Home Ice Highlights: Grand Rapids Griffins Finish 2018 with Wins

The Grand Rapids Griffins ended 2018 with a bang – literally. In celebration of the new year, the Van Andel Arena played host to enormous fireworks following Monday’s game. For the Griffins, it was a celebration of finishing 2018 strong. After losing in Cleveland on Friday, Grand Rapids needed to come up with a few wings to maintain a top three place in the Central Division. The division has a slim margin for error. Thankfully, they defeated Cleveland upon returning to Grand Rapids Saturday and finished off the year by overcoming the Rockford Icehogs.

Both teams are formidable and put up amazing fights. Keeping the scoring close throughout – neither backed down. The Griffins proved they could rally, however, and they did. Coming away from the weekend with four of a possible six points. Despite being without Wade Megan (DET) and Filip Hronek (DET) – both still in Detroit – and Filip Zadina who is playing in the World Junior Championship, Grand Rapids played confidently. To be honest – it was hard to tell they were gone! Speaking with many of the guys and coach Ben Simon, there is a difference but the talent pool and drive are so deep throughout the team, that they all stepped up to fill any gaps remarkably.

Terry has continued to be a primary source of points for Grand Rapids. He’s a league leader in the scoring department. He finished Saturday night’s match against Cleveland with three regulation points and also netted the game-winning shootout goal. Chris Terry is often hailed as a star of the game and proves it whenever he steps on the ice. Opening the scoring and assisting in a beautiful set-up for Axel Holmstrom’s goal, Terry is proving to be one of the most intelligent skaters on the team.

Sateri made me nervous early in the season but after the 60 minutes of one incredible save after the other, he assured me that he was capable. He always had a high level of athletism and reflexes but lacked the technical edge he needed. Brian Mahoney-Wilson, the Griffins’ goaltending coach, left him with a list of directives he needed to meet, and Sateri did not disappoint. He made several critical saves and played with a confidence I haven’t seen from him before. In many cases, he was the one keeping Grand Rapids in the game.

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The precision style that Chris Terry plays speaks for itself when you look at his numbers. His assist to Axel Holmstrom’s goal was nothing but beautiful. Terry was nearing the end of a shift and could have easily taken the shot. Noticing that Holmstrom was heading off the bench on a change and driving hard to the offensive zone, Terry sauced a pass to him. With Cleveland goaltender, Brad Thiessen, was focused on Terry – expecting a shot. The pass was perfectly performed and Holmstrom nailed it top-shelf, past the unsuspecting Thiessen.

Hicketts was the game-winner in the New Years Eve match against the Icehogs. The entire game was incredibly close, being tied at one apiece into the third period. Each team was hammering the net and each other in hopes of breaking the tie in regulation. Joe Hicketts, from his perch at the top of the face-off circle, took a pass and nailed a slapper right past Icehogs goaltender, Lankinen. With under five minutes remaining in regulation, Joe became the hero in front of a soldout 10,834 person crowd.

“As much as we got rewarded this week we gotta turn the page… we got some big games coming up against non-conference teams…I think I’ve developed really well. My speed has gotten better. I have way less battles and I’m picking and choosing spots. I’m setting myself up for a really good chance at some point (in Detroit).” – Joe Hicketts

“It goes fast. It’s a fast 100 games and the big thing is just being consistent. Coming out of college, you don’t really know what to expect – I had a good prospect tournament that year and it put me in a good position to make this team and stay on this team.” Dominik Shine on reaching his 100th pro game

“Even with those guys gone, and if they come down we’ll welcome them with open arms, but this group we have is more than capable. They’re a pretty close group so when guys are gone and guys are hurt, its almost the “next man” mentality. We’re getting contributions in different facets. They guys are ready for their opportunity if and when it comes.” Head Coach Ben Simon

The Griffins have earned points in 22 of their last 28 games which is a testament to their vivacity as a team. Despite having a few guys missing from the line-up, they’ve once again been able to rally and maintain momentum. They controlled the puck exceptionally well, were more physical than previous games, and the defense was strong. Overall, they just need to keep up that pace.

Heading into the second half of the season and the playoffs coming into view, it’ll be critical for them to maintain the chemistry they’ve gained. Now with the injuries subsiding, their lines have more offensive and defensive availability which will enable them to not only rest key guys but have a dynamic pool to draw from.