RAPIDS 2017 Calder Cup champion Kyle Criscuolo is back with the Griffins
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THE
2020-21 GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS DIGITAL PROGRAM ISSUE #1
RAPIDS 2017 Calder
Cup champion
RETURN
Kyle Criscuolo
is back with
the Griffins 1
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2
CHICAGO
@ GR: Feb. 26 CLEVELAND
@ CHI: Feb. 5, Feb. 11, Feb. 28 @ GR: Feb. 20 ROCKFORD
• With the Milwaukee Admirals opting out of the 2020-21 season, the @ CLE: Feb. 13 @ GR: March 13, March 16
Nashville Predators have instead sent their prospects 80 miles south, • Following a two-year foray into the North Division and Eastern Conference, @ RFD: Feb. 18, March 3, March 11
where the Wolves are beginning their first season as the primary affiliate the Monsters have been reunited with the Griffins in the Central Division • One of the greatest players in Griffins franchise history, Derek King returns
of the Carolina Hurricanes. The Wolves, who were affiliated with Vegas thanks to the AHL’s five-division, COVID-induced realignment. for his third season as head coach of the IceHogs. He guided Rockford to a
from 2017-20, previously served as the farm team for St. Louis (2013-17),
Vancouver (2011-13) and Atlanta (2001-11).
• Mike Eaves begins his second campaign behind the Monsters’ bench, after 29-30-2-2 mark and a fifth-place finish in the Central Division in 2019-20.
King’s 203 regular season points rank fifth all time on the Griffins while his
piloting them to a 24-31-5-2 record and an eighth-place finish in the North
• Rocky Thompson, who led the franchise to the 2019 Calder Cup Finals as head Division last season. 41 playoff points are unmatched.
coach, has been replaced by Ryan Warsofsky, who served as head coach of
• The Monsters welcome back their top two netminders from a season ago. • Grand Rapids has not posted a winning record at the BMO Harris Bank
the Charlotte Checkers and many of the Wolves’ current players in 2019-20. Veini Vehvilainen appeared in a team-high 33 games in 2019-20, posting a Center in any season since 2016-17, going 3-7-2-3 in their 15 visits to
Warsofsky, who was an assistant coach for the Checkers when they beat 10-18-4 record, a 2.76 goals against average, a 0.901 save percentage and Rockford over the last three seasons.
Chicago for the cup two seasons ago, steered Charlotte to a 34-22-5-0 mark
and a third-place finish in the Atlantic Division last year.
three shutouts. Understudy Matiss Kivlenieks went 9-8-3 with a 2.96 GAA, • The IceHogs’special teams units struggled mightily during the 2019-20
a 0.904 save percentage and one shutout in 20 games. campaign, finishing last out of 31 teams in penalty killing (76.2%) and
• Chicago is one of three AHL teams that is serving two NHL clubs this season, • Cleveland’s offensive attack features center Ryan MacInnis, whose 30 ranking 29th on the power play (11.4%).
joining Syracuse (Tampa Bay and Florida) and Utica (Vancouver and St. Louis). points (7-23—30) in 45 games ranked second on the club last season, • Defenseman Madison Bowey, who tallied an assist in his one-game debut
• The Wolves have a temporary home this season, forgoing Allstate Arena in and right wing Trey Fix-Wolansky, who tied for the Monsters’ lead in with the Griffins last season and played 70 games with the Red Wings over
favor of their training facility, the Triphahn Ice Arena in Hoffman Estates, which 2019-20 by scoring 12 goals as a rookie while contributing 14 assists to the last two years, signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks
is located about a 25-minute drive northwest of their regular den. tie for fourth in team scoring. on Jan. 28 and was subsequently assigned to Rockford.
THE BEACON IS A SPECIAL 2020-21 SEASON PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS, 130 RAPIDS GRIFFINS. EDITED BY RANDY CLEVES. WRITTEN BY MARK NEWMAN AND RANDY CLEVES.
W. FULTON ST., SUITE 111, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION PHOTOS BY MARK NEWMAN, SAM IANNAMICO, DETROIT RED WINGS AND GETTY IMAGES.
IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED. ALL CONTENTS ©2021 GRAND GRAPHIC DESIGN BY JONATHAN GUINN.
3
INTRODUCING YOUR
2020-21 GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS
A
11 33 44 51 45 16 20
RILEY BARBER KEVIN BOYLE DENNIS CHOLOWSKI KYLE CRISCUOLO PATRICK CURRY CHARLE-EDOUARD D’ASTOUS TORY DELLO
Forward Goaltender Defenseman Forward Forward Defenseman Defenseman
6-0, 194 lbs. 6-1, 195 lbs. 6-1, 195 lbs. 5-9, 175 lbs. 5-11, 187 lbs. 6-2, 200 lbs. 6-0, 200 lbs.
Born: 2/7/94 Born: 5/30/92 Born: 2/15/98 Born: 5/5/92 Born: 1/9/96 Born: 4/21/98 Born: 2/14/97
Pittsburgh, Pa. Manalapan, N.J. Langley, B.C. Southamptom, N.J. Schaumburg, Ill. Rimouski, Que. Lakewood, Ill.
A C
15 36 2 17 21 18 5
TURNER ELSON KADEN FULCHER JOE HICKETTS TARO HIROSE MAX HUMITZ BRIAN LASHOFF GUSTAV LINDSTROM
Forward Goaltender Defenseman Forward Forward Defenseman Defenseman
6-0, 190 lbs. 6-3, 182 lbs. 5-8, 175 lbs. 5-10, 162 lbs. 5-9, 175 lbs. 6-3, 215 lbs. 6-2, 187 lbs.
