Opening Night - Oct. 11, 1996


Dear Griffins Fans:

In January 1995, David Van Andel and I set out to bring professional hockey back to Grand Rapids after a 15-year absence.

With just a handful of personnel, West Michigan Hockey, Inc. began operations with no nickname, no league, no players, no coaches, no general manager and an unfinished arena. However, we quickly discovered one thing that we did have in abundance: hockey fans.

We built it and you came, eventually creating an unprecedented season ticket base seven thousand strong. And ever since the Grand Rapids Griffins first took to the ice on Oct. 5, 1996, we’ve remained focused on our simple but ambitious promise: To Excite and Delight.

From making the playoffs as an expansion team to starting an affiliation with the Ottawa Senators; from competing for a Turner Cup to winning the IHL’s final regular season championship; from forging a partnership with Hockeytown to earning four consecutive division titles; from setting attendance records to bidding farewell to 71 players and coaches who’ve moved on to the NHL – together, we’ve enjoyed a tremendous and memorable ride that has seen our franchise become one of the AHL’s crown jewels.

Our tenth anniversary season offers a chance for you to look back at all we’ve accomplished and anticipate the memories waiting to be made. Below, check out just a few of the exciting plans that the 2005-06 season has in store.

All of us in the Griffins organization look forward to sharing our celebration of the first 10 years of Griffins Hockey with you.

Sincerely,



Dan DeVos
President & CEO
Grand Rapids Griffins



Ten Years, Ten Nights

Every year, Griffins Opening Night is one of the most anticipated events in Grand Rapids. This year, it will just be the beginning. “Ten Years, Ten Nights" will present 10 nights of awesome pre-game shows, celebrity appearances, on-ice entertainment, commemorative jerseys, giveaways, and many more surprises. It's sure to comprise the biggest season of entertainment in Griffins history.

For All You Do, This Bust’s for You

Established to pay homage to our area’s rich hockey tradition and honor the sport’s top contributors at the professional, collegiate, high school and amateur levels, the Grand Rapids Hockey Hall of Fame will induct its inaugural class in March 2006.

Saying Thanks

Grand Rapids helped launch their careers, many of which led to the National Hockey League. Now, your favorite former players will give back to Griffins fans and the West Michigan community through their participation in the Grand Rapids Griffins Alumni Association.

Pages in Time

Coming in October, the Griffins will release a special 10th Anniversary publication commemorating the highlights and personalities of the last decade.

We Couldn’t Have Done it Without You

A special mural will be unveiled on the Van Andel Arena concourse to honor those season ticket holders who have been with the Griffins every year since our first season in 1996-97.

Advance the Cause

Among other promotions that will highlight this landmark season, the Griffins and Advance Auto Parts will team up to salute the most loyal and dedicated fans through an appreciation program known as the “Best Part of the Year.” By visiting griffinshockey.com, you can nominate the person you think should be honored as the Griffins’ fan of the year. Two fans will be selected and honored each month, before one of the 10 finalists is chosen through fan voting as the Advance Auto Parts “Best Part of the Year.”