LORITO GETS THE CALL

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Detroit Red Wings have recalled forward Matt Lorito from the Grand Rapids Griffins.

In 59 games with the Griffins this season, Lorito, 26, leads the team in assists (33) and is tied for the team lead with 54 points (21-33—54) while ranking first in power play assists (20), third in goals (21) and tying for third in power play points (24). A 2017 AHL All-Star Classic participant, Lorito ranks among the league’s leaders in points (T15th) and power play assists (8th).

Should he debut with the Red Wings, Lorito will become the 165th Griffins alumnus to play in the NHL. He joins fellow Griffins Tomas Nosek, Ben Street and Robbie Russo with the Red Wings, who host Montreal on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Signed to a two-year deal as a free agent by Detroit last July, Lorito is playing in his second full year in the AHL after leading Albany in points (18-36—54) and assists (36) as a rookie in 2015-16. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound winger added seven points (3-4—7) in 11 Calder Cup Playoff games. Lorito made his pro debut with Albany in 2014-15, logging 12 points (3-9—12) in 11 games for the Devils after completing a four-year career at Brown University.

During his four seasons at Brown (2011-15), Lorito compiled 106 points (47-59—106) in 118 games and earned All-Ivy League honors during his last three years on campus. During his senior campaign, during which he served as captain, Lorito tied for the team lead with 23 points (11-12—23) in 29 games and became the 24th member of the Brown 100-point club.

A native of Oakville, Ontario, Lorito played two seasons with Villanova (OJHL) prior to college, amassing 160 points (60-100—160) in 97 games and was named a league all-star in 2010-11.

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.