2025-26 Griffiti - Issue #2

HAPPY TRAILS EDUARDS

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. 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

26......... HAVE GOALS, WILL TRAVEL

Eduards Tralmaks brought a big personality and NHL ambitions to Grand Rapids.

34......... ALEXANDRE DE SHERBROOKE

French Canadian Alex Doucet talks Quebec food, culture, and his journey from the idyllic Eastern Townships to a pro hockey home in Grand Rapids.

42......... THE UNTOUCHABLES?

Will time prove these Griffins records to be truly untouchable, or will their reigns atop the franchise’s leaderboard eventually come to an end?

46......... A DIFFERENCE MAKER

The Griffins’ longest-tenured employee, Tim Gortsema has helped lead the franchise’s success since before the first puck dropped.

54......... HEART OF A LION

The Griffins’ community programs and charitable efforts generated more than $530,000 last season for organizations throughout West Michigan.

58......... LEAVING A MARK

Former head coach Todd Nelson reflects on the Griffins’ 2017 Calder Cup championship.

Photo by Nicolas Carrillo

CHALK TALK

WITH GRIFFINS HEAD COACH DAN WATSON

By Jonathan Mills

Head coach Dan Watson pulled back the curtain when he was asked how the Grand Rapids Griffins were able to get off to their historic start through the first nine games of the 2025-26 season.

“It’s been the group’s willingness to work, whether that’s during practice, their off-ice training, and obviously during games,” Watson said. “They’re not scared to work. They push the envelope every day during practice to try to make sure the pace and compete levels are high. That’s driven by our leadership group, and that’s translated into game play. Behind closed doors, it’s a very close group already. That started at Detroit’s 2025 training camp, which is starting to show dividends on the ice for the guys and their willingness to compete for each other.”

As of Nov. 10, Grand Rapids ranked first in the Central Division with an 8-0-0-1 (17 points) record – the best start in franchise history and best start on the road (4-0-0-1) since the 2007-08 campaign. The Griffins won their first eight games and were the AHL’s last undefeated club before falling to the Chicago Wolves, 4-3, in a shootout at Allstate Arena on Nov. 9.

This isn’t the first time the club has started fast out of the gate under Watson, who was named head coach of Grand Rapids on June 14, 2023. In fact, two of the best three starts in Griffins history have come the past two seasons with Watson behind the bench, including a 6-21-0 (13 points) start to the 2024-25 campaign.

“The players who have been here, whether it was last year or over the previous two years, they know what to expect when they get to Grand Rapids,” Watson said. “They know how practices are going to be and the lay of the land. I remember my first year, even a little bit last year, some of the new guys are scrambling that first week to find housing. Then suddenly, you’re playing games, and it becomes a little bit of a nightmare. But now, these guys know what to expect. I give credit to the guys who have been here over the past one or two seasons for bringing those new faces in and immersing them right away.”

It was a relatively small sample size, but through its first nine contests, Grand Rapids was first in the AHL with 4.11 goals per game and had outscored its opponents by a 37-20 margin. In Watson’s eyes, the Griffins’ earlyseason success with the puck was the product of their ability to capitalize on the offensive chances they generated.

“We have guys with maturity in their game who have stepped up from the previous season,” Watson said. “We’ve gotten some special-teams goals that we didn’t have early on last year. So, I just think overall, it’s a combination of different things. Also, the mentality of getting to the net and getting pucks to the net. If we don’t score, let’s get it back and do it all over again.”

Having a hearty mix of veterans inside Grand Rapids’ dressing room has also benefited the entire group, Watson explained.

“With guys like Justin Holl, Erik Gustafsson or Austin Watson, they have a ton of NHL experience and can share that not only with us [coaches] but with the team as well,” Watson said. “Whether it’s during a power-play or team meeting, we are always asking for their thoughts. Whether it’s open in front of the whole team or behind closed doors, their opinions matter. They’re a big part of our success now and moving forward, so we’d be crazy as a staff to not pick their brains.”

As impressive as the Griffins’ record was through their first nine games, Watson stressed there are “always things to work on and get better at.”

“Some of the meetings are a little bit easier when you’re winning,” Watson said with a laugh. “Some of those dark clouds, when you’re losing, look like they’re never going to go away. Some of the things we want to clean up are just being tighter defensively. We’ve been fairly good, but at the same time I think you can always get better. I think the details in our games, whether it’s stick detail or positioning, those need to tighten up and get cleaner.”

Watson added that improving its transition

game could really help Grand Rapids take another step forward offensively.

“I still think we can play faster in the neutral zone,” he said. “We can still have a better attack mentality off the rush, so just cleaning up those types of things. There’s also battles, like 50-50s and loose-puck races. Those are never ending. In my opinion as a coach, you always want your team on their toes and trying to win those races and body-position battles.”

And because the 72-game grind that is the AHL regular season is bound to include some lows along with the highs, Watson said he’ll continue to preach some of the sport’s most common cliches to his players both young and old.

“It’s having a next-day mentality, not looking too far ahead of the schedule and not looking at what we’ve already accomplished, but forging ahead and building on what we’ve done so far,” Watson said. “Certainly, as a staff we’ll prepare and want to make sure the guys are prepared. It’s just giving them the knowledge for that day and going to work on it, then worrying about tomorrow when it gets there.”

2025-26 GRIFFINS HOCKEY OPERATIONS STAFF

General Manager Shawn Horcoff

Coach Dan Watson

Coach Steph Julien

Coach Brian Lashoff Goaltending Coach Roope Koistinen

Video Coach Brad Krakowitz

Athletic Trainer Austin Frank Assistant Athletic Trainer Katie Berglund

Therapist Jared VanZant

Thompson Asst.

Hornkohl

SCOUTING REPORT

By Andrew Streitel

CLEVELAND

DEC. 3, DEC. 21

This offseason, the Columbus Blue Jackets named Stefan Matteau an assistant coach for the Monsters. Matteau, who enjoyed a 13-year pro career in the NHL, AHL, and top European leagues, served as Cleveland’s captain last season before announcing his retirement. Matteau was selected by New Jersey with the 29th overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft and competed in 92 NHL games between the Devils, Montreal, Vegas, and Columbus. At the AHL level, the 31-year-old logged 169 points (76-93—169) in 411 regular-season games between Albany, St. John’s, Chicago, Colorado, and Cleveland.

Stats and records through games of Nov. 4, 2025

Trey Fix-Wolansky, a name familiar to Griffins fans, did not return to Cleveland this season, as he signed a oneyear deal with the New York Rangers back in July. Entering this season, Fix-Wolansky had 259 points (112-147— 259) in 289 regular-season AHL outings. All time against Grand Rapids, Fix-Wolansky has 33 points (13-20—33) in 33 games, which includes 27 points (9-18—27) in his last 21 meetings against the Griffins. Another familiar name, goaltender Jet Greaves, who was named to the 2024-25 AHL Top Prospects Team, is now a full-time NHL player with Columbus. All time against the Griffins from 2021-25, Greaves posted a 10-5-2 record with a 2.57 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage.

MILWAUKEE

DEC. 10, DEC. 31, JAN. 17, JAN. 21

The Griffins will play Milwaukee 12 times this season, the most of any opponent for Grand Rapids. The Admirals are Grand Rapids’ most frequent all-time opponent, as the two teams have met 228 times heading into the 2025-26 campaign, in a series that dates back to their IHL days. The Griffins’ 117 wins over the Admirals are also their most against any opponent. The first-ever meeting between the franchises occurred on Dec. 17, 1996, with Milwaukee claiming a 6-4 victory.

Former Detroit Red Wings draft pick Andrew Gibson is featured on Milwaukee’s roster. Gibson was selected by Detroit with the 42nd overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft before being traded to Nashville on June 25, 2024, in exchange for Jesse Kiiskinen and a 2024 second-round pick. The defenseman is in his rookie season as a pro after showing 89 points (28-61—89), 153 penalty minutes and a plus-49 rating in 173 regular-season OHL games with the Soo Greyhounds and Oshawa Generals from 2021-25.

