GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday sent nine players to the Grand Rapids Griffins, their American Hockey League affiliate. The Wings assigned goaltender Thomas McCollum; defensemen Travis Ehrhardt, Sergei Kolosov, Sebastien Piche and Logan Pyett; and forwards Willie Coetzee, Ilari Filppula and Jamie Tardif. Additionally, defenseman Greg Amadio was released from his tryout with Detroit and has joined the Griffins on an AHL contract.

All but Amadio and Filppula spent time with the Griffins in 2009-10. Amadio played most of two seasons (2004-06) with Grand Rapids, while Filppula, brother of former Griffin and current Red Wing Valtteri, is preparing to make his North American debut.

The Griffins will continue their training camp in Detroit on Thursday by hosting the Lake Erie Monsters for a closed scrimmage at 5 p.m. at Joe Louis Arena. The Griffins’ first local practice is currently scheduled for Monday, Oct. 4 at 10:30 a.m. at Griff’s IceHouse.

The Griffins will aim for their 15th consecutive opening night sellout on Friday, Oct. 8 when they host the Abbotsford Heat at 7 p.m., marking the first time since 2005 that they’ll open the AHL’s regular season at home. Tickets are still available by visiting griffinshockey.com or calling the Griffins at (616) 774-4585.