Born: 9/13/92 Born: 9/23/98 Born: 5/4/96 Born: 6/30/96 Born: 7/8/95 Born: 7/16/90 Born: 10/20/98
Edmonton, Alta. Brigden, Ont. Kamloops, B.C. Calgary, Alta. Livonia, Mich. Albany, N.Y. Ostervala, Sweden
A
8 14 10 52 41 35 22
TROY LOGGINS JARID LUKOSEVICIUS GREGOR MacLEOD DYLAN McILRATH JARED McISAAC PAT NAGLE CHASE PEARSON
Forward Forward Forward Defenseman Defenseman Goaltender Forward
5-10, 170 lbs. 5-10, 191 lbs. 6-0, 182 lbs. 6-4, 235 lbs. 6-1, 195 lbs. 6-2, 200 lbs. 6-3, 205 lbs.
Born: 7/21/95 Born: 2/5/95 Born: 6/7/98 Born: 4/20/92 Born: 3/27/00 Born: 9/21/87 Born: 8/23/97
Huntington Beach, Calif. Squamish, B.C. Dartmouth, N.S. Winnipeg, Man. Truro, N.S. Rochester, Mich. Alpharetta, Ga.
A
31 27 55 65 32 37 23
CALVIN PICKARD MICHAEL RASMUSSEN DONOVAN SEBRANGO DOMINIK SHINE TYLER SPEZIA EVGENY SVECHNIKOV DOMINIC TURGEON
Goaltender Forward Defenseman Forward Forward Forward Forward
6-1, 210 lbs. 6-6, 203 lbs. 6-1, 190 lbs. 5-11, 180 lbs. 5-10, 175 lbs. 6-3, 205 lbs. 6-2, 203 lbs.
Born: 4/15/92 Born: 4/17/99 Born: 1/12/02 Born: 4/18/93 Born: 6/7/93 Born: 10/31/96 Born: 2/25/96
Moncton, N.B. Surrey, B.C. Ottawa, Ont. Detroit, Mich. Clinton Township, Mich. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia Pointe-Claire, Que.
GRIFFINS HOCKEY OPERATIONS STAFF
RYAN MARTIN BEN SIMON MATT MACDONALD TODD KRYGIER MIKE KNUBLE BRIAN MAHONEY-WILSON JOSH CHAPMAN ANTHONY POLAZZO BRAD THOMPSON CHARLIE KASER MARCUS KINNEY
GENERAL MANAGER HEAD COACH ASST. COACH ASST. COACH ASST. COACH GOALTENDING ATHLETIC TRAINER ASST. ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT ASST. EQUIPMENT STRENGTH/COND.
DEVELOPMENT COACH TRAINER MANAGER MGR. COORDINATOR
4
Story
by Mark
Newman
Much has changed since Kyle Criscuolo “We had a really special team that
was a rookie center for the Griffins in year,” Criscuolo said. “We had a lot of
the fall of 2016. good veteran players who carried the Criscuolo
load but also helped bring along the celebrated a
Long before the world had been turned younger guys. We had a good rookie Calder Cup
upside down by a pandemic, the South group as well. A lot of us played good
Jersey native was turning himself into a minutes and filled important roles on championship
pro and building the kind of curriculum the team. as a Griffins
vitae that would serve him well during rookie.
his hockey career. “You couldn’t ask for a better group of
guys to guide you and help you along
The Harvard graduate is wiser, that first year.”
if not smarter, for all that he has hit a dry spell, but we’ll keep playing “I wanted to play in the NHL and
experienced since he left Grand Criscuolo will never forget the you, so just stick with it.’ there were a lot of good prospects
Rapids to burnish his credentials as thrill of scoring the game-winning in Detroit, so I felt like I wanted to
an aspiring NHL player. overtime goal to eliminate cross- “I felt like I was still playing well at the go somewhere where I had a better
lake rival Milwaukee in the opening end of the season, but I couldn’t score. I chance to play in the NHL,” he said.
Now 28, Criscuolo may no longer be round of the playoffs. Not only did don’t know if it was the long season or “As I saw it, Buffalo presented that
considered a prospect but he still the goal clinch a hard-fought sweep, what it was. It was one of those things opportunity.”
envisions a future in the NHL, which it also broke a personal 13-game where I felt the chemistry with my
is precisely the reason that he is back streak without a goal. linemates had been great all season He started the 2017-18 season with
with the Griffins, hoping for another long and, for some reason, I couldn’t the Sabres’ affiliate in Rochester,
opportunity to prove himself. “Most people probably didn’t know it, find the back of the net.” where he saw a friendly face in
but I had been on a goal drought for defenseman Nathan Paetsch, the
“When I had the opportunity to some time,” he said. “I hadn’t scored in The playoffs provided a reset. former Griffins captain who was back
come back to Grand Rapids, I jumped quite a while.” in the Buffalo organization for the
at the chance,” he said. “It’s definitely “When you look at the team we had, third time in his career.
a place you want to play, from the Statistics don’t always tell the true tale. I think we were built for the playoffs,”
way the program is run, to the arena, he said. “When you play 76 games, “He certainly made my transition
to the fans. And every year the team “Towards the end of the year, a lot guys understand that you have to from Grand Rapids to Rochester an
is competitive, so it’s easy to come of guys were going up to Detroit, pick your spots. In the playoffs, that easy one,” Criscuolo said. “I went to
back because you want to play so I was playing more minutes and kind of thinking goes out the window. Rochester early and hung out at
winning hockey.” getting a lot of opportunities, but Everything is 100 percent. his house for a while. He was super
I couldn’t seem to score,” he said. supportive and super excited for me.”