ROCKFORD

DEC. 13, JAN. 16

Rockford’s Nick Lardis, who was selected 67th overall by Chicago in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, is off to a fast start to his pro career. The rookie had 13 points (5-8—13) and a plus-nine rating in his first 10 games. Lardis ranked among the AHL’s rookie leaders in points (1st), assists (1st), goals (T2nd), and plus-minus rating (1st). Fellow rookie Oliver Moore, 19th overall in 2023, had nine points (63—9) and a plus-eight rating in his first nine games. Moore tied for fourth among AHL rookies in points and ranked first in goals, while also tying for sixth in goals among all AHL skaters.

With the Chicago Blackhawks still working their way through a rebuild, Rockford’s roster is littered with top draft picks from recent years. The IceHogs have three former first-round picks by the Blackhawks in forward Oliver Moore (19th in 2023) and defensemen Nolan Allan (32nd in 2021) and Kevin Korchinski (7th in 2022). Combined, the trio has notched 30 points (7-23—30) in 146 NHL games with Chicago compared to 68 points (16-52—68) in 162 AHL appearances with Rockford.

CHICAGO JAN. 2

After working on a professional tryout during training camp, former Griffin and Red Wing Givani Smith signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes this past offseason. He was later assigned to the AHL and is featured on Chicago’s roster, showing one goal and six penalty minutes in five outings. Smith was selected 46th overall by Detroit in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and appeared in parts of five seasons with Grand Rapids from 2016-23, totaling 52 points (26-26—52) and 262 penalty minutes in 148 contests. He also spent parts of four NHL seasons with the Red Wings from 2019-23 and logged 14 points (7-7—14) and 138 penalty minutes in 85 games.

Head coach Cam Abbott returns to Chicago for his second season as head boss. In his first season as an AHL head coach in 2024-25, Abbott led the Wolves to a 37-31-4-0 record, which was good for a fourth-place finish in the Central Division. It marked the first time Chicago qualified for the Calder Cup Playoffs since 2022, when it won the Calder Cup. Prior to joining the Wolves, Abbott served as head coach for the Swedish Hockey League’s Rogle BK in parts of seven seasons from 2017-24 and was named the SHL Coach of the Year in 2021-22. With the Wolves, Abbott is assisted by Dan Price and former Griffins assistant coach Spiros Anastas (2012-14).

TEXAS

JAN. 7, JAN. 9

After winning the Central Division last season, the Texas Stars find themselves in the basement of the division with a 2-5-1-0 record through their first eight games. In fact, the team went winless in its first six games (0-5-1-0) before rattling off two straight wins. Through eight games, the Stars ranked 30th out of 32 teams with just 1.88 goals per game but also tied for sixth with just only 2.50 goals allowed per contest. In addition, Texas’ power play ranked last in the AHL through eight games at 4.5% (1-for-22) and its penalty kill tied for 26th at 75% (18-for-24).

A name familiar to many, Cross Hanas, is now with the Texas Stars on a professional tryout after not receiving a qualifying offer from Detroit this past offseason as a restricted free agent. Hanas was the 55th overall pick by the Red Wings in 2020 but was hindered by injuries throughout his time with the organization. The Highland Village, Texas, native made his pro debut with Grand Rapids in 2022-23 and finished his time as a Griffin with 50 points (26-24—50) in 146 games across three seasons from 2022-25.

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,

he 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.

scott howson

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

L. TO R.: AHL GRADUATES WILLIAM NYLANDER , IGOR SHESTERKIN , TAGE THOMPSON , DAVID PASTRNAK , CONNOR HELLEBUYCK

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

Head Coach: ............................................ David Bell

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

in Playoffs: ........................................ 4 of 8

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

ONTARIO REIGN

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

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

COLORADO EAGLES

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

Head Coach: ......................................... Cam Abbott

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 BrandseggNygard 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

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

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).

Photo credit: Getty Images

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 2025-26

DEC. 13

10th Annual Red Kettle Game presented by The Salvation Army/ Red Kettle Jersey Auction

DEC. 21

Hat Tricks & Hoops Night presented by Hope Network/Tank Top Giveaway/Hat Tricks & Hoops Jersey Auction/4 p.m. Start

DEC. 31

28th Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration presented by Macatawa Bank/Postgame Fireworks/6 p.m. Start JAN. 17

Old Time Hockey Night presented by Acrisure/Vintage Hat Giveaway/Old Time Hockey Jersey Auction JAN. 17-18

21st Annual Great Skate Winterfest at Rosa Parks Circle, benefiting the Griffins Youth Foundation

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. 23

2nd Annual Griffins Winter Golf Classic at Gimme’s Par & Grill, benefiting 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 14

Star Wars Night presented by DTE/Character Appearances

MARCH 28

Top Gun Night presented by Adventure Credit Union/Austin Watson Aviator Bobblehead Giveaway

APRIL 11

Fan Appreciation Night presented by Huntington Bank

CHECKPROMOTIONS OUT THESE SEASON-LONG

$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 #1 – Dec. 10; Bookmark #2 – Feb. 15, Feb. 18, Feb. 25, and March 4.

POSTGAME OPEN SKATE

Bring your skates to the rink and take to the ice for a postgame open skate on Dec. 31. As a reminder, Van Andel Arena has a no-bag policy, but security will allow fans to use bags to bring in their skates.

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.

HAVE GOALS, WILL TRAVEL

Eduards Tralmaks

brought a big personality and NHL ambitions to Grand Rapids.

Story by Jonathan Mills

Photos by Nicolas Carrillo, Mark Newman, and Andy Nietupski

Going all the way back to when he first laced up his skates while growing up in Riga, Latvia, Eduards Tralmaks has wanted to play hockey at the sport’s highest level.

As a result, Tralmaks has chased that dream all over the world. And now, he’s in Michigan, representing the Grand Rapids Griffins after signing a one-year, two-way contract with the Detroit Red Wings last March.

“The bottom line is, my whole life, I’ve been battling to get an opportunity to play in the NHL,” Tralmaks said. “After last year, I thought that I had the best season of my life when I led all scorers in Czech Extraliga and was one of the leaders on my team. My next step, because I’m only getting older, was to give it another shot. Detroit was one of the organizations that I talked to and felt like a place where I could develop. Obviously, Grand Rapids was a big push too, because it’s a great city with great fans and a great arena.

“At the end of the day, the goal is to play at least one game in the NHL. I had a feeling

Tralmaks inked a one-year, two-way contract with the Detroit Red Wings last March.

this organization could give me potentially an opportunity to do that, if everything goes well.”

Tralmaks, 28, is fresh off a strong 2024-25 campaign with Rytíři Kladno in the Czech Extraliga, when he led the team in goals (23), assists (28) and points (51) in 48 games. In fact, his 51 points were the most of any skater in Czechia’s top professional league.

“I had good teammates next to me,” Tralmaks said. “We had a very good young line. Overall, it was a season where I felt way different. I had way more confidence in my shot and felt like everything was going in. I thought that was, let’s say, my breakout year. Some might say it was a little bit too late because of my age, but that doesn’t matter. If you look at the Latvians that have made it in the NHL, there are plenty of guys who are examples of that. Even though I’m at this point of my career at my age, you still have a chance.”

Tralmaks said his play last season was a continuation of the strides he took in

Through his first nine games with the Griffins, the 28-year-old Tralmaks recorded four points – all goals.

2023-24, when he tallied 32 points (21 goals, 11 assists) in 52 regular-season games for Rytíři Kladno in addition to five points (three goals, two assists) in four postseason contests.

“With Rytíři Kladno, I scored 20 goals for the first time in my life, and that confidence translated to the year after,” Tralmaks said. “The biggest thing is confidence. Once you get rolling and you become one of the guys that coaches trust to send out in those big moments, it helps everything.”

Before recording 41 points (22 goals, 19 assists) in 87 games over parts of three seasons (2020-23) with the Providence Bruins, Tralmaks compiled 82 points in 119 games across four seasons (2017-21) at the University of Maine, and he notched 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) in 46 contests with the United States Hockey League’s Chicago Steel in 2016-17.

“My time at the University of Maine was big step in my career, probably the best time of my life both in and out of hockey,” he said. “When I went there, the coaches

helped me learn about my role on the team. After my time in the USHL, where I was MVP, I thought I was more of a skills guy. I thought I was the kind of guy who dangles, scores beautiful goals and dishes out assists. I can still do that, but the coaches told me if I want to make it far, I must play more of a grinder role while also making the plays that I know I can make.”

