Red Wings forward pipeline: How Jonatan Berggren and 18 more prospects fit into Detroit’s rebuild
Here’s where things stand for the Red Wings’ forward system, and how far each prospect may be away from impacting the NHL club. (The Athletic)
Features
Sports teams heighten focus on player housing
“We definitely do assist in whatever fashion possible to help the guys find housing,” Griffins President Tim Gortsema said. “They’re usually looking for downtown apartments." (MiBiz)
Ducks’ general manager search moving into new phase, reports say
Pat Verbeek, who is an assistant general manager with the Detroit Red Wings, and Ryan Martin, an assistant GM with the New York Rangers, are two outside candidates who had impressive interviews. (Orange County Register)
Wolves Dominate, Remain Undefeated Against Griffins
Coming into Friday night’s matchup, both the Chicago Wolves and Grand Rapids Griffins were looking for a change of pace. (Field Pass Hockey)
Calvin Pickard meets tough challenge in first start of season for Red Wings
Pickard responded by making 36 saves in regulation and overtime and stopping all three shootout attempts in a 3-2 victory at PPG Paints Arena. (MLive)
Boy, 7, battling leukemia gifted with dream wish of backyard ice rink
Make-A-Wish threw a celebration Friday, Jan. 28 for Keegan at his family’s Wyoming home, complete with the Grand Rapids Griffins mascot, Griff, to slap around a hockey puck in the new rink. (MLive)
7-year-old battling leukemia surprised with backyard ice skating rink
When Keegan got off the school bus Friday afternoon, he was surprised by the Griffins mascot, Griff. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to open the backyard skating rink, and Keegan enjoyed an afternoon of skating. (WZZM 13)
Justin Abdelkader an alternate on U.S. Olympic team after release from Griffins PTO
Alternates are particularly important in this year’s tournament due to the potential for players to test positive for COVID-19. (MLive)
Justin Abdelkader Leaving Grand Rapid Griffins to be U.S. Olympic Alternate
The Grand Rapids Griffins released Justin Abdelkader from his tryout contract to allow him to be an alternate for the U.S. Olympic Hockey team. (Detroit Hockey Now)
Chase Pearson Discovering Last Step to the NHL is the Hardest
It’s hard to know where Chase Pearson fits on Detroit’s depth chart. (Detroit Hockey Now)
Being a Detroit Red Wings Farm Hand A Path to the Olympics
Thirteen former Griffins players are on the rosters of seven different countries competing in next month’s Olympic tournament. (Detroit Hockey Now)
Chris Chelios’ son, Jake, earns spot on China’s first Olympic hockey team
Jake Chelios, son of Hockey Hall of Famer and former Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios, was officially named to the team roster on Thursday. (MLive)