HARTLAND, Wisc. The Grand Rapids Griffins stormed out to a 2-0 first period lead and never looked back Wednesday night, on their way to a 6-2 victory over the Milwaukee Admirals at Mullet Ice Arena.

Left wing Ryan Barnes led the early charge with two assists one on an even-strength goal by center Brad Bonello, the other on a power play goal by fellow winger Robin Big Snake. Special teams dominated the first period action, as both teams saw plenty of power play time and battled at a strong pace.

The Griffins began to pour it on in the second period, scoring three more unanswered goals on their way to a 5-0 advantage at the second intermission. Barnes lit the lamp himself as Big Snake returned the earlier assist, and forward Ryan Oulahen scored unassisted before defenseman Derek Meech notched the teams second power play goal of the night.

Starting goaltender Drew MacIntyre was solid, stopping all 16 shots he faced before Logan Koopmans relieved him mid-way through the second frame.

The Admirals answered back with a pair of third period tallies by winger Brandon Segal and defenseman Evgueni Nourislamov. Right wing Eric Himelfarb tacked on another Griffins goal between the two Milwaukee scores to close out the scoring for Grand Rapids.

Eleven minor penalties were assessed to the Griffins, with nine going against the Admirals as well as a five-minute major to each club. Grand Rapids out-shot Milwaukee 35-29 on the night, and Barnes finished as the games leading scorer with a goal and two helpers.

The two teams meet again a week from Saturday (October 8th) in the AHL regular season opener for each, as the Griffins drop the puck on their tenth anniversary season. Game time is 7 p.m. EST at Van Andel Arena.

Grand Rapids continues its preseason slate on the western shores of Lake Michigan Thursday, when the Griffins battle the Chicago Wolves at the West Meadows Ice Arena in Rolling Meadows, Ill. Faceoff is set for 8 p.m. EST.