RED WINGS GUSTAV NYQUIST NAMED TO AHL ALL-ROOKIE TEAM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Griffins left wing Gustav Nyquist on Wednesday was named to the 2011-12 American Hockey League All-Rookie Team.

Despite missing nine of the Griffins’ last 12 games while with the parent Detroit Red Wings, Nyquist still ranks among the AHL’s top rookies with 22 goals (T6th), 36 assists (T5th), 58 points (T4th) and four shootout goals (T2nd). Nyquist is also tied for 15th in overall AHL scoring, while leading the Griffins – the highest scoring team in the Western Conference – points, power play goals (7), power play assists (13), insurance goals (4). He also ranks among team leaders with a plus-seven rating (5th), four first goals (T3rd), a 0.571 shootout percentage (3rd) and a 14.5% shooting percentage (3rd).

In his last game with the club – a 5-2 win versus Hamilton on March 17 – Nyquist recorded three points (2-1—3) to become the franchise’s all-time rookie scoring leader. The 22-year-old is just one of seven Griffins rookies ever to score 20 goals, and his 22 goals trail only Francis Pare and Justin Abdelkader on the team’s all-time rookie goal scoring list.

A native of Halmstad, Sweden, Nyquist joined the Griffins late last season on an eight-game tryout following his junior year at the University of Maine. While a member of the Black Bears, Nyquist received consecutive nominations for the Hobey Baker Award as a sophomore and junior, while leading his team in scoring during all three of his seasons (2008-11). He racked up 144 points (50-94—144) in 113 collegiate games, leading the entire NCAA in scoring during the 2009-10 season with 61 points (19-42—61) in 39 games.

Nyquist becomes the fourth Griffin to be named to the AHL All-Rookie Team, joining current Red Wings Justin Abdelkader (2008-09) and Jimmy Howard (2005-06), as well as Brendan Smith, who was named to the All-Rookie Team last season. The 5-11, 185-pound forward was also the team’s lone representative at the 2012 AHL All-Star Classic.

Detroit’s third choice (121st overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Nyquist made his NHL debut on Nov. 1 versus Minnesota and scored his first NHL goal on March 26 versus Columbus. He has recorded seven points (1-6—7) in 15 games with the Red Wings this season, adding a plus-two rating and two penalty minutes.

Nyquist becomes a top candidate for the AHL’s Dudley (Red) Garrett Memorial Award (outstanding rookie).

The other members of the AHL All-Rookie Team, as voted by AHL coaches, players and media in each of the league’s 30 member cities, are forwards Cory Conacher (Norfolk) and Tyler Johnson (Norfolk); defensemen Matt Donovan (Bridgeport) and Cade Fairchild (Peoria); and goaltender Eddie Pasquale (St. John’s).

Read In Play! Magazine Here

GRIFFINS AND RED WINGS EXTEND AFFILIATION AGREEMENT THROUGH 2016-17

Detroit, MI… The Grand Rapids Griffins and Detroit Red Wings today announced a five-year extension of their affiliation agreement, ensuring that the relationship between Michigan’s premier hockey teams will continue through at least the 2016-17 season. The 10-year-old affiliation, currently in its final season of a second five-year deal, has helped produce a Stanley Cup and an AHL regular season championship, along with multiple division titles for both teams.

Geographically, with the two teams located just 160 miles apart, the affiliation is among the closest of all AHL-NHL pairings. That proximity has proved beneficial for Detroit on many occasions, as the Griffins have sent 46 players on to Hockeytown since 2002.

“The American League is critical for all NHL teams, and having a great relationship with Grand Rapids helps keep up competitive,” said Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Ken Holland. “We’re all thrilled with our arrangement. As a former minor league player myself, it’s exciting to see 8,000 to 10,000 fans and a great atmosphere in the building each night. It’s a wonderful city and there is terrific support from the community as well as the ownership. It’s a real positive environment for our young players.”

