHOGS

SAN DIEGO GULLS

SAN JOSE BARRACUDA

SPRINGFIELD THUNDERBIRDS

SYRACUSE CRUNCH

TEXAS STARS

TORONTO MARLIES

TUCSON

UTICA

IT ALL STARTS HERE

With Florida’s victory over Edmonton in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, forward Tomas Nosek became the first player to hoist the Stanley Cup after winning a Calder Cup (2017) in Grand Rapids.

GRIFFINS IN THE NHL

Since their inception in 1996, the Griffins have sent 221 players to the National Hockey League, and 21 former players or coaches have gone on to win the Stanley Cup. In fact, a Griffins alumnus has had his name engraved on Lord Stanley’s chalice in each of the last six years, 12 times in the last 18 years, and 14 times in the last 21 seasons. In chronological order, here are the 29 goalies and 192 skaters who have worn an NHL sweater after playing for Grand Rapids, along with the dates of their NHL debuts/returns.

Afanasenkov ......................2/6/02 TB at FLA

44 .........Simon Lajeunesse .........................3/7/02 OTT at SJ

45 Martin Prusek 3/23/02 OTT vs. ATL 46 Chris Bala 3/27/02 OTT at NYI 47 .........Neil Little .................................. 3/28/02 PHI at CAR 48 Josh Langfeld 3/30/02 OTT vs. TB 49 Gaetan Royer 4/1/02 TB vs. NYR

50 Jason Spezza 10/24/02 OTT at BOS 51 .........Sean Avery ............................... 10/29/02 DET vs. SJ 52 Jason Doig 12/3/02 WSH at PIT