Tralmaks has evolved into the type of player he is today because of his experiences, especially as he was first adjusting his game to the North American rink. And as he’s put in the work over the years, Tralmaks said having a strong sense of belief and self-trust is an underappreciated component of the game that can “make an average player a great player, and a great player a superstar.”

“The way I see confidence, it’s the only superpower a player can have,” Tralmaks said. “It’s really a superpower because when we are confident, not even hockey-wise or sports-wise, it’s everywhere in life. When people are confident, like in a sales job, they can sell anything. It’s the same in sports.

When you are confident, you can do things you never thought you could do.”

To build and keep confidence, however, is a mental battle that Tralmaks said can be won by using the power of perseverance.

“The thing with confidence is, it’s so good when you have it and is really hard to get it when you don’t have it,” Tralmaks said. “You must work for it. For some, it helps when you do certain things in practice, but ultimately, it starts with having good plays during games or scoring goals. The confidence from a coach also plays a big role into it.”

Continuing to look back on his winding journey up to this point, Tralmaks feels he’s done a good job of holding himself accountable and understanding where his strengths ultimately lie.

“I might not be the prettiest player or have the best hands, but the way I want to position myself is by showing that I am the hardest worker,” Tralmaks said. “For example, when it comes to shooting, there might be guys who are better than me. But

Last season, Tralmaks paced the Czech Extraliga with a career-high 51 points on 23 goals and 28 assists in 48 games with Rytíři Kladno.

when it comes to a puck in the corner and it’s me versus someone else, even if it’s the best player in the world, that’s the battle that I’m choosing. That’s the type of hockey that I want to play. I’m not going to have highlight-reel goals, but I’ll make sure that puck is in the net.”

Griffins head coach Dan Watson said the 6-foot-4, 225-pound forward has been a great addition to the team.

“The guys who played with him or knew him before he signed with us last spring all said what a great guy he is,” said Watson. “He keeps the room light and is one of those guys who likes to have fun inside the locker room. A true team guy, and then on the ice he’s got a physical presence. A big guy who has no problem understanding how to get to the net. He has a good shot and is a guy we need offensively, but even his understanding of the defensive side of the game is improving. We need that big, physical presence on the forecheck, around the net, and contributing to our offensivezone numbers right now.”

Tralmaks also touched on Grand Rapids’ strong chemistry, which he said helped the club get off to its impressive season-opening eight-game winning streak.

“It definitely starts in the locker room,” Tralmaks said. “We spent so much time together before our first game. I came to Detroit two weeks prior to training camp, so I got to know a lot of the guys. Everyone is so humble and down to earth.”

As so many of his teammates echo, Tralmaks said captain Dominik Shine is the leader of the Griffins’ well-run ship.

“If you need anything or have any questions, that guy knows everything,” said Tralmaks. “Especially around Detroit and Grand Rapids, so we’re very lucky to have him. The veterans are also doing a great job. All of these guys we have, they’re top-notch guys. We have so many borderline NHL players, if not NHL players, and they bring a great playing style as well as positive energy. They know how to act in the locker room and on the ice.”

Tralmaks said he’s already formed several

close friendships on the club, especially with netminder Michal Postava and forwards Jakub Rychlovský and Ondrej Becher – all of whom are Czechs.

“We are the closest people to each other on the team,” Tralmaks said. “We come from the same league, and even though I’m Latvian they still treat me like I’m Czech. I understand their language, although I don’t speak back. We know what it’s like in Europe and it bonds us together. We Europeans like to hang out around each other, but that doesn’t mean we don’t hang out around Americans. Honestly, having been in the United States for the past 10 years or so, I’m comfortable with everyone. I’ve been in the United States for so long, before I came back [to Europe], I thought I was slowly becoming American.”

Always radiating positive energy, Tralmaks has high expectations for himself. He knows it’s going to take more than his personality to get to where he wants to go.

“For me, my job as a player on my line is to dig it out, get it to my linemates,

Tralmaks represented his native Latvia at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, tallying seven points (3-4—7) in seven contests.

and when they get it to me, I shoot the puck,” Tralmaks said. “I just want to keep showing the coach that I am the guy that wants to be on the ice. I want to show that I’m responsible. I want to keep making hits and shooting the puck. [Watson] loves when we put the puck on the net. I want to keep doing all of that and prove to the coaches that I am a gamer. I want them to know that I’m here to play and potentially earn more of those minutes or get up into the lineup. That’s my plan as of now, and I’ll just keep doing my best to succeed.”

According to Tralmaks, he’s considered hanging up his skates a few times over the years. But in those moments, the forward has remembered just how far he’s come and what he still aims to achieve.

“Sometimes, when I came home after tough games, I would sit there and think to myself, ‘Why am I doing this? It’s so hard to keep doing this,’” Tralmaks said. “If you look at my hockey career, everything I’ve done has been through dedication and hard work. A lot of ups and downs, probably more downs than ups. But the more that you want it, I feel the higher percentage it is that you’ll succeed and the higher likelihood that you’re going to earn it. It just comes down to the person that I am.

“I want to set an example for Latvians and my family. I want to show my parents that I’m not going to give up, and be some kind of inspiration to somebody. If I look back at [my career], and I know that I did everything I could, then I can look at myself in the mirror when I’m done and know I stayed true to myself.”

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.

GRIFFINS BY BIRTH COUNTRY

631 all-time players through Nov. 8, 2025

Eduards Tralmaks is just the second Latvian to wear a Griffins sweater, 29 years after fellow Riga native Aigars Cipruss played one game for Grand Rapids during its inaugural 1996-97 season. In all, 20 countries’ native sons have skated for the Griffins over their 30 seasons.

* Includes players born prior to the dissolution of the Soviet Union (Russia - 10, Belarus - 2, Ukraine - 2, Kazakhstan - 1, Latvia - 1)

** Includes players born prior to the dissolution of Czechoslovakia (Czechia - 10, Slovakia - 10)

*** Includes player born prior to the dissolution of Yugoslavia

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ALEXANDRE DE SHERBROOKE

French Canadian Alex Doucet talks Quebec food, culture, and his journey from the idyllic Eastern Townships to a pro hockey home in Grand Rapids.

Story by Lorilee Craker

Photos by Nicolas Carrillo and Andy Nietupski

If Griffins fans ever get the travel bug and yearn to see the birthplace of one of their favorite players, all they have to do is hop in their cars and head east.

Passing the hockey meccas of Toronto and Montreal, they will reach Sherbrooke, Quebec, the home of Griffins left wing Alex Doucet –and assistant coach Steph Julien – in about 12 hours.

Quebec City, with its towering chateau and cobblestone streets, is a couple of hours further, but visitors may want to linger in Sherbrooke, the biggest city in the Eastern Townships, which was made famous to bookish folk by Louise Penny’s massive bestselling Inspector Gamache mystery series. If Griffins fans wanted to, they could jump on one of the “Three Pines” tours, named for Penny’s fictional small town, in her books. (Obviously, they would really be on a quest to see the provenance of Doucet and Julien, plus many other Griffins players through the years.)

On the tour, they would see an idyllic landscape, dotted with rolling hills, round barns, covered bridges, misty lakes surrounded by mountains, and Mon Dieu! So much cheese!

During his first full season with Grand Rapids in 2024-25, Doucet contributed 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) in 64 regular-season games.

Goat cheese with habanero pepper and maple syrup, anyone? Replete with cheese factories, “sugarbushes” (maple syrup farms), and “honey houses” (bee farms), the Townships are a foodie’s paradise.

This is why Doucet, in his second full year with the Griffins, is homesick for French Canadian food.

“My grandma’s Tourtière,” he said, aglow in the culinary memory. “It was unreal.” Tourtière, if you have not had the pleasure, is a meat pie dish originating from Quebec, usually made with minced pork, veal, or beef and potatoes, spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Wild card ingredients might include wild game meat such as bear or venison. It is a traditional part of the Christmas réveillon and New Year’s Eve meal in Quebec, but Doucet was accustomed to tucking into the hearty pies all year round.

“She would make them with only ground beef and seasoning,” he said. “They always had this, this … crust.” Words fail him in any language. “Some people put potatoes in them, but not her. I swear she made them for me every two weeks.”

