By Grace Malec, Sports Editor
Grand Rapids, Mich – The Grand Rapids Griffins, the primary American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, kicked off their season this past week at the Van Andel Arena.
The Griffins starting lineups have been star-studded, with lines filled of top prospects from the Red Wings and with one Griffin being called up to play in the National Hockey League with the Red Wings. Winning all three games that they have played at home and coming off of a playoff-run last season, the year is looking promising for the Griffins.
Oct. 11 marked the start of the new season for the Griffins, taking on the Milwaukee Admirals, the primary affiliate of the Nashville Predators, on home ice. Van Andel Arena was packed, hosting a capacity crowd of 10,834 fans. With the Griffins debuting their brand new team and newly designed jerseys, the arena was buzzing with excitement. With one period of play and no score from either team, the Griffins showed up in the second and third periods, with Marco Kasper, Carter Mazur, and Dominik Shine all finding the back of the net for the Griffins and winning the game three to zero. Griffins goalie Sebastian Cossa earned the team their first opening night shutout since 1998. “When you look back at the game, all areas were positive,” said Head Coach of the Griffins Dan Watson.
The following weekend the Griffins took on two back-to-back games against the Manitoba Moose, the AHL affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets. The Griffins were assigned Ville Husso, a goalie for the Red Wings, who was sent to play down with the Griffins and who took charge between the posts on Friday night. The Griffins took the win, with only a one point advantage scored by Joe Snively after three periods of play. Husso earned the team another shutout, making all 22 saves from shots sent his way. “I just came in to work hard and enjoy it. I think that’s the only way you can come in,” said Husso.
After Friday’s game, the Moose were hungry for a win, coming back to play on Saturday in a re-match. It was not until the second period that the Griffins took the lead, with forward Amadeus Lombardi finding the back of the net and scoring his first goal of the season. It was not until the third period that Manitoba responded, scoring their first goal of the weekend. With only ten minutes left in the third, the game was still at a tie, that was until Lombardi came in with yet another goal, unassisted, winning the game for the Griffins. “It was obviously nice to get the first goal of the season out of the way and then get the other for my team and help us get the win,” said Lombardi.
You can catch the Griffins back in action on Friday, Nov. 1 at 7:00 p.m. as they take on the Rockford IceHogs, the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks.
The team celebrates after Marco Kasper’s Game Leading Goal – Photo by Grace Malec
Griffins Goalies Sebastian Cossa and Ville Husso Celebrate a Husso shutout for the Griffins – Photo by Grace Malec
Griffins forward Amadeus Lombardi is awarded first star of the night, after two game winning goals – Photo by Grace Malec
The Saint 