Criscuolo could hardly have had a “When I was finally able to score the “In the playoffs, every play matters.
more memorable first season as a pro. overtime winner against Milwaukee, Every round is hard. The intensity is If there was any doubt that going
He was the only player on the 2016-17 it was a little bit of a relief.” completely ramped up. And when you to the Sabres organization was the
team to appear in all 76 games and he have the fans that we did at the Van, right move, Criscuolo set right out
tallied 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists) Criscuolo, who played a total of 71 every play seemed like it was the most to disprove any naysayers. He had a
to rank ninth in team history among games during his last two years at important. share of the team scoring lead with
rookie scorers. Harvard, said he never felt like he was 11 points (5-6–11) in 14 games with
running out of gas, a topic that had “With our fans cheering behind us, it Rochester when he got word that he
Best of all, he was an important cog been addressed by Griffins head coach gave us life. It helped us feel like the had graduated to the NHL.
in the team’s playoff run, with five Todd Nelson earlier in the year. momentum was in our favor. It was an
goals and four assists in 19 postseason exciting finish to what was a great start He barely could contain his
games. He will always remember what “At the beginning of the season, to a pro career,” he said. excitement when he found out that
it meant to defeat Syracuse in the Nelly took a couple of us college guys he would be facing the Red Wings
Calder Cup Finals, helping secure the aside and told us that the playing pro With a Calder Cup now to his credit, in his NHL debut. He played his first
second AHL championship in five years hockey was a different animal. He said, Criscuolo sought to capitalize on the NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on
for the city. ‘At some point in the year, you might experience with a new contract. Nov. 17, 2017.
5
is I had a great opportunity and I felt “We had a really good group in
like I was right there. Things were Rochester and there were five of us
falling into place. But sometimes that’s in the leadership group who rotated
the way it goes.” the responsibility,” he said. “While I was
only a second-year player, I was one of
Sabres coach Phil Housley lauded the the older guys in the locker room.”
grit of his young center in an interview
the next day. Although he didn’t get a chance to
play in Buffalo during the second
“I thought he played a really solid season of his two-year deal, Criscuolo
game and brought his speed,” has no regrets.
Housley told the Times-Herald. “He’s
one of those guys that goes to the “Looking back, I think it was a good
tough areas. He took that hit. It’s decision for me,” he said. “I got to
unfortunate for him, it’s unfortunate play in the NHL, which was a great
for us moving forward.” experience. Of course, the one thing
that is lingering is that I know I can
What was most unfortunate is that play and I can make it in the league,
the incident started a stretch of bad (but) I just need another opportunity.”
luck for Criscuolo, who would battle
injuries for the better part of his next Criscuolo thought he might get
season in Rochester. another opportunity last season after
he signed with the Philadelphia Flyers.
“It was a weird year,” he said. “I could
never stay healthy. And then, after “Everyone in my family was a Philly fan
getting injured early, I felt like I was through and through – Flyers, Eagles,
bouncing around, trying to find my Phillies, Sixers,” he said. “We’re just over
role. It was a tough season overall, but the bridge in Jersey and a lot of family
it happens.” members live in Pennsylvania, so the
Flyers were my hometown team. My
Criscuolo did his best to contribute dad grew up watching the Flyers all
Criscuolo signed where he could, drawing on his the time.”
a one-year deal to experience as the first two-time
return to the Red captain at Harvard in 92 years. He Although many considered Criscuolo
wore an “A” on his Amerks jersey as an to be a long-shot to make the NHL
Wings organization alternate captain during both seasons team out of training camp, he didn’t
last October. in Rochester. see it that way.
“You couldn’t have drawn it up any The other player who really made an
better,” he said. “During warm-ups, I impression on Criscuolo was Evgeni
obviously knew a lot of guys on the Malkin, the two-time winner of the
other side, so that put my mind to Art Ross Trophy winner as the league’s
ease a little. I wasn’t as nervous as I top scorer. “Just to see just how big
could have been. And then I played that guy is, how skilled he is, and how
against Lash (Brian Lashoff) on my first well he skates was something,” he said,
shift, which was pretty cool.” “one of those guys who was fun to
play against in real life.”
If there was one particularly
memorable moment in the game, Criscuolo saw action in eight games
it was taking a draw with Henrik during his first NHL stint.
Zetterberg.
“When I went back to Rochester, I
“Going into a faceoff with Zetterberg felt like I picked up where I left off,”
was one of those moments that I’ll he said. “And when I got a second
always remember,” he said. “He was opportunity (later in the season),
such a great player, a future Hall of I was really excited because I felt
Famer who meant so much to the more comfortable.”
Red Wings.”
Getting to play in the NHL provided a
So who won the draw? huge boost in confidence.
“I beat him – clean! I don’t think he “The first time you’re up, you feel a
tried too hard. It was a neutral zone little nervous and you feel like you’re
faceoff, so there was not a lot riding on not playing up to your full potential,”
it, except for me, there was. “ he said. “The second time, you feel
like you belong. Unfortunately, I got
Two weeks later, Criscuolo had hurt in the second period of my first
another equally enduring encounter. game back up.”
The opponent was the Pittsburgh
Penguins and this time he was in the Criscuolo was back in Buffalo on
faceoff circle with one Sidney Crosby. March 5, 2018, when he incurred a
“I took a couple of faceoffs against hit by the Matt Martin of the Toronto
Criscuolo scored
Crosby, but those weren’t in the Maple Leafs with 13:40 left in the 17 goals for the
neutral zone, so he beat me pretty second period. He immediately left Griffins during the
good,” he said. the ice, clutching his left shoulder.
“Injuries happen,” he said. “What hurts
2016-17 season.
6
“It was pretty exciting to sign with obviously love Grand Rapids, so that
the Flyers,” he said. “I was hoping that was like the cherry on top.”
my next opportunity was going to be
with the Flyers and things would fall The first person he texted after
into place. They had a lot of prospects, signing his new contract was Evgeny
but you still do everything you can to Svechnikov, his former linemate
make the team. “ from the 2016-17 season, who is still
in the Red Wings organization after
He had a connection with Flyers clearing waivers.
general manager Chuck Fletcher. Not
only were both Harvard grads, but “We have such great memories from
Criscuolo had interned in the analytics that year – being rookies, living in the
department of the Minnesota Wild same apartment, and playing on the
several summers earlier when Fletcher same line,” he said. “We became really
was the general manager in Saint Paul. good friends and it’s fun to get back
together again.
