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Grand Rapids Griffins

Grand Rapids Griffins logo to 2015

Grand Rapids Griffins logo new 2015

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Grand Rapids Griffins
City: Grand Rapids, Michigan
League: American Hockey League
Conference: Western Conference
Division: Central Division
Founded: 1996 (As a member of the IHL)
Home Arena: Van Andel Arena
Colors: Navy blue, red, white, gold, silver

                        

Owner(s): Dan DeVos
General Manager: Bob McNamara
Head Coach: Curt Fraser
Media: WOOD – Bob Kaser (Home and Away), Larry Figurski (Home)
Affiliates: Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
Toledo Walleye (ECHL)
Franchise history
1996 to 2001 IHL: Grand Rapids Griffins
2001 to present AHL: Grand Rapids Griffins
Championships
Regular Season Titles: 1 IHL (2000–01)
1 AHL (2005–06)
Division Championships: 2 IHL (1999–00, 2000–01)
5 AHL (2001–02,
2002–03, 2005–06, 2012–13, 2014–15)
Conference Championships: 1 IHL (1999–00)
2 AHL (2012–13, 2016-17)
Calder Cups: 2 (2012–13, 2016-17)

The Grand Rapids Griffins are a professional hockey team in the American Hockey League (AHL). They play in Grand Rapids, Michigan at the Van Andel Arena. They are the AHL affiliate to the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League, and are the 2013 Calder Cup Champions.

The franchise began in the now-defunct International Hockey League in 1996 and merged into the AHL in 2001. The only player to have his number retired in team history is Travis Richards.[1] On June 26, 2011, GM Bob McNamara retired and is no longer with the team. The Griffins have forgone a GM and rely instead on the Red Wings for support.[2]

Franchise history[]

Returning professional hockey to Grand Rapids[]

The beginnings of the third International Hockey League (IHL) franchise in Grand Rapids, following the Grand Rapids Rockets and Grand Rapids Owls – teams that existed in the 1950s and late 1970s, respectively – lie in the construction of a 10,000-plus capacity arena in the downtown area. Following the project's authorization, Amway executives Dave Van Andel and Dan DeVos formed West Michigan Hockey, Inc., in January 1995 with the intent of securing a minor league hockey franchise. The group promptly began discussions with the IHL, American Hockey League (AHL) and East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) to gauge interest in the Grand Rapids market.[3] Also that month, Bruce Saurs, owner of the IHL's Peoria Rivermen, visited Grand Rapids to discuss with the group potential relocation of his team.[4] In April, however, the IHL's board of directors voted to waive one of its expansion criteria – that the city's metropolitan area comprise at least one million people – and grant West Michigan Hockey a franchise for US$7 million. The league ultimately was swayed by the community's response, which included over 8,000 season ticket requests, and the new, fully financed arena.[5]

A "name the team" contest was held in June 1995; at the announcement, DeVos hinted that the group was looking for something "with a face ... with a personality, that we can translate into a mascot of some sort".[6] "Grand Rapids Griffins" was chosen as the winning entry, and the logo and colors of the hockey club were unveiled in November. The logo was designed by Sean Michael Edwards Design, Inc., a New York firm whose portfolio includes logos for the Florida Panthers and Seattle Mariners. In keeping with the traditional theme desired by the club, navy blue and gold were chosen as the primary colors, along with hunter green, red and silver accents. "We didn't want to be trendy in any way", DeVos said.[7]

Former IHL goaltender and Cleveland Lumberjacks assistant general manager Bob McNamara was hired in January 1996 as general manager.[8] His first move was to hire Dave Allison, who had briefly coached the Ottawa Senators that season, as head coach.[9] Among the first players to join the team were defensemen Todd Nelson and Travis Richards and goaltender Pokey Reddick, all of whom brought National Hockey League (NHL) experience.[10][11] On the business side, the Griffins secured a deal with WOOD-AM to broadcast all regular season and playoff games in their inaugural season.[12] Rich Kincaide then left his sportscaster position at WJR in Detroit to become the Griffins' play-by-play announcer and director of communications.[13] The team also signed agreements with WZZM and WWMT to televise a handful of games each.[14] Following lengthy negotiations with the City of Grand Rapids,[15][16][17][18] a DeVos-owned company took over operations of Belknap Ice Arena, which was then renovated for use as the Griffins' practice facility.[19]

Independent years (1996–99)[]

