GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins will open the home portion of their 2012-13 schedule on Friday, Oct. 12 at Van Andel Arena, one of six home dates that have been confirmed by the American Hockey League.

The Griffins will also host their 16th annual New Year’s Eve game on Monday, Dec. 31, the day after the Dec. 30 outdoor game between Grand Rapids and the Toronto Marlies at Comerica Park, in what will mark the team’s first Monday home game since Dec. 31, 2007. Other home dates include a pair of Saturday games on Dec. 1 and Jan. 12, and a Friday contest on Jan. 25.

Opponents and start times will be revealed later this summer, when the complete schedule for the AHL’s 77th season is released. It will mark the Griffins’ 12th year of AHL membership and 17th season overall.

Group tickets for the five dates at Van Andel Arena are now on sale along with 2012-13 season ticket packages. Single game tickets will go on sale to the public in September. Fans wishing to receive ticket information on the Griffins-Marlies outdoor game once it’s available can submit their contact information here.

For more information, visit griffinshockey.com or call the Griffins office at (616) 774-4585.