GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Alex Meraz, one of the stars of the upcoming movie The Twilight Saga: New Moon, will make a special appearance at Van Andel Arena when the Grand Rapids Griffins host Twilight Night on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 8 p.m.

The 24-year-old Meraz, who made his big-screen debut in the 2005 Oscar-nominated drama The New World, will play the role of Paul in the second installment of the phenomenally successful Twilight series. Based on the books by Stephanie Meyer, the original Twilight film enjoyed the fourth-largest opening weekend of any 2008 movie upon its release last November and has since grossed more than $191 million in the United States.

New Moon is set for domestic release on Nov. 20, just three weeks before Meraz’s Griffins appearance. Meraz is scheduled to sign free autographs for ticketed Griffins fans from 7-8 p.m. and drop the ceremonial puck prior to the game against the Milwaukee Admirals.

Group tickets that include an exclusive meet-and-greet opportunity with Meraz, as well as season ticket packages and mini plans that include a ticket to the Dec. 12 game, are currently available by calling the Griffins (616-774-4585). Single-game tickets will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. at Star Tickets outlets (616-222-4000), including Meijer stores, and The Zone at Van Andel Arena.