McNamara filled the Griffins' 1996–97 inaugural season roster with IHL and AHL veterans (notably Michel Picard, Jeff Nelson and Don McSween) and a handful of prospects. He also signed affiliation agreements with the Muskegon Fury of the Colonial Hockey League (CHL) and the Mississippi Sea Wolves of the ECHL.[20][21] The Griffins won their inaugural game on the road against the Indianapolis Ice,[22] but lost the home opener to the Orlando Solar Bears six days later.[23] An early-season record of 9–10–2 improved after the addition of Pavol Demitra, who was acquired in a trade with the Las Vegas Thunder in late November, and NHL veteran Danton Cole, who signed with the team after a stint in the German Ice Hockey League (DEL).[24][25][26] The Griffins were paced by the top forward line of Picard, Jeff Nelson and Demitra;[27] all three averaged over one point per game during the regular season.[28] Demitra left the Griffins in March 1997 after signing a contract with the St. Louis Blues,[29] and scored over 300 goals in sixteen NHL seasons.[30] He was replaced on the first line by rookie Kevyn Adams,[31] who went on to play in ten NHL seasons.[32] Grand Rapids finished in last place in a strong Northeast Division with a record of 40–30–12;[33] the team's opening round playoff series with Orlando ended in a 3–2 loss.[34] Picard was voted a first-team all star by the league's coaches after finishing fourth in league scoring with 46 goals and 55 assists in 82 games.[35][36] The franchise's first season was considered a success by the IHL,[37] which held its 1997 All-Star Game in front of a capacity crowd at the 10,834-seat Van Andel Arena. Thirty-nine of forty-one home games were also sellouts, and the Griffins set an IHL record with season ticket sales capped at 7,000.[38]

Before the 1997–98 season, the Griffins selected Glen Metropolit and two other players in the IHL expansion draft – postponed a year due to extended labor negotiations between the league and its players – signed NHL journeymen forwards Mark Greig and Ed Patterson,[39][40] and re-signed Michel Picard. Most of the previous season's defensive core also returned,[41] though Don McSween was traded following Kerry Huffman's signing early in the season.[42][43] Goaltender Pokey Reddick requested and was granted a trade after splitting playing time with Ian Gordon early in the season; Patrick Lalime signed with the team shortly thereafter.[44] By December, the Griffins were contending for first place in the Northeast Division, largely on the strength of their goaltending and the top forward line of Picard, Metropolit and Greig.[45] Picard was recalled by the St. Louis Blues in January for fifteen games;[46] Chris Lindberg signed with the team shortly after Picard's recall, but was later suspended by the IHL after bolting to play for Swiss team EV Zug.[47] The Griffins' record fell to 30–25–7 by March, and disagreements over what changes needed to be made prompted McNamara to fire head coach Dave Allison.[48] McNamara assumed the coaching duties for the final twenty games of the regular season, as well as the playoffs, in which the Griffins were swept in the first round by the Cincinnati Cyclones.[49] Picard, with 28 goals and 41 assists in 58 games, again led the team in scoring,[50] though another recall to the Blues left him unavailable for the playoffs.[51]

In July 1998, Guy Charron was introduced as the Griffins' new head coach; his previous seventeen years of coaching experience included five years as an assistant coach with the Calgary Flames of the NHL.[52] His new team endured a flurry of roster moves following the departure of Mark Greig, Patrick Lalime and Shane Hnidy, all of whom signed NHL contracts.[53] Kip Miller signed with the Griffins in August but left the team before playing in a regular season game, instead earning an NHL roster spot after his rights were traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins.[54] Key additions who stuck with the team included forward Robert Petrovicky and Darren Rumble. Early-season signees Joe Frederick and Andrei Vasilyev provided an offensive boost,[55][56] but injuries on the defensive side preceded a franchise-record seven-game losing streak in November, leaving the Griffins with the worst record in the IHL at that point.[57][58] Among the few bright spots for the team was the play of linemates Metropolit, who scored the franchise's first ever natural hat trick that season,[59] and Petrovicky, who was named the IHL's Player of the Month for November after scoring five goals and 12 assists in 12 games.[60] Petrovicky signed an NHL contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning in February, and the Griffins made numerous roster moves in the following weeks in an effort to qualify for the playoffs.[61][62][63][64] The team finished with the second worst record in the 1998–99 IHL season, and failed to earn a playoff spot. (The IHL, down to 16 teams that year, had adopted a 12-team playoff format.)[65] Metropolit's 81 points led the team and placed him ninth in league scoring;[66][67] he went on to play in eight NHL seasons.[68]

Ottawa Senators affiliation and joining the AHL (1999–2002)[]