Criscuolo played well for the Lehigh
Valley Phantoms, tallying 24 points (8- “Hopefully we can play some games
17–24) in 40 games – the third-highest on the same line and see what
average point production among happens. I’m sure our chemistry is
regulars for the Flyers’ top affiliate. still there. I can feel it in practice. It’s
exciting to get back together with all
“You always want to put yourself in the guys who are still here.”
the position that you’re the first call-
up,” he said. “Certainly, you always A rookie only five years ago, Criscuolo
want to be optimistic. It would have will be the fourth-oldest on the Griffins
been one of those cool stories where roster during the abbreviated 2020-21
you play for your hometown team. AHL season. He looks forward to being
While it didn’t pan out, I still had a one of the team leaders after being
great experience there. “ Criscuolo named an alternate captain.
Not only did he not get promoted
made his NHL “It’s more about what I do than
to the NHL, but the Flyers traded debut in a what I say,” he said. “I pride myself
Criscuolo and a fourth-round selection Buffalo Sabres on showing up every single day and
from the 2020 NHL Entry Draft to the making sure I’m doing things the
Anaheim Ducks in exchange for center
jersey at Little right way and showing the young
Derek Grant in late February. Caesars Arena guys how to be a pro.
in Detroit.
Assigned to the San Diego Gulls “Whether I’m wearing a letter or
by the Ducks, Criscuolo went from not, that doesn’t change. When
Lehigh Valley, a team near the I’m in the lineup, I’m making sure
bottom of the Atlantic Division, to “The weather was great and you’re single day together. It was definitely every game counts.”
a club in the middle of the Pacific playing hockey and things were been a blessing to have her around
Division playoff hunt. going really well,” he recalled. this summer, especially during such Starting a season on a new team is
“And then the pandemic hits and uncertain times. usually a challenge. “The biggest thing
“Obviously I had never been traded everything shut down. “ is you have to prove yourself again.
before,” he said. “In Lehigh, the playoffs “Even now, when everything is so When you go somewhere new, you
looked like a long shot. I had been in Thus began a season of uncertainty. unpredictable, it’s great to have have to show what you have and if
the playoffs every year as a pro, so I someone that you’ve known for you don’t get off to a great start, it
was disappointed that it looked like it “We didn’t know what was going to 12 years by your side. She’s been becomes difficult.”
was going to be a tough road to even happen, whether the season might awesome. And the dog has been a
squeak in. restart, so we stayed for a while and great distraction for us, especially in He is looking forward to playing for
enjoyed it there as much as we could,” San Diego where we could be outside head coach Ben Simon, who was an
“When I heard I was going to Criscuolo said. “At least we were in with her almost all day,” he said. assistant coach when the Griffins
San Diego, I was excited to live in warm weather.” won the Cup. “It’s nice to come to a
California, even for a little while. Criscuolo maintained a routine of place where you’ve played well and
The Gulls had a great team and if The young couple stayed in training and skating as much as he have had a great relationship with
the season had continued, they California until mid-May before could. “And yet summer was dragging the coaches.
looked like they were going to be heading back east. on and on. It felt like at some point,
a real contender.” we’ve got to know something. It “While it’s usually tough going to a
“It was a really hard summer, at least was tough to stay on it. You had to new team, there’s a level of comfort
Even though the Gulls had an mentally,” he said. “When you’re in approach it like a job.” coming back here. I feel like I can play
established lineup, Criscuolo did his the AHL and you’re a bubble guy, my game right from the start and with
best to find his role in the lineup. this game is a lot more mental than When the NHL announced that free only 30 games in the season, every
it is physical. It was difficult hearing agency would open last Oct. 9, Criscuolo game will be important. There’s going
“It was exciting to go there and win all the different rumors and staying said he felt even more purpose. to be a lot riding on every game.”
games,” he said. “I didn’t put up points, motivated.”
but I thought I played well. I was Criscuolo and his agent had In the end, he’s just happy to have the
joining a team that was playing really Criscuolo and his wife attempted always kept in touch with Detroit opportunity to play hockey again.
well and I was excited to help them to ease the stress by purchasing a management to see if another
continue to win.” house in Connecticut. It also helped opportunity to play in the Red Wings “When you’re at the rink every day
they had become owners of a organization might be possible. And with the same group of guys, creating
Criscuolo had gotten married to Mini Goldendoodle the previous this time it happened. Criscuolo that camaraderie, it’s super special and
his long-time girlfriend, Gabrielle September. Their dog, Luna, weighs inked a one-year deal on the first day you definitely feel fortunate to be back
Whitehouse, the previous summer, so about 20-25 pounds. of free agency. in the mix and have some semblance
he was excited when she was able to of normalcy.
join him on the west coast. Everything “It’s been an interesting first year of “This year, everything fell into place,”
seemed perfect. marriage,” he said. “My wife works he said. “It felt like this was my best “It’s going to be a fun year.”
from home, so we’ve spent every chance to get back to the NHL and I
7
8
MORE THAN TWO
DOZEN GRIFFINS
ALUMNI ARE
PLAYING IN THE
NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUE THIS
SEASON. (as of Feb. 4, 2021)
PETR MRAZEK TOMAS TATAR TOMAS NOSEK JASON SPEZZA
TYLER BERTUZZI
(2014-18)
DANNY DEKEYSER
(2012-13)
VALTTERI FILPPULA
(2005-07)
LUKE GLENDENING
(2012-14)
DARREN HELM
(2007-09;13-14)
RILEY SHEAHAN GUSTAV NYQUIST TOMAS TATAR JASON SPEZZA
TARO HIROSE (2011-14) (Injured reserve) (2010-14) (2009-13) (2001-02)
(2019-20)
FILIP HRONEK
(2016-19)
DYLAN LARKIN
(2014-15)
ANTHONY MANTHA
(2014-17)
DYLAN MCILRATH
(Taxi Squad) (2016-20)
CALVIN PICKARD
(2019-20) TOMAS JURCO
(Taxi squad) (2012-14;15-17)
MICHAEL RASMUSSEN MATTIAS JANMARK PETR MRAZEK CALLE JARNKROK
(2018-20) (2013-14) (2012-15) (2012-14) TOMAS NOSEK
(2014-17)
GIVANI SMITH
(2016-17;18-20)
FILIP ZADINA
(2018-20) THE
RED
WINGS
ACCOUNT
FOR MORE
THAN HALF OF
THE GRIFFINS ANDREAS ATHANASIOU
ALUMNI IN (2013-16)
THE NHL THIS MARTIN FRK BRENDAN SMITH NICK JENSEN
(2013-17;18-19) (2010-13) (2013-17)
SEASON.
