GRIFFINS SIGN CHOLOWSKI TO ATO

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins on Friday signed defenseman Dennis Cholowski (chuh-LAH-skee) to an amateur tryout. The Detroit Red Wings agreed to terms with Cholowski on Wednesday to a three-year entry-level contract that will commence next season.

Detroit’s first-round selection (20th overall) in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Cholowski, 19, notched 12 points (1-11—12) and 14 penalty minutes in 36 games this season during his freshman year at St. Cloud State University (NCHC).

Cholowski joins Givani Smith and Filip Hronek in Grand Rapids as Detroit’s top three picks from the 2016 Draft are all with the Griffins.

Prior to his collegiate career, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound blueliner played with the Chilliwack Chiefs of the British Columbia Hockey League from 2013-16 and logged 67 points (16-51—67) in 106 games. He was named to the league’s second all-star team in 2015-16 after leading all team defensemen in scoring and tying for fifth among league blueliners with 40 points (12-28—40). Cholowski added 22 points (4-18—22) in 32 career postseason contests and was the league’s top scoring defensemen with 15 playoff points in 2015-16.

A native of Langley, British Columbia, Cholowski won a gold medal with Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge in 2015-16.

The Central Division-leading and playoff-bound Griffins return to Van Andel Arena on Saturday to host Cleveland at 7 p.m.

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.