PULKKINEN'S PARTY

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The American Hockey League on Wednesday announced that Grand Rapids Griffins right wing Teemu Pulkkinen has been selected by fan vote to the Western Conference’s starting lineup for this weekend’s 2015 AHL All-Star Classic in Utica, N.Y.

A native of Vantaa, Finland, Pulkkinen leads the Griffins in scoring with 39 points (20-19—39) in 33 games, in addition to ranking fourth in the league in scoring and tying for first in goals. On Jan. 7 versus Charlotte, Pulkkinen scored a goal for the eighth game in a row, tying Donald MacLean’s 2005-06 franchise-record goal-scoring streak.

The 23-year-old was recalled by the Detroit Red Wings on Jan. 8 and subsequently appeared in six games with the club, putting away his first NHL career goal in Tuesday’s 5-4 shootout victory over the Minnesota Wild at Joe Louis Arena. Pulkkinen was assigned to Grand Rapids after the game, and he’ll have a chance to break the Griffins’ franchise record tonight when the Chicago Wolves pay a 7 p.m. visit to Van Andel Arena.

Pulkkinen is the first Griffin chosen as a starter for the AHL All-Star Game since Jakub Kindl in 2009 and the first Griffins forward selected to start since Jiri Hudler in 2006.

Griffins defenseman Xavier Ouellet was also selected as a member of the Western Conference All-Stars, but he will miss the game due to being on recall with the Wings. In addition to Pulkkinen taking part in the All-Star Classic, Griffins athletic trainer John Bernal and equipment manager Brad Thompson will assist from behind the bench.

The 2015 AHL All-Star Skills Competition will be held live this Sunday, Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. but will air on Fox Sports Detroit at 10 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, following the live telecast of the AHL All-Star Game at 7 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 available for purchase at all Star Tickets locations, including The Zone, online through griffinshockey.com, by phone through Star Tickets at (800) 585-3737 or by downloading the Griffins app for iPhone or Android.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The American Hockey League on Wednesday announced that Grand Rapids Griffins right wing Teemu Pulkkinen has been selected by fan vote to the Western Conference’s starting lineup for this weekend’s 2015 AHL All-Star Classic in Utica, N.Y.

A native of Vantaa, Finland, Pulkkinen leads the Griffins in scoring with 39 points (20-19—39) in 33 games, in addition to ranking fourth in the league in scoring and tying for first in goals. On Jan. 7 versus Charlotte, Pulkkinen scored a goal for the eighth game in a row, tying Donald MacLean’s 2005-06 franchise-record goal-scoring streak.

The 23-year-old was recalled by the Detroit Red Wings on Jan. 8 and subsequently appeared in six games with the club, putting away his first NHL career goal in Tuesday’s 5-4 shootout victory over the Minnesota Wild at Joe Louis Arena. Pulkkinen was assigned to Grand Rapids after the game, and he’ll have a chance to break the Griffins’ franchise record tonight when the Chicago Wolves pay a 7 p.m. visit to Van Andel Arena.

Pulkkinen is the first Griffin chosen as a starter for the AHL All-Star Game since Jakub Kindl in 2009 and the first Griffins forward selected to start since Jiri Hudler in 2006.

Griffins defenseman Xavier Ouellet was also selected as a member of the Western Conference All-Stars, but he will miss the game due to being on recall with the Wings. In addition to Pulkkinen taking part in the All-Star Classic, Griffins athletic trainer John Bernal and equipment manager Brad Thompson will assist from behind the bench.

The 2015 AHL All-Star Skills Competition will be held live this Sunday, Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. but will air on Fox Sports Detroit at 10 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, following the live telecast of the AHL All-Star Game at 7 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 available for purchase at all Star Tickets locations, including The Zone, online through griffinshockey.com, by phone through Star Tickets at (800) 585-3737 or by downloading the Griffins app for iPhone or Android.