9
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W003481
10THE LIFE
“I’ll never forget that big famous (Marc- Barber spent four seasons playing for
Andre) Fleury save on (Nicklas) Lidstrom Compuware, leading his team in scoring
at the end of that game,” Barber said. “I each year, before he became the first
got to see the Penguins hoist the Cup, overall pick in the 2010 USHL draft and
which was a big deal because once I headed off to Dubuque, Iowa.
OF RILEY
moved from Pittsburgh to Detroit in the
seventh grade, it became the Wings all Being separated by hundreds of miles,
day, every day.” Barber had to admit that he missed the
almost daily words of wisdom from his
He admits that it was fun following the mom and dad.
exploits of Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik
Zetterberg – not to mention Johan “That was a huge adjustment, especially
Franzen, Tomas Holmstrom, Niklas being only 16 and moving away from
Kronwall and all the others. He even living at home,” he said. “You’re playing
got to see his father’s old roommate, with new teammates, some of whom
After playing in the Washington Capitals and Montreal Livonia’s Mike Modano, finish his career are 21 years old, and it was probably my
Canadiens organizations, Riley Barber is excited about in Detroit. biggest year in terms of development.”
the chance to play hockey in the state where he The elder Barber played with his more In hindsight, Barber thinks the move was
played most of his formative years. — Story by Mark Newman than his share of talented players during especially hard on his mom, who found
his brief but memorable hockey career. His it difficult to say goodbye to her oldest
“Listen to your parents.” he said. “My dad never really pushed teammates include`d Dino Ciccarelli, Phil son, even though the Barbers attended
hockey, but I picked up a stick and never Housley, Larry Murphy, Eddie Olczyk and as many games as they could.
It’s the earnest edict that every kid let it go, even in the house, for a couple Keith Tkachuk, along with future Griffins
dreads, a directive like “eat your of years.” head coaches Danton Cole and Curt Fraser. “For some reason, I was pretty calm
vegetables” or “do your homework.” In about the whole situation, even though
other words, a call to action about as His mother still has the plastic stick with “The game has changed, but it was I didn’t know anyone in high school,”
unwelcome as “go to your room.” which he fashioned countless highlight- awesome to hear his stories and hear he said. “I guess it was just that I knew
reel goals of his imagination. By the time about some of the characters who were this was what I wanted to do, so I just
As a kid growing up outside Pittsburgh, he was old enough to play organized his teammates,” he said. “Having my dad focused on getting myself ready for that
Riley Barber likely heard all these hockey, he was already playing with kids there – someone who knew the game so first game.”
admonitions and more. But listening who were older than he was. well – really helped me out.
to his parents was a proverbial piece of It helped that the Voss family in
cake to Barber, a boy who had dreams of The Pittsburgh Hornets amateur hockey “It gives you a big advantage when Dubuque proved to be the best billets
following in their footsteps. program had its share of elite players. you’re at the age of 12, 13, 14 or 15. any kid could hope to encounter, and it
Barber grew up playing with center Those are huge development years and didn’t hurt that he found himself playing
For someone destined to make his Vincent Trocheck, a future third-round you have to make important decisions for Jim Montgomery, a coach whom he
living on the ice, he entered this world draft pick of the NHL’s Florida Panthers. about figuring out the game, where to still holds in high regard to this day.
with almost the perfect pedigree. His Other notables included center J.T. Miller, play, and whom to play for.”
mother was a skating instructor and the New York Rangers’ 2011 first-round
his father was a former NHL player, so selection, and goaltender John Gibson, Barber
following their advice made all the who was taken by the Anaheim Ducks in
sense in the world. the second round of the same draft.
signed a two-
year contract
Don Barber played parts of four seasons All of them dreamt of the day they would with the Red
in the NHL with the Minnesota North wear the black and yellow colors of Team Wings last fall.
Stars, Winnipeg Jets, Quebec Nordiques, Lemieux (Mario, of course, not Claude).
and San Jose Sharks during the late
1980s and early 1990s. Stacy Barber, “It was all about the Penguins,” Barber
meanwhile, coached figure skating recalled. “I remember the day that we
and led a learn-to-skate program in the drafted (Sidney) Crosby after getting
family’s suburban community, located (Evgeni) Malkin (the previous year). That
on the outskirts of the city of Penguins. was huge for my brothers and me.”
“As a little kid, I remember going on the He remained an ardent fan – although
public outdoor rink in Washington, Pa., his allegiance became a bit more covert
with my dad,” Riley said. “My parents told – after moving to Michigan with his
me that I loved it from the start and I family so that he could play in the storied
would never want to get off the ice.” Little Caesars and Compuware amateur
hockey programs.
While other kids were being told to look
both ways before crossing the street, “We had some good players in
Barber was going full throttle into traffic Pittsburgh, but the access to play with
– on the ice. He was hardly the Barber of really, really good players every week
Civil when it came to skating. Crash and in Detroit, along with the opportunity
dash were more his speed. for showcases in Toronto, prompted
our decision to come to Michigan,”
“I was out on the ice every chance I could Barber said.
get, with or without a stick,” Barber said.
