GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins will unveil a championship banner and play their first home game in defense of the Calder Cup on Friday, Oct. 18 at Van Andel Arena, one of seven 2013-14 home dates that have been confirmed by the American Hockey League.

The Griffins will also host the Toronto Marlies on Monday, Dec. 30 at Comerica Park in Detroit as part of the 2013 Hockeytown Winter Festival, a series of NHL alumni, junior, college, high school and youth contests that will lead up to the 2014 NHL Winter Classic between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs at Michigan Stadium on Jan. 1. Tickets for the Winter Classic and the Griffins’ outdoor game are currently available with a 10-game, 20-game or full-season ticket package at griffinshockey.com.

Other home dates announced include the 13th annual Matinee Game on Wednesday, Nov. 6, the 17th annual New Year’s Eve Game on Tuesday, Dec. 31, as well as a pair of Saturday games (Dec. 14 and Jan. 11), and a Friday contest (Jan. 31).

Opponents and start times will be revealed later this summer, when the complete schedule for the AHL’s 78th season is released. It will mark the Griffins’ 13th year of AHL membership and 18th season overall.

Group tickets for the six dates at Van Andel Arena are now on sale along with 2013-14 season ticket packages. Single-game tickets will go on sale to the public in September. For more information, visit griffinshockey.com or call the Griffins office at (616) 774-4585.