GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins on Monday released forward Chad Hillebrand from his professional tryout, returning him to the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye.  

Hillebrand, a second-year pro, collected his first goal as a Griffin during a two-point night (1-1—2) last Friday at Iowa. He posted an assist in last night’s shutout over Cleveland and now has three points (1-2—3) in his last two outings with Grand Rapids. Hillebrand has 13 points (7-6—13), six penalty minutes and a plus-seven rating in 22 games with Toledo this season. He ranks among the Walleye leaders in points (5th), goals (T4th) and plus-minus rating (4th). Last campaign, the Park Ridge, Illinois, native had four points (2-2—4) and 34 penalty minutes in 21 games with the AHL’s Colorado Eagles. Also in 2024-25, Hillebrand added four points (1-3—4) and four penalty minutes with the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies. Prior to turning pro, the 26-year-old spent four seasons at Western Michigan University from 2020-24 and amassed 52 points (17-35—52), 95 penalty minutes and a plus-31 rating in 109 appearances. Hillebrand also logged two seasons in the USHL from 2018-20, showing 46 points (24-22—46), 80 penalty minutes and a plus-22 rating in 97 career outings. 

Fans can secure their full-season, select-season or group ticket packages by calling (616) 774-4585 ext. 2 or visit griffinshockey.com for more information. Single-game tickets for the Griffins’ 2025-26 season can be purchased through griffinshockey.com/tickets.

Photo by Nicolas Carrillo/Griffins