Late in the 1998–99 season, general manager Bob McNamara on numerous occasions discussed an affiliation agreement with Rick Dudley, the first-year general manager of the Ottawa Senators. Dudley considered other franchises,[69] and left the Senators before a deal was in place, but his replacement, Marshall Johnston, ultimately chose Grand Rapids. The two-year agreement called for the assignment of twelve Senators prospects to the Griffins each year. "[T]he most significant reason we've pursued this is because we want to win a championship", said McNamara.[70] Griffins co-owner Dan DeVos echoed that sentiment: "This decision was not based on a financial analysis. Our intent was to improve our record."[70]

Detroit Red Wings affiliation (2002–present)[]

Located in-state only two hours from Detroit, the Grand Rapids Griffins have given the Detroit Red Wings what they had sought after for years – a local AHL affiliate. The previous affiliate, the Adirondack Red Wings, was considered too far away for the preferences of Red Wings management, and back-and-forth player assignments, so the franchise was suspended with the intention of relocation to Toledo, Ohio, just a short distance from Detroit. These plans never materialized, so that AHL franchise stayed dormant for years until being reactivated as the San Antonio Rampage.

On January 24, 2002, the Griffins and Detroit Red Wings held a joint press conference at The B.O.B. in downtown Grand Rapids to announce a five-year affiliation agreement (2002–03 to 2006–07). Red Wings general manager Ken Holland and assistant GM Jim Nill were present for the announcement, which was made before an overflow crowd of media and sponsors. Terms of the affiliation called for the Red Wings to supply a minimum of thirteen players to the Griffins each season. The majority of the Griffins' roster is Detroit prospects and draft picks.

On April 5, 2002, with a 3–2 victory at Chicago, the Griffins won the AHL's inaugural Bud Poile Trophy as the 2001–02 West Division champions. On March 9, 2003, thanks to losses by Rochester and Cincinnati, the Griffins won the John Chick Trophy as the 2002–03 Central Division champions. The title marked their second straight as AHL members. On April 14, 2007, the Griffins and Detroit Red Wings announced an agreement in principle to extend their affiliation through the 2011–12 season. On June 4, 2008, nine-former Griffins won the Stanley Cup as part of the 2007–08 Detroit Red Wings. On March 7, 2012, the Griffins and Detroit Red Wings announced a five-year affiliation agreement extension through the 2016–17 season.[71] On June 18, 2013, the Griffins won the 2013 Calder Cup for the first time in franchise history, defeating the Syracuse Crunch in six games. On May 13, 2014, the Griffins announced a landmark three-year television broadcast agreement with Midwest Entertainment Sports (MES). MES will televise a minimum of 40 games during each of the next three seasons.[72]

Club records[]

Single season
Career
  • Most goals: Michel Picard, 158
  • Most assists: Michel Picard, 222
  • Most points: Michel Picard, 380
  • Most penalty minutes: Darryl Bootland, 1,164
  • Most wins: Jimmy Howard, 90
  • Most shutouts: Joey MacDonald, 16
  • Most games: Travis Richards, 655

Season-by-season results[]

International Hockey League (1996–2001)[]

Turner Cup Champions Fred A. Huber Trophy * Conference Champions ^ Division Champions ¤
IHL season Griffins season Conference Division Regular season Postseason
Finish GP W L SOL Pts [a] GF GA GP W L GF GA Result
1996–97 1996–97 ---------- Northeast 5th 82 40 30 12 92 244 246 5 2 3 12 14 Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 2–3 (Solar Bears)
1997–98 1997–98 Eastern Northeast 3rd 82 38 31 13 89 225 242 3 0 3 7 13 Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 0–3 (Cyclones)
1998–99 1998–99 Eastern Northeast 4th 82 34 40 8 76 256 281 Did not qualify
1999–00 1999–00 Eastern ^ 1st 82 51 22 9 111 254 200 17 10 7 50 41 Won in Conference Semifinals, 4–2 (Lumberjacks)
Won in Conference Finals, 4–1 (Cyclones)
Lost in Turner Cup Finals, 2–4 (Wolves)
2000–01 2000–01 Eastern 1st 82 53 22 7 113 * 279 196 10 6 4 38 26 Won in Conference Semifinals, 4–0 (Lumberjacks)
Lost in Conference Finals, 2–4 (Solar Bears)
IHL Totals (5 seasons) 410 216 145 49 481 1,258 1,165 35 18 17 107 94 4 playoff appearances


American Hockey League (2001–present)[]

