ATHERTON RETURNS

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League on Wednesday recalled defenseman P.J. Atherton from the Las Vegas Wranglers of the ECHL.

Atherton, 26, was assigned to Las Vegas on Oct. 29 after going scoreless with four penalty minutes through two games with the Griffins. During his five-game stint as a Wrangler, the Edina, Minn., native recorded two points (1-1—2), four PIM and a plus-2 rating.

Atherton will be available to return to the Griffins’ lineup this Friday when they host their first-ever meeting against the Hartford Wolf Pack at 7 p.m.