captured on video for a popular youTube clip that asks “How many Coors light to fill the Calder Cup?” in the video, amadio shows his father the proper way to hold the Cup, rattles off the names of sault ste. Marie players who are etched on its side (there’s five) and jokes that it’s the most italians that have ever touched the trophy. “Ha, i know that’s true, for sure,” he chuckles. Winning the Cup a second time last year was just as sweet. “There was so much pressure on us right from the beginning because on paper, it was virtually the same team. luckily we had a special group of guys who were able to handle the pressure all year.” Hershey set team records for wins (60), points (123), home wins (34), road wins (26), consecutive wins (12), consecutive home wins (24), playoff overtime wins (eight) and consecutive playoff series won (eight). The marks for wins, home wins, consecutive home wins, playoff overtime wins and consecutive series won also established league records in the 74-year-old aHl. When the Bears dropped the first two games of the finals, amadio said Helmer helped to rally the troops. “He got us all together in the Amadio has played for six different AhL teams. room and told us to play with heart and courage and things i wouldn’t do myself,” he said. “i like to lead by would work out. Everybody listened and just example.” responded to what he said.” While amadio is quite vocal – his chatter and amadio might have stayed in Hershey had it enthusiasm were hallmarks of high-tempo practices not been for the fact that he has played 316 aHl in Hershey – he is not outspoken. “i’m not averse to games, which means he now qualifies as a veteran. talking to someone but it has to be the right time Teams are limited to five veterans with experience and right situation. if there’s an issue that has to be of more than 260 games. addressed, you address it.” He is looking forward to assuming the role and amadio never hesitates to stick up for a responsibility of being a veteran with the Griffins teammate by dropping the gloves. “i don’t like to go this season. “i don’t expect anybody to do anything
26 Grand Rapids GRIFFINS