Calder Cup Champions Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy * Robert W. Clarke Trophy ^ Division Champions ¤
AHL season Conference Division Regular season Postseason
Finish GP W L T OTL SOL Pts [a] GF GA GP W L GF GA Result
2001–02 Western West ¤ 1st 80 42 27 11 0 95 217 178 5 2 3 11 12 Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 2–3 (Wolves)
2002–03 Western Central ¤ 1st 80 48 22 8 2 106 240 177 15 10 5 36 30 Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 3–1 (Penguins)
Won in Conference Semifinals, 4–0 (Wolves)
Lost in Conference Finals, 3–4 (Aeros)
2003–04 Western West 2nd 80 44 28 8 0 96 196 166 4 0 4 6 17 Lost in Division Semifinals, 0–4 (Wolves)
2004–05 Western West 5th 80 41 35 2 2 86 200 200 Did not qualify
2005–06 Western North ¤ 1st 80 55 20 1 4 115 * 323 247 15 8 7 44 52 Won in Division Semifinals, 4–0 (Marlies)
Won in Division Finals, 4–3 (Moose)
Lost in Conference Finals, 0–4 (Admirals)
2006–07 Western North 4th 80 37 32 6 5 85 226 244 7 3 4 13 16 Lost in Division Semifinals, 3–4 (Moose)
2007–08 Western North 5th 80 31 41 2 6 70 210 245 Did not qualify
2008–09 Western North 3rd 80 43 25 6 6 98 255 226 10 4 6 27 25 Won in Division Semifinals, 4–2 (Bulldogs)
Lost in Division Finals, 0–4 (Moose)
2009–10 Western North 7th 80 34 39 3 4 75 244 265 Did not qualify
2010–11 Western North 6th 80 36 34 2 8 82 227 254 Did not qualify
2011–12 Western North 4th 76 33 32 7 4 77 245 249 Did not qualify
2012–13 Western ^ Midwest ¤ 1st 76 42 26 4 4 92 234 205 24 15 9 80 61 Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 3–2 (Aeros)
Won in Conference Semifinals, 4–2 (Marlies)
Won in Conference Finals, 4–3 (Barons)
Won in Calder Cup Finals, 4–2 (Crunch)
2013–14 Western Midwest 2nd 76 46 23 2 5 99 238 187 10 5 5 23 31 Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 3–1 (Heat)
Lost in Conference Semifinals, 2–4 (Stars)
2014–15 Western Midwest 2nd 76 46 22 2 6 100 249 185 16 9 7 48 46 Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 3–2 (Marlies)
Won in Conference Semifinals, 4–1 (IceHogs)
Lost in Conference Finals, 2–4 (Comets)
2015–16 Western Central 4th 76 44 30 1 1 90 238 195 9 5 4 29 21 Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 3–0 (Admirals)
Lost in Conference Semifinals, 2–4 (Monsters)
2016–17 Western^ Central 2nd 76 47 23 1 5 100 251 190 19 15 4 73 55 Won in Division Semifinals, 3–0 (Admirals)
Won in Division Finals, 4–1 (Wolves)
Won in Conference Finals, 4–1 (Barracuda)
Won in Calder Cup Finals, 4–2 (Crunch)
2017–18 Western Central 2nd 76 42 25 2 7 93 237 210 5 2 3 14 15 Lost in Division Semifinals, 2–3 (Moose)
2018–19 Western Central 4th 76 38 27 7 4 87 217 222 0 0 0 0 0 TBD Division Semifinals, (Wolves)
2019–20 Western Central 63 29 27 3 4 65 .516 177 193 3rd, Central 2020 Season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2020–21 Western Central 32 16 12 3 1 36 .563 96 97 3rd, Central 2021 No playoffs were held

See Also[]

