Grand Rapids Griffins tap Brian Lashoff as next captain

The Grand Rapids Griffins on Thursday named defenseman Brian Lashoff as the 17th captain in franchise history.

Lashoff, 30, begins his 12th season with the Griffins, having made his debut as an 18-year-old on March 29, 2009, at Philadelphia. One of three players to be a part of Grand Rapids’ 2017 and 2013 Calder Cup championship teams, he played his 500th regular season game with the Griffins on March 11, 2020, against Iowa, joining Travis Richards (655) as the only players to hit that milestone out of the 526 who suited up for Grand Rapids over its first 24 seasons.

Over those 500 games, Lashoff has contributed 106 points (25-81—106) and 263 penalty minutes, to go with 20 points (5-15—20) and 34 PIM in 75 Calder Cup Playoff games, the second-most in Griffins history behind former captain Nathan Paetsch’s 78.

Lashoff’s resume also includes 136 games and 15 points scored (2-13—15) over parts of seven seasons (2012-15; 2016-20) with the Detroit Red Wings, along with a gold medal at the 2010 World Junior Championship earned by helping the United States defeat host Canada for just its second tournament championship ever.

The Albany, New York, native had previously served the Griffins as an alternate captain for six seasons (2012-13; 2015-20), and now he’ll wear the “C” for the first time since his final junior season with Kingston in the Ontario Hockey League in 2009-10.

“Brian has played 500 games for the Griffins and 136 games for the Red Wings, and he has had the great fortune to be a part of several successful and championship teams,” Griffins coach Ben Simon said. “To play for the same organization for 12 years speaks to his overall qualities as both a hockey player and a person. His character, work ethic and perseverance epitomize what we look for in a player. He is a consummate professional who does things the right way both on and off the ice.

“Brian has been an integral part of the success and culture that has been established in Grand Rapids, and we are excited and look forward to his continued positive impact on our organization and community as captain of the Griffins.”

The Griffins begin their 2020-21 season on Friday at the Chicago Wolves. Their home opener is Feb. 20 against the Cleveland Monsters.