Doucet’s grandma, Louise, died last summer at age 92. But her memory and love shaped him.

“She was my biggest fan growing up; she didn’t miss a single practice from the time I was 5 until I was 12.”

Even practices?

“Every single one,” he said, grinning.

“The last five years were hard,” said Doucet, 23. “[Grandma Louise] had Alzheimer’s. But she had 87 years of a good life; she was still driving us around everywhere in her eighties.”

Louise was the matriarch of a family that continues to hold their Alexandre close and encourage him with their unflagging belief in his hockey abilities and who he is as a person.

The son of Julie Drapeau and Yves Doucet, Alex grew up as the middle son between brothers Olivier and Nicolas. Julie is a waitress at the fabled Manoir Hovey, where the fivediamond menu is titled “Ode to Quebec” and features a dessert called the “Inspector Gamache” (honey, almond, blueberry, balsam fir). Yves is a carpenter, something Doucet aspires to after hockey.

The two were always there for their budding left winger. Early mornings, endless games in frosty arenas, equipment upgrades, skate sharpenings, and on and on … hockey became their lifestyle. “My mother always said her

vacations were my tournaments.”

Julie and Yves got to see much of Quebec and a good slice of Canada in their day. But no matter where hockey and life took their boy, they were always up for the drive.

Valley of Gold

After a stellar childhood career, Doucet went on to be part of two championship teams with Harfangs Triolet Bantam AAA in the QBAAA (Quebec Bantam) league and moved up to the Cantonniers Magog in the QMAAA (Quebec Midget) league, where he helped his team win the AAA championship.

He made his Quebec Major Junior Hockey League debut with the Foreurs – “Driller” or “Borer” in French – in the hunting, fishing, and mining town of Val-d’Or, or “Golden Valley.” Situated on what were once Anicinabe hunting grounds, Val-d’Or grew out of a gold rush in 1935. “Val-d’Or is literally built on top of gold,” hails the tourist guide.

Doucet didn’t do much panning for precious metals, but he did strike gold with a warm and hospitable billet family and teammates who became friends for life. From the ages of 17 to 20, Doucet lived with host parents Jérôme and Mélanie, becoming part of their family. Part

Doucet was reared on his grandma’s Tourtière, a traditional meat pie dish originating from Quebec.

of his time there was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he and his teammates “had to be tested four times before every game” and played in “bubbles.”

Still, “I was always excited to go back to Val D’Or after the summer,” Doucet said. “Those were the best years of my life.”

After a slow-burning start with the Foreurs, Doucet found the recipe for goal-scoring in the 2021-22 season, with 75 points (33 goals, 42 assists) in 68 games.

When four years passed without getting drafted, Doucet needed to make a change. His feelings were mixed, though, upon being traded to the Halifax Mooseheads midseason. “I was crying, but also excited to go to Halifax,” he said. “I wanted an opportunity with a better team.”

In an Instagram post from Dec. 21, 2021, he thanked the city of Val-d’Or for taking such good care of him. “I was lucky enough to be with several people who will mark me forever. The city of Val-d’Or will always hold a special place in my heart.”

In Halifax, Nova Scotia, it was time to upgrade his English. “My mother lived in Florida for 15

Doucet totaled a whopping 58 goals, 57 assists and 115 points in 70 games while splitting the 2022-23 season between Val-d’Or and Halifax.

years,” he said. “She made me and my brothers watch English television so we could learn, and I had taken it in school.”

Following a 2022-23 regular season in which he totaled a whopping 58 goals, 57 assists and 115 points in 70 games between Val-d’Or and Halifax, he led the 2023 QMJHL Playoffs with 31 points in 21 games with the Mooseheads, reaching the finals. Clearly, Doucet was cooking with gas. “I needed a really good season in Halifax,” he said. And with time running out on his junior eligibility, he made it happen.

Only the Beginning

Less than three months later, on March 1, 2023, Doucet signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Detroit Red Wings. “My parents were so excited,” he said. “Never give up, keep working, and believe in yourself,” he posted to Instagram to announce his signing. “Only the beginning.”

Assigned to the Griffins, an elated Doucet played only six games before being reassigned to the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye for development.

He was disappointed to be sent to Toledo, “but it inspired me to work harder,” he said. “At

Doucet and Griffins assistant coach

Steph Julien are both from Sherbrooke, Quebec, and share a love for all things French Canadian.

a lower level, there are more touches, more play time. My confidence grew.”

Spending the majority of the 2023-24 season with the Walleye, Doucet posted 41 points (19 goals, 22 assists) and a plus-19 rating in 52 regular-season games, adding six points in 14 playoff games as Toledo reached the Western Conference Finals.

Julie and Yves were there for him at every turn, ready to encourage him even – especially –in the valley of discouragement.

“They were always positive,” he said. “They know what I can do.”

So do his coaches in Grand Rapids, following a 2024-25 season in which Doucet contributed 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) in 64 regularseason games. “He’s very talented, with a good IQ out there,” said Julien, now in his third season with the Griffins and a fellow Québécois who grew up north of Quebec City but has called Sherbrooke home for many years. “He’s proactive, very physical. He can do everything on the ice.”

Player and coach share a special bond of culture, heritage, and identity as French Canadians, as well as a fondness for the food of

their native province.

Julien finds himself missing poutine more than Tourtière, which is, to him, “more of a Christmastime [dish].”

For the uninitiated, poutine is a brilliant blending of three simple ingredients: French fries, fresh cheese curds, and brown gravy. It originated in Quebec in the 1950s and has become iconically Québécois and Canadian cuisine. Hot gravy is poured over fries and squeaky, melting cheese curds.

“The cheese [used in Québécois poutine] is very squishy cheese,” Julien said. “The texture is different. The sauce is important. [How it tastes comes] from the sauce.”

A shared love of poutine is just one more way Julien and Doucet connect, as fellow Canadians and French-speaking Québécois from the same halcyon region.

“We are from the same town,” said Julien, who coached in the QMJHL during Doucet’s years in the league. “I have known him since he was 15.”

With a shared language, “Maybe we open up a little bit more,” he said. “When there is a problem or you don’t feel good, you reach out to people [who speak your language]. It’s no different for a

guy from Norway or Sweden.” Besides, he said, “It’s always fun to talk about Quebec.”

Julien teaches and reinforces individual forward skills. This involves video analysis as well as checking in on more personal aspects of a player’s life. “My first task is to reach the young guys on our team to make sure they are doing well off the ice,” he said. “‘Are you homesick? Are you always eating at a restaurant or do you eat at home too?’”

If he asked Alex Doucet that last question, Julien might discover that the amiable left winger has found an American classic to cherish right here in Grand Rapids. “The meatloaf at 123 [Tavern] is the best meatloaf I have had in my life.”

Finding a favorite meal in town is one way Doucet is embracing life in Grand Rapids. His parents have come down often to see their son play, and they appreciate how clean and friendly it is here, even if most folks don’t speak French.

Now in the final year of his three-year contract, Doucet hopes to work hard and gain the trust of the coaches to make things happen on the ice.

“He is so respected by his teammates,” said

Doucet tallied the insurance goal in the Griffins’ 5-2 win over Manitoba in their Oct. 17 home opener.

Julien. “Alex always has a smile on his face, and he works so hard.” As for Doucet being re-signed at the end of this season, Julien is positive. “He has potential to be better,” he said. “And he is doing all the right things to get there.”

Speaking of getting somewhere, if visitors from Grand Rapids came to Sherbrooke, Doucet has a recommendation: the huge, 26-mile-long Magog Lake, which borders the city and also the state of Vermont. “It’s this beautiful lake, with these mountains all around it,” he said, smiling. “Definitely, we would go there first.”

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

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ALEX KANNOK LEIPERT Defenseman

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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

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.

JOHN LEONARD Forward

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

MICHAL POSTAVA Goaltender

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EDUARDS TRALMAKS Forward

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AMADEUS LOMBARDI Forward

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ANTTI TUOMISTO Defenseman

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WILLIAM WALLINDER Defenseman

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AUSTIN WATSON Forward

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JAKUB RYCHLOVSKY Forward

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JACOB TRUSCOTT Defenseman

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The Untouchables?