“I would skate all the way to one end and But his attachment to his hometown
not be able to stop – run into a wall, then team meant he could not keep his
get back up and do it again.” affection clandestine forever.
Riley, the oldest of three boys, absolutely He attended Game 7 of the 2009 Stanley
loved the feel of blades beneath his feet. Cup Final in Detroit when Pittsburgh
edged the Red Wings by a 2-1 score,
“Every time my mom had ice (time), I was exacting revenge for the Wings’ conquest
out there, just getting the basics down,” of the Penguins only one year prior.
11accept a scholarship to Miami University Barber also benefitted from working
in Oxford, the school reached out to with former NHL winger Mike Donnelly,
Barber with an offer. a Livonia native who had played for the
Michigan State Spartans in the early
“I hadn’t really talked to them or even 1980s with Kelly and Kevin Miller, Danton
had contact with them,” Barber said, Cole and Don McSween – all one-time
“when they asked if I wanted to come Grand Rapids Griffins.
that week. I went on a Thursday and I
signed by Friday morning. After going “I always had a passion for shooting the
around campus and meeting the guys, I puck,” Barber said. “I can still hear my dad,
knew right away. It was one of those gut yelling to shoot it at his feet and shoot it
feelings.” quick. That stuff is now ingrained.
Again, Barber found himself in the right “I spent hours working with Mike during
place at the right time. my college years to solidify my shot to
be able to score. I took it personally and
Reilly Smith chose to turn pro rather than tried to get better every day. I did a lot
play his senior season at Miami, opening of shooting outside – it’s probably why
a spot on the RedHawks’ top line for my youngest brother Cullen became a
Barber, who quickly found himself goalie because he had no other option
clicking with sophomore Austin Czarnik. but to get in the net.”
“We hit it off, both on and off the ice,” Barber also tested himself at the
Barber said. “We developed a great international level, playing in U17 and
friendship, but also we just had a good U18 tournaments before appearing in
feel for each other on the ice, which the 2013 and 2014 editions of the World
made it a really fun year.” Junior Ice Hockey Championship as a
member of the U.S. team.
Barber became the top freshman scorer
in the nation, earning CCHA Rookie of “It was a huge boost to my confidence,”
the Year honors. he said. “To be honest, the NHL was on
my radar going back to my days in the
He remains thankful for the opportunity USA program, but I was going to Miami
he was given by head coach Enrico Blasi. for the chance to get a degree from a
Barber scored 31 goals “He showed great confidence in giving great school. Whatever happened after
during the 2018-19 season me all those minutes to play right away. school would be great.
To get to play in all situations and play
with the Hershey Bears. down the stretch as a freshman, I can’t “Playing against the best of the best
thank him enough.” during the World Juniors convinced
“Monty was probably one of the best “My coach was Danton Cole,” Barber
coaches I ever had,” Barber said. “To be said. “I loved my time with Danton. Like
able to learn from him and then end Monty, he stressed the little things,
up playing meaningful games before while also paying a lot of attention to
ultimately winning the Clark Cup made the importance of playing defensively,
that year very special for sure.” penalty killing, and playing a physical
game.”
Claiming the Cup was rather bittersweet
for Barber, however, because it was Barber used his time with the U.S.
during the championship series that program to become stronger and get his
he learned that his mom had been body ready to play college hockey.
diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Washington Capitals selected Barber
The news turned his world upside down. in the sixth round of the 2012 NHL
Entry Draft, the same round that the
Barber had attended the 40-man camp Edmonton Oilers had chosen his dad
of USA Hockey before the USHL draft, some 29 years earlier.
but the program turned him away with
a “not yet” reply. Taking the rejection as a “When you’re a young kid, you want to
slap in the face, he figured the national be drafted higher, of course,” Barber said.
program would be the last place where “To be drafted by Washington was one of
he would go next. those moments that you celebrate but in
the end, I was motivated by the fact that I
“I wasn’t thinking at all about coming was drafted later than I had hoped.
back to the program,” he said. “When my
mom was diagnosed with breast cancer “I wanted to go to college to prove to
and when a spot opened in Ann Arbor – everyone that I wasn’t a sixth-rounder.”
about 30 minutes from home – it was a
no-brainer.” Barber had visits planned for North
Dakota and Boston University. He also
As important as hockey was to Barber, paid a visit to Bowling Green where
his mother’s health was all that mattered his dad had played before turning
at the time. “Thankfully, my mom is pro – “It was awesome to hear him
cancer-free now, but initially we didn’t reminiscing,” he says. In the end, it was
know what her diagnosis was coming to a different school in Ohio that would
mean for the family,” he recalled. get his attention.
In a way, hockey became a useful When defenseman Connor Murphy, a Barber spent most of the
distraction, although he made the most first-round pick of the Phoenix Coyotes, 2019-20 season in the AHL
of his time with the national program. opted to play junior hockey rather than with the Laval Rocket.
12Barber appeared in nine
me that I might have a chance to build games last season with Even so, he knew he needed a fresh start
something special. Mentally, it was a the Montreal Canadiens. last season. He signed with the Montreal
huge thing for me to be able to produce organization and spent most of the
at that level.” season with the Laval Rocket, although
he got to see action in nine NHL games
Barber won a gold medal at his first with the Canadiens.