Among other benefits to the Griffins, this new agreement transfers responsibility for all players and hockey operations staff – including coaches, equipment managers and trainers – to the Red Wings. Already, Detroit’s assistant general managers, Jim Nill and Ryan Martin, have been overseeing the Griffins’ day-to-day hockey operations since the departure of longtime Grand Rapids general manager Bob McNamara last summer.

Also, the Griffins will play their first-ever outdoor game as part of the Red Wings “Hockeytown Winter Festival” at Comerica Park in December, hosting the Toronto Marlies in the lead-up to the 2013 NHL Winter Classic between the Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs at Michigan Stadium.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with one of the premier organizations in professional sports,” said Scott Gorsline, the Griffins’ chief operating officer. “Detroit is committed to developing its prospects in a winning environment. Given the Red Wings’ complete oversight of our hockey operations and their talented management team, we are confident that their remarkable ability to produce a Stanley Cup contender season after season will result in similar success for us at the AHL level.”

Over the last decade, the Griffins have won a pair of division titles and have twice advanced to the conference finals, most notably in 2005-06 when they captured the AHL’s Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy as regular season champions.

Griffins fans have welcomed the Red Wings to Van Andel Arena for several events, including four Red & White intrasquad games – most recently in 2011 – and a “Wings for Lunch” practice in 2007. In addition, they’ve had the opportunity to watch stars such as Chris Chelios, Curtis Joseph, Manny Legace, Andreas Lilja and Chris Osgood play for the Griffins during conditioning stints. Other NHL veterans have been sent to bolster Grand Rapids’ lineup over time, including Ty Conklin, who has guided the Griffins to a 5-1 record since joining the club two weeks ago.

For the Red Wings, the impact of the affiliation has been unmistakable on the ice at Joe Louis Arena. The names of nine Grand Rapids alumni were engraved on the Stanley Cup following Detroit’s 2008 title, and 15 current or former Griffins played a part in the Red Wings’ recent NHL record-breaking 23-game home winning streak. Every game during that incredible run was backstopped by one of the Griffins’ top two all-time leaders in wins (Jimmy Howard or Joey MacDonald), and in each of the last five games during the streak, the majority of Red Wings who played were Griffins alumni.

In all, 19 of the 30 players who’ve skated for the parent club this season are former or current Griffins, and 12 Detroit regulars logged at least one complete season in Grand Rapids prior to earning a full-time job with the Red Wings: Howard, MacDonald, Jonathan Ericsson, Jakub Kindl, Niklas Kronwall, Kyle Quincey, Justin Abdelkader, Cory Emmerton, Valtteri Filppula, Darren Helm, Jiri Hudler and Jan Mursak.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

RED WINGS RECALL THREE PLAYERS FROM GRAND RAPIDS

… Defenseman Janik, Forward Conner and Goaltender Pearce Summoned to Hockeytown …

 

Detroit, MI...The Detroit Red Wings today announced that they have recalled defenseman Doug Janik, forward Chris Conner and goaltender Jordan Pearce from the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League. All three players will travel with the Red Wings today to Philadelphia to prepare for tomorrow night’s showdown with the Flyers (7:00 p.m).

Janik, 31, was originally selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the second round (55th overall) of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. Janik has registered 18 points (3-15-18) and 18 PIM in 182 career NHL games with the Sabres, Canadiens, Stars, Lightning and Red Wings. The 6’2”, 210-lb. blue-liner was signed by Detroit as an unrestricted free agent on July 8, 2009, and has appeared in 21 games for the Red Wings over the course of the last three seasons, tallying two points (0-2-2) and 25 PIM. Janik has appeared in 56 games for Grand Rapids this season, collecting 26 points (7-19-26) and 57 PIM.

Conner, 28, was signed by Detroit as a free agent on July 7, 2011. He has appeared in seven games for the Red Wings this season, collecting three points (1-2-3) and a +2 rating. The 28-year-old native of Livonia, Mich., has also skated in 41 games for the Griffins, tallying 36 points (11-25-36) and 16 PIM.

