GROwl

The Swedish jerseys that I picked up last summer during my visit to Stockholm re-defines the words "blatant advertisement"! I expected it on some of the Swedish league sweaters - but I thought the Team Sweden ones would be pure. Not the case.

Last year, there was also an auction after the last Friday night game. Each of the Griffins signed their shirt when they took them off and they were put up for bid (the jerseys - not the Griffins themselves!). I can't remember which charity benefited. The starting bid for most jerseys was like $300 ($200 for guys that only played 1-2 games during the season). Since Chelios played Friday, his should be included in this year's auction (assuming they do it again).

Yeah - last year, GVSU also held their winter graduation there the first Saturday of December. Last year, my kid played at the Van Andel Arena just before the Griffins' game, and his game time was adjusted also so that the arena could be picked up in between events. I thought it kind of funny - do guests for college graduations buy beer and popcorn for the ceremony - and then leave their trash behind? I didn't go to either of my college graduation ceremonies - I thought it would be stuffy and boring. Maybe I missed out on a good time...doubt it.

The one in your picture is the Griffins' third jersey. They typically wear it on Friday nights. You might be able to get one either from The Zone (see the www.Griffinshockey.com) or from www.meigray.com. MeiGrayGroup advertises in the Griffiti as being the official game-worn jersey source of the AHL. If you're asking about the red background version with white lettering, can't help you there. Since its one of their special jerseys, the Griffins only wear it for certain home games -and in the AHL, the home team wears white. While they occasionally arrange ahead of time for the opponent to bring their white jerseys for special nights, it doesn't happen too often. I sort of remember seeing a red version once - but it was several years ago. Again, I would contact The Zone. If no luck there, and you are really interested, the Booster Club. Different members sometimes buy a jersey for their personal collection from the auctions held on the special jersey nights. Might be willing to sell.

I was listening to the game on the radio while working out last night. Bob Kaser said that Ericsson had an upset stomach...kind of flu-like...and was getting a much deserved break.

You don't ask for alot - do you? The Grand Rapids Bearcats became the Grand Rapids Rockets after only a year or two. Shortly afterwards, they became the Capital Centre Pride of the NAHL. Jon Beilstein who is the VP of Game Operations for the Griffins used to be the Director of Sales and Business Ops for the Capital Centre Pride. If anyone would know how to get a jersey, he might. He's a real personable guy and would probably enjoy a call or a note. His number at the Griffins is (616) 774-4585 ext. 3002. Email: jbeilstein@griffinshockey.com Happy Hunting!

Curt Fraser, the Griffins Coach, said last week that his philosophy is to put the "best" line out second on the power play. The opposing team usually puts their best Penalty Killers out first, so by the time the the best PP line comes onto the ice, the best PK'ers are tired and headed for the bench!

I'm not worried about Abdelkader and Helm; they have multi-year contracts so they'll be back next year regardless of how much NHL time they see this year. I'm more concerned that Leino will get frustrated and go back to Finland if he continues to progress at the rate he's going. From what I understand, his is only a one-year deal and he has an option to go back to Finland if not playing in the NHL. If he doesn't earn an NHL spot, that's one thing. However, based on his talent and his production so far in the AHL, its hard to argue that he can't contribute at least as much as Maltby. If he continues to put up almost 2 points per game in the AHL, is it worth taking the risk of losing him permanently to keep Maltby on the roster or to keep DMac in Detroit? DMac has already cleared waivers -why not switch him and Leino to see how Leino does - at least until Franzen comes back?

Aaron Downey may not have gotten a lot of ice time, but Coach puts him in at the right times - just when tempers are getting a little hot. Aaron goes out and gives the opponent's an attitude adjustment. Seems to be working. As Coyote mentioned, Randall Gelech has only played in one game. Ryan Oulahen, while playing, also doesn't see nearly as much ice time as he did last year. With this year's offensively talented crew, its only natural these two are sitting more. Both these guys play a more defensive style of offense - blocking shots and preventing their opponents from even getting good shots off. Hence, the high scoring games from both teams. More offense and less defense.

Has anyone seen how many minutes that Ericsson's been averaging? Both last night and today, it seems like he is always on the ice. Can that be part of the D's problem - Jonathan's being overused and the other's under-utilized?

Yeah, four of the Griffins forwards are dying to take over anyone's job in Detroit who isn't playing like they want to keep it (Justin Abdelkader, Ville Leino, Darren Helm and Darren Haydar). All have looked very good in each outing! Hopefully, the competition from the young guys will keep the Wings on their toes!

Just got home a little while ago. Great game - actually two of them back to back. Both nights the Griffins started out very strong. Several quick goals. Then the Wings Syndrome of late set in. Defense loosened up. Finally, toward the end the Griffins game on strong again. I thought Larsson looked good in goal (Jimmy let in a few soft ones last night in my opinion) but I thought Daniel's looked more like the defense let hung him out to dry at times.

I just got home from the Griffins game a little while ago. It didn't appear that Leino had gotten a call. He just finished another fine game - was the game's second star. Abdelkader was #1 star with a hat trick! Darren Helm also had a good game. Final score 6-3.

You send DMac here to Grand Rapids for our season home opener this Saturday - and you will hear all the way to Detroit the standing O. we'll give him! Especially if you keep Darren Helm. Welcome back, DMAC!

Very Strange. When Hudler played here in Grand Rapids, some of the guys (Bootland, for example) used to stick their tongues out frequently at fans - mainly the kids and young ladies - to get their attention during warm-ups. But I never saw the players do it to each other! Jiri was a fan favorite too. Not for sticking his tongue out, but because he would take a handful of pucks and flip them to the children before each game. He always had that big open-mouthed grin when he scored. Maybe he's graduated to the tongue thing.

Nice pic