BACK FROM DETROIT
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Detroit Red Wings have assigned center Andreas Athanasiou to the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Detroit’s fourth choice (110th overall) in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Athanasiou became the 151st Griffins alumnus to play in the NHL when he made his debut with Detroit earlier this season in a 4-1 loss to Dallas on Nov. 8.
Athanasiou skated in 37 games for the Red Wings and totaled 14 points (9-5—14) while averaging 9:01 of ice time. His first NHL goal came in game-winning fashion during a 1-0 victory against Washington on Nov. 10.
Making his Stanley Cup Playoff debut, Athanasiou appeared in all five games and potted one goal (1-0—1) but the Red Wings were eliminated by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round 4-1.
In 26 games with the Griffins this season, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound center recorded eight goals, eight assists (8-8—16) and nine penalty minutes. He enjoyed a season-high three-point night (1-2—3) in a 7-4 win against San Diego on Nov. 20.
A native of London, Ontario, Athanasiou has earned 51 points (25-26—51) and 51 PIM in 83 regular season games with the Griffins since 2013-14. He skated in 16 games during the 2015 Calder Cup Playoffs, tying for fifth on the team in scoring with nine points (5-4—9).
The Griffins will continue their quest for the Calder Cup by facing the Lake Erie Monsters in the Central Division Finals. Game 1 is set for Thursday, May 5 at 7 p.m. at Quicken Loans Arena.
Tickets for Games 3 (May 8), 4 (May 10) and 6 (May 16) of the division finals at Van Andel Arena are available at all Star Tickets locations, including The Zone, online through griffinshockey.com, by phone through Star Tickets at (800) 585-3737, or via the Griffins app for iPhone or Android.
Available for all playoff home games, Playoff 4-Packs include four or more tickets at a savings of $3 per ticket plus no service fees. To purchase a Playoff 4-Pack, visit griffinshockey.com/playoffs or call (616) 774-4585 ext. 2.
Fans who want to experience every Griffins game at Van Andel Arena during the 2016 Calder Cup Playoffs can purchase a Griffins Playoff Pass. Enjoy the same great seat at significant savings plus the convenience of the “pay-as-we-play” method of payment. To reserve your Griffins Playoff Pass, please call (616) 774-4585 ext. 2.
Continuing a postseason tradition, the Griffins are offering $2 beers and $2 hot dogs for all home playoff games for two hours after the doors open, while supplies last. In addition, 2,500 fans will receive Griffins playoff rally towels during the second round, compliments of Auto Value Parts Stores.