GRIFFINS FALL TO WOLVES IN PRESEASON

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. – In their lone preseason game of the season, the visiting Grand Rapids Griffins dropped a 5-1 decision to the Chicago Wolves on Friday night at the West Meadows Ice Arena.

A Shawn Szydlowski goal helped Grand Rapids tie the game at one early into the second period but Chicago rattled off four unanswered tallies to close the contest.

The Griffins will open the 2016-17 campaign at home against Chicago on Friday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. before traveling to Chicago and battling the Wolves on Oct. 15.

After both teams came up empty in early first period power play opportunities, Chicago got on the board at the 11:35 mark as Wade Megan beat Eddie Pasquale. The Wolves took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.

Grand Rapids knotted up the score 3:51 into the middle frame after the puck bounced out from behind Chicago netminder Pheonix Copley and right onto the stick of a wide open Szydlowski in the slot. A.J. Jenks was credited with the assist.

Copley totaled 19 saves on the night as the Griffins were outshot 31-20.

Chicago would reclaim a 2-1 lead just 3:36 later. With only 17 seconds remaining on the power play from Gabriel Beaupre’s kneeing infraction, Gus Young potted the Wolves’ game-winner.

Both goalies for Grand Rapids saw action tonight as Cal Heeter came on to replace Pasquale with 9:43 left in the middle period. Pasquale stopped 15-of-17 shots, while Heeter blocked 11-of-14.

Former Griffin Jared Nightingale provided the insurance goal for Chicago with 6:15 to go in the second. The Wolves tacked on two more tallies in the final 20 minutes.

Chicago capitalized on two of its three power play chances while Grand Rapids finished 0-for-5, despite periods of sustained pressure on the Wolves defense.

Single-game tickets are currently on sale. Fans can secure their full-season, select-season or group ticket packages by calling (616) 774-4585 ext. 2 or visit griffinshockey.com for more information.

Notes: Goaltender Jake Paterson has been reassigned by Detroit to Toledo…A.J. Jenks and Zach Nastasiuk were the only players in tonight’s lineup with previous playing experience for Grand Rapids.