After going 2-5-1 before Christmas, an undermanned Grand Rapids Griffins team came out flying and won both games against Milwaukee on the weekend.
The Griffins defeated the Admirals 5-4 on Friday night. On Saturday, Grand Rapids scored four goals in the second period to defeat Milwaukee 4-2.
Player Preview: Donovan Sebrango
Donovan Sebrango returned to the Griffins after a brief World Junior Championship representing Canada. Sebrango promptly scored his first professional goal on New Years Day.
Sebrango played very good defensively while he was representing Canada and the experience will only help solidify what has been an excellent learning year for the young defenseman.
For the season, Sebrango has played 22 games and has record one goal, and four points, with a +8 rating for Grand Rapids.
Detroit Prospect Update
Taro Hirose played one game for Detroit on emergency recall, prior to the Christmas break. Hirose continues to lead the Griffins in scoring with 16 assists and 22 points in 24 games. On Saturday, Hirose scored two goals and added one assist to earn 1st star of the game.
Riley Barber was also recalled to Detroit on an emergency loan prior to the break. Upon his return, Barber had two assists on Saturday during the Griffins 4-2 victory. Barber was selected 2nd star of the game. In 23 games with the Griffins, Barber has eight goals and 19 points.
Kyle Criscuolo played two games with Detroit prior to the break. Criscuolo chipped in with one assist while on loan to the Red Wings. On Saturday, Criscuolo added two assists and earned 3rd star against Milwaukee. On the season, Criscuolo has played 17 games with the Griffins and has scored nine goals and 20 points.
Jared McIsaac continues to chip in offensively for the Grand Rapids. On the weekend, McIsaac added two assists to his points total and now has eight points in 24 games for the Griffins.
Seth Barton was recalled from Toledo (ECHL) and has fit in nicely with the Griffins. Barton scored his first professional goal on Friday. The former 3rd round selection from 2018 looks like a fit on the Grand Rapids blueline. In five games this year, Barton has one goal and a +1 rating.
Next Week
The Griffins play three home games this week. They begin the week on Wednesday when the team plays host to Milwaukee. They start the weekend on Friday against Iowa and conclude the week on Saturday against Cleveland. Game time for all games is 7:00 PM ET and will be played at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI.