A MISSION TO INNOVATE

Easy access to dedicated specialists can be life-changing. That’s why we break new ground every day—not on buildings, but on innovative treatments and cures. And it’s why we bring you the best minds in medicine. For communities across West Michigan, one name changes everything.

University of Michigan Health-West.

UofMHealthWest.org

Since our affiliation with the Detroit Red Wings began in 2002, the Griffins have served as a proving ground or the first taste of professional hockey for more than 100 players who’ve made the trip from Van Andel Arena to Hockeytown.

Thanks to this summer’s five-year extension of our partnership, we will continue to have the opportunity to watch players who will one day take to the ice at Little Caesars Arena. But the future is now for a treasure trove of highly regarded Red Wings prospects who comprise one of the deepest talent pools in hockey – in fact, the No. 2-ranked group of NHL prospects, according to The Athletic.

Whether these promising stars start their North American pro careers in Grand Rapids or Detroit, it will be exciting for all of us to see the likes of Simon Edvinsson, Elmer Soderblom, Albert Johansson, Eemil Viro, Cross Hanas and others make their contributions this season.

We look forward to seeing what’s next for other young players in the organization such as Jonatan Berggren, who last season set the Griffins’ rookie scoring record while pacing the team with 64 points, and Donovan Sebrango, who in August helped Canada win a gold medal at the World Junior Championship. Captain Brian Lashoff returns for his unprecedented 14th season in West Michigan, inching ever-closer to Travis Richards’ franchise record for games played, while another stalwart, Dominik Shine, is coming off a career season of contributing both scoring power and punch to our lineup.

Behind the bench, Ben Simon’s fifth season at the helm makes him the longest-tenured head coach in our franchise’s illustrious history, while Kentwood’s own Mike Knuble logs his 10th campaign as an assistant, a record for any Griffins coach.

As we welcome an impressive number of new season ticket holders into a fanbase that has long made the Griffins one of the AHL’s top teams in attendance, we’re thrilled this season with both an exciting schedule of promotions and the long-awaited return of beloved community events such as Tip-A-Griffin and the Great Skate Winterfest. Game-night experiences like the high-five alley and post-game autographs are also back, helping to rekindle the connection between you and our players.

To borrow a line from the Beatles, we’re “back to where we once belonged,” together at the arena and around our community. Memorable experiences await!

Sincerely,

Dan DeVos Chief Executive Officer Grand Rapids Griffins

Dear Fans,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2022-23 American Hockey League season, the latest chapter in a tradition of excellence that can be traced back to our league’s founding more than eight decades ago.