CHOUINARD SIGNED TO STANDARD PLAYER'S CONTRACT

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins on Friday signed defenseman Joel Chouinard to a standard player’s contract.

Since joining the Griffins on a professional tryout on Feb. 11, Chouinard has accumulated three points (1-2—3) and a plus-three rating in seven games. He scored the game-winning goal in his Griffins debut, a 4-3 win at Iowa on Feb. 13.

In 38 games for the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye, Chouinard accumulated 25 points (6-19—25) – still the most for any defenseman on the team – while also tallying 30 PIM. Chouinard also appeared in one game for the Chicago Wolves this season, a 4-3 victory at Grand Rapids on Jan. 17.

A native of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Chouinard is in his second season as a Griffin. He appeared in two games for Grand Rapids during the 2014-15 campaign but did not record a point. Since turning pro during the 2010-11 season, the 6-foot-1, 187-pound blueliner has registered 16 goals and 33 assists (16-33—49) in 202 AHL games between the Lake Erie Monsters (2010-13), Hamilton Bulldogs (2013-14), Griffins (2014-16) and Chicago Wolves (2015-16).

Prior to his professional career, Chouinard played four seasons for the Victoriaville Tigers (QMJHL), scoring 144 points (45-99—144) in 221 games.

Riding a six-game winning streak, the Griffins are on the road to play the Charlotte Checkers tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Fans can secure their full-season, select-season or group ticket packages by calling (616) 774-4585 ext. 2. Single-game tickets for all home games are now available for purchase at all Star Tickets locations, including The Zone, online through griffinshockey.com, or by phone through Star Tickets at (800) 585-3737.