Story by Randy Cleves/Photos by Mark Newman and John Grieshop

There once was a time – say, Oct. 5, 2005 – when a large percentage of hockey fans thought that Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 NHL goals scored would likely stand until the end of time. After all, only one other player, Gordie Howe with 801, had ever broken the 800-goal threshold, and Gretzky’s career transpired in an era that was, to put it mildly, oriented toward offense. The idea of any player averaging nearly 45 goals a season for 20 years during the 21st century seemed absurd.

But a 20-year-old Russian named Alex Ovechkin made his NHL debut that October night, scoring two goals in Washington’s 3-2 victory over Columbus and embarking on an unimaginably prolific career that would see him

All stats through games of Nov. 13, 2025.

eventually surpass Gretzky’s mark less than 20 years later, on April 6, 2025, on his way past 900 goals.

Such are sports, where “records are made to be broken,” and many that are assumed to be unbreakable can be rendered vulnerable given the right confluence of factors.

When it comes to the 30 seasons of Griffins hockey, numerous standards in the team’s record book were established years or even decades ago, many of which have scarcely been threatened since. Will time prove them to be truly untouchable, or will their reigns atop the franchise’s leaderboard eventually come to an end?

Michel Picard (1996-00; 2002-04)

158 Career Goals

222 Career Assists Second Place:

380 Career Points Second Place: Travis

(82.0%)

101 Points in a Season (1996-97)

Second Place: Jiri Hudler 96 in 2005-06 (95.0%)

40 Career Power-Play Goals

Second Place: Kip Miller/Eric Tangradi 26 (65%)

Leader: Dominik Shine 11 (27.5%)

26 Career Game-Winning Goals

Second Place: Darryl Bootland 18 (69.2%)

Leader: Dominik Shine 13 (50.0%)

39 Career First Goals

Second Place: Francis Pare 17 (43.6%)

Leader: Dominik Shine 12 (30.8%)

Travis Richards (1996-06)

655 Career Games Played

Second Place: Brian Lashoff 629 (96.0%)

Active Leader: Dominik Shine 491 (75.0%)

+131 Career Plus/Minus

Second Place: Nathan Paetsch +84 (64.1%)

Active Leader: William Lagesson +21 (16.0%)

Darryl Bootland (2002-07)

1,164 Career Penalty Minutes

Second Place: Bruce Ramsay 781 (67.1%)

Active Leader: Dominik Shine 557 (47.9%)

390 Penalty Minutes in a Season (2005-06)

Second Place: Matt Ruchty 364 in 1996-07 (93.3%)

Matt Ellis (2003-07)

12 Career Shorthanded Goals

Second Place: Three players tied 7 (58.3%)

Active Leader: Dominik Shine 6 (50.0%)

Dave Van Drunen (1999-04)

161 Consecutive Games Played

Second Place: Bryan Helmer 160 (99.4%)

Active Leader: William Wallinder 67 (41.6%)

Joey MacDonald (2002-07; 2010-12)

20 Career Shutouts

Second Place: Jimmy Howard 15 (75.0%)

Active Leader: Sebastian Cossa 4 (20.0%)

66 Goalie Games Played in a Season (2004-05)

Second Place: Pokey Reddick 61 in 1996-97 (92.4%)

Tom McCollum (2009-16; 2017-18)

263 Career Goalie Games Played

Second Place: Joey MacDonald

123 Career Wins Second

Donald MacLean (1998-99; 2005-06)

56 Goals in a Season (2005-06)

Second Place: Michel Picard 46 in 1996-97 (82.1%)

21 Power-Play Goals in a Season (2005-06)

Second Place: Darren Haydar 16 in 2008-09 (76.2%)

19 Consecutive Games With a Point

Second Place: Riley Barber/ Derek King 17 (89.5%)

Active Leader: John Leonard 8 (42.1%)

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A DIFFERENCE MAKER

The Griffins’ longest-tenured employee, Tim Gortsema has helped lead the franchise’s success since before the first puck dropped.

Story by Phil de Haan

Photos by Nicolas Carrillo, Mark Newman, and the AHL

When Tim Gortsema joined what would become the Grand Rapids Griffins in October 1995, professional hockey in this city existed mostly on paper. No name, no mascot, no Friday-night specials on dogs and suds, no NHL affiliate, and an arena under construction. None of the things fans now take for granted.

There was only possibility, and a call from someone who believed Gortsema could help turn it into something lasting.

“A friend I’d worked with at Deloitte [current DP Fox Holdings president & COO Diane Maher] reached out and said, ‘Hey, we’re going to bring professional hockey to town. Would you have an interest in coming on board in a financial oversight capacity?’” Gortsema recalled recently, soon after his 30th anniversary with the franchise. “I grew up a sports fan and participant, so the opportunity to do finance in a sporting environment felt like a good fit.”

That call launched a career now spanning three decades, one in which Gortsema witnessed not just the birth of a franchise but also championship runs and Grand Rapids’ recognition as one of the nation’s best minor league markets.

He’s seen colleagues come and go yet still leads a faithful core staff whose longevity is exceptional in professional sports. Through it all, he’s remained defined by his values and a steady desire to make a difference.

Building From the Ground Up

Gortsema began his career with DP Fox Sports & Entertainment as director of finance and administration, became vice president in 1997, senior VP of business operations in 2007, and president in 2015. Today he oversees all business-related activities for the Griffins, including finance, sales and marketing, public and community relations, arena advertising, three Griff’s IceHouse facilities in West Michigan, and the team’s 24-year-old NHL affiliation with the Detroit Red Wings.

None of that, however, was on his mind when he arrived at his temporary Monroe Avenue office in the fall of 1995.

“We were in startup mode,” he said. “Hiring people, figuring out how to sell tickets and sponsorships, building excitement from scratch. If you’re starting a sports franchise from ground zero, it’s daunting.”

He vividly remembers the payoff a year later: the first home game.

Gortsema shared the stage with other leaders of the local sports industry during a West Michigan Sports Commission luncheon.

“October 11, 1996, a completely sold-out, packed house,” he said, smiling. “You’re just a little in awe of everything rolling in.”

He also remembers co-owner Dan DeVos’ pregame pep talk that week.

“Dan said, ‘This is incredible what you’ve done. When the game starts, soak it in and enjoy it. We work in sports. This has to be fun.’ That always stuck with me,” Gortsema said.

That philosophy – work hard, but remember why you’re here – has guided him ever since.

The “First Team” Mindset

Gortsema calls it the “first team” mindset:

the belief that an organization succeeds when people put the whole above their part.

“Your first team has to be the organization as a whole,” he said.

He’s also known for balancing engagement with trust.

“I’m not a micromanager,” he said. “I hire the right people and let them do their jobs. Then I get everybody moving in the same direction and buying into the vision.”

His longtime colleagues say he lives what he preaches.

Lisa Vedder, the Griffins’ vice president

Time Flies When You’re Having Fun

In a remarkable circumstance for a minor league sports team, seven members of the Griffins’ front office staff have been with the franchise for at least 25 seasons, while two others have logged 10 or more campaigns with the organization.

30 Seasons (1996-97)

Tim Gortsema – President

Lisa Vedder – VP of Finance

27 Seasons (1999-00)

Matt Batchelder – VP of Ticket Sales and Digital Marketing

Randy Cleves – VP of Communications

Kelly Pawlak – Executive Assistant

26 Seasons (2000-01)

Bob Kaser – VP of Broadcasting

25 Seasons (2001-02)

Sean Wright – VP of Corporate Sales

Fruit of the Griffins’ Tree

14 Seasons (2012-13)

Steve Ritsema – Senior Corporate Sales Account Manager

10 Seasons (2016-17)

Bre’onna Raymo – Director of Group Sales

Nearly three dozen former Griffins front office employees – who served in either full-time positions or internships throughout all facets of the team’s business operations – are now working with other teams, agencies and organizations across the sports universe. The list includes:

Ann Arbor Sports Commission

Chicago Cubs (MLB)

Columbus Crew (MLS)

Detroit Red Wings (NHL)

Gatorade Sports Marketing

Grand Rapids Gold (G League)

Grand Valley State University

Henderson Silver Knights (AHL)

Illitch Sports + Entertainment

IMG

Indianapolis Colts (NFL)

Iowa Wild (AHL)

Jax Athletics

Joliet Slammers (Frontier League)

Legacy Center Sports Complex

Los Angeles Football Club (MLS)

NBC Sports Next

Professional Women’s Hockey

League

Sportsdigita

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)

Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)

Tennessee Titans (NFL)

The Marketing Arm

Ticketmaster

University of Florida

Utah Mammoth (NHL)

Vegas Golden Knights (NHL)

West Michigan Whitecaps (Midwest League)

of finance whom Gortsema hired in 1996, said, “Tim has the wonderful ability to let each person or department perform their responsibilities without micromanaging, while assisting and providing guidance along the way. During COVID, when we were all working remotely, he reached out to make sure we were doing OK; not just us, but our families too. He sent kind notes of encouragement. That’s who he is.”

