CA L D E R C U P
CHAMPIONS
Dear Grand Rapids Griffins Fans, At our championship rally on June 19 at Van Andel Arena, Griffins captain Jeff oggan gestured toward the Calder Cup and told the thousands in attendance that “you, the fans, have earned this…this belongs to you.” Truer words have never been spoken. It’s a long and interesting journey that we’ve traveled together, and now we celebrate the start of the 18th season of Griffins hockey as defending Calder Cup champions! From the drop of the fi st puck in 1996, to our move to the AHL in 2001, to the start of our affiliation with the Detroit Red Wings in 2002 and all the seasons that have followed, we’ve watched hundreds of hockey games at Van Andel Arena. We enjoyed most of them, were heartbroken at other times, but we were together through it all. And after proudly watching more than a dozen Griffins go on to win the Stanley Cup, many as members of the 2008 Red Wings, we fi ally earned the right to hoist our own championship trophy, the fi st ever for a pro hockey team from Grand Rapids. Since Day One, our players, coaches and staff ave worked tirelessly toward the goal of bringing a championship home. To accomplish it, and to be able to share the Calder Cup with everyone in West Michigan, has brought pride and joy beyond words. We had an outstanding team last season, a special group of men who gave so much of themselves both on and off he ice. That’s what made them champions. But this incredible journey we’ve experienced never would have been possible without you. We never wavered in our goal, you never wavered in your support, and the result was something we’ll all cherish for a lifetime. However, the journey is not over. As you’ve discovered, once you drink from the cup, you realize there’s nothing quite like that taste, and it really makes you want to do it again. That’s our goal for this season, as a city, an organization and a fan base. Jeff lashill and his coaching staff elcome back a solid core of veterans and numerous battle-tested prospects who will be joined by several promising rookies. The challenge of repeating is never easy, but as always, the one thing we can promise is another thrilling ride. Sincerely,
Dan DeVos President & CEO Grand Rapids Griffins
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Grand Rapids GRIFFINS • 2013 Calder Cup Champions