GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Griffins on Wednesday announced the signings of defensemen Ryan Jorde (JOHR-dee) to a professional tryout and Clay Wilson to a standard players contract.

The 23-year-old Jorde, Buffalos eighth selection in the 2001 draft, spent his first three pro seasons (2002-05) with the Rochester Americans, totaling seven points (1-67) and 218 PIM in 124 games. This season, he has gone scoreless in two games with the Lowell Lock Monsters while splitting 24 United Hockey League contests (0-11) between Fort Wayne and Danbury.

Jorde is expected to make his Griffins debut tonight when they visit Copps Coliseum for a 7:30 p.m. start against the Hamilton Bulldogs.

Wilson, signed to a tryout by Grand Rapids on Nov. 26, has registered 10 points (5-510) in 18 games with the Griffins. The 22-year-old rookie was named the AHLs Player of the Week on Dec. 26, becoming the first defenseman in the franchises 10-year history to earn his leagues weekly honor. He is tied for third among Grand Rapids defensemen and 12th among AHL rookie blueliners in scoring, and his three power play goals tie for sixth overall on the Griffins.