World Junior tournament in Ufa, Russia,
a Soviet outpost which he describes as “Each year I’m hoping to play more and
cold, dark, and in the middle of nowhere more in order to reach the dream of
(north of Kazakhstan). becoming a full-time NHLer,” Barber
said. “Sometimes the dream seems
“We definitely had a great time,” he far away, but it really isn’t. I know that
said without a hint of irony. “When from playing in the league that it can
you beat Canada and end up winning happen in a heartbeat.”
the tournament, it’s something you’ll
never forget.” He was traded in a four-player deal to
Pittsburgh last February. He ended up
His parents watched the games on TV. playing seven games with the Penguins’
AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
“I saw how much it meant to my dad before the coronavirus shut down the
and his whole family,” he said. “I didn’t whole league.
realize how big that tournament is
to Canadians, even from a cultural “It was pretty cool when I got the call
standpoint. To see how excited my dad that I was going to get that chance to
got watching our games at 2 or 3 a.m. play in Pittsburgh,” he said. “I loved my
before going into work was pretty cool.” time in Wilkes-Barre. Obviously, with
everything that happened with COVID,
Barber was chosen to captain the U.S. it was kind of a bummer, but it was
team during the 2014 World Juniors in still cool when I finally got to wear the
Malmo, Sweden. He led the team with (Penguins) colors.”
four goals in five games, but the U.S.
failed to medal after dropping a 3-2 It was an unusual summer.
heartbreaker to Canada and losing to
Russia in the medal round. “After you got past the seven- or eight-
month mark, you realize this – being a
“It was really cool to be voted captain hockey player – is what I do, this is who I
by my teammates,” he said. “That’s a am,” he said. “It’s crazy when it gets taken
jersey that will have a prominent place Barber scored 26 goals during his rookie “When you see players like (Alex) away from you and you miss it way more
in my future basement whenever I pro season for the Hershey Bears, who Ovechkin and (Nicklas) Backstrom and all than you normally do. It makes you even
settle down somewhere. That jersey went all the way to the Calder Cup the other guys, you realize it’s a once-in- more excited to get back to playing.”
will be front and center.” Finals before being swept by the Lake a-lifetime experience. To be able to have
Erie Monsters. my family and my brothers in the stands Barber was thrilled when he signed
Back at Miami, Barber’s play continued was awesome.” a two-year contract with Detroit last
to progress. He improved his offensive “We had such a good group of guys that October.
production to better than a point per it was probably my most fun year,” he He can still recall his first shift.
game during his sophomore season, said. “When you’re winning those big “When my agent told me that the Red
although the year was disappointing games down the stretch, you feel like “I saw (Connor) McDavid winding it up Wings had expressed interest, I was
from a team perspective. the whole team is behind you and it’s a in the neutral zone and I was thinking, ecstatic,” he said. “I was excited about
whole lot of fun.” ‘Oh, oh. He’s coming toward my side.’ I the idea of coming to Grand Rapids
“But everything came together during remember thinking, ‘I don’t want to be and getting the chance to play for the
my third year,” he said, “with the whole His promising pro career, however, on SportsCenter’s Top 10.’ Fortunately, he organization.”
team working toward a common goal – suffered a setback his second season went to the other side and it was one of
even though the season didn’t end the when he broke his hand. those ‘Thank God’ moments for me.” Barber was recalled to the Red Wings’
way we wanted it to end.” taxi squad early during the current NHL
Barber hurt his scaphoid, one of eight Barber continued to excel in Hershey the season. It put him one step closer to
Barber tore his knee in the conference small bones that comprise the carpal next two seasons – he had his first 30- another chance at his dream.
championship game, then watched from bones of the wrist. When the scaphoid goal season in 2018-19, his fourth year
the sidelines as his teammates lost in the is broken, the few tiny blood vessels with the Bears – but the Capitals didn’t “I think I can produce at the NHL level,”
opening round of the NCAA tournament. that supply the bones with nutrients need to call for his services again. Barber said. “I’ve had some chances here
can be damaged, meaning it can take and there, but all it takes is a couple to go
“It was unfortunate because I thought longer to heal. “Obviously, you would rather be in off a shin pad or something and all of a
we had the team to win it all that year,” playing in the NHL – that’s what we’re sudden, you get to stay there.”
he said. “It was a tough way for me to Even so, Barber still managed to play all here to do,” he said. “During my four
go out, especially knowing that it was 39 games with Hershey in 2016-17, in years, the Capitals won a lot of hockey Whether he is waiting for his
the last game that I was going to play addition to getting his first taste of the games, so Washington didn’t need to opportunity in Detroit or doing his
with Miami.” NHL. He saw action in three games with change much.” best to get noticed in Grand Rapids,
the Capitals. Barber can honestly say that he is
Barber had made the difficult decision to He remains sanguine about his time in simply excited to be able to play again.
leave school before his senior season. He remembers getting the memorable the Capitals system.
phone call about the promotion from “You just have to stay positive and stay
“Looking back, it was tough coming back Bryan Helmer, the former Griffins “As you get older, you realize that even ready, especially with everything that’s
from a knee injury and going right into defenseman who was an assistant coach though you’re not in the NHL, you’re going on,” he said. “The more you play,
an NHL training camp,” he said. “The truth with Hershey at the time. making a living and you still have the the more confidence you gain in your
is I was not ready for that kind of hockey chance to play the game that you love,” ability to play in the league. I know I can
after suffering that injury. It took a while “Obviously, it’s something you dream he said. “In my case, I became more play with those players.
to get in shape and get my skating back about it,” said Barber, who made his NHL thankful for my whole situation.”
up to speed.” debut against the Edmonton Oilers on “I’m just hoping for that next
Feb. 24, 2017. opportunity.”
13Unprecedented
Times, Indeed
The Griffins are one of only eight American Hockey League franchises whose head coach, arena,
city, division, NHL affiliate, and status as an active team are all the same as they were one year
ago, before the pandemic canceled the end of the 2019-20 season. As the league finally hits
the ice for an 85th campaign unlike any that has come before it, here are the changes – some
permanent, some temporary – that you need to know from across the circuit.
Golden Knights), Chicago is also the
2020-21 affiliate of the Nashville
Predators, due to Milwaukee opting out of PA
this season.
BELLEVILLE SENATORS HERSHEY BEARS
Joined the newly formed Canadian Division New head coach Ryan Warsofsky, Joined the North Division (previously in the
(previously in the North Division). previously in the same position over Atlantic Division).
Carolina’s prospects in Charlotte, replaced
current San Jose Sharks associate coach
Rocky Thompson.
