Brad Thompson
Equipment Manager
E-mail: griff@griffinshockey.com
Phone: (616) 774-4585
Biography:
A mainstay in the Griffins’ locker room since the 1997-98 campaign,
Brad Thompson begins his 11th season as the team’s equipment manager.
Thompson, who is responsible for the purchasing and maintenance of all hockey equipment for the team, served four seasons as an equipment assistant before earning his promotion in 2001. A Grand Rapids native who can be found playing at rinks throughout the area, Thompson attended Wyoming Park High School and Grand Rapids Community College.
In 2008, Thompson was able to live a childhood dream, as he worked with the Detroit Red Wings’ equipment staff during the team’s run to the 2008 Stanley Cup championship. He also assisted the Red Wings during their return to the finals in 2009 as well as their last two playoff runs.
Brad and his wife, Karrie, reside in Grand Rapids.
Number of seasons with the Griffins (through 2011-12):
15
What you love most about working for the Griffins:
Traveling and meeting all kinds of people.
Favorite Griffins memory:
Beating Manitoba after Wade Flaherty was injured in the third period.
Favorite all-time Griffins players:
Petr Schastlivy, Darren McCarty, Travis Richards, Joey MacDonald.
Best thing about your job:
The people I work with and traveling.
Hometown:
Wyoming, Michigan.
Spouse’s name/ when you were married:
My wife is Karrie and we were married in 2004.
Pets:
We have a dog named Harley and a cat named Riggy.
College:
Grand Rapids Community College.
Sports idol as a youth:
Sergei Fedorov of the Detroit Red Wings.
Personal/ Professional heroes:
My grandpa Shippy.
As a child you dreamed of becoming:
A hockey player.
First job>:
When I was 15, I worked at Mr. Burger and as a volunteer at Butterworth Hospital.
Current dream job:
A rock star
If you could trade places for a day with another person, who would it be?:
I’d trade spots with Nick Lidstrom, from the Detroit Red Wings and I’d want to play in the 2001 All-Star game.
Proudest professional accomplishment:
When the Red Wings won the Stanely Cup in the 2007-08 season.
Most memorable on-the-job mistake/ embarrassing moment:
I left Jason Doig’s jersey at home one time.
Professional membership/ civic leadership positions:
PHATS/ SPHEM
Favorite charities or causes:
Habitat for Humanity
Most exciting/ unique thing that you’ve done or place you’ve visited:
Maui, Hawaii
Sports played growing up:
I played football, baseball, hockey, and golf.
Hidden (or not so hidden) talents:
I’m sick at “Call of Duty” on Xbox.
An interesting fact about you:
I love motorcycles.
Favorite foods:
Ribs and MacDonalds.
Favorite music artists:
50 cent, George Strait, and Buckcherry.
Favorite sports movie:
Mighty Ducks
Favorite website:
Mlb.com
Favorite book or author:
To Kill a Mockingbird
Favorite subject in elementary school:
History
Favorite spectator sports:
Baseball
Favorite pro/ college sports teams (excluding the Griffins):
Michigan State Spartans, Boston Red Sox, and the Detroit Tigers
Favorite recreational activities/ hobbies:
Dirt biking, playing softball four nights a week, golfing, and playing Xbox.