  1. (2008) in Cleves, Randy: Grand Rapids Griffins 2012–2013 Media Guide (PDF), Grand Rapids Griffins. Retrieved on May 24, 2013. 
  2. McNAMARA DEPARTS AFTER 15 SEASONS AS GM. Grand Rapids Griffins. Retrieved on 26 June 2011.
  3. Becker, Bob. "Group's goal is to net hockey franchise", The Grand Rapids Press, Booth Newspapers, Inc., January 23, 1995, p. A1. 
  4. Eminian, Dave. "Soon to be Michigan Rivermen?", Peoria Journal Star, January 24, 1995, p. D1. 
  5. Flemming, Gretchen. "It's on ice – Grand Rapids gets IHL expansion franchise", The Grand Rapids Press, April 25, 1995, p. A1. 
  6. Flemming, Gretchen. "Can you name that hockey team in three weeks?", The Grand Rapids Press, November 20, 1995, p. A1. 
  7. Flemming, Gretchen. "'Something different' for IHL team with Griffins unveiled as nickname", The Grand Rapids Press, April 25, 1995, p. C1. 
  8. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins' new GM ready to build a winning team", The Grand Rapids Press, January 26, 1996, p. C1. 
  9. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins check in with head coach from NHL stockpile", The Grand Rapids Press, June 27, 1996, p. C1. 
  10. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins sign former K-Wing Richards", The Grand Rapids Press, July 26, 1996, p. C4. 
  11. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins acquire experience by trading for goaltender", The Grand Rapids Press, July 31, 1996, p. B1. 
  12. Beardsley, Howie. "Griffins pick WOOD to air opening-season games on radio", The Grand Rapids Press, April 25, 1996, p. E2. 
  13. Beardsley, Howie. "Griffins hire sportscaster Kincaide to do radio play-by-play", The Grand Rapids Press, June 6, 1996, p. C7. 
  14. Beardsley, Howie. "Unique TV pact has Griffins, foes excited for season", The Grand Rapids Press, June 17, 1996, p. C6. 
  15. Root, Kelley. "Ice time – Griffins owner offers city a deal to operate the Belknap rink", The Grand Rapids Press, March 6, 1996, p. A1. 
  16. Root, Kelley. "Griffins owners skate closer to Belknap pact", The Grand Rapids Press, March 27, 1996, p. A5. 
  17. Root, Kelley. "Griffins' management get first city OK to run Belknap", The Grand Rapids Press, April 24, 1996, p. A10. 
  18. Czurak, David (June 3, 1996). "Belknap add-on plans approved". Grand Rapids Business Journal 14 (23): p. 3. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Gemini Publications. ISSN 1045-4055. OCLC 12223622. 
  19. Czurak, David (July 15, 1996). "Belknap arrangement approved for DP Fox". Grand Rapids Business Journal 14 (29): p. 2. 
  20. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins, Fury to work together", The Grand Rapids Press, August 1, 1996, p. C6. 
  21. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins forge partnership with ECHL team in Biloxi", The Grand Rapids Press, August 7, 1996, p. B8. 
  22. Flemming, Gretchen. "First game is a winner for Griffins", The Grand Rapids Press, October 6, 1996, p. C1. 
  23. Flemming, Gretchen. "'It was frustrating' – Excited Griffins fall to Orlando in home opener, 3–1", The Grand Rapids Press, October 12, 1996, p. C1. 
  24. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins deal for big scorer", The Grand Rapids Press, November 26, 1996, p. C5. 
  25. Flemming, Gretchen. "Let’s get physical", The Grand Rapids Press, November 26, 1996, p. C1. 
  26. Flemming, Gretchen. "Slumping Armstrong on his way out", The Grand Rapids Press, January 15, 1997, p. D5. 
  27. Flemming, Gretchen. "Pic's Pack – Top line paced by Picard quenches Griffins' thirst for goals", The Grand Rapids Press, December 17, 1996, p. C1. 
  28. 1996-97 Grand-Rapids Griffins (IHL) player statistics. The Internet Hockey Database. hockeydb.com. Retrieved on May 3, 2009.
  29. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins juggle lineup after loss of Demitra to NHL", The Grand Rapids Press, March 15, 1997, p. C5. 
  30. Pavol Demitra's hockey statistics profile. The Internet Hockey Database. hockeydb.com. Retrieved on May 3, 2009.
  31. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins glide past Kansas City", The Grand Rapids Press, March 16, 1997, p. C1. 
  32. Kevin Adams's hockey statistics profile. The Internet Hockey Database. hockeydb.com. Retrieved on May 3, 2009.
  33. 1996-97 International Hockey League (IHL) standings. The Internet Hockey Database. hockeydb.com. Retrieved on May 3, 2009.
  34. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins' season ends", The Grand Rapids Press, April 29, 1997, p. B1. 
  35. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins' Picard honored", The Grand Rapids Press, May 2, 1997, p. C5. 
  36. 1996-97 IHL League Leaders. The Internet Hockey Database. hockeydb.com. Retrieved on May 3, 2009.
  37. Brower, Gary. "IHL commissioner praises 'most successful situation' with Griffins", The Grand Rapids Press, January 3, 1997, p. C6. 
  38. "Griffins' DeVos IHL's top exec", The Grand Rapids Press, June 26, 1997, p. C6. 
  39. "Griffins sign expansion pick", The Grand Rapids Press, July 18, 1997, p. C6. 
  40. Iole, Kevin. "Thunder waits for draft", Las Vegas Review-Journal, Stephens Media LLC, July 3, 1997, p. 9C. 
  41. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins hit the ice looking for defense", The Grand Rapids Press, September 14, 1997, p. E1. 
  42. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins sign NHL veteran Huffman", The Grand Rapids Press, October 16, 1997, p. D8. 
  43. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins trade McSween, McCann", The Grand Rapids Press, October 18, 1997, p. C1. 
  44. Flemming, Gretchen. "Trade is made: Pokey's a Dragon", The Grand Rapids Press, November 27, 1997, p. D1. 
  45. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins stack up well in I's best division", The Grand Rapids Press, December 11, 1997, p. F3. 
  46. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins lose, but expect Picard to return for tonight's game", The Grand Rapids Press, February 1, 1998, p. B9. 
  47. Flemming, Gretchen. "Lindberg's playing in Europe but Griffins still want him back", The Grand Rapids Press, February 26, 1998, p. B3. 
  48. Flemming, Gretchen. "Allison: I did the best job I could", The Grand Rapids Press, March 4, 1998, p. D1. 
  49. Mayo, David. "Playoffs end painfully for Griffins' GM", The Grand Rapids Press, April 23, 1998, p. D7. 
  50. 1997-98 Grand-Rapids Griffins (IHL) player statistics. The Internet Hockey Database. hockeydb.com. Retrieved on May 7, 2009.
  51. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins ready for Cinci, even with no Picard", The Grand Rapids Press, April 17, 1998, p. C1. 
  52. Flemming, Gretchen. "It's official: Charron named new Griffins coach", The Grand Rapids Press, July 8, 1998, p. D1. 
  53. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins' defenseman signs with Red Wings", The Grand Rapids Press, August 7, 1998, p. C5. 
  54. Molinari, Dave. "3 Penguins heal, but season-opening roster still not a done deal", Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Post Gazette Publishing Co., October 8, 1998, p. D-3. 
  55. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins sign winger to spur offense", The Grand Rapids Press, November 5, 1998, p. C3. 
  56. Flemming, Gretchen. "Struggling Griffins hope trade will stir offense", The Grand Rapids Press, November 27, 1998, p. B3. 
  57. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins' Tucker joins injured ranks", The Grand Rapids Press, November 4, 1998, p. B3. 
  58. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins battle, but lose seventh straight game", The Grand Rapids Press, November 25, 1998, p. C3. 
  59. Flemming, Gretchen. "Trigger man – Metropolit's hat trick lifts Griffins over Grizzlies", The Grand Rapids Press, October 28, 1998, p. D1. 
  60. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins' red-hot center Petrovicky named IHL Player of the Month", The Grand Rapids Press, December 3, 1998, p. C3. 
  61. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins' roster full of changes", The Grand Rapids Press, February 20, 1999, p. C6. 
  62. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins trade Rumble for Kaminsky to spark offense", The Grand Rapids Press, March 10, 1999, p. D3. 
  63. Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins add winger, defenseman to beef up depleted lineup", The Grand Rapids Press, March 19, 1999, p. B1. 
  64. VanOchten, Brian. "Griffins hoping trade will stop fade", The Grand Rapids Press, March 26, 1999, p. B1. 
  65. 1998-99 International Hockey League (IHL) standings. The Internet Hockey Database. hockeydb.com. Retrieved on June 14, 2009.
  66. 1998-99 Grand-Rapids Griffins (IHL) player statistics. The Internet Hockey Database. hockeydb.com. Retrieved on June 14, 2009.
  67. 1998-99 IHL League Leaders. The Internet Hockey Database. hockeydb.com. Retrieved on June 14, 2009.
  68. Glen Metropolit's hockey statistics profile. The Internet Hockey Database. hockeydb.com. Retrieved on June 14, 2009.
  69. Flemming, Gretchen. "NHL's Ottawa Senators may affiliate with Griffins", The Grand Rapids Press, April 19, 1999, p. C1. 
  70. 70.0 70.1 Flemming, Gretchen. "Griffins join forces with the Ottawa Senators", The Grand Rapids Press, June 10, 1999, p. C1. 
  71. Griffins and Red Wings Extend Affiliation Through 2016-17
  72. Griffins Announce Three-Year TV Deal with MES
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