The Grand Rapids Griffins endured a difficult three game home stand last week. The Griffins started the week losing to the Chicago Wolves 3-0. The Griffins then defeated the Milwaukee Admirals 4-1 on Saturday before closing out the weekend with a 6-3 loss in a rematch with the Wolves.
Veleno Promoted
An injury to Adam Erne and with Tyler Bertuzzi missing two games in Canada, Joe Veleno was recalled by the Red Wings.
Griffins center Joe Veleno was promoted to Detroit in time for Saturday’s game Toronto. The promotion was too late for Veleno to fly with the Red Wings players so he carpooled with Detroit General Manager Steve Yzerman.
Veleno played left wing on a line Pius Suter and Filip Zadina.
Despite a 5-4 loss, Veleno provided a tremendous spark for the Red Wings, scoring one goal and adding an assist with a +2 rating in 12:28 of playing time. For his efforts, Veleno was selected as the games 3rd star.
Veleno will play again in Montreal on Tuesday night before a decision will be made regarding his availability moving forward. With Veleno playing excellent for Detroit, it’s hard to imaging him going back to Grand Rapids any time soon.
Barber’s Goals Not Enough
Detroit free agent signee, Riley Barber continues to score goals for the Griffins. Last year, Barber led the Griffins with 20 goals in 32 games. On Sunday, Barber scored two goals in a 6-3 loss to Chicago. Barber is tied for the team lead with three goals in seven games this year.
Detroit Prospect Update
Taro Hirose is currently leading the Griffins in scoring with seven assists in seven games. Hirose does have a -5 rating and that will need to improve before he is ever recalled to the Red Wings.
Chase Pearson had another nice week for the Griffins. Currently, Pearson has three goals and six points in seven games.
Kirill Tyutyayev went scoreless for a second consecutive week with the Griffins. In seven games, Tyutyayev continues to have zero goals and two assists.
Jared McIsaac picked up two assists this week and has three assists in seven games.
Jonatan Berggren looks like he is starting to settle in with the Griffins. Berggren now has two goals and four points in seven games.
Victor Brattstrom is off to a slow start as the pickup goaltender for the Griffins. In three games, Brattstrom is winless (0-2-1) and has a 4.59 GAA and .844 SV%.
Calvin Pickard is enjoying a terrific start for the Griffins. In four games, Detroit’s 3rd string goalie has a record of 2-2-0 with a 1.51 GAA and .955 SV%.
Next Week
The Griffins go back on the road for two games this week. On Friday, the Griffins travel to play the Wild in Iowa, game time is 7:00 PM ET. The team will then immediately travel to Rockford to play the IceHogs, game time on Saturday is 7:00 PM ET.