Matt Batchelder, vice president of ticket sales and digital marketing, recalled another example.

“During a busy game, Tim noticed an intern struggling to distribute season ticket member credentials and quietly jumped in to help alphabetize them. Here was the president of the company, working alongside one of the newest team members. Soon, the rest of the staff followed his lead. Tim leads with humility and a genuine commitment to serving others,” said Batchelder.

Presence and Connection

That he was there to notice that situation is no accident. Gortsema is a familiar face at most of the team’s 36 regular-season home

Gortsema earned the American Hockey League’s 2017-18 James C. Hendy Memorial Award, given annually to the league’s outstanding executive.

games each season.

Before each game, he meets with ushers to review the evening’s details. When doors open, he stands at the top of the stairs so “fans can find me.” He stays there through the first period, then watches the rest of the game from a quiet spot. When the game ends, he’s in the lobby at the bottom of the arena’s escalator, thanking fans as they leave.

Those interactions energize him.

“Some kids seek me out before the game for a high five because it’s their good-luck thing,” he said with a chuckle. “I love that.”

His game-day routine reflects a larger philosophy of connection and community.

“We’re hockey, but we operate as a community asset,” he said. “Every decision, every initiative is about making the experience better for our fans and the city. That drives loyalty and, ultimately, success.”

On a door inside the Griffins’ offices is a quote from Joe DiMaggio that captures his approach: “Somewhere out there, there’s a fan that’s here for his first time, his last time, or his only time. I owe him my best.”

Batchelder said Gortsema lives that

TIM GORTSEMA’S 10 FAVORITE QUOTES

“We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.” – Jim Rohn

“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” – Abraham Lincoln

“Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all.” – Sam Ewing

“Somewhere out there, there’s a fan that’s here for his first time, his last time, or his only time. I owe him my best.” – Joe DiMaggio

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead to where there is no path and leave a trail.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest that you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” –Robert Louis Stevenson

“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” –Theodore Roosevelt

“Too many people spend money that they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t need, to impress people they don’t like.” – Will Rogers

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” – Edmund Burke

“Locker rooms are a lot like my Mom’s bathing suits – I like to see them in one piece!” – Ted Lasso

mindset. “Tim has a genuine heart for every season ticket member, always going above and beyond to make each one feel welcomed and part of the Griffins family. He even makes it a goal to learn every member’s name.”

Faith and Focus

Randy Cleves, the Griffins’ vice president of communications, has worked with Gortsema for 26 years and says his consistency comes from faithfulness.

“First to God, and then to his employer, his employees, and everyone he encounters,” Cleves said. “His faith guides everything he does.”

Gortsema agrees.

“Faith is the foundation. If you get that piece right, the other pieces fall into place,” he said.

Family is equally central. Over the years, he’s given numerous handwritten notes to his children, sharing lessons about integrity and service.

“Family is forever. Friends will come and go, but your family, assuming you do it right, will always be there,” he said.

One favorite lesson: keep a positive attitude and give compliments freely.

“Having a compliment and not saying it is like wrapping a present and not giving it,” he said. “You can lift someone’s day with a simple act.”

A lifelong collector of quotes, Gortsema keeps a 160-page document of sayings that inspire and guide him. A particular favorite is from Jim Rohn and captures his approach to work and life: “We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.”

He strives to live with discipline, professionally and personally, and says his regrets are few.

Culture and Recognition

Under his leadership, the Griffins have earned awards in nearly every business category imaginable, from ticket and corporate sales to broadcasting and community relations. The team’s reputation is built not on one person, but on the culture he’s nurtured.

That culture has been widely recognized. In 2011, Gortsema received the Griffins’

Gortsema and members of

inaugural Founders “Overtime” Award for career contributions. Six years later, he earned the American Hockey League’s James C. Hendy Memorial Award, given annually to the league’s outstanding executive. He has also been named multiple times to Crain’s Grand Rapids 200 list of the city’s most influential executives.

Cleves said, “Along with our ownership, Tim is a primary reason so many of us have been with this organization so long. He’s a man of intellect and good humor who treats people fairly and trusts them to do their jobs.”

Beyond the Ice

During his tenure, Gortsema has seen the Griffins capture two Calder Cup championships (2013 and 2017), preceded by the Grand Rapids Rampage’s ArenaBowl XV title in 2001. He also serves as senior VP of business operations for the city’s women’s professional volleyball team, the Grand Rapids Rise, who advanced to their league’s championship match during their inaugural 2024 season.

His involvement with the West Michigan Sports Commission, where he serves on the board of directors, helps bring amateur

sporting events to a market that was recognized by Sports Business Journal in 2019 as the best in the country for minor league sports.

After graduating from Jenison High School, Gortsema earned his bachelor’s degree from Hope College and his MBA from Western Michigan University. Before joining DP Fox Sports, he worked as a manager in Deloitte & Touche’s audit department, experience that continues to shape his attention to detail and understanding of the business side of sports.

He also serves on the board of Lake Michigan Credit Union, reflecting his belief that strong communities, like strong teams, are built through faithful stewardship and partnership.

He and his wife Suzanne have three adult children and three young grandchildren. Family remains his anchor and joy, just as it has throughout his 30 years with the Griffins.

A Legacy of Stewardship

Asked about his legacy, Gortsema doesn’t focus on awards or titles.

“As a leader, you try to leave things better than you found them,” he said. “If I view this

the Griffins’ staff celebrated their 2013 Calder Cup championship on the ice in Syracuse.

team as a community asset, and if I see myself as its steward, then I also need to ask if I have set this asset up for long-term success that sustains beyond me. That’s the question I keep asking myself.”

For Gortsema, stewardship and joy go hand in hand. Whether interacting with fans or writing life lessons to his children, he aims to make a difference at every opportunity.

“It’s about faith and people,” he said. “If you live by that, the rest will follow. You’ll build something meaningful, on the ice and in the community. That’s what makes it all worth it.”

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.

Faith, family, community – and golf –are among Gortsema’s defining passions.

HEART OF A LION

The Griffins’ community programs and charitable efforts generated more than $530,000 last season for organizations throughout West Michigan.

Thirty-six times from each October through April, Griffins fans show their enthusiastic support of their team by packing Van Andel Arena, making it one of the greatest environments in the AHL and toughest buildings for opposing teams to play.

The Griffins, meanwhile, do their best to pay it back on a daily basis by supporting a host of causes and organizations throughout West Michigan, helping make it a great place to live and striving to improve the lives of those fortunate to call it home. Last season, the team’s charitable efforts generated $531,912 for various schools, organizations and nonprofits throughout our area.

The Griffins Youth Foundation was the top beneficiary of the team’s endeavors, receiving more than $213,000 through the Griffins Youth Foundation Golf Classic at American Dunes

Assistant coach Brian Lashoff and captain Dominik Shine prepare to tee off at the hockey net hole during the Griffins Youth Foundation Golf Classic.

Story by Randy Cleves

Photos by Nicolas Carrillo and Alex Eisen

Fans throw nearly 3,000 stuffed animals on the ice every November during the Griffins’ Teddy Bear Toss.

Golf Club, the Great Skate Winterfest at Rosa Parks Circle, the in-game 50/50 raffle, TipA-Griffin at Peppino’s, the Griffins and Sled Wings Sled Hockey Game at Griff’s IceHouse at Belknap Park, and the Gimme’s Par & Grill Winter Golf Classic.

Young riders show off the bike helmets they received at the signature event of the Griffins’ summer “Put A Lid On It!” program, “Lids at the Library.”

