Feb. 27, 2011 - GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS 5 at Hamilton Bulldogs 2

HAMILTON, Ontario – Logan Pyett powered the Grand Rapids Griffins to a 5-2 win over the Hamilton Bulldogs Sunday at the Copps Coliseum after rallying with a second period hat trick.

After wrapping up a 3-in-3 weekend and completing a season series in the final match up against the Bulldogs (32-21-1-5), the Griffins (27-25-1-8) will return to Van Andel Arena for back-to-back games against the Rochester Americans beginning Friday at 7 p.m.

The Bulldogs landed on the board first at 8:55 of the first period with a power play goal by Nigel Dawes. Trailing 1-0 heading into the second, Grand Rapids was quick to rally with four consecutive goals. Pyett slipped the puck past Robert Mayer at 5:19, 10:02 and 16:25, becoming the first Grand Rapids defenseman to earn a hat trick and is the fifth Griffin to score three goals in one period. Amongst Pyett’s goals, Chris Minard contributed with a power play goal at 15:38.

Aaron Palushaj narrowed the gap for Hamilton 4-2, tipping one past Jordan Pearce at 6:55 of the final period. The Griffins furthered their lead 5-2 with an empty net goal off the stick of Tomas Tatar at 19:15. Both teams were nearly even with 32 shots on goal, though Pearce posted 30 saves while Mayer recorded 28 saves.

Three Stars: 1. GR Pyett (3 goals); 2. GR Tardif (3 assists); 3. HAM Palushaj (1 goal)