Pearce, 25, is currently in his fourth season with the Griffins. He was originally signed by Detroit to an entry-level deal on April 10, 2009, and inked a two-year contract extension last summer on July 7, 2011. In 17 games with Grand Rapids this season he has posted a 3-7-1 record, 3.53 GAA and .874 save percentage. He notched his lone shutout of the season on November 11, 2011, making 29 saves in an 8-0 win over the Hamilton Bulldogs.

Doug Janik, Defense
Born Mar 26 1980 -- Agawam, MA
Height 6.02 -- Weight 210 -- Shoots L
Selected by Buffalo in the second round (#55 overall) of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft

Chris Conner, Right Wing
Born Dec 23 1983 -- Livonia, MI
Height 5.07 -- Weight 180 -- Shoots L

Jordan Pearce, Goalie
Born Oct 10 1986 -- Anchorage, AK
Height 6.01 -- Weight 201 -- Shoots L

Read In Play! Magazine Here

RED WINGS REASSIGN CHRIS CONNER TO GRAND RAPIDS

Detroit, MI...The Detroit Red Wings today announced that veteran forward Chris Conner has been reassigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League. Conner was recalled as an emergency recall for forward Todd Bertuzzi who was a game-time decision prior to today’s contest vs. Chicago. Bertuzzi did play and Conner did not dress vs. the Blackhawks.

Conner has appeared in seven games for Detroit this season, collecting three points (1-2-3) and a +2 rating. The 28-year-old native of Livonia, Michigan, has also skated in 40 games for the Griffins this season, tallying 36 points (11-25-36) and 16PIM.

Currently leading the Central Division with a record of 43-20-3, the Red Wings will travel to face the Philadelphia Flyers Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.

Chris Conner
Right Wing
Born Dec 23 1983 -- Livonia, MI
Height 5.07 -- Weight 180 -- Shoots L

Read In Play! Magazine Here

RED WINGS REASSIGN SEVERAL PLAYERS TO AHL’S GRIFFINS

In Play on Facebook

… Eight ‘Black Aces’ Now Remain with the Club ...

Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings today announced that several players have been reassigned to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins. A complete list of players who have been reassigned can be found below:

Joakim Andersson

Travis Ehrhardt

Ilari Filppula

Thomas McCollum

Francis Pare

Logan Pyett

Brent Raedeke

Eight Griffins players now remain with the Red Wings, serving in the capacity of ‘Black Aces’ (playoff reserves). These prospects and veteran AHLers will practice after/before the Red Wings every day and will be on hand to dress for an NHL post-season game should the need arise.

Currently leading their Western Conference Quarterfinal showdown with the Phoenix Coyotes 2-0, Detroit’s 2011 playoff schedule continues on Monday night at Arizona’s Glendale Arena 10:30 p.m.

Detroit’s next possible home game would be the series’ fifth game on Friday, April 22 (puck drop – 7:00 p.m.)

Read In Play! Magazine Here

RED WINGS RECALL SMITH, JANIK AND EMMERTON FROM GRAND RAPIDS

In Play on Facebook

… Detroit’s Quest for a 12^th Stanley Cup Begins Wednesday Night at The Joe ...

Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings today announced that three players have been recalled from the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins to serve as ‘Black Aces’ during the team’s impending Stanley Cup Playoff drive. Forward Cory Emmerton has been called up from the Griffins, as have defensemen Doug Janik and Brendan Smith. Bios of all three players can be found in the attached excel file.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

RED WINGS ASSIGN THOMAS MCCOLLUM TO GRAND RAPIDS

In Play on Facebook

Detroit, MI... The Detroit Red Wings today announced that goaltender Thomas McCollum has been assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League.