53 Jason Williams 12/5/02 DET at PHX 54 .........Patrick Boileau ..................... 12/19/02 DET vs. DAL

55 .........Stacy Roest .............................. 2/20/03 DET vs. EDM

56 Wade Brookbank 10/9/03 NSH vs. ANA

57 Julien Vauclair 10/25/03 OTT at MTL

58 ....... Jiri Hudler ........................... 10/29/03 DET vs. STL

78 David Gove 1/31/06 CAR at MTL

79 Tomas Kopecky 2/28/06 DET at SJ

80 .........Alexandre Giroux.......................3/25/06 NYR at TB

81 Joey MacDonald 10/19/06 DET at SJ

82 Derek Meech 12/7/06 DET vs. STL

83 Matt Ellis 12/18/06 DET at CBJ

84 .........Matt Hussey ..............................1/26/07 DET at STL

85 Sheldon Brookbank 2/6/07 NSH at PIT

86 Danny Syvret 2/27/07 EDM vs. PHX

87 .........Mark Hartigan ........................ 11/29/07 DET vs. TB

88 Drew MacIntyre 12/13/07 VAN at SJ

89 Peter Vandermeer 2/10/08 PHX vs. NSH

90 Jonathan Ericsson 2/22/08 DET at CGY

91 .........Garrett Stafford........................2/23/08 DET at VAN

92 Darren Helm 3/13/08 DET vs. DAL

93 Mattias Ritola 3/15/08 DET vs. NSH

94 Clay Wilson 3/25/08 CBJ at NSH

95 .........Darren McCarty .........................3/28/08 DET vs. STL

96 Krys Kolanos 11/4/08 MIN at SJ

97 Landon Wilson 11/22/08 DAL vs. ANA

98 .........Bryan Helmer..................... 11/28/08 WSH vs. MTL

99 Chris Chelios 12/13/08 DET at PHX

100 Aaron Downey 1/29/09 DET vs. DAL

101 Justin Abdelkader 1/31/09 DET at WSH

102.......Ville Leino ............................... 1/31/09 DET at WSH

103 Aaron Gagnon 10/16/09 DAL vs. BOS

104 Scott Parse 10/24/09 LA at PHX

105 Doug Janik 11/3/09 DET vs. BOS

106........Ryan Keller ............................... 11/25/09 OTT at NJ

107 Jakub Kindl 12/3/09 DET vs. EDM

108 Kris Newbury 12/14/09 DET vs. PHX

109........Darren Haydar..........................2/10/10 COL vs. ATL

110 Andreas Lilja 3/1/10 DET at COL

111 Jeremy Williams 10/24/10 NYR vs. NJ

112 Jan Mursak 12/27/10 DET at COL

113.......Chris Mueller ........................12/28/10 NSH vs. DAL

114 Tomas Tatar 12/31/10 DET vs. NYI

115 Cory Emmerton 1/22/11 DET vs. CHI

116 Patrick Rissmiller 2/23/11 ATL at BUF

117 ......Tom McCollum ........................3/30/11 DET vs. STL

118 Gustav Nyquist 11/1/11 DET vs. MIN

119 Fabian Brunnstrom 11/5/11 DET vs. ANA

120 ....Brendan Smith ..............11/17/11 DET at SJ

121......Mark Cullen ................ 11/29/11 FLA at CAR

122 Chris Conner 12/2/11 DET at BUF

123 Joakim Andersson 12/27/11 DET vs. STL

124 ......Ty Conklin ......................... 3/21/12 DET at NYR

125 Riley Sheahan 4/7/12 DET vs. CHI

126 Brian Lashoff 1/21/13 DET at CBJ

127 Mike Knuble 1/26/13 PHI at FLA

128.......Jamie Tardif ................................ 2/2/13 BOS at TOR

129 Petr Mrazek 2/7/13 DET at STL

130 Jonas Gustavsson 2/19/13 DET at NSH

131.......Carlo Colaiacovo........................ 4/1/13 DET vs. COL

132.......Danny DeKeyser .....................10/2/13 DET vs. BUF

133 Luke Glendening 10/12/13 DET vs. PHI

134 Xavier Ouellet 10/21/13 DET vs. SJ

135.......Adam Almquist ..................... 11/4/13 DET at WPG

136 Chad Billins 11/5/13 CGY at MIN

137 Patrick Eaves 12/14/13 DET vs. PIT

138 Tomas Jurco 12/15/13 DET vs. TB

139.......Jordin Tootoo.........................12/19/13 DET vs. CGY

155

Bertuzzi................ 11/8/16 DET at PHI 158 Jared Coreau 12/3/16 DET at PIT

159 Nick Jensen 12/20/16 DET at TB

160 Drew Miller 2/28/17 DET at VAN

161.......Robbie Russo ............................. 3/7/17 DET at TOR

162 Dan Renouf 3/27/17 DET at CAR

163 Ben Street 3/28/17 DET at CAR 164.......Evgeny Svechnikov................... 4/3/17 DET vs. OTT

165 Matt Lorito 4/8/17 DET vs. MTL

166 Kyle Criscuolo 11/17/17 BUF at DET

Libor Sulak 10/4/18 DET vs. CBJ

Christoffer Ehn 11/6/18 DET vs. VAN

Sloan 12/4/03 DAL at LA 64 Niklas Kronwall 12/10/03 DET at BUF

65 .........Ryan Barnes .......................... 12/15/03 DET vs. FLA

66 ....... Chris Kelly .............................. 2/5/04 OTT vs. TOR

Marc

72

DET at FLA

76 .........Rob Collins............................. 12/17/05 NYI vs. COL

77 .........Manny Legace ...........................1/5/06 DET vs. STL

140 Alexey Marchenko 1/4/14 DET at DAL

141 Teemu Pulkkinen 3/14/14 DET vs. EDM

142.......Landon Ferraro ....................... 3/18/14 DET vs. TOR

143.....Calle Jarnkrok .............. 3/21/14 NSH at CGY

144 Mitch Callahan 3/25/14 DET at CBJ

145 Ryan Sproul 4/13/14 DET at STL

146.......Andrej Nestrasil.......................10/9/14 DET vs. BOS

147 Stephen Weiss 11/24/14 DET vs. OTT

148.....Mattias Janmark...........10/8/15 DAL vs. PIT

149 Dylan Larkin 10/9/15 DET vs. TOR

150 ..... Kevin Porter.......................... 10/10/15 PIT at ARI

151 Andreas Athanasiou 11/8/15 DET vs. DAL

152 Tomas Nosek 12/26/15 DET at NSH 153.......Eric Tangradi ..............................1/25/16 DET

McIlrath .................3/25/19 DET at SJ

Chelios................................3/29/19 DET vs. NJ

Givani Smith 10/25/19 DET vs. BUF

Pickard ............. 11/29/19 DET at PHI

Madison Bowey 12/14/19 DET at MTL

Brome ........................... 5/7/21 DET at CBJ

Gemel Smith 2/2/22 DET vs. LA

Witkowski........................3/12/22 DET at CGY

Hellberg.................. 12/14/22 DET at MIN

Soderblom....... 12/14/22 DET at MIN 199 Jakub Vrana 2/21/23 DET at WSH

200.....Adam Erne ..................... 3/2/23 DET vs. SEA 201.......Alex Chiasson .............................. 3/4/23 DET at NYI

202.....Simon Edvinsson.......... 3/18/23 DET vs. COL

203.....Alex Nedeljkovic ...........3/23/23 DET vs. STL

204.....Zach Aston-Reese .......12/11/23 DET at DAL

205.......Michael Hutchinson ................ 12/23/23 DET at NJ 206.....Ville Husso ...................2/13/24 DET at EDM

207.....Albert Johansson ...... 10/12/24 DET vs. NSH

208.......Austin Watson....................... 10/14/24 DET at NYR

209.....Marco Kasper ............. 10/19/24 DET at NSH

210 Sebastian Cossa 12/9/24 DET at BUF

211 William Lagesson 12/21/24 DET at MTL

212.....Donovan Sebrango.... 1/16/25 OTT vs. WSH

213 Dominik Shine 1/27/25 DET vs. LA

214 Carter Mazur 3/6/25 DET vs. UTA

215.....Emmitt Finnie............. 10/9/25 DET vs. MTL

216.....Axel Sandin-Pellikka... 10/9/25 DET vs. MTL

217.....Michael BrandseggNygard........................ 10/9/25 DET vs. MTL

218 .... Charle-Edouard D'Astous10/25/25 TB vs. ANA

219 ....Nate Danielson .............11/9/25 DET vs. CHI

220.....Erik Gustafsson ......... 11/26/25 DET vs. NSH

221.....John Leonard ..............12/16/25 DET vs. NYI

Bold = Has played in the NHL this season (as of Dec. 31, 2025)

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

ALL AROUND THE WORLD

Since the 1984 Sarajevo Games, more than 50 future, current or former Griffins players have had the honor of playing for their homelands at the Winter Olympics, representing nearly 20 different countries while winning gold, silver and bronze medals. (Turn to page 42 to learn more.)

Can you fill in the names of each of their countries to complete the grid below? No clues for you! You’ll just need to use your wits and a little process of elimination to figure out where each country fits.

SWEDEN

SLOVENIA

PARTING SHOT

Carter Gylander receives a hug from Sebastian Cossa after stopping 22 shots for his first AHL shutout, a 5-0 victory over Cleveland on Dec. 21. The Griffins’ 14th consecutive win gave them 51 points (25-1-0-1) through just 27 games, as they reached the 50-point mark three games faster than any team in the AHL’s 90-year history.

Photo by Nicolas Carrillo