GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Detroit Red Wings have reassigned left wing Marek Tvrdon (MAIR-ehk T’VEHR-duhn) to the Grand Rapids Griffins from the WHL’s Vancouver Giants.

A native of Nitra, Slovakia, Tvrdon appeared in 18 games with the Giants before a blood clot ended his season in November. Despite the injury, Tvrdon finished eighth on the team with 22 points (8-14—22). In 2011-12, the 6-foot-2, 217-pound forward placed second on Vancouver with 74 points (31-43—74) in 60 contests. The 20-year-old forward recorded 107 points (45-62—107) and 92 penalty minutes in 90 WHL career games.

The Griffins’ chase for the Calder Cup will begin tonight as they take on the Houston Aeros at 8:05 p.m. EDT. After Game 2 on Sunday in Houston, the series will shift to Grand Rapids for Game 3 on Wednesday at 7 p.m. and, if necessary, Games 4 and 5 on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at griffinshockey.com.