REINFORCEMENTS ROLL INTO HAMILTON

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday assigned defenseman Garrett Stafford to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League.

Stafford, 28, made his NHL debut during the Wings’ 4-1 loss at Vancouver last Saturday, becoming the 91st alumnus in the Griffins’ 12-year history to play in the NHL. The Los Angeles native appeared in two games with the parent club, averaging 6:45 of ice time and registering one shot.

Through 47 games with the Griffins this season, Stafford is tied for fourth overall on Grand Rapids and first among the team’s defensemen with 25 points (7-18—25).

Stafford will be available to play tonight when the Griffins visit the Hamilton Bulldogs at 7:30 p.m.