NY NY
The Wolves are playing at the Triphahn
BINGHAMTON DEVILS Center Ice Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill., a LAVAL ROCKET
Granted a provisional relocation from the temporary relocation from Allstate Arena in Granted a provisional relocation from Place
Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena, Rosemont. Bell, the Rocket will play this season at the
the Devils will play this season at the RWJ Bell Centre in Montreal, Que., home of their
Barnabas Health Hockey House inside the NC NHL affiliate, the Montreal Canadiens.
Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., home of
their NHL affiliate, the New Jersey Devils. OH Joined the newly formed Canadian Division
(previously in the North Division).
CLEVELAND MONSTERS
NYNC Rejoined the Central Division after spending
the last two seasons in the North Division. PA
CHARLOTTE CHECKERS
Opted out of playing the 2020-21 season. NV LEHIGH VALLEY PHANTOMS
Joined the North Division (previously in the
Signed a multi-year affiliation agreement Atlantic Division).
with the Florida Panthers (previously with HENDERSON SILVER KNIGHTS
the Carolina Hurricanes). The primary affiliate of the Vegas Golden
Knights is playing its inaugural AHL season
Head coach Geordie Kinnear came over at the Orleans Arena in Paradise, Nev., as
NY
from the same position with Florida’s members of the Pacific Division.
previous affiliate in Springfield and replaced MANITOBA MOOSE
Ryan Warsofsky, now with Chicago. The Silver Knights chose Manny Viveiros, Joined the newly formed Canadian Division
former head coach of the WHL’s Spokane (previously in the Central Division).
Chiefs, to lead their team.
IL
The franchise was previously located in WI
NY
San Antonio, where the Rampage were a
CHICAGO WOLVES member of the Central Division.
The new primary affiliate of the Carolina MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS
Hurricanes (previously with the Vegas Opted out of playing the 2020-21 season.
14ONTARIO REIGN
PRIMARY MARK
will play in their new home, Solar4America
Ice at San Jose, the practice facility of their
NY NHL affiliate, the San Jose Sharks. This was
a planned relocation from the Barracuda’s
AZ
ONTARIO REIGN former home, the SAP Center at San Jose, TUCSON ROADRUNNERS
Granted a provisional relocation from which they shared with their parent club. Elevated former assistant coach Steve
the Toyota Arena, the Reign will play this Potvin to head coach, after Jay Varady
season at the Toyota Sports Performance
PANTONE PROCESS BLACK WHITE
2015-16
What’s old is new again behind the was named an assistant coach with the
Barracuda bench. Head coach Roy Sommer,
429 C
Center in El Segundo, Calif., the practice Roadrunners’ parent club, the Arizona
facility of their NHL affiliate, the Los Angeles whose 773 head coaching wins are Coyotes.
Kings. the most in AHL history, returned to the
Barracuda in September following a callup
New head coach John Wroblewski joined to the Sharks as an associate coach in Dec.
the Reign after four seasons as a head 2019. NY
coach with the USA Hockey National Team
Development Program. He replaced former
Griffins bench boss Mike Stothers, whose MA UTICA COMETS
The primary affiliate of the Vancouver
contract was not renewed.
NY Canucks is also the 2020-21 affiliate of the
SPRINGFIELD THUNDERBIRDS St. Louis Blues, due to Springfield opting out
RI Opted out of playing the 2020-21 season. of this season.
NY Signed a five-year affiliation agreement
with the St. Louis Blues (previously with the
PROVIDENCE BRUINS
Granted a provisional relocation from the Florida Panthers).
PA
Dunkin’ Donuts Center Providence, the
Bruins will play this season at the New Named former San Antonio Rampage head
England Sports Center in Marlborough, coach DrewSTOCKTON HEAT
Bannister as their bench boss to PRIMARY MARK
WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON PENGUINS
Mass., which boasts eight ice rinks and 65 replace Geordie Kinnear, now with Charlotte. Gave the team’s reins to former assistant
locker rooms. coach J.D. Forrest, after Mike Vellucci
joined the parent club in Pittsburgh as an
assistant coach.
NY NY Joined the North Division (previously in the
STOCKTON HEAT Atlantic Division).
ROCHESTER AMERICANS Granted a provisional relocation from the
PANTONE PANTONE PANTONE PANTONE
Stockton Arena, the Heat will play this
186 C 110 C 425 C 142 C
PROCESS BLACK WHITE
2015-16
New head coach Seth Appert, once a
goalie for Ferris State and most recently a
coach with the USA Hockey National Team
season at the Scotiabank Saddledome in
Calgary, Alta., home of their NHL affiliate,
the Calgary Flames.
COMING
IN 2022
Development Program, replaced Chris
Taylor, now an assistant coach with the New
SAN DIEGO GULLS
Jersey Devils. PRIMARY MARK Joined the newly formed Canadian Division
(previously in the Pacific Division).
Palm Springs,
CA Calif., will join the
NY NY AHL in 2022-23 as the
SAN DIEGO GULLS league’s 32nd
SYRACUSE CRUNCH
Granted a provisional relocation from the
Pechanga Arena San Diego, the Gulls will
PANTONE
1655 C
PANTONE
MEDIUM BLUE C
PANTONE
5455 C
PROCESS BLACK WHITE
2015-16
The primary affiliate of the Tampa Bay
franchise and
play this season at the FivePoint Arena at Lightning is also the 2020-21 affiliate of the the primary
Great Park Ice in Irvine, Calif., the practice Florida Panthers, due to Charlotte opting out
of this season.
affiliate of the
facility of their NHL affiliate, the Anaheim
Ducks. NHL’s expansion
Seattle Kraken.
CA
NY NY
NY TORONTO MARLIES
SAN JOSE BARRACUDA Joined the newly formed Canadian Division
Pending the easing of health restrictions in (previously in the North Division).
Santa Clara (Calif.) County, the Barracuda
15Whenever you settle
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