Home Ice Highlights – Grand Rapids Griffins Epic First Home Game Win

The Grand Rapids Griffins skated away from their home opener with a 6-3 victory over the Hershey Bears. Entering the Van Andel with a 0-2 record, Grand Rapids definitely needed a spark to get their season off to a better start. Thankfully, Filip Zadina, Matt Puempel, and Carter Camper stepped up.

The Red Wings first rounder stole the show in Friday’s showdown against the Bears. Filip Zadina, along with every other Grand Rapids Griffin, got off to a rough start in two consecutive losses. Getting the “monkey off the back,” Zadina finally netted his first goals as a pro. He finished +2 on the night and had four shots on goal. Obviously, he’s got high-end skill but has struggled with the mental game thus far. Getting two goals in the Griffins’ 6-3 win is a huge confidence booster.

The Griffins dominated the majority of periods two and three, which led to their victory. Whether or not it was a weird bounce or a well-placed tip, it’s hard to say, but Zadina’s second goal was an entertaining play. Therefore, it was the play of the game. Assisted by Chris Terry and Carter Camper, Zadina received a pass, whacked at it. Unfortunately for Hershey Bears goaltender Samsonov, the puck took an awkward bounce behind him in the crease and dribbled over the line. That’s one I’m sure he wishes he could have back.

Though only assessed with three penalties throughout the contest, the Griffins are still finding their special team legs. They allowed one goal on the penalty kill, which isn’t terrible, but it was amazing it wasn’t more. Thanks to Harri Sateri, the Griffins newest goaltender who made some big saves, the Griffins didn’t suffer too much. They have the tools to improve and with Turner Elson and Dominic Turgeon both on the rise in terms of being key assets on the PK, they’ll improve no doubt.

“It’s a way different game, the way we are playing is way different than the junior league…I was thinking about it when I was playing the first preseason game… I (have) got to be quicker and it’s what I’m working on. I’m getting better every single game.” – Filip Zadina

“Its little bit of a weight off our shoulder. The sooner you win the better…We weren’t completely perfect but we were a heck of a lot better structurally.” – Head Coach Ben Simon

“Last weekend everyone kind of struggled offensively. You look at our team, it’s pretty stacked, to be honest with you…He’s (Zadina) is skilled and has a good shot. He’s young, he’s going to be special, the way he can get things off pretty quickly…” – Carter Camper

Though Zadina is a superstar in the making, his overall confidence and puck control through the center will be something to focus on. The Griffins have an entirely new team this season and have to adjust to a new style of play and talent pool. Zadina’s skill is undeniable, but he’ll need to learn that solo plays and nifty moves that worked in juniors, don’t always work in the pros. As long as he can work on using his skills at the correct time, he’ll be able to not only improve his creativity but also become the scorer everyone knows him to be.

Goaltending security is key to any team’s success. Thankfully, Harri Sateri performed remarkably in the Griffins’ home opener. He knows his crease and understands his body positioning. Unlike season’s prior, where the defensemen were often making the big saves because a goalie that will remain nameless was doing pirouettes behind the net, this season’s goaltending will be a confidence boost.