It may be the thick of summer, but Griffins Hockey has no off-season. Whether it involves skates, golf clubs or bicycles, here are just some of the ways we're keeping busy until fall - and you can join in the fun!


Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Hockey Camp

Looking for an edge over the competition? Wondering what it takes to play at the highest level? Then check out the Griffins Youth Hockey Camp and learn from the best.

Griffins head coach Greg Ireland and former Griffins and Washington Capitals defenseman Joel Kwiatkowski will share their expertise during the camp, which will feature special appearances by other notable National Hockey League players.

Two week-long camps will be held August 8-12 and August 15-19 at Griff’s IceHouse at Belknap Park, with sessions running daily from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

The Griffins Youth Hockey Camp is open to youngsters ages 6-16. Each child will receive 17.5 hours of ice time and 7.5 hours of dry-land and video training, with specialized instruction catered to each age and skill level. Additional benefits include a camp jersey, hat, t-shirt, and daily lunch.

Registration is just $300 and includes all the fantastic perks mentioned above. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!


Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Foundation Golf Classic

One of the Griffins’ most popular and longstanding charity events will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 31, as the eleventh annual Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Foundation Golf Classic returns to Railside Golf Club in Byron Center.

The tournament, which raised over $60,000 for the Griffins Youth Foundation in 2004, will be structured in a four-person scramble format, with an 11 a.m. shotgun start.

Special on-course events include two special “hockey net” holes, longest drive for men and women, and closest to the pin for men and women. If you have skill and a little bit of luck, you could also find yourself in a new set of wheels as part of the “Hole in One” contest.

All participants will receive an amenity bag filled with goodies, and the day will conclude with a post-golf dinner, complete with silent and live auctions.

Not only does the round of golf provide a fun way to get involved, but other avenues are also available for your company or organization to show its support, including title, flag and tee sponsorships, program advertising and auction items.

For more information or to reserve your foursome or sponsorship, call Bob Kaser at (616) 774-4585 ext. 3027.


Put A Lid On It!

The “Put A Lid On It” (PALOI) helmet safety program, presented by DeVos Children’s Hospital, is in its second year of promoting helmet safety to elementary and middle school children throughout West Michigan. With an ultimate goal of reducing the occurrence and severity of head injuries sustained during wheeled sports, PALOI spreads its message through a poster campaign involving nearly 400 schools and 50 libraries in a seven-county area.

Children age 17 and younger who sign a pledge to wear their helmet every time will receive two free Griffins tickets and be registered to win a new bike that will be awarded in September.

Making a Difference

Griffins community programs and charitable efforts during the 2004-05 season generated $234,540 for various schools, organizations and non-profit groups throughout West Michigan. Despite the cancellation of the annual Detroit Red Wings Red & White Game, which in 2003 raised $70,000 for the Griffins Youth Foundation, last year’s activities increased the Griffins’ impressive charitable fundraising total over the past three seasons to $804,578.

As a whole, the AHL and its 28 member clubs raised more than $2.5 million last season for various charitable causes and relief funds throughout North America.