GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Griffins on Thursday announced that the Detroit Red Wings have reassigned left wing Michael Hackert to the Frankfurt Lions of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL).

The 24-year-old native of Heilbronn, Germany, made his North American debut with the Griffins this season, contributing three assists and 14 penalty minutes in 16 games.

Hackerts return to his native country may help facilitate his selection to Germanys team for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. He was a star in the DEL with Frankfurt from 2003-05, totaling 29 goals and 31 assists for 60 points in 100 games.