TURPLE HAZE

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League on Tuesday acquired goaltender Dan Turple on loan from the Atlanta Thrashers and released Cody Rudkowsky from his pro tryout.

Turple, 23, has appeared in 24 games with the ECHL’s Gwinnett Gladiators this season, showing a 12-9-3 record with a 3.14 goals against average and a 0.904 save percentage. Atlanta’s sixth choice, 186th overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Turple is a second-year pro from Hamilton, Ontario, who played with current Griffins Jakub Kindl and Evan McGrath while with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. In 2005-06, he capped off his amateur career with the Rangers by leading the OHL in GAA (2.25), shutouts (7) and save percentage (0.924).

Turple is expected to back up Adam Berkhoel tonight when the Griffins host the San Antonio Rampage and former coach Greg Ireland at 7 p.m.

Rudkowsky returns to ECHL Phoenix after logging 3:21 and making one save on two shots during the Griffins’ 6-4 loss against Milwaukee on Saturday.