GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - NASCAR Rookie of the Year Kasey Kahne will make a special appearance at the Dec. 11 Griffins game against the Chicago Wolves. He'll sign autographs and meet fans in the arena banquet room from 7 to 7:50 p.m., before dropping the puck for the ceremonial faceoff.

Kahne, 24, ranked 13th in the final 2004 Nextel Cup Series point standings and finished eighth in winnings at nearly $4.8 million. He captured four poles and claimed five second-place finishes, while his 13 top-five finishes ranked fourth on the circuit.

Other highlights of the Dec. 11 game include:

NASCAR Night: In addition to Kasey Kahnes visit, auto racing-themed games will be featured on the concourse. The Griffins will give away NASCAR prizes throughout the night, including race tickets to Michigan International Speedway and NASCAR merchandise.

High School Hockey: At 5 p.m. Kenowa Hills will play against South Christian at Van Andel Arena. Fans can gain admission to the game with a ticket to that nights Griffins game.

Youth Hockey: A mite team from Kenowa Hills will skate during one of the intermissions.

Throw for Dough: Lake Michigan Credit Union offers fans the opportunity to win up to $5,000. Throughout the night, fans can purchase blue balls for $1 and green balls for $3 apiece. At the conclusion of the game, fans can throw their balls at a target at center ice for a chance to win up to $5,000. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Kenowa Hills hockey program.

Post-Game Autographs: Griffins players will sign autographs in the stands for 15 minutes after the game.