McCollum, 21, was recalled by Detroit on Monday from the Toledo Walleye of the East Coast 

Hockey League.  He heads to Grand Rapids where he has appeared in 20 games this season with a 6-11-2 record and a 3.18 GAA.  McCollum has also played in 23 games for Toledo (23 GP, 11-9-2, 2.76 GAA).  He was Detroit’s first round selection (30^th overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

RED WINGS REASSIGN FORWARD JAN MURSAK TO GRAND RAPIDS

In Play on Facebook

Detroit, MI... The Detroit Red Wings today announced that forward Jan Mursak has been reassigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League.

Mursak, 23, was recalled on Tuesday and appeared in his 19th game of the season for Detroit 

on Wednesday night against the Vancouver Canucks.  The Maribor, Slovenia, native played his first career game on December 27 at the Pepsi Center against the Colorado Avalanche and notched his first career goal in a return trip to Denver on January 10.  Mursak returns to the Griffins where he has played in 51 games, collecting 35 points (13-22-35) and 35 PIM. 

He was Detroit’s sixth round selection (182^nd overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

RED WINGS ACTIVATE VETERAN GOALTENDER CHRIS OSGOOD

In Play on Facebook

Wings activate The Wizard just in time for the playoffs.
Photo by Dave Anton / In Play! Magazine

… Joey MacDonald Reassigned to Grand Rapids …

Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings today announced that veteran goaltender Chris Osgood has been removed from the team’s Injured Reserve List. Osgood, 38, has missed 27 games since undergoing successful sports hernia surgery in January. The Red Wings have also announced that 30-year-old netminder Joey MacDonald has been reassigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL).

Read In Play! Magazine Here

RED WINGS RECALL DOUG JANIK FROM GRAND RAPIDS

In Play on Facebook

…Veteran Blue Liner Returns for his Second Stint with Detroit this Season…

Detroit, MI... The Detroit Red Wings today announced that defenseman Doug Janik has been recalled from the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League. Janik, 30, will be available for tomorrow night’s game when the Red Wings play host to the Edmonton Oilers (7:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports Detroit and 97.1 The Ticket).

The Agawam, MA, native is back in Hockeytown for his second stint with the Wings this season. He appeared in seven games for Detroit from October 12-28 (0-0-0, -2, 7 PIM). The eight-year NHL veteran has played in 181 career games, registering 18 points (3-15-18) and 148 PIM.

Janik is currently serving as an assistant captain with Grand Rapids. In 46 games with the Griffins, he has 17 points (4-13-17) and 55 PIM.

Doug Janik, Defense
Born Mar 26 1980 -- Agawam, MA
Height 6.02 -- Weight 210 -- Shoots L

Selected by Buffalo in the second round (#55 overall) of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft

Read In Play! Magazine Here

RED WINGS RECALL JAN MURSAK FROM GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS

In Play on Facebook

… Rookie Forward has Skated in 17 Games with Detroit this Season …

Detroit, MI… The Detroit Red Wings today announced that rookie forward Jan Mursak has been recalled from the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL). Mursak will be available to play in tomorrow’s home game versus the Dallas Stars (7:30 p.m. – FS Detroit & 97.1 The Ticket).

Mursak has appeared in 17 games with Detroit since making his National Hockey League debut on December 27 in a road match versus the Colorado Avalanche. The 23-year-old also scored his first career NHL goal at Denver’s Pepsi Center – on January 10 upon veteran goaltender Peter Budaj. Originally selected by Detroit in the sixth round (182nd overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Mursak is one of only two Slovenian-born players to skate in the NHL (Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar is the other).

Recently signed by Detroit to a two-year contract extension, Mursak has registered 28 points (11-17-25) in 39 games played with the Red Wings’ American Hockey League affiliate club thus far on the 2010-11 campaign. In 169 career AHL games, the 5’11”, 167 lb. winger has recorded 79 points (37-42-79) in addition to 102 PIM. Prior to commencing his professional career with the Griffins, Mursak enjoyed a standout major junior career in the Ontario Hockey League, tallying 144 points (44-100-144) in 119 games with the Belleville Bulls and Saginaw Sprit.

Read In Play! Magazine Here