GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins on Friday signed defenseman Greg Amadio (ah-MAH-dee-oh) to a two-year contract extension, securing the services of the two-time Calder Cup champion through the 2012-13 season.

The 29-year-old alternate captain signed a one-year deal with Grand Rapids last summer, returning to the team with which he gained his first significant AHL experience. In 44 games this season, Amadio has recorded six points – including his first two goals as a Griffin – along with a team-high 151 penalty minutes.

“Greg has become a key member of our club,” said Bob McNamara, the Griffins’ general manager. “He’s a proven leader who brings a lot of intangibles to our team and consistency to our blue line. Greg takes an active role in our community and is a great ambassador for the Griffins organization, and we’re thrilled that he’ll be with us for two more seasons.”

Amadio won the Calder Cup each of the last two seasons as a member of the Hershey Bears, cementing a reputation as a tough, reliable defenseman. He led the Bears in penalty minutes each season, logging AHL career highs with 171 PIM and 10 points (2-8—10) in 2009-10.

After making his AHL debut in one game with Manitoba in 2004-05, Amadio spent the next season and a half with the Griffins, totaling 236 PIM and five assists in 99 contests. He appeared in an AHL career-high 64 games with Grand Rapids in 2005-06, helping the Griffins capture the league’s regular season championship.

Among his other achievements, Amadio helped the Memphis RiverKings win the CHL’s President’s Cup shortly after turning pro in 2003, and he participated in the 2005 ECHL All-Star Game just before embarking on his AHL career.

A native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Amadio was a three-time WCHA All-Academic selection during his collegiate career at Michigan Tech (1999-03).