Established in 1995, the Griffins Youth Foundation promotes academic excellence, community involvement and healthy lifestyles among the youth of West Michigan, enhancing their lives through hockey and ice-related sports. The foundation provides opportunities for more than 450 deserving boys and

girls - many of whom are underprivileged, underserved, at-risk, or have special needs - to participate in the great sport of hockey at no cost. Programs currently include co-ed hockey for first through 12th graders, a girls-only division, a learn-to-skate program, and the Grand Rapids Sled Wings sled hockey team for children and young adults with physical disabilities.

The team’s community ticket donations and group ticket fundraisers in 2024-25 totaled nearly $275,000, while a host of traditional

For the 2026 Great Skate Winterfest on Jan. 17-18, fans can support the Griffins Youth Foundation by making a donation on behalf of their favorite player.

programs and events generated significant funds for their appointed charities, including seven postgame jersey auctions, the popular Throw for Dough fundraisers, and the annual Hockey, Hops & Hope wine- and beer-tasting gala.

Thanks to the Griffins’ Charitable Goals partners, $13,228 was raised as the result of local companies teaming with Griffins players to raise money for various charities, with a donation being made each time the player scored a goal, made a save, or the team killed off a home penalty.

The Griffins spread holiday cheer through initiatives with Catholic Charities West Michigan and Mel Trotter Ministries, and they share the joy of reading year-round through children’s programs that partner with the Grand Rapids Public Library, Kent District Library, Lakeland Library Cooperative, Kent ISD, Ottawa Area

Along with coed hockey for first-through-12th graders, the Griffins Youth Foundation offers a girls-only high school program.

ISD, and the Grand Rapids Public Schools.

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is near and dear to the team’s heart, with regular player visits to the hospital and an MVP Experience program in which patients and their families are given the red-carpet treatment during a fun night out at a hockey game. The hospital’s parent, Corewell Health, has also been the longtime presenting sponsor of the Griffins’ “Put A Lid On It!” bike helmet safety program.

Add in donations of memorabilia, promotions like the team’s annual Teddy Bear Toss,

Griffins players learn an entirely different brand of hockey when they compete with and against the Grand Rapids Sled Wings in their annual Sled Hockey Game.

and personal appearances by Griffins players, and the franchise has a hand – or perhaps a paw – in hundreds of great things happening in our community.

For more information about the Griffins’ commitment to West Michigan, please visit griffinshockey.com/community.

Jacob Truscott and Carson Bantle visit Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital’s in-house TV studio to entertain patients.

Scores of players have fun and improve their skills during the Griffins Youth Hockey Camp each summer in Grand Rapids and Holland.

LEAVING A MARK

Former head coach Todd Nelson reflects on the Griffins’ 2017 Calder Cup championship.

Story by Kyle Kujawa

Photos by Mark Newman and the AHL

Head coaches in the American Hockey League face a never-ending stream of decisions. Games can be frenetic, and coaches are constantly analyzing how players are performing and what the opposition is doing to create favorable matchups and give the team its best chance to succeed.

The work doesn’t end when the clock hits zero, either. Coaches must answer for the team’s successes and failures in the media, dive deeper into the game by reviewing video, create a practice plan that balances development with proper rest and recovery, and dissect every potential lineup change and special teams tweak ahead of the next game. If they get it wrong, they’ll hear about it – sometimes from thousands of fans inside a packed arena.

“It’s not an easy job. One time coming home, I looked at my assistant coach and I said, ‘I’m exhausted, and I didn’t even play a shift,’” said former Griffins head coach Todd Nelson. “He said, ‘No, Nellie – you mentally played every shift in your mind. That’s what head coaches do.’”

When the stars align, the taste of victory is

sweet. At the end of the year, just one of the league’s 32 head coaches goes home for the summer completely satisfied. And for the 30 seasons of Griffins hockey, Nelson is forever etched in franchise lore as one of two coaches to bring a Calder Cup to Grand Rapids.

“I’m very proud to have been part of the organization in Grand Rapids,” said Nelson. “I’ve enjoyed every stint I’ve had there. But that run was special; we had a great group that really fought for our common goal. It was a great ride.”

For Nelson, the run to the 2017 championship was years in the making. The first player signed by the expansion Griffins franchise in 1996, he eventually played parts of four seasons in Grand Rapids as a defenseman, then began his storied coaching career as an assistant to former teammate Danton Cole on the Griffins’ 2002-03 squad.

Returning to Grand Rapids before the 201516 season following a stint as the Edmonton Oilers’ interim coach, he didn’t find immediate success after taking over for Jeff Blashill, who had been tapped as the Detroit Red Wings’ new head coach.

Nelson (right), with his arm around brother Jeff, is the third person to ever win the Calder Cup as a player (1994 Portland), assistant coach (2008 Chicago) and head coach.

Nathan Paetsch served as captain for the 201617 Griffins, which also featured future captains Matthew Ford, Brian Lashoff and, briefly, Dominik Shine.

“It was a transitional period for the whole organization,” said Nelson. “Blash had a lot of success, but every coach is different, and a lot of hockey players fear change. We got off to a horrible start, but once the players began to buy in, we had success.”

The rocky debut saw the Griffins win just twice in the first 11 games of the season. The buy-in happened rather dramatically, as they rattled off a franchise-record 15-game winning streak immediately following the sputtering start. Ultimately, the Griffins made the playoffs but bowed out in the second round against the eventual champion Lake Erie Monsters. Nelson realized the foundation was set for 2016-17.

“After that first year, we brought in some key players who complemented the group that was returning, and everything fell into place,” said Nelson. “We completed our hockey team, and they became a really tight-knit group. I firmly believe our closeness as a team helped us prevail.”

Nelson credited the team’s veteran leaders, highlighted by captain Nathan Paetsch and including Matthew Ford, Brian Lashoff, Matt

Lorito, Ben Street and Eric Tangradi, but also pointed out a shared trait among some of the team’s youngest players who had recently served as captains of their junior or college teams: Kyle Criscuolo (NCAA Harvard), Joe Hicketts (WHL Victoria), Robbie Russo (NCAA Notre Dame), and Dominic Turgeon (WHL Portland).

“Those young guys were all former captains of their respective teams,” said Nelson. “It was a situation where I would deliver a message, and I’d hear our leaders emphasizing that same message in between periods. We had strong leadership all the way through, and that’s what made us such a strong team. It didn’t matter how each game went – a win or a loss – we kept the same mindset of just focusing on the next game.”

The 2016-17 regular season was far more even-keeled than Nelson’s first year behind the bench, with no winning streak longer than five games and no losing streak longer than four. The NHL trade deadline always presents an interesting wrinkle for AHL teams, which can face unintended consequences as their affiliate prioritizes its own needs, but Nelson felt a gap was addressed when the Red Wings traded winger

Thomas Vanek to Florida for a third-round pick and defenseman Dylan McIlrath.

“We were very skilled, but we lacked a bit of grit, and that’s the reason why the organization went after Dylan,” Nelson said. “I didn’t know him at all at the time, but [Red Wings scout] Archie Henderson liked him – he called him ‘The McIlmonster.’ I asked, ‘Can he handle the heavy lifting when it comes to the pugilism of the game?’ Archie said, ‘Oh yeah, he can.’”

A playoff run that never saw Grand Rapids trail in a series and lose just twice en route to the Calder Cup Finals suggested a commendable level of dominance. Still, Nelson was quick to point out that the margins are thin in the AHL. Even in the team’s opening-round sweep over the Milwaukee Admirals, the series was much closer than it looked, with two games requiring overtime – meaning a bad bounce or two could have changed the season’s narrative entirely.

“It was just our internal confidence that helped us win those games,” said Nelson. “We talked about funneling pucks to the net, and Tomas Nosek shot from a bad angle and scored in overtime in Game 1. In Game 3, Kyle Criscuolo scores on a high tip on a shot from the point. It wasn’t just his skill; it was his determination that helped seal the series. It was passion that helped us win.”

The next two rounds featured higher-seeded opponents that had home-ice advantage over the Griffins: the Chicago Wolves had claimed the Central Division title over Grand Rapids by one point, and the San Jose Barracuda had secured the top spot in the Western Conference with a .699 winning percentage. Nelson credited his team’s depth for rising to the challenge of those two series.

“It’s a total team effort by each individual, each line, each defensive pairing, your goaltenders, the coaches and management,” said Nelson. “The line that really propelled us to win against Chicago was Evgeny Svechnikov, Matt Lorito and Kyle Criscuolo. Once you get deep into a playoff run, you need the big boys to come to play. They came to play all playoffs, but against San Jose, it was guys like Eric Tangradi, Ben Street, Matt Ford and Mitch Callahan who rose to the top. I attribute that to [then Red Wings general manager] Ken Holland and [then Griffins general manager] Ryan

WEST SIDE IS THE BEST SIDE

Although a native of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Todd Nelson has called West Michigan home for much of his career, spending six seasons as a defenseman and seven as a coach in either Grand Rapids or Muskegon. Over his multiple tenures, he led the Griffins to the 2017 Calder Cup and captured three Colonial Cups with the Fury.

PLAYING CAREER

1990-91 Muskegon Lumberjacks (IHL)

1991-92 Muskegon Lumberjacks (IHL)

1996-97 Grand Rapids Griffins (IHL)

1997-98 Grand Rapids Griffins (IHL)

1999-00 Grand Rapids Griffins (IHL)

2001-02 Muskegon Fury (UHL) Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)

COACHING CAREER

2002-03 Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) Assistant Coach

2003-04 Muskegon Fury (UHL) Head Coach

2004-05 Muskegon Fury (UHL) Head Coach

2005-06 Muskegon Fury (UHL) Head Coach

2015-16 Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) Head Coach

2016-17 Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) Head Coach

2017-18 Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)

Head Coach

Bold = Won championship

Nelson has coached in three AHL All-Star Games and was named AHL Coach of the Year in 2024, in addition to hoisting five Calder Cups as a player and coach.

Martin for building a team with tremendous depth.”

The final challenge saw a rematch of the 2013 Calder Cup Finals against the Syracuse Crunch. Neither team had lost a home game during the 2017 postseason, resulting in a ferocious series between two teams that had not met during the regular season.

“They were tenacious, they were all over us,” recounted Nelson. “They were more determined than anyone else we faced. It was hard to generate offense, but we won the first two, one in the last 14 seconds [on a Nosek goal] and one in double overtime [courtesy of Street’s winner]. We had to lick our wounds after dropping Game 3. We persevered in Game 4, but there was a bit of a melee after the game. With guys like Dan Renouf and Dylan McIlrath, we had enough muscle to handle that. Our guys stood tall, and that put a bit of an exclamation point on the win.”

With the chance to end the series in five in Syracuse, the Griffins were shelled. The Crunch scored five first-period goals in a blowout win. The silver lining was that Grand Rapids had a

chance to win a championship on home ice, with the final two potential games held at Van Andel Arena. They would only need one, however.

“Everybody knows that the most dangerous animal is a caged animal,” said Nelson. “That’s the way Syracuse played, but the line of Tyler Bertuzzi, Tomas Nosek and Martin Frk showed up, they went out there and tied it in the third period, and Frk scored off a botched faceoff play to win it with his unbelievable shot. It came right down to the final seconds, but our guys did it. There was no greater feeling than when that buzzer went because Syracuse was surging, but our guys got the job done.”

Nelson would go on to take an assistant coaching gig with the Dallas Stars in 2018-19 before returning to the AHL as head coach of the Hershey Bears, where he won back-to-back Calder Cups in 2023 and 2024. His captain in each of those seasons? Dylan McIlrath.

“He’s a lot like the strong leaders we had, like Nathan Paetsch or Matt Ford, who became captain after that,” said Nelson of the 2016-17 roster that featured four eventual Griffins captains in

Paetsch, Ford, Lashoff, and the late-season pro debut of current captain Dominik Shine. “They all commanded respect from the team in their own way.”

Nelson is now back on an NHL bench, serving as an assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins’ staff is tasked with developing some younger players around the existing veteran talent, headlined by a trio of future Hockey Hall of Famers in Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang.

“There are definitely some pieces here that can help us make some noise,” said Nelson. “Even with the star power we have, they’re just like everybody else. They want to contribute and have success, so they’ve been receptive to what we’re trying to teach. And they offer their experiences on what works and what doesn’t. As a coach, you want to guide the group in the right direction. I’m enjoying it.”

In addition to the lasting memories, Nelson has a permanent reminder of his first-ever Calder Cup as a head coach, standing out among the eight championships (five Calder Cups and three UHL Colonial Cups) he’s

amassed as a player and coach.

“I was walking through the medical room early in the season, and I saw [starting goaltender] Jared Coreau’s sleeve of tattoos,” said Nelson. “He said I needed to get one, and I told him I would if we won the Calder Cup. At the beginning of the final series, he asked if I remembered our bet. I’ve never had a tattoo in my life, but we end up winning the cup. We won on a Tuesday, and within a few days, Jared says I have an appointment at the tattoo shop.

“I have some Scandinavian heritage, so now I have a Viking helmet on my right arm.”

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.

Nelson helped 24 Griffins move on to the NHL during his tenure as head coach.

RECORD BOOK AND LEADERS

Through games of Nov. 13, 2025

Joey MacDonald

Sebastian Cossa

Travis Richards

Darryl Bootland

Dominik Shine

Michel Picard

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

GRIFFINS IN THE ALL-STAR GAME

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)

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

2020 - Chris Terry

2023 - Brian Lashoff

2025 - Austin Watson

2024 - Jonatan Berggren

2025 - Sebastian Cossa

2019 - Chris Terry

2018 - Matt Lorito

2015 - Teemu Pulkkinen

2020 - Matthew Ford

2018 - Matt Puempel

2016 - Jeff Hoggan and Xavier Ouellet

2014 - Alexey Marchenko

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

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 219 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 190 skaters who have worn an NHL sweater after playing for Grand Rapids, along with the dates of their NHL debuts/returns.

Photo credits: Sam Iannamico (L), Getty Images

Bala...................................3/27/02 OTT at NYI

Little 3/28/02 PHI at CAR

Langfeld 3/30/02 OTT vs. TB

Gaetan Royer 4/1/02 TB vs. NYR

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

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

Wade Brookbank 10/9/03 NSH vs. ANA

Julien Vauclair 10/25/03 OTT at MTL

10/29/03

77 .........Manny Legace ...........................1/5/06 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

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

Janmark...........10/8/15

Bold = Has played in the NHL this season (as of Nov. 16, 2025)

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

76

Nosek...........................12/26/15

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Great Lakes and Great Teams

“If you seek a pleasant peninsula for hockey, look about you.” – Michigan’s Official State Motto (sort of)

The state of Michigan is known for many amazing things, from its Great Lakes and beaches to Motown stars to a history of innovation and, of course, its sports teams. And when it comes to winning championships, few states can compete with the more than three dozen titles won by current Michigan hockey teams at the pro, college, or junior level. (That doesn’t even count nearly as many championships won by collegiate club teams, most recently Hope College’s ACHA Division 3 crown last spring.)

Can you match the teams with the years that they won their championships? Note that two teams won their titles last season, so you’ll use L twice. Good luck!

TEAMS

1. Adrian Bulldogs (NCAA DIII)

2. Detroit Red Wings (NHL)

3. Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)

4. Kalamazoo Wings (ECHL)

5. Lake Superior State Lakers (NCAA)

6. Michigan State Spartans (NCAA)

7. Michigan Tech Huskies (NCAA)

8. Michigan Wolverines (NCAA)

9. Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

10. Northern Michigan Wildcats (NCAA)

11. Port Huron Prowlers (FPHL)

12. Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

13. Western Michigan Broncos (NCAA)

CHAMPIONSHIP YEARS

A 1975, 1965, 1962

B 1991

C 1994, 1992, 1988

D 1998, 1996, 1964, 1956, 1955, 1953, 1952, 1951, 1948

E 2006 (UHL), 1980 (IHL), 1979 (IHL)

F 2007, 1986, 1966

G 2008, 2002, 1998, 1997, 1955, 1954, 1952, 1950, 1943, 1937, 1936

H 2016

I 2017, 2013

J 2022

K 2024

L 2025

PARTING SHOT

A DIFFERENT ANGLE

Five-year-old rescue pit bull Midnight chills in Tyler Angle’s locker after joining the Griffins for practice on Oct. 26 in advance of their Jake Engel Memorial Dog Game